Queenstown!
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
Forum Description: For mums, dads, parents-to-be, grandparents, friends -- you name it! And you name the topic you want to chat about!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29317
Printed Date: 03 October 2025 at 9:04pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Queenstown!
Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Subject: Queenstown!
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 11:35am
|
So I have just booked a weekend to Queenstown for DH and I for next year.
We have been once but that was the middle of winter so we didnt do a lot there but man it was beautiful! What to do there? Where to stay? It will just be the 2 of us so want some romantic things etc to do. Whos got ideas for me! Please! How far is it to Wanaka from Queenstown? ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Replies:
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 11:46am
| If you want somewhere to stay my aunt has a new house/apartment thing built there and they rent it out for pretty cheap cause they live in invercargill most of the year. |
Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 11:47am
|
Ooo yes please stace! Could you email me the details? ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 11:50am
| Yeah sure, I'll flick you through the email she sent out to all of us, whats your email addy though? I don't remember it lol |
Posted By: MissAngel
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 12:06pm
|
I went in January and it was alright. Lots of expensive shopping - however there was the BEST BEST BEST pumpkin patch i've ever been in! Oh the chocolate cafe thingee on the waterfront does lovely food - makes for a nice romantic dessert by the water etc. Jetboating, gondola rides up to the top of the hill, deer park, arrowtown - thats 15 mins away and theres a bus you can take - lots of historic awesome stuff and heaps of yum cafes. hmm what else... OH! you HAVE to go on the TSS Earnslaw (big old steam boat) and do the dinner cruise or the day cruise across the lake to the big farm - lovely and romantic. Its just a really pretty place in general.
Be glad you're not going with a child tho - it's not baby friendly at all! Oh, Wanaka is a couple of hours drive away. Its scenic but thats it. ------------- Alex, Thomas and Lily http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
|
Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 1:21pm
|
Thanks everyone!
Got your email thanks Stace - my goodness its cheap! Thanks Missangel - we dont have a baby yet so definately no baby with us haha. But yeah it will be nice to get away. Thats right I forgot about the gondola there - it was awesome! The Louge thingy was wicked! Anyone else got any ideas, tips, places to stay etc? ETA - Missangel did you get your BFP? And how did you get on flying? I remember reading a while ago you were sooo scared of flying to Auckland - My DH is like that too on small planes :( ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Posted By: hannibal
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 8:55pm
| I love staying at the Novotel - awesome location right on the lakes edge and shops. Can get some good deals on there site usually too or wotif.com. I love going to Wotif.com to view pictures of the places I'm thinking of staying at as it avoids disappointment! I've been to the deer park - and didn't enjoy it and thank god we had our friends car as my DH would have freaked out with the goats stampeding the car! Arrowtown is great to have a poke around. For memory QT to Wanaka was about a 50 minute drive. |
Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 10:21am
|
We stayed at the Heritage on our honeymoon a few years ago, it was lovely and very luxurious and romantic but is a bit out of town if you were planning on walking although there is a free shuttle bus that runs on a schedule for hotel guests to use.
I'd definately hire a car while you are there so you can go exploring - we did a day trip to Milford Sound and a boat cruise which was amazing and worth doing. Arrowtown is gorgeous. Wine tours? ------------- Two little girls under 2! 
|
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 11:00am
| I spent a week in arrowtown when Dh went there for work and I didnt get bored and just got around walking for the week. They have the best shop with lots of lollies and fudge mmmmmmm lol |
Posted By: GuestGuest
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 11:01am
|
Yeah we stayed at the Heritage too last time and I agree with Febgirl on both counts - it is a beautiful hotel but a bit out of town. It is about a 15 min downhill walk on the way but we always got the bus back because it is pretty steep back up.
I have heard good things about Sofitel. We did horseriding in Glenorchie which was fantastic. It was the Lord of the Rings trek which was a bit dumb in terms of pointing out the movie stuff (I didn't really like the film) but the scenery is amazing. Earnslaw trip is great on a clear day Make sure you have a Ferg burger, they are famous! We hired a car and did a tour around the Otago wineries. If you are into doing this I recommend Chard Farm and Gibbston Estate in particular. Plus if you are into wines there is a really cool wine vending machine place in town where you get given a card, top it up with cash and you can go around with a glass and try all the different wines out of the vending machines. I love that place!!!!!!! Go up the gondola and down the luge. That's fun |
Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 11:08am
|
What date are you going? -------------  
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 11:13am
Amisfield winery have a kickarse restaurant - well worth a visit 
|
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 11:47am
|
We did the otago wineries too. We just got a book about vineyards in NZ and followed that lol.
I 2nd the horseriding, I did that and loved it but I'm a horse freak 
|
Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 11:59am
|
Awesome thanks guys! Seems like some cool places.
Valentines day Lisa - OMG what date are you going there? I fully forgot about your plans!
How far away is Milford Sound? Where did you do the boat cruise? Wheres the horse trek? ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 12:32pm
|
We drove to Milford Sounds, did the boat cruise from Milford and drove back within a day - but it was a long day, about 12 hours? We stopped along the way, took photos etc though so weren't driving non-stop. I think you can do overnight boat trips at Milford which could be cool. ------------- Two little girls under 2!
|
Posted By: Inlove28
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 12:36pm
|
Owha I used to live in Qtown 2 years ago.... Its beautiful!
