QUEENSTOWN
(Fly-Cruise-Fly)
If you want to see Milford Sound while your visiting Queenstown then this is a marvelous way of doing it. This one day tour maxamizes time and gives you the benefit of seeing the sights from the air and by boat.
What an amazing way to see the fjords of Milford.
Its called Milford Sound but that’s right it is actually a fjord because the sea flooded a glacial valley. A sound is created from a river valley.
The team at Air Milford is top notch. They are so professional and safety is their highest priority but customer service is a very close second. After a quick check in the crew gave us a safety briefing and an overview of what to expect from the day. We then went through the hanger to load up into the plane and prepare for take off. The plane was extremely clean. It held the 2 pilots and up to 13 passengers. After take-off we had a flight of approximately 40 min over the southern alps and seeing Milford Sound from the air. After landing you take a short walk to the visitor center which is also where all the cruise boats are docked. Air Milford is partnered with Milford Nature Cruise and Cruise Milford. Our tour was done by Cruise Milford and just like Air Milford they have very high standards. The boat is a smaller vessel as it only holds 75 passengers. The inside of the boat has enough seating with tables so you can enjoy a beverage or eat a snack in comfort. The front and back has outside space to take in the views and get up close to the wildlife and waterfalls. There is also an upper deck which has out door seating. You will not be disappointed with this cruise. The employee’s of Cruise Milford were very informative and took pride in showing off what they consider to be the most beautiful place in the world.
As the cruise concludes you head back to the plane for a slightly different route back to Queenstown. The tour length ends up being approximately 4 hours long.
Please visit them at:
https://www.airmilford.co.nz
Is it the highest Bungy?
NO!
Is it beautiful? Is it iconic? Is it Exhilarating? Is it Worth it?
YES!!!
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge is home of the first bunny jump. The iconic bridge is also known for dipping your head into the water during the jump. If jumping off a bridge attached to a overdeveloped rubber band is not your cup of tea, they have also added a zip line. After my jump my 9 year old and I tried it out.
My first time to New Zealand I missed out on this adventure because it was early spring and it decided to rain on the day I had planned my jump. So needs to say I wasn’t going to miss my opportunity this time. I arrived and Covid locked us down. Stuck in New Zealand for Covid; Not the worst place to be! That said, at the end of lock down we were entering late fall so the first special they ran when they opened back up I bought my ticket.
Make a reservation before you go and you will have your time slot. Mid-morning is nice because of the location of the sun. I couldn’t go until 1:00 so the sun was going behind one of the mountains by time I jumped. I arrived on time signed in and they took my weight. Once checked in you wait with your group and they take you out to the bridge and you get harnessed. As you climb into the prep area they clip you onto the bridge, at this point you are in double safety zone. One employee will get you ready and you will notice that they are communicating with each other to double check each step of the preparations. Now its time to move out to the edge. After a few verbal cues from your coach it is time to do a few pics and wave to the family. 5, 4, 3, 3, 1, Jump!!! From here it is a perfect adrenaline rush that you won’t forget.
Your in great hands with AJ Hackett. They have the highest of standards and I can’t wait for my next adrenaline rush adventure at one of their other locations.
Please visit them at:
Olsen Spa is a relaxing getaway in Arthurs Point, just outside of Queenstown. I orgingally made a reservation for my wife’s birthday but as our plans changed we had to call and reschedule. They were very accommodating and after two alterations to our date we finally made it on our 11th wedding anniversary. Onsen is very secluded and private and they hold themselves to a very high standard.
We purchased The Ultimate Relaxation Experience. After walking down the steps to the entrance we were greeted and placed in the care of spa employee who set up our experience requests. Each person gets to pick a drink and snack to enhance the hot tub soak. I decided on a beer and chocolate ice cream. They are both locally sourced. My wife decided on some bubbles and a boysenberry ice cream. I could do a whole post just about the ice cream which is from Wanaka, NZ.
