A Canberra Girl’s Guide to New Zealand
Posted on
If you’ve ever seen any of the Lord of the Rings or Hobbit movies, or Taylor Swift’s ‘Out of the Woods’ music video, you’ll know how beautiful New Zealand is.
But when you’re there in person, like I was in December, the landscape is truly even more remarkable than you could ever imagine!
With two islands to cover, I decided to focus on a small part of the South Island – so there’s still plenty to explore when I return.
As work begins again for the year, many of us are already dreaming of the next holiday. So, using this guide as inspiration, start booking those tickets and say ‘Kia ora New Zealand!’
Immerse yourself in picture-perfect nature
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains, dense rainforests – this stunning glacial fiord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is guaranteed to take your breath away! Keep a keen eye out and you may spot dolphins splashing around and New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun. Book a boat cruise in advance (I’d recommend Southern Discoveries) and clear out your camera roll for the endless postcard-perfect photos you’ll take. If there’s only one cruise you do while on your holiday, this is the one.
Find out more here.
Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown)
Whether you’re looking for something to get your heart racing, or a way to enjoy the most of Lake Wakatipu, there’s something for everyone. Adrenaline seekers will love jet boating on the pure water, while those hoping for their heart to remain at a normal pace may prefer a boat cruise. There’s the iconic TSS Earnslaw – a 1912 coal-fired steamship, but book in advance for seats go quickly! If you don’t manage to get onboard, there’s plenty of alternate options, like Million Dollar Cruise. This 90-minute scenic ride gives you ample opportunity to photograph the Remarkables towering above, tranquil willow islands, lakeside homes, golf course, and the historic Kawarau Falls Dam. Enjoy commentary by the skipper which brings the area’s scenery and history to life too!
Learn more about the lake and its activities here.
Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve (Wānaka)
Who can say they’ve seen a lake, on an island, in a lake, on an island, on the ocean? After visiting Mou Waho Island you can! This remote island, near Lake Wānaka, is covered in native bush, with a trail up to the peak in the centre of the island. Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to only native creatures, including the curious and flightless Weka bird. While it is a steep walk, there are benches peppered throughout to take a break and admire the magnificent views of Lake Wānaka through the trees. Before you reach the peak, you’ll arrive at Arethusa Pool where those feeling brave can take a quick dip! When you reach the top, enjoy the tranquillity and take in Arethusa Pool below you, framed by trees, and of course the majestic Southern Alps.
Book your spot on a boat trip here!
Roy’s Peak Track (Wānaka)
For hikers, this is a must-do! With captivating lake views, panoramic mountain views, and spectacular scenery from the ridgeline (which takes in most of Lake Wānaka and the surrounding peaks, including Mount Aspiring), this 16km hike is certain to please. Carve out a large part of your day for this one, though – it’ll take about five to six hours. The view from the top will make it worth it!
More information on Roy’s Peak Track can be found here.
Queenstown Gardens (Queenstown)
If you’re after a more leisurely activity, then this one is for you! Wander through the Queenstown Gardens established in 1866 and appreciate tranquil lakeside sanctuary’s varied flora, including the rose garden and mature trees. Let your feet take you down to the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu and complete the two kilometre, 30-minute loop walk. If you want to spend some more time soaking in the environment, there’s a Frisbee golf course, as well as a lawn bowls centre and tennis courts!
Find out more here.
Anyone hungry?
Fergburger (Queenstown)
View this post on Instagram
Operating since 2001, this busy burger joint is a favourite for locals and visitors alike! Don’t let the queue put you off – the team work quickly to get orders placed and burgers in hand. Juicy patties, crisp veggies and the perfect bun to top it off, this burger is a great lunch option. Still not convinced? Take Ed Sheeran’s word for it – the UK pop singer tried one when in New Zealand in 2018 and shared it on Instagram saying it was “by far the best burger in the world”.
42 Shotover Street, Queenstown | Check out the menu here.
Canyon Brewing (Queenstown)
Indulge in expertly crafted share-style dishes (I’m looking at you charred cauliflower with black tahini), local craft beer, and woodfired sourdough pizza, all with a front-row seat to the Shotover River and Skippers Canyon. This Queenstown craft brewery and restaurant with a view that almost steals the show is a great place to relax after a busy day!
1 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown | Make a booking here.
Steamer Wharf (Queenstown)
If you can’t get enough of the glorious Lake Wakatipu (and honestly, who can?) make sure you make a stop at the Steamer Wharf – the perfect waterfront destination. With a handful of bars and restaurants to choose from, enjoy a cheeky drink or a good feed with a brilliant view. This is the perfect place for an afternoon tipple with great happy hour deals!
