Travel Dates: December 2023
Things to do in Queenstown:
Bob’s Cove Viewpoint – The complete trail connects Bob’s Cove with 12 Mile Delta (campground) and typically requires several hours to finish. However, we chose to hike only a portion of it, heading towards Bob’s Cove Viewpoint which took us ~1 hour. Starting from the trailhead, follow the sign on the left directing you to the jetty. As you proceed, you’ll stroll alongside the cove where people are sunbathing and swimming. Eventually the path begins to ascend, leading to a fork in the trail.
If you opt for the path on the right following the Picnic Loop, it takes a bit longer to reach the summit, but the incline is more gradual. Alternatively, choosing the left path leads to another fork. This time, take the right, and you’ll reach the top swiftly, though the trail is steeper and composed of loose rocks. Regardless of your chosen route, reaching the summit promises breathtaking panoramic views of Bob’s Cover.
Bennetts Bluff Viewpoint – Beautiful view of Lake Wakatipu with a mountain backdrop. It’s a quick 5 minute uphill walk, and outdoor bathrooms are available here.
Lord of the Rings views – A trip to New Zealand isn’t complete without paying homage to Lord of the Rings film series. Here are a few filming locations we explored:
- Ithilien Lookout at 12 Mile Delta: From the start of the trail at the parking lot area, follow signs for Bob’s Cove Trail and you’ll get to the lookout at the top of the hill in ~14 minutes. This is the scene in “The Two Towers” where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum set up camp in Ithilien and see the Oliphaunts and Haradrim.
- Isengard Lookout at Dart River/ Te Awa Whakatipu: Google Map “Isengard Lookout” and drive across the bridge. While you’re on the bridge, look right to see the mountain range in the distance. This is the backdrop used for Isengard, where Saruman resides.
- The Argonath on the Anduin River near Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge for Bungee Jumping: Google Map “The Argonath (Pillars of the Kings) on the Anduin River – LoTR Lookout” for view of Kawarau river. This is the scene in “The Fellowship of the Ring” where the Fellowship encounter the two large statues whilst traveling on the river. Nearby this location is Kawarau Bungy Jump, where you can watch people bungee jump and zip line, or partake in the excitement yourself.
Glenorchy Lagoon – A flat and easy, figure 8 path that takes about 1-2 hrs to complete depending on how far you want to walk. We spent about an hour here and only walked up to the midway point for the iconic picture of a bench looking out to the lagoon, then walked the same path back (you can Google Map “Glenorchy lookout” for the spot). Free parking is available at the waterfront near Glenorchy Wharf.
Queenstown Bay Beach & Harbour View Walk – If you have time to spare, this is an easy stroll near the town; the Harbour View Walk loop is about 20 minutes.
Viewpoints throughout Queenstown – There are a lot of scenic spots in Queenstown. Here are the ones we did that I recommend (no walk/hike required):
- Seven Mile Point Track
- Wilson Bay, Closeburn
- Crown Range Road Scenic Lookout
- Arrow Junction Lookout Point
- Lake Wakatipu Viewpoint
Places to eat in Queenstown:
Fergburger – The quintessential burger and food destination in Queenstown is a must-visit, despite the seemingly endless queues. I ordered the Ferg Deluxe burger, and it was indeed delicious and worth the wait. Fortunately, my visit at 3pm had a very short line with just a 20-25 minute wait for the order.
It’s worth noting that during other instances, whether it was 8am or 9pm, the line was always out the door and down the street. If you choose to visit, consider ordering by phone in advance to avoid waiting on the line. You can also track your order on their website, which allows you to explore the town rather than waiting in the congested store vicinity.
Fergbaker – Next door to Ferburger is their bakery, which is not as packed but there is still a line. I highly recommend their mouth-watering Boston cream donut. Their Ferg Pie (meat pie) was also pretty decent–the pastry was crispy and delicious but the filling wasn’t as good as Miles Better Pies in Te Anau.
Places to stay in Queenstown:
Peppers Beacon Queenstown – A few minutes’ walk from town, we enjoyed our stay here given our spacious lake view room. Peppers Beacon is essentially an apartment complex with certain units converted into hotel accommodations. Thus, it was great having two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and large living room. There was free laundry in-unit and parking was available at $24 NZD per night. Make sure to provide your license plate to the front desk or you will get a paper notification warning on your windscreen that your car will be towed.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown – A little further from town, but still walking distance, this hotel is close to Queenstown Bay Beach and Harbour View Walk. The rooms were a bit small but nothing was unexpected for a Holiday Inn Express. There was free breakfast and parking is $25 NZD per night (they have a secured garage that is accessible through room key tapping).
Globe Trotter 