Favorite travel spots

Queenstown-South Island-New Zealand

This is my favourite destination. I used to live in South Island and every weekend my son aged 5 and I used to head off to the beautiful lakes in that area. One drives through verdant countryside, flanked by Mc Kenzie farmland which is restful to the weary traveller’s eye. The drive is pleasant as traffic is hardly worth mentioning, one sees more sheep and lambs than cars on the road on the way there.

Queenstown is the ‘jewel’ of South Island. I used to gasp with sheer delight every time I went around a certain corner and saw meandering lakes before me with monolithic peaks jutting out into the blue skies above towering with snowcapped peaks in the sunlight like sparkling fresh cut diamonds.

Queenstown has the typical ski chalet ambience with homes jutting into the mountainside.

There is plenty to do, my son and I enjoyed a slow cruise aboard the Earnslaw boat which sailed peacefully to a nearby sheep farm, where one can watch a guided sheepdog show and sit down to a lovely cream tea.

Queenstown is a place which has wonderful Italian restaurants, Indian cuisine and the usual fastfood stores for those on a budget.

One can stay in 5 star hotels or opt for the cheaper forms of accommodation such as youth hostels which are very conveniently situated and well run over there.

One can go up the mountain in a cable car ride, go on a mountain sled ride or go skiing.

People fly in from all over the world to wait for the snow to fall. Ski resorts are spectacular and offer all packages to skiers.

If you enjoy wine and wine-tasting, then there is a wine farm on the outskirts of Queenstown just before Arrowtown which is quaint and picturesque.

Arrowtown was designed around the ‘Gold rush era’ and one can browse through the interesting little buildings and museums or simply sit quietly and enjoy a lovely cup of coffee whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery which takes ones breath away.

There is a lovely stream which one can sit next to whilst one relaxes or one can go on a hike along a wonderful mountain path which is safe and enjoyable to walk along in Arrowtown and clearly signposted.

Back in Queenstown you can go fishing, river rafting or simply enjoy the nightlife which offers plenty of coffee bars and places to enjoy the evening with friends.

Queenstown is for all ages and a wonderful place to visit. Take a good camera along and enjoy!