So are you going in Summer? If you have a rental car its worth driving up the remarkables (photo ops all the way) then you can walk to Lake Altar its free too! Deer park hights also if you have a rental car is $20 per car good for kids and cheap activity.. If your own your own theirs wicked night life. Have fun |
Posted By: GuestGuest
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 12:38pm
|
This is the horse trek we went on: http://www.dartstables.com/the-ride-of-the-rings - Dart Stables
They pick you up from your hotel and drop you back. |
Posted By: Hunnybunny
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 1:43pm
|
I used to live and work in Te Anau, I'd suggest NOT doing milford from Queenstown, such a waste and it's such a big day it isn't worth it. Its about 8 hours driving, about 4 to Milford and 4 back from Queenstown- plus most people just drive past the best stops there cos they are in such a hurry to get their and get on a boat.
Also, don't do a overnight cruise in Milford, its really not worth it. In Queenstown, I'd agree with doing the earnslaw, even on a overcast day it is just incredible. We done it in the rain and it was amazing. I think Wanaka is about 2 hours drive? 1.5-2 hours? Depends what way you go though... Amisfield winery is INCREDIBLE best food and wine ever!! Jet boat, gondola, skydive, canyon swing, try www.queenstown-nz.co.nz Thats about all I can think of just now off the top of my head. I'm more of a Te Anau/Fiordland girl so can dedinately throw people info if they are heading there more than Queenstown.. |
Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 2:40pm
That was the highlight of our trip - I loved the Queenstown - Milford drive and the scenery.  Definately a long day but I found it worthwhile. ------------- Two little girls under 2!
|
Hunnybunny wrote:Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 2:52pm
|
Thanks everyone appreciate your help!
I forgot to add that we are only going for one night (2 days) so wont have A LOT of time obviously. I have never been to that puzzle world - thought it looked quite cool - is it as cool as it looks? I went bungee jumping last time we were in Queenstown (about 7 years ago) and never ever ever again in my life will I EVER do it again  ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 2:55pm
And how on earth do I convince DH to go on a horse trek?! I would LOVE to do it - just dont think DH would be keen!  ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Posted By: GuestGuest
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 3:00pm
|
If you are just going for one night I wouldn't bother driving all the way to Wanaka for Puzzle World. It was cool, but not that cool!
If I was just going to Qtown for a night I would just hang out at the water front, go for a walk around the botanical gardens, which is right on the lake front and go to the bars and restaurants. BTW, my DH loved the horse riding! There were plenty of blokes on it. |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 3:02pm
| They will be used to beginners if thats a problem. Its really pretty and well worth it. Could do a trade with him, you choose something and he choose something.. |
Posted By: MissAngel
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 4:13pm
Yep - due sometime in May - scan is on the 22nd so i have to wait til then to find out when exactly. I didnt fly anywhere :P I've been staying here with my feet planted firmly on the ground :P ------------- Alex, Thomas and Lily http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
|
Posted By: Treen
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 5:00pm
|
Wanaka is 45 mins drive over the Crown Range or 1hr 15 over the Kawarau Gorge. Wanaka is very beautiful (my home town) but the cuisine isn't as good as it is in Queenstown and it's more of a place you go to relax. Great for camping and boating. Best bar to go to would be Barluga. Oakridge Resort is great if you like pools and hot tubs and the restaurant's not too bad.
Re Queenstown, a wine trail's always good. There are also some fantastic walks. I'm trying to remember one walk in particular that I did as a kid and just the other day said to DH we must do it again. I can't remember whether it was in Arrowtown or Bannockburn but it takes you on a trail of old mine shafts, the ruins of gold miners' hut etc. It's fantastic but about 4 - 6 hours long if I can recall. Pop into a tourist info shop and they can let you know all about the walks around Central Otago. If walking's not your thing, you can always go to the Goldfield's Mining Centre on the Kawarau Gorge. They have an imitation gold mining village set up which you can explore. As for dining, The Bunker is superb, but best to make a booking even before you leave for Queenstown as it's super popular. Another great restaurant is Saffron in Arrowtown. The bar with Saffron is very cool, too. I can't remember the name but it's across the narrow path and it's like hanging out in a wee stone cave. Horse riding is definitely a good suggestion, too. Either in Queenstown or Wanaka. Great way to see the scenery. If you go on a wine trail, the goodies are Amisfield, Rabbit Ranch (not sure they do tasting, though), Chard Farm, Mt Difficulty and Gibbston Valley. Or if you run out of time, there's a place right in the middle of Queenstown where you can go and taste test them all. It's called Wine Tastes. For accommodation options, there's always bookabach. I never stay in motels anymore, it's a godsend. Hope that helps! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: hannibal
Date Posted: 14 October 2009 at 9:15pm
| I should have mentioned a drive out to Glenorchy it is like you have reached the end of the earth! I think you can do a boat ride once out there (like jet boating) but we just drove out and had a nice coffee and this little cafe. If you are short on time - then I wouldn't drive to Wanaka for Puzzleworld - it was ok, and the deer farm would get a miss too. |
Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Date Posted: 15 October 2009 at 8:55am
|
Thanks everyone I appreciate your help!
Anyone know of a good place to hire a car? And how far is it roughly from the airport to the city centre? If we are only there for the one night - do you think its worth getting a car? I REALLY want to do the horse ridding thing - hahaha Stace good idea! ETA - Spelling! ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Posted By: Treen
Date Posted: 15 October 2009 at 11:04am
|
If you're only going for 1 night then you don't need a car. Just get a taxi from the airport as it's not that far. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|