During my travels around Australia and New Zealand earlier this year, I constantly heard from locals “just how lucky we are” to be so close to all the European treasures. I was reminded of this with each stranger’s fascination with the continent, and it was a start reminder that we don’t take nearly enough advantage of our perfect geographical location as Brits. Back at home, we sit in the vicinity of hundreds of different city breaks, blissfully unaware of our own fortune.
A pre-dinner aperitivo in Italy, a trip to one of Croatia’s many ‘secret beaches’, a stroll through Amsterdam’s cobbled streets: there are so many elements to a European summer that remain undefeated. And on the complete opposite side of the world, with this far from my mind, I stumbled across New Zealand’s very own version.
Nestled in the country’s South Island, in the Otago region, sits the tranquil Queenstownthat’s previously been named the world’s most beautiful place. While not yet a massive tourist hotspot for Brits due to the long and expensive flights required to visit, Queenstown is considered up-and-coming in its appeal. The hostel owner at my previous stop even reassured me that amidst all the places now considered “overrated”, Queenstown’s reputation doesn’t do it justice.
I can confirm this, with previous visitors describing it as a “mini Norway” as others liken it to the Swiss Alps.
With the duality of New Zealand’s climate producing a background of snow-capped mountains over sunny beaches, the town is unique in its appeal. It sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, and offers a dream destination for those on an adrenaline-packed adventure, or a quiet lakeside break. I enjoyed several activities during my stay, and have vowed to return to those I ran out of time for – or chickened out of after seeing the height of the drop.
The town is smaller than you’d imagine, given the length of time that you could spend here. It has a village feel to it, and much like the Alps’ towns, gives the impression that it’d be perfect during the festive period. The streets are lined with rooftop restaurants and fun Irish bars – St Paddy’s spent at Ballarat noted as our personal favourite, as well as nearby hikes and pebbled beaches.
The Luge has been named as a top attraction, with TripAdvisor visitors calling it ‘a real life Mario Kart’ and only wishing ‘it had gone on for longer.’ After taking the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak, with panoramic views of the city, you reach the Luge. The attraction has numerous options to pick from, including a 6-ride package for $99 (equivalent to £43.70). Bloggers reiterate the value for money, but warn that the ride is only open for the summer season; something to bear in mind if you’re planning that Christmas trip.
Queenstown also boasts a myriad of activities; there’s the AJ Hackett Bungy Jump for any daredevils amongst us, the Bob’s Peak 1099m hike for the athletically-inclined, or the iconic Fergburger diner for those more focused on taking in the city charm from ground level. Overall, it is the town’s charm that keeps people coming back. Described as ‘a lovely little slice of Europe’, it’s got a few home comforts for those such a long way from home.