Overview
Tramping the Routeburn track or hike up Ben Lomond summit, walk along the lake front or swim in Lake Wakatipu, bungee jumping or jet boating on Kawarau river, skydiving or mountain biking, chilling at ‘the beach’ or fine dining in the town’s best restaurant. Everything from free to costly activities are here in Queenstown, home to adrenaline junkies. Thus become a must place to visit by every tourist in New Zealand, be it those with adventurous spirits or for family holiday.
The touriststown
Do you know that Queenstown is actually run by travelers around the globe (though most of them are now NZ residents). There is 97% chances that the waitress serving your Fergburger is not originally Kiwis. If you meet with locals, I would say you are lucky enough. I know I did. Since the town growth rate keep increasing, so do living cost. Renting a room here will cost you average of NZD220 per week for a double room, which is almost double the rental in other city such as Christchurch. Same goes to a bed in a hostel, which cost around NZD 35 per night compared to around NZD 30 per night in Christchurch.
The best part
The best part of Queenstown is of course the activities (which the lists never end) that make the town alive. But if you are allowed to stay and work in New Zealand, the best part of choosing Queenstown as your base are actually subsidized or free paid activities. Does it sounds complicated? Here’s the deal. If you want to try expensive activities such as skydive or bungee jump for free, find yourself a hospitality job as a front liner like receptionist. Those operators usually offer free experience on their activities for you to tell the stories to your customers.Same goes if you are actually working with the operators themselves. But if you can’t land that kind of job, make you have someone who actually works with the operators in you small circle. At least you can get a buddy price.
Few tips
- If you plan to stay in Queenstown for a while, get yourself an annual pass for Queenstown Gondola and TSS earnslaw cruise. Better yet, ask any operators if they have annual pass for any activities if you plan to experience them multiple time.
- If you want to try fine dining at any fancy restaurant, book it through https://www.firsttable.co.nz/queenstown-lakes/. This will entitle you and your partners a 50% off on food with only NZD10 premium.
- Cookie times bar offers an happy hour from 8-9 am everyday for NZD1 each cup of hot coffee of your choice. Plus, brewed by hot beautiful ladies. What else do you want?
- Fergburger is a must try.