88 Beach Street, Queenstown | Choose a place to dine here.
Speights Ale House (Wānaka)
This family-owned lakefront pub served up some of my favourite food on the trip! Flavoursome food that tastes like a home cooked meal accompanied by a backdrop of mountain views – what more could you want? The menu features a range of classic pub favourites alongside a selection of dishes showcasing the best of New Zealand cuisine. I’m still dreaming about their nachos, and chicken and ginger wontons.
93 Ardmore Street, Wānaka | Check out the menu here.
New Orleans Hotel (Arrowtown)
Enjoy a hearty meal in the original Arrowtown country pub! Established in 1866 and renovated in June 2019, this restaurant and bar serves classic kiwi pub food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, using fresh seasonal and local ingredients. Relax by the open fire in winter, or on the sun drenched north facing balcony in the summer.
27 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown | Find the menu here
The Remarkable Cookie (Queenstown)
Gooey, warm, sweet, decadent, delectable cookies. After you’ve had one of these, it’s impossible to think about them without your mouth watering. These soft-baked classic cookies are dangerously good and will stay with you for the rest of your trip (and once you’re back home, too)!
26 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown | @theremarkablecookie
More fun things to do
Lord of the Rings Tour
One does not simply visit New Zealand without thinking about JRR Tolkien’s classic series ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’. While Hobbiton is on the North Island, the South Island is home to many other filming locations from Lord of the Rings. Make the most of your time here and book a Lord of the Rings tour, like the one run by Pure Glenorchy. Embark on an extraordinary adventure with a friendly and knowledgeable guide to Middle Earth and hear fascinating stories and secrets about the filming and the local areas. Stand in many exact spots the cast and crew did, with even the opportunity to embrace your inner actor and dress up like a favourite from the movies!
Gondola and Luge (Queenstown)
Enjoy Queenstown from another perspective in the iconic Skyline Gondola – the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! Take in the scenic view over Lake Wakatipu, and get some great shots of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown as you head to the top of Bob’s Peak. At the top, enjoy a drink from the bar or hit the Luge track to feel the wind in your hair!
53 Brecon Street, Queenstown | Book in advance here
Arrowtown
Step back in time at Arrowtown, a charming gold-mining town established in 1862 with over 60 historic buildings still standing! With more than 20 bars, cafés and restaurants, a dozen artists and galleries, boutique shopping, and access to over 100km in walking tracks, there’s something for everyone here.
See all Arrowtown has to offer here.
Studio 42 (Queenstown)
Come home with your own personalised memento of your trip, thanks to Studio 42’s jewellery school. Sign up for one of their beginner jewellery workshops, learn how to make your own silver ring and then proudly show it off at home! This creative hub was created by Kiwi Jess Winchcombe in response to many art and jewellery schools closing throughout the country. After your class, enjoy a meander through Country Lane – a rustic artisan village filled with vibrant local businesses, gardens, galleries, and cafés!
26 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown | Find out more and book your spot here.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy (Queenstown)
If you’re looking for something to get the blood pumping, make a stop at Kawarau Bridge – the world home of bungy! Nestled into a rock face overlooking the extraordinary Kawarau River, this 43 metre bungy jump was the world’s first and most famous of commercial leaps! For those looking for something slightly less dramatic, there’s the Kawarau Swing. Choose to fly solo or with a friend and soar like a bird after being launched into a giant swing that sweeps you through the Kawarau Gorge. If you’d prefer to keep your feet safely on the ground (like I did!) and watch someone else attempt it there are several great viewing spots to capture their faces as they bungee or swing!
Kawarau Bungy Centre, State Highway 6, Gibbston Valley, Queenstown | Check it out here.
Instagrammable spots
Lavender Farm (Wānaka)
Make a stop at the Lavender Farm in Wānaka and snap some pictures of the rolling fields of purple! With 20 acres of impressive lavender fields, farm animals and display gardens, a visit here is certain to leave you feeling calm. After a walk through the flowers and meeting the friendly farm animals, unwind over a cup of herbal tea or cool down with some lavender ice cream!
36 Morris Road, Wānaka | Learn more here.
Blue Pools (Wānaka)
If you’re after a photo that captures how clear the water is, make a stop at the Blue Pools Track. Walk through beautiful native forests and over two swing bridges to arrive at the pristine clear waters of Makarora River’s Blue Pools. When I say the water is blue, I mean it is blue. No filter on these photos! The walk to the pools is three kilometres and one hour return. To make the most of the pools, bring something to eat on the waterfront – just make sure you take all rubbish with you.
Blue Pools Track, Otago Region | Find out more information here.
That Wānaka Tree (Wānaka)
A lone willow tree growing at the southern end of Lake Wānaka, dubbed ‘That Wānaka Tree’ is the perfect photo opportunity spot! Perfectly framed by the Southern Alps behind it, it’s easy to understand why it is such an iconic and highly photographed spot! The tree received its fame after a shot of it won the 2014 New Zealand Geographic landscape photograph of the year.
Roys Bay 59 Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka | Find more information here
