Sunday, February 20, 2011

Renting Accommodation in Queenstown

Queenstown is a must-see place in New Zealand. I would argue that it's the most beautiful place in New Zealand - closest to the rivalling great places to see in the whole south island.

The best time to rent is in Summer. Although of course people push to visit Queenstown in winter because of it's magnificent views and fantastic winter sports and ski fields.

Summer is when the rates are down and there's less traffic. Aside from less traffic, there's an 80% chance you'll get parking in the city. The winter is beautiful but somewhat unbearable for people from warmer climates.

The best places to rent would be around the city center. The other places like Frankton, Sunshine bay and Queenstown East claim they are 5 km from the city but in reality, you'd need a car to get around. If you don't, you'd have to pay $4 per way with the Queenstown bus. It is unreasonably priced especially if you only need it once or twice. If you are a single traveller, you can buy the weekly bus ticket... which is still priced slightly higher than any other nice city in the world.

Kelvin heights is a nice, up-market suburb. It has a barely used golf course and you can use the free wifi in their cafe for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, Kelvin heights would seem like a world away from the city - it's 10 km from the city and you really need a car.

Better rent a place that is furnished. This way, you don't have to bring a bunch of stuff and take them all with you when you leave.


Queenstown New Zealand

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Best Scenic Route in the World!


Today I visited Glenorchy with my partner and my mum. We went to Paradise road - an absolutely amazing scenery. I thought the road to Glenorchy from Queenstown is already impressive... but I have no words for what I saw in Paradise road.
The Paradise road is about 12km of amazing mountain and lake views. Snow can be seen covering tips of the higher ranges even in summer.

Our little MB A160 drove into three shallow streams. We even had to stop several times to give way to Film Crew. Apparently, Audii is shooting a commercial for another luxury sedan.

I think the best way to travel is to use an SUV though. We weren't able to drive through the 4th stream. It has waters about 1 ft deep.



Queenstown New Zealand

Queenstown's Fresh Fruits



This fruit stand is actually in Arrowtown. It's run by a company called Dam Good Fruit, based in Cromwell. I'm looking forward to pick some cherries in their farm. Their one of the farms I know which let people pick cherries during the cherry season - late November to late Feb. 

They have fruit stands in Queenstown CDB and Frankton Junction. Their cherries are 2x as big as what you can buy from Queenstown Neworld. They are juicier and the color is much deeper red. From some readings, it health professionals say that the deeper the color of the cherry is, the stronger it is against toxins. So I buy about 1 kg per week or $20 NZD worth of cherries every season :-D of course I share it with my partner and mum.

So happy cherry picking everyone! But make sure you pick the right cherries! :-)


Queenstown New Zealand

Monday, February 7, 2011

Lake Hayes Vineyards Queenstown NZ

Explore one of Queenstown's most magnificent views.

Impressive vineyard - display of roses. I had to stop for a photo on our way to Arrowtown.

This is a million dollar view. Definitely one of the top choices of a retirement property.


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Queenstown New Zealand