5-DAY QUEENSTOWN NZ ROAD TRIP

We’ve seen how beautiful Queenstown is –at least in pictures! It’s about time we visit and experience this famous city of New Zealand. And see it for ourselves. We figured out winter would be a perfect season to be swept away in those incredible views of snow-capped mountains.

We visited Queenstown in the winter months from 27 June to 1 July 2019. In anticipation of the cold weather, we had to pack reliable winter clothes as temperatures can drop to negative zero degrees. This includes thermal under wears, thermal waterproof gloves, snow boots and other layers of clothing. So packing was a bit tricky. Our group was composed of 6 adults and a toddler before the trip we had already booked a 4-bedroom Airbnb accommodation, Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour as well as an 8-seater van from Avis car rentals.

SHARING OUR ITINERARY FOR THIS TRIP:

DAY 1 – VISITED QUEENSTOWN CITY CENTRE

Since there is no direct flight from Adelaide (where we are based) to Queenstown NZ, we had to fly via Sydney and then from there our flight to Queenstown took roughly 3 hours. Landing in Queenstown (in winter) is simply breathtaking. So, grab that window seat on the plane if you can. Our flight arrived in Queenstown nearly 4.00pm after clearing immigration we collected our hire car from the airport and bought a 10GB Spark prepaid sim pack for $59nzd. Then with our luggage in tow, from the airport we proceeded to roam around the city centre and also did some groceries before heading to our Airbnb accommodation.

Landing in Queenstown NZ

Fergburger Queenstown NZ is what everyone’s talking about but not us.

Amazing view from our Airbnb accommodation

DAY 2- DAY TRIP FROM QUEENSTOWN TO MILFORD SOUND

We took a day tour to Milford Sound on board a glass-roof coach equipped with wifi, a toilet and usb port for charging at every seat. The coach journey was very relaxing, seats were comfortable and we really enjoyed the informative commentary from the coach driver as we journey along breathtaking scenery. The bus stopped at the following places:

First stop: Te Anau – for a quick morning tea

Second stop: Eglington Valley – for quick photo op

Third stop: The Mirror Lakes 

Fourth stop: Monkey Creek

The Homer Tunnel – though we did not stop. This tunnel is such an incredible piece of engineering feat.

And finally, the Milford Sound Cruise such an amazing experience

DAY 3 – ROAD TRIP TO MT COOK, LAKE WANAKA AND CORONET PEAK

We drove to Mount Cook – tallest mountain in New Zealand! Mount Cook is indeed phenomenal! 

After visiting Mount Cook with dropped by #thatwanakatree along the way

And then we wrapped up our day to watch and experience night skiing at Coronet’s Peak

DAY 4 – ROAD TRIP TO GLENORCHY AND EXPERIENCED SKYLINE GONDOLA CABLE RIDE

Of course, a trip to Queenstown wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Glenorchy famous for being one of the filming locations of The Lord of the rings

The view from Bob’s Peak Queenstown NZ

Skyline Gondola Queenstown NZ (replica)

DAY 5 – CITY SURROUNDS, KAWARAU BRIDGE AND ARROWTOWN

On our last day in Queenstown and before our 3.00pm flight back to Australia we drove to Kawarau Gorge suspension bridge to watch bungee jumping action

Sharing time lapse videos from our road trip

Queenstown NZ is one of the best trip we’ve ever had. Surely, we will be back soon!