Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown is a destination that truly embodies the essence of adventure and natural beauty. On the 24 September 2024, a group of international students left Auckland to enjoy it’s beauty. The journey began with a scenic flight into the small but charming Queenstown Airport. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by breathtaking views that seemed almost too perfect to be real. I would consider it a place where nature and adrenaline collide, as we were struck by the dramatic mountain ranges that surround the town.
After a short trip to our hotel, we dropped off our bags and went straight away to the city centre. The rainy weather didn’t stop us as we found ourselves in a lively, cosmopolitan hub full of cafés, boutiques, and restaurants, all set against the backdrop of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu. After navigating the city centre, we returned to the hotel, ready to head off to ride the Skyline Gandola. The gondola ride itself was smooth and leisurely, taking around 5–7 minutes to ascend the steep hillside and were enclosed with large windows, so it’s a perfect ride no matter the weather. The rush of adrenaline was exhilarating as we reached the top of Bob’s peak it started to snow! We ended the day with top-notch dining at Stratosfare Restaurant. It was indeed an incredible experience to enjoy a meal while gazing out over the best view in town.
The next day, we woke up early and departed our hotel for a drive to Wanaka. The drive was a memorable experience, winding through the stunning Crown Range Road with breathtaking views of valleys and snowcapped peaks. We had a short stop at Puzzling World Great Maze and Illusion Rooms wherein everyone had a great time going into the illusion rooms and escaping the maze. Later in the afternoon, we then arrived in Wanaka, and I was immediately struck by the calm, glassy waters of Lake Wanaka, framed by the snow-capped Southern Alps. Our first stop was the lakefront, where we spent a leisurely afternoon walking along the shoreline. The iconic lone tree, “That Wanaka Tree,” is a sight to behold, standing elegantly in the lake’s shallows and offering a perfect photo opportunity. We all took this wonderful chance to take plenty of pictures of the famous tree. Our day concluded as we went to ride the Gondola one more time to experience the fun luge ride that takes you zooming down the side of the mountain and the classic delicious Fergburger. Even though everyone was tired, when we were sharing a meal together, we all had smiles on our faces as we all enjoyed the day with one another.
On our final full day, our team gathered to travel to Cromwell and have the Goldfields Mining Centre Tour. We opted for the guided tour; one of the highlights was to try our hands at gold panning! Some students managed to find a few tiny flakes of gold to take home as a souvenir. We then went on the road afterwards to explore the stunning city of Arrowtown. The town is small, but full of character, with its well-preserved historic buildings lining the main street. Walking down Buckingham Street, we had our own lunch arrangements and had the chance to spend quality time with one another while strolling around the town. Arrowtown’s charm is undeniable. We then went back to Queenstown to get to Steamer Wharf where we were lucky enough to ride the TSS Earnslaw, a historic steamship over to Walter Peak. Our night ended with an entertaining farm tour and scrumptious dinner at Walter Park.
As we packed our bags and checked out of the hotel, we were given free time the following morning to explore Queenstown for the last time. Walking along the lakefront, I soaked in the beauty of the Remarkables mountain range in the distance. Queenstown is more than just a pretty face – it’s a dynamic, vibrant town that offers something for everyone. There is no doubt that all of us had the time of our lives in Queenstown and the memories we made will be cherished by each one of us for a lifetime. We left Queenstown with a full heart and a collection of memorable moments and connections we made during the trip. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of the International Department and staff. We extend our thanks to those who poured their hearts and efforts into tirelessly arranging this enjoyable trip for us.
