Beloved by locals and tourists alike, Tāhuna (Queenstown) offers the best of adventures in the South Island alongside stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. Spending summer in the South Island? Queenstown is the place to be. Here, we’ve curated a list of summer-worthy activities and our recommended places to visit for a trip to remember.
Picnic in a Park
First up, combine the best of the sunny outdoors with deliciousness to please the palate and bring luxury dining to Queenstown’s lakefront with a DIY picnic. Gather fresh ingredients from market stalls and hold your picture-perfect picnic under the Tāhuna summer sun.
Shop for everything from appetisers to desserts at the Remarkables Market held every Saturday at the Remarkables Park right near Queenstown Airport. With fresh local produce and sweet and savoury takeaway snacks, you’ll find all you need here for a picnic full of flavour. If you fancy a glass of wine to go with your spread, take a short drive to the Amisfield Winery. Here you can explore the vineyard and pick up a bottle of the region’s finest wine. Once you’ve collected your food and beverages, head over to the Lake Hayes Reserve with a rug, basket and cutlery, and relax with a beautiful picnic by the lake. Just don't forget to assign a designated driver.
Savour the Taste of Authentic New Zealand
Prefer DFY (Done For You) to DIY? Let talented chefs do the work for you with a reservation at Rata Dining in the city's heart. Authentic New Zealand cuisine is the focus at Rata, with sustainable sourcing of fresh, local ingredients at the core of the restaurant’s identity. With a carefully thought-out seasonal menu, diners can choose from a collection of snacks, starters, mains and sides or indulge in a six-course tasting menu for the ultimate dining experience. Those who opt for the tasting menu can also add wine pairings for each course, comprising varietals from the Otago region. Whichever dining option you choose, you’re guaranteed a mouthwatering fare at Rata. Always remember to appoint a designated driver when sampling wines.
Take to the Skies
With a mild and pleasant climate in the hotter months, it’s the perfect time to discover Queenstown from above. The Helicopter Line offers a range of helicopter tours, from 20-minute flights around Queenstown to 6-hour tours through the Crown mountain range and even personalised tours with private charters. If you’re a fan of wine and enjoy tastings when you travel, consider the ‘Heli Wine Tour’. This option offers a half-day tour of the region, stopping in at three different wineries along the way to sample the best reds, whites and sparkling varieties in Tāhuna’s Gibbston Valley. After your tasting, assign a designated driver for a safe return to your accommodation.
For another epic adventure through the skies, feel the summer air on your skin and watch the sunrise over Queenstown in a hot-air balloon. Sunrise Balloons offers hour-long flights departing daily at dawn where you’ll get panoramic views of the dynamic landscapes, mountains and waterways that surround the town. With vistas from 6,000 feet high, a hot-air balloon ride in Queenstown is one of the ultimate ways to absorb the region’s natural beauty fully and makes for the scenic journey of a lifetime.
Day Trip to Glenorchy
Venture out of town and put the rental car to full use with a day trip to Glenorchy. With picturesque landscapes known as filming locations in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogies, a visit to Glenorchy provides a peaceful escape from the everyday. Immerse yourself in nature with a stroll along the lagoon boardwalk or make your way to one of the many lookouts for serenity amongst rolling hills and the bluest of lakes. Golfers can enjoy a hit at the picture-postcard Glenorchy Golf Club. The 9-hole course is open to visitors and offers gorgeous countryside views.
If you’ve fallen in love with the area and you’re looking to extend your stay, Blanket Bay Lodge is home to a host of luxury accommodations. With lakeside lodges, rustic chalets and even a modern villa on offer, luxuriate in exquisite accommodation amongst the Alps. Discover premium spa therapy treatments at the Blanket Bay Spa during your stay. With holistic therapies including massage, aromatherapy and facials, and wellness experiences like tai chi and meditation, centre yourself and find your zen at the spa. With a daily changing five-course degustation dinner menu, a sitting at the Blanket Bay Restaurant is also highly recommended.
For a summer spent in luxury, Queenstown offers the ideal blend of picturesque landscapes, fine culinary experiences and opportunities for adventure to your heart’s content. From day trips across the region in the rental car to lakeside picnics, Tāhuna is ready to delight you with an unforgettable trip.
