Often on my travels, and even sometimes from curious locals, I get asked the question ‘what is happening in Queenstown?’. ‘What’s new, fun and will give us a fresh perspective.’
The thing is, Queenstown is always moving and it’s moving at pace. It could be a new luxury boat trip on Lake Wakatipu, a new cocktail crafted at the fabulous Madam Woo or a cleverly created art gallery specialising in New Zealand’s explosive contemporary art scene. There is always a new and upcoming offering to keep Queenstown a fresh and vibrant town.
Tucked down Tucker Beach Road, which runs alongside the meandering Shotover River, is the new river biking/walking trail. This serene trail offers amazing views and lovely picnic spots or just somewhere to drop and relax and read. It also is right in the middle of the Arrowtown/Queenstown bike loop, making it the perfect spot to explore the area without the need for a car – you can even leave it to us to arrange an e-bike to be waiting at the villa ready for your stay. You will enjoy a side of Queenstown not often accessible, and one that is certainly ‘off the beaten track’.
Pinnacle Villa, Three Peaks and Shotover Point are all favourite villas amongst the team at MajorDomo. What makes these so special? Their location – so close to the new shopping/living hub if you want some vibrancy and also only 10 – 15 minutes’ drive from either historic Arrowtown or central Queenstown, and with Uber now fully established in the area, and subsidised bus fares available, it is easier and cheaper than ever to get around the region. All three of these villas are designed for ideal family holidays, have great facilities and for relaxed entertaining all of these villas have an outdoor hot tub and fire place. There is no need to leave home but if you do – there are great new and extensive facilities at Queenstown Central and Five Mile just 5 minutes away from your Queenstown holiday hiding spot.
I have to be honest, as a long-time local (27 years this year – crikey!) I must admit I was a bit worried about the arrival of the super large retail outlets selling a great amount of plastic and disposable goods. I am revising my stance. Yes, these areas do have the huge stores such as Kmart & The Warehouse but tucked in amongst them we are getting some neat boutique stores, grocery shops and restaurants. Designer clothing at Social Clothing, fabulous teppanyaki at the new Hikari Teppanyaki and I really enjoy browsing the beautiful natural skin and health products at Antidote. The hub is soon to have its very own Joe’s Garage, which is one of Queenstown’s most popular cafes for a casual brunch. For entertaining at home, the supermarkets are right there (you are spoiled for choice with three in the vicinity!), but there are also some lovely specialist stores such as Neat Meat (an amazing butcher with staff who are there to help and really know their stuff), the French bakery (just try and walk past the smell of freshly baked goods without stopping to make a purchase) and you cannot go past Meat Preachers. If you don’t feel like cooking – pick up a pre prepared meal and relax at home with a bottle of your favourite Otago Pinot.
Having the larger retail stores close by is great if you forget some ski or sports gear, or want the ideal deck chair and picnic set for long lazy summer days, or a toboggan for some fun up on the snow. All ages are catered for and I really like the fact we still have a real bookstore – all the latest reads, the classics and lots of fun games for the families.
And as for the plastic, if you do have any, Queenstown Lakes District Council has recently started some fantastic new waste disposal and recycling initiatives. All our villas are equipped with large recycling bins to help make sure your environmental impact is minimised.
Written by Fiona Stevens (Founder & Director of MajorDomo)
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