After the spa medical form we were escorted to our private hot tub. Not all rooms are the same but ours was very private. The bottom of the glass door was not frost so they could look in if they needed to but they never did. As you entered you could not help but to get a bit excited about the relaxation the warm water was going to create. After a few brief instructions we were alone for our 45 minute experience. Swimsuits which are called Toggs in New Zealand are required so we quickly changed and rinsed off in the private shower as to help with keeping the tub and water clean. The temperature was perfect but if it gets to hot they have a cold water source so you can always add some. There was also a glass door that could be lowered in case of bad weather but luckily we had a nice sunny day to enjoy as we relaxed and enjoyed our beverages and snacks.
Ten minutes before our time was up there was a gentle knock at the door and a verbal reminder through the glass. We slowly started to get changed into the robe and slippers they provided to be moved to the spa area for our messages. They even had a basket for all your belongings to help keep everything together and safe while you moved through the facility.
The message hit the spot. We both had terrific therapists. They listen to our requests in regards to pressure and performed a very soothing yet therapeutic message.
After the spa treatment we enjoyed some tea, small sweet treat, and water. This was very nice touch as we did not feel that we needed to leave in a hurry.
Book when you buy your plane tickets as they fill up fast.
Please visit them at:
Animal conservation is what this park is all about!
I have been to the Kiwi Birdlife Park two times. Once in 2015 and again in 2020. They have made a huge impact in the lives of animals and enhanced the Queenstown community.
The park has just built a brand new kiwi exhibit building which makes a total of 3 viewing areas. On top of getting to know about kiwi’s and the conservation efforts of the species you also get to see and learn about all the other animals that inhabit New Zealand. Check out the Tuatara which can only be found in New Zealand and now has about +45,000 in the wild thanks to the countries conservation efforts. It was amazing to learn about some of the local birds like the Keru, one of 2 pigeon species to live in New Zealand and the fantail. Both of these birds my kids have been able to spot in nature after learning about them at the Kiwi Birdlife Park.
Another conservation effort is the destruction of the local plantation due to the introduction of pine trees. The park is currently removing pines each year and planting new vegetation that will help make local wildlife thrive.
On this last visit we booked private tour because we are homeschooling. It offered one on one time with a knowledgable employee to give a more in-depth tour and it allowed our children to develop and ask many wonderful questions. If planning a visit in advance give it a go. The extra cost ultimately goes back to their conservation efforts so its a win – win.
Don’t miss the conservation show every day at 3:00. If you can’t fit it into your visit they will let you come back during the next few days to catch it. Just hang onto the receipt for reentry.
Please visit them at:
This would not be a normal tourist activity for me but it turned out to be a great experience. I would highly recommend giving it a go. My youngest son asked to fly and we put it off a few weeks but eventually we decided to inquire.
My wife contacted I Fly and asked them if they had a homeschool program that we could do since they had an existing program for the local schools. They were happy to bring us in and we were happy that we were getting more for our money than two flights that only last 1 minute each.
So…
Just like most adventurous activities we were greeted with a smile and a waiver to fill out. After we all got checked in we were introduced to our instructor who gave us a quick tour before we went into a classroom. They had a very standard educational powerpoint but the teacher really tried to tailor the lesson to the age of our kids and had them give lots of input into the discussion. They talked about what STEM is and how skydiving and IFly uses the different sciences. The main objectives of the lesson was to have an increased knowledge about maximum velocity and how wind tunnels work and how they are used. Our kids now have a better understanding of gravity and drag and how mass is involved in getting to maximum velocity. They also were presented with how different parachutes were designed and how the different designs changes their functionality.
