Hi Everyone,
Already back in Zurich as I write this post so you can imagine how homesick it makes me feel – smile!
Queenstown has always had a special place in my heart. As a child travelling through the South Island with my parents Queenstown was for me the most exciting place ever. It was the one place which finally had real shops and people! The rest was so remote that if you didn’t fill up the car with petrol at every gas station you saw, you would certainly run out of petrol en-route!
Today it has an urban population of just over 15’800 people with an estimated 2.9 million visitors annually. Crazy statistics if you ask me. All the more reason to discover the countryside instead of staying in town!
Situated right on Lake Wakatipu, one of the most beautiful settings in the world. The scenery around the city centre itself is breathtaking to say the least.
Looking at the photo above you’ll understand why I felt as though I was driving through an oil painting during our entire stay.
Keep reading to find out more about discovering the new spa in Queenstown, New Zealand, and more.
Discovering the New Spa in Queenstown, New Zealand, and More
The best tip for anyone travelling to Queenstown, New Zealand is to make sure you either go with your own car or rent one once you are there. We rented one from Ezi rentals which was the easiest car rental I have ever had.
Once that’s settled you’re free to explore the wonderful countryside around.
New Spa – Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa
Just 25 minutes outside of Queenstown we stumbled across Gibbston – saw there was a winery and cheese shop there and then decided to stop and explore further. Much to our delight we then discovered the Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa which had only been open 21 days when we got there!
The spa area is nestled up the hill, fully equipped with 3 private treatment rooms, a sauna, hot pools with views and a well equipped gym.
Isn’t that barrel shaped spa simply the cutest!
The best however is lovely Frances who runs the spa. Both my Mum and I decided she had the most magical hands ever! I had a facial and Mum a body massage and we both felt 10 years younger after!
There are 24 luxury villas nestled amongst the beautifully landscaped grounds. Each with a lovely view and beautiful interior. The perfect place to stay after you’ve checked out the wines at the 37 year old adjacent winery.
To find out more see here.
Arrowtown
Visiting Arrowtown is like taking a step back in time. Originally a gold rush village, today it still retains it’s historic charm and is filled with cute cafes and shops.
The Crown Range
One of my favourite drives is the one from Queenstown to Wanaka over the Crown Range. The Crown Range is the highest main road in New Zealand, reaching an altitude of 1121 metres. Best to avoid in winter as it gets tricky with snow and ice.
While the Crown Range Road is a shorter distance to journey between Queenstown and Wanaka, travel time is longer than the usual route through Cromwell. Allow time to stop and admire the massive views, and fantastic lupins en-route.
Keep an eye out on the right hand side just before reaching Wanaka for Bradrona. New Zealand’s innovative way of raising funds for breast cancer.
Wanaka
Wanaka’s lakes and mountains and proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park, makes it the ultimate base for outdoor activities.
But it’s also super nice to simply go there for a cup of coffee/tea, saunter through the shops, walk along the lake and admire the view.
From Queenstown to Glenorchy
Glenorchy, a true slice of New Zealand paradise, sits a spectacular 45-minute drive northwest of Queenstown at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. The drive is an absolute must for anyone visiting Queenstown.
See here for fun things to see and do whilst there.
Of course we managed to find yet another tea shop and enjoyed great NZ home baking, simply feeling as though we had found heaven! The tea shop can’t be missed – it’s just on the right hand side as you near the end of the road to Glenorchy and the lake.
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yes it was a very nice and beautiful few days and we enjoyed every minute thank you
Oh ist das schön in Neuseeland liebe Yvonne. Traumhaft. Ich glaube, ich wäre nicht in den kalten Winter zurück gekommen. LG
Danke Liebe Andrea, es war nicht so einfach zurück zu kommen aber habe mein Mann u Tochter hier – Sie waren beide extra nett um das einfacher zu machen – haha!
LG Yvonne xx
Looks like a fabulous trip, and I love the pics of you with your mom feeling 10 years younger!
Thanks dear Beth – it was a lovely experience 😉
xx Yvonne
NZ is definitely calling my name !!
What glorious photos , you and your mum look amazing !
So wonderful to see the lupins in bloom , ours will bloom in June – smile xxxxx
Oooh, if you tell me that it will make me want to visit you in June – smile!
xoxo Yvonne
As a (funkyfifties) kiwi living in Frankfurt, I loved your photos and Spa visit with your Mum. She is a lucky one to have such a time with you.
Thank you dear, so sweet of you!
xx Yvonne