Luxury experiences in Queenstown are easy to find, with plenty of options to suit any taste. Most people associate Queenstown with thrill-seeking, but you’ll find so much more here. From spectacular scenic hikes and world class ski fields to show you the beauty of Queenstown’s great outdoors, to world-class wineries, distilleries and restaurants, it’s the perfect luxury destination. After a long day of adventure, you’ll find plenty of luxury accommodation options in Queenstown to refresh you for a new day.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Queenstown is well known for being the adventure capital of the world, and for good reason. It’s an adrenaline junkie’s paradise! Home of the world’s first and most famous bungy at Kawarau Gorge, Australasia’s highest Bungy, and one of the most extreme Swings in the world, Queenstown offers plenty of opportunities for all kinds of exhilarating activities, including bungy-jumping, giant swings, ziplining, jetboating, and canyoning.
If you’re looking to experience the great outdoors without chasing an adrenaline high, you’ll find many spectacular walks in Queenstown and the surrounding areas. There are plenty of easy day hikes to try, such as Lake Hayes, Queenstown Hill, Bob’s Cove, and the Arrow River Trail, or slightly longer walks such as the Ben Lomond Saddle and Summit, Sawpit Gully, and Cecil Peak. You can also challenge yourself with one of the Great Walks, such as the The Routeburn, Milford or Kepler Tracks.
Queenstown is also the perfect winter destination. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps with an enviously long ski-season, you’ll find four world-class ski resorts in Queenstown – The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone. Each of these resorts caters for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities, with lessons to help beginners conquer the mountains, and advanced trails in the backcountry to give experts the ultimate Southern Alps expedition.
EAT AND DRINK AT AWARD WINNING WINERIES AND DISTILLERIES
Central Otago is perfectly placed to produce world-class Pinot Noir, with hot, dry summers, and crisp snowy winters – and with the soaring snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps, it’s one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. No trip to Queenstown would be complete without a wine tasting tour, and Escape NZ can arrange exclusive tastings led by a winemaker/sommelier at leading wineries in the region including highlights like The Cloudy Bay Shed, Carrick and Mt Difficulty.
Queenstown is also home to the Cardrona Distillery, producers of the award winning Source Single Malt Gin where you can enjoy a hand-crafted spirits’ tasting and tour. Any tasting tour is best topped off with a gourmet meal using the fine local produce of Central Otago.
HELICOPTER TOURS
One of the best ways to see the stunning Queenstown and Central Otago scenery is by helicopter tour. Fly from Coronet Peak to Dusky Sound in Fiordland to explore the shoreline and retrace the steps where Captain Cook first made landfall in New Zealand, then fly back over the breathtakingly beautiful Fiordland National Park, with its world-famous Mirror Lakes and glacier-carved fiords, back to Coronet Peak. You can also enjoy a Mount Cook Glacier experience, flying alongside the Southern Alps to see their highest peaks, as well as landing amidst the crevasses of Tasman Glacier to explore seracs, icefalls and astonishing caves of ancient blue ice. The majestic Milford Sound is an amazing sight to behold from above, and you can’t beat the chance to experience age-old glaciers, deserted beaches, and alpine lake dining without hours of hiking.
QUEENSTOWN LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
After a long day of adventuring, wind down in luxury accommodation. For a boutique experience, we recommend Eichardt’s private hotel. Stay in a premium Lake View Suite in this Queenstown icon, saying goodnight with a bottle of champagne, and waking up to a gourmet breakfast. Eichardt’s also offers a Penthouse Suite for ultra-luxury accommodation with uninterrupted views across Lake Wakatipu, where you’ll have plenty of space and complete privacy to allow you to refresh for a new day of adventure. You can also invigorate the soul at Matakauri Lodge, an alpine luxury lodge set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with breathtaking views of the Remarkables. Escape NZ can arrange your stay in any of these luxury accomodations, or any other luxury location in Queenstown.
There’s so much more to experience in Queenstown and Central Otago, from golf at 4500 ft to private cruises across Lake Wakatipu, and Escape NZ can arrange any Queenstown luxury experience your heart desires. Give us your wish list, and let us arrange your very own bespoke luxury escape to enjoy all of the amazing experiences Queenstown has to offer.