The lesson eventually shifted to a lab setting… Meaning we went out and got into our safety gear and into the wind tunnel. First they had different size balls with different masses. They were able to get into the wind tunnel and play with different levels of wind speeds and how the balls reacted. Finally came the actual flying. We each got two flights and my oldest son was even given extra time on each flight. He of course left thinking this was the coolest thing he had ever done. The younger one, the one who requested this activity decided after playing with the balls that he did not want to fly so they said to come back if he changed his mind and they would honor the flights.
At the end the instructor even talked with me personally so that I could understand how to improve incase I decided to develop the skills further. Then she sent me all the pics and videos.
I was really impressed with how they developed the activity and made it .
Please visit them at:
Jet boat tours are super popular around Queenstown. The first jet boat was designed and constructed in 1954 by Sir William Hamilton. He was born on the South Island and although he designed and manufactured many things in his lifetime his dream was to have a boat that could navigate the shallow waters of New Zealand rivers.
I’ve had done 2 different tours so far and will be trying out another tour company the next chance I get. No matter which one you choose you will have a thrilling ride.
1. KJet – This ride leaves from Queenstown. It is by far the easiest location to enjoy a jet boat ride from. We met our friends in Queenstown gardens about an hour before our departure so our kids could play in the best playground around and right next to the playground is a restaurant with outdoor seating so we could have a drink. After a cocktail we headed over to the dock to check in and sign waivers. Customer service was spot on and they then fit us in our lifejackets. We then met our driver and was loaded on board. Taking off in Lake Wakatipu we quickly did some spin maneuvers and the staff snapped several photos then we sped off leaving the lake behind and entering Kawaru River. One of my favorite parts was going under the Kawaru Falls Bridge because as you are shooting under the bridge you are also bouncing down the rough water of the falls. The ride which is 60 minutes long is not even half over yet! Next you go up the scenic Shotover River which is breathtakingly pretty and the adrenaline rush won’t stop as you do 360 degree spins whenever the driver has the opportunity. My Kjet experience was in 2020.
2.Skippers Canyon Jet – Skippers Canyon is more remote and is more of a tour as you meet and take a bus ride out to the canyon. After boarding the bus in the heart of Queenstown you will drive into the canyon via Skippers Canyon Road which might be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It was carved out of the rock by gold minors over 120 years ago. The vertical drop down to the river was huge. The road is dirt and there are not any guardrails. Passing busses have to time themselves for a save spot in the road. It is also very beautiful countryside and was used by the Lord of the Ring Trilogy for filming the scene were Arwen calls the flood to wash away the Ring Wraiths. Once to the base of the river you get your lifejacket on and board the jet boat. A high speed, action packed ride is about to take off. Full of 360 degree spins and high speeds narrowly missing the canyon walls will definitely not disappoint. The river also has gold and you might even get the chance to find some. My Skippers Canyon experience was in 2015
Please visit them at:
Please visit them at:
Please visit them at:
My kids favorite stop after dinner!
Cookie Time is full of energy, colorful, loud, and always has a line (but that’s a good thing).
My favorite part is they have a mini cookie ice cream sandwich for $4.00. It’s the perfect size for me to enjoy but not over indulge. The kids like all things big: the giant cookie ice cream sandwich or one of their milkshakes.
Personally I’m not a fan of their milk shakes they are to milky for me I like mine thick but with all the cookie toppings they are still tip top.
Pick up a bag of their cookies to go. They are individually wrapped and perfect for on the go travel.
The customer service is extremely high overall as well. They always seems to be working in chaos but everytime they take care of my kids wishes. Last time they put the wrong type of cookie on the top layer of my sons ice cream sandwich. They fixed it and gave me the cookie that was wrong. The next day it made a fantastic cheat snack.
Please visit them at:
18 Camp Street, Queenstown, NZ
Best restaurant in Queenstown!
Do the trust the chef and sit back and enjoy. You are guaranteed to have a fantastic meal with great service. They take so much pride in giving their customers a great dining experience.
Please visit them at:
Please visit them at:
Please visit them at:
Please visit them at:
Please visit them at:
Please visit them at:
