Queenstown Weekend Break

Queenstown never ceases to amaze.  An alpine lakeside town to rival any other in the world and its right here in New Zealand.   Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables Mountain range as a backdrop, its stunning location draws visitors from all over the world to get a little taste of paradise. 

Queenstown is a destination that you can continuously return to for a weekend break, experiencing different sights, tastes and pursuits each time.  With such an array of things to do, you choose the pace of your weekend.  Will it be slow, restful and indulgent, fast and adrenaline packed, or do you like to mix it up and have the best of both worlds.  Whatever you choose, the team at Bella Vista Queenstown are here to look after you.  Check out the following recommended weekend break for ideas on your next trip to Queenstown.

Friday Afternoon

Arriving into Queenstown will always lift your spirits.  Whether arriving by car or plane, the drive in meanders around the lake, allowing time to soak in your surroundings.  Your Queenstown accommodation at the Bella Vista Motel is centrally located in a quiet spot and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, many activities and of course the vibrant lakefront.

Once you’ve settled in, we’ve got a unique activity to start your weekend off with some fantastic fun!  Get to know your way around town with a Segway Tour.  Its super easy and a different sensation that will have you wheeling around like a pro in no time and leave you with a big smile.

After your exciting Segway tour, it’s time to head out onto the lake for a return trip on the historic one hundred year old TSS Earnslaw coal-fired steamship.  Visit the engine room or sit back and enjoy a glass of wine or beer for the 90-minute cruise enjoying the alpine scenery as the evening approaches. 

Friday Night

After disembarking from the TSS Earnslaw you’ll be famished and its time for dinner at a local favourite, Public Bar & Kitchen.  TSS Earnslaw docks right out the front so step right into the quirky interior.  Book your table before your cruise and your table will be waiting or have a pre-dinner drink at the bar.  Its good old-fashioned kiwi fare sourced locally and made for sharing. Mouth wateringly delicious! Once you're done take a leisurely 10 minute stroll back to your central Queenstown motel accommodation.

Saturday Morning

Rise early this morning for breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen, just a 5 minute walk from our ueenstown motel, set back on the hill and overlooking the bay.  With health and well-being in mind the food that is created is delicious, beautifully presented, fresh and unprocessed.  An ideal energy booster to start your day and coffee that is unrivalled.

This morning take yourselves off on a half day self-guided e-bike tour.  There are so many trails to choose from: take a water taxi across the lake to the Hilton at Kelvin Heights and cycle along the peninsula, get a transfer to Arrowtown or Gibbston Valley and taste some wines at some of the vineyards along the way.  You choose how far you want to go – you can always get picked up at the other end.  E-bikes make it marvellous fun and take all the effort out of those hills.

Saturday Afternoon

Back in town, if you haven’t managed to grab something on your ebike tour, grab a bite to eat at Fergbaker.  Picnic on the Green and then head up the Skyline Gondola for the spectacular vista and many photo opportunities. If you are still full of energy get your thrills on a few luge rides whilst you’re at the top.

From here its time for a little indulgence and reflection on your stay so far. The Onsen Hot Pools are located high on a cliffside in Arthur’s Point, once known for gold mining and just 10km from the centre of Queenstown.  They operate a courtesy shuttle from central Queenstown – just book this at the same time you book the pools.

The views are spectacular overlooking the Shotover River and surrounding mountains.  Soak up the scenery, it doesn’t matter what the weather is either, you can convert your pool room from inside to outside at the touch of a button.  And if evening is approaching its all the more magical. 

Saturday Evening Dinner & Beyond

For dinner tonight head to Bazaar Interactive Marketplace.  Enjoy outstanding views of Lake Wakatipu set against mountains and watch the chefs cook in front of you while your tastes come alive by the choice.  With seafood, cheese and charcuterie bars, Asian and grill stations, authentic Italian wood fired pizzas and to finish a dessert bar bursting with house-made creative desserts and pastries, it’s a food lovers paradise.

If you fancy hitting the town afterwards then you’ll be spoilt for choice in Queenstown.  Check out the Sunset Rooftop bar or Little Blackwood in Steamer Wharf for après dinner cocktails, dance the night away to some live music at one of the many bars like Ballarat or cosy up at Eichardts with a tipple of your choice.

Sunday Morning

After a leisurely wake up this morning you’ll need to check out of your motel accommodation.  This doesn’t mean it’s the end of your weekend.  If you have time up your sleeve, then try some of these suggestions:

• Take an exhilarating Jet Boat ride on the Shotover River.
• Indulge in a half day wine tour
• Play a round of golf or relax in a spa
• Walk up Queenstown Hill
• Take a scenic drive up the Remarkables Mountain
• Visit the many art galleries
• Dive underwater & leap into the air on a thrill ride in the Hydro Attack semi-submersible shark.

The great thing about Queenstown is that there are plenty of things to do in all seasons.  From having fun in the snow and going ice-skating in winter to exploring the multitude of biking and walking tracks and kayaking on the lake in the summer.

The Queenstown Bella Vista Motel would love to host you for your weekend visit and would be happy to help with any of your enquiries.