Queenstown: Five must visit places on your next trip to New Zealand

Less than three hours by plane from Sydney, this stunning town never fails to impress – and here’s five reasons why.

After what feels like a lifetime of travel disruptions, the world is open again – including one of my favourite spots; Queenstown in New Zealand!

Less than a three hour flight from Sydney, winter is one of the best time to explore this stunning part of the world.

With snow-capped mountains and mulled wine in the air, if you’ve got a long weekend up your sleeve – here’s exactly how to get the best out of this incredible corner across the ditch.

Where to stay

Planted right in the centre of town and only offering a handful of suites, you can’t go past a stay at Eichardts Boutique Hotel.

Be sure to book a stay at Eichardts if you want the comforts of a boutique hotel but also in the centre of all the action.

The rooms are split across the second level of the hotel and also several suites about 100 metres down the road, giving rooms uninterrupted views of the lake and snow-capped mountains (if you land a stay during the winter months).

The hotel is located on the waterfront, and walking distance to all the best spots in Queenstown. Picture: @honest.wolf & @neatsocialnz

The Eichardts apartments are perfect for bigger families.

The rooms are cosy and spacious, and in walking distance to everywhere you’d want to visit in Queenstown.

The biggest selling point is the views from each room, with every frame of this city jawdropping to say the least.

The views from some of the suites at Eichardts are next level.

You’re also walking distance to the best bars and restaurants, and if you are visiting during those cooler months – it’s an situation to beat the chill.

Where to have a drink

There are plenty of bars on offer in Queenstown and nearby Arrowtown, but for a cosy log fire and a delicious array of cocktails you can’t go past a few hours at Eichardt’s Bar.

Whether you're into wine or something stronger, you won't be disappointed.

Slip into Eichardts bar for a cocktail.

Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, this bar is a cosy nook perfect to grab a pre-dinner drop. Get there before sunset, because the light dancing off the lake makes for a spectacular way to end your day.

Like the rest of the hotel, the bar boasts killer views

And if you are feeling a bit peckish pre-dinner from a day of hitting the slopes or the local hiking trains, there’s also an array of snacks that will keep you satisfied. Hot tip, while it’s vegetarian, don’t pass up a serving of the Charred Corn Croquettes – one won’t be enough!

Where to eat

For something a little different, and for a vibe that’s buzzing every night of the week – grab a table at Blue Kanu not only for the extensive cocktail list, but for the delicious Pacific fusion menu.

Blue Kanu is buzzing from the moment you walk through the door.

The food brings in all the tastes of the Pacific,

As soon as you walk through the doors, the chill of a Queenstown winter is instantly overshadowed by the island-vibe beaming from the bar.

The perfect place to grab a table with friends or even dine alone and people watch, there’s something for everyone at this locals favourite.

Blue Kanu combines Asian cuisine with Pacific flavours. Picture: Blue Kanu.

It is warm and vibrant and the perfect spot to meet a group of friends. Picture: Blue Kanu.

Combining fresh and exotic Asian cuisine with some Pacific flavours, give the shareplates of Agedashi silken tofu, lemongrass dashi and toasted sesame a whirl followed by the Korean fried chicken, horopito salt, ssamjang sauce and mayo.

If you’ve still got some room – the house favourite is the Confit Balinese duck legs, gado gado salad, tamarind and peanut sauce and steamed pancakes. You won’t regret it!

Where to walk

A stay in Queenstown means you are literally surrounded by some of the best hikes and trails in the country. But if you’re short on time or perhaps just in town for a few days, there’s a couple of key walks that will allow you to take in all the best bits the town has to offer.

Queenstown is literally surrounded by incredible walks in varying degrees of difficulty. Picture: iStock

Check out Queenstown Gardens which starts in town near the beach and wraps around The Prince Park giving you uninterrupted views of the mountain ranges that wrap around Lake Wakatipu. It’s pretty flat so easy to do as much or as little as you like without breaking a sweat.

The view from Queenstown Hill is well worth the sweat you'll shed to get to the top.

If you are in the mood for a bit of a workout, put on your hiking shoes and venture up to the top of Queenstown Hill. Located in the heart of town, it’ll take you between 2-3 hours to complete but you won’t be disappointed at the end.

The views expand right across town and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular ones to do during a visit to Queenstown.

What not to miss

OK so aside from the sensational ski fields, the beautiful wineries and seriously good cafes that are dotted around town – you can’t go to Queenstown without a pit stop at Fergburger.

No trip to Queenstown is complete without a pit stop at Fergburger.

Don’t let the line at Fergburger deter you. Picture: Alex Tilbury

This is a bit of an institution with a big line of people daily to match, but if you’re in the mood for a good burger – it’s well worth the wait.

And don’t worry, even if you’re off the meat – there’s several great vegetarian options too.

This journalist stayed in Queenstown as a guest of Tourism Queenstown