The 2020 Bucket List: New Zealand


 

Panoramic view of Queenstown, New Zealand.

If you are looking for a beautiful spot to rest and rewind, perhaps you should consider Queenstown, New Zealand. This quaint place is on the southwestern side of the island, formed on a thin Z shaped inlet called Queenstown Bay.

Queenstown offers so much for both a romantic holiday or a family vacation. There visitors will find stunning views of mountains and lakes, The Remarkables, Cecil and Walter’s Peaks, as well as plenty of activities to keep both adults and children busy. Featuring over 150 restaurants, this resort town is sure to appease everyone’s appetite and activity level.

Simply delish Fish and Chips at Lake Counter Cafe.

For accommodations, look no further than the Queenstown Hilton Resort and Spa. Here guests enjoy stunning lakeview rooms with fireplaces and private balconies. Hilton offers many dining options within the resort, and The Lake Counter Cafe and Deli offers modern choices and easy take away meals for a day at play on the water, located in Kawarau Village. For something more formal, there’s Wakatipu Grill offering Crispy Pork Belly, Seared Scallops and homemade pasta made daily –  just to name a few of their luxurious options. Be mesmerized by their 1,000 bottled wine cellar, and don’t hesitate to ask the sommelier for pairing suggestions; the region is known for its wines.

Eforea’s award-winning spa and luxurious indoor pool.

Eforea, recipient both of Oceania’s Luxury Destination Spa 2016 World Luxury Spa award and New Zealand’s Luxury Hotel Spa World Luxury award, is the day spa is known for its offering of three different journeys. The Essentials uses technologically advanced treatments to provide immediate results, The Escape incorporates plants to provide a lasting holistic experience and The Men’s Journey is focused on re-energizing and restoration. Each treatment is focused on organic products with scientific results.

Activities include biking the Queenstown Cycle Trail along one of the most scenic lakes in the world. There’s shopping, bungy and swing experiences, paragliding, rafting, boating and cruising and pretty much all water sports. Then, there are the ski fields. Visitors can hop on the Skyline Gondola and take in breathtaking views of the scenic mountains overlooking the lake as they travel up to Bob’s Peak.

Fire pit at the Queenstown Hilton Resort and Spa.

Visitors will also want to stop in for a culture lesson to learn about how Arrowtown was established in the 1860s gold rush, or maybe play a round of golf. And as if that wasn’t enough, the food and wine is the perfect get away for foodies! There are gourmet burgers, homemade ice creams and a plethora of cuisines from all over the world. The area boasts award-winning wines, and a trip to the Gibbston Valley Cheese and Winery is not to be missed.