The Skyline is also a good launching spot for some the beautiful tramping and hiking trails that the Queenstown and Wakatipu areas are well known for. When you exit the Gondola you can head for the Lookout and then on to the Saddle. There are magnificent views of the lake and mountains (3-4 hours return). When you reach the Saddle you can continue on to the peak of Ben Lomond (6- 8 hours return), but the last pitch to the top of Ben Lomond is very steep. The demanding climb offers spectacular panoramic views and on clear days Mounts Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Aspiring/Tititea can be seen from the summit (1748 metres). Another close-by hiking trail is up Queenstown Hill which is about a 3 hour round trip. The 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness) is well rewarded by the views. These are some of the tramps that we have tried and there are many more, which offer some of the most peaceful and beautiful nature experiences that you could think of.

These are just a few of the attractions – and I haven’t even started on the fabulous choices for shopping, restaurants and cafes.

Enjoy Queenstown – we always do!

First of all there is the spectacular scenery with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Range across to Walter and Cecil Peaks. From the lounge and deck you overlook Earnslaw Park which is the scene of many a celebration including the Winter festival, legendary New Years fireworks display, and the Saturday arts and crafts market all year round. (link to our video here).

Behind Earnslaw Park, and in full view from the apartment, lies Queenstown Bay on beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Just a stone’s throw from the apartment, the Lady of the Lake, the stately steamer Earnslaw, departs regularly from Steamer Wharf for excursions to Walter Peak station. Kawarau and Shotover Jets also depart from Queenstown Bay for thrilling jetboat rides across the lake to the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. If you feel like sailing on the lake, try out NZL14, the Americas Cup Yacht which was part of the 1992 Russell Coutts skippered New Zealand Challenge for the America’s Cup. A thrilling sailing experience. Towed behind a boat you can also parapont on Lake Wakatipu if you want to combine your gliding and water experience. Launches regularly depart for cruises and fishing on the Lake.

5 minutes walking distance from the apartment opens up all the attractions that Queenstown has to offer and the list goes on. Nomad Safaris is at your back door in Shotover Street. They take you on personalised 4WD or Quad adventure tours to the NZ backcountry including the spectacular filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and historical adventure trips to the old abandoned gold mining towns. Interested in skiing or biking – continue along Shotover Street to hire gear and for transport to the skifields by bus or shuttle.

 When you arrive we recommend a stroll down to Lolas Restaurant, Cafe and Bar – a family owned and operated business located at Old Burleigh Road opposite the Broadbeach Bowls Club. Turn left on Old Burleigh Road as you come out of the Breakers complex and it is a short refreshing walk with the reward of fabulous food.

Lola’s has an extensive breakfast menu to cater for a wide range of different tastes. From the traditional egg based breakfast to their delicious fresh juice soaked bircher muesli served with honey yoghurt and grated apple – highly recommended – to something different like breaky pizza, rosti stacks and vanilla pancakes – you will find a menu choice that suits you.

The service is warm and welcoming and it is also a great place to drop in for coffee, lunch or dinner.

Lolas is open from 6:30am every day of the week.