Tag: Queenstown

Review of the Year Part 1

An eventful year which began with a visit to Singapore and New Zealand.

Singapore River
Gardens by the Bay and The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Te Puia Geothermal Park, Rotorua
The Sky Tower, Auckland
View of Te Mata Peak from Craggy Range Winery, Hawkes Bay
New Zealand Craft Beers
Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
Pancake Rocks, New Zealand
Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
Felton Road, New Zealand

The Skyline Gondola

The Skyline Gondola in Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island is an excellent way to gain a birds eye view of this remarkable town, regarded by some as the countrys adventure capital. You can ride the gondola simply to admire the views or, if you are more adventurous, it can be the gateway to mountain biking trails, paragliding, bungee jumping and negotiating the luge track. There is even a restaurant Just in case you feel hungry or want to dine and watch sunset over Lake Wakatipu.

The ride was opened in 1987 and will take you to a height of 790m above sea level

 

 

Eating and Drinking in Queenstown

With only four days in Queenstown this list is never going to be extensive but here goes with our personal choices.

Kappa (36 The Mall)

Located on the first floor in an area busy with eating places this Japanese restaurant is an oasis of calm with decor an an ambiance that feels authentic. The food is pretty good too and the prices are reasonable. Excellent Blue Fin Tuna sashimi, soba noodle salad and chicken karaage. There’s a good range of sake available too.

Fergburger (42 Shotover Street)

You may have to queue for half an hour or so no matter what time of day you go but the wait is well worth it for whaT is likely the best burger in Queenstown if not the whole South Island.  Its popularity speaks for itself. Considering the queues and numbers of people service is quick. Fergburger

Fishbone (7 Beach Street)

More than adequate fish and seafood restaurant serving good sized portions of fresh and well cooked fish.The Gurnard with creamed sweetcorn was particularly well received. Fishbone

Fergbaker (40 Shotover Street)

Next door to fergburger and much quieter. Serving an excellent selection of pies (I can recommend the lamb shoulder), sandwiches, pastries and bread. Why can’t every town have a bakery of this quality.

Patagonia (Lakefront)

Not really a restaurant but serving the most delicious ice cream and very acceptable coffee. Flavours include the traditional and the not so such as Basil and orange. They are winners of numerous awards in the New Zealand ice Cream Awards and I can see why. Patagonia

Atlas Beer Cafe (Steamer Wharf)

Not only does this bar/cafe have an excellent range of craft beers but it also does the most amazing rump steak and chips. While I have always believed rump to be a bit on the chewy side I was blown away with this offering. as tender as fillet and as tasty as rib eye. A real winner. Atlas Beer Cafe

The Winery (14 Beach Street)

A range of Enomatic type machines make it possible to taste a vast range of New Zealand wines plus a small number of others from around the world. There is an excellent tasting range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A little disappointed that only three Syrah from New Zealand were available to taste. You can buy wine buy the bottle and drink it on the premises for only a small corkage charge. platters of cheeses and salamis are also available if you’re hungry. The Winery