There is no doubt about the fact that everybody loves Queenstown in New Zealand and why not! It’s not only a breathtaking place but also an adventure capital of the world; courtesy of its exciting activities offered to the visitors. You need at least 4 to 5 days to fully explore this city especially if you want to have a sightseeing tour and also enjoy adventurous activities. Skycap News special guest contributor Madi is back again sharing her travel experience in Queenstown, New Zealand. Hold on tight, literally! 😉
Queenstown
I stayed in Queenstown for 4 days and in this time period, I went to the Milford Sound, did Alpine Snow Landing, explored Arrowtown and tried the Shotover Jet ride, and also experienced the iconic Skyline Gondola. Your visit to Queenstown is incomplete without experiencing its famous gondola and luge ride up the hill. Before our arrival in Queenstown, my sister booked all the tours in advance except Skyline Gondola as we had to get its ticket from the counter. We took a bus from Mercure Resort Hotel to the city where we had light breakfast before walking to the Skyline Queenstown Ticketing Centre.
Skyline Queenstown
Ticket Centre was already crowded with tourists and after waiting for good 15 minutes, we bought the combo ticket which included Skyline Gondola, one luge ride, and a lunch buffet at Stratosfare Restaurant.
Once you enter the cable car, it takes you up to the hill amidst the spectacular surroundings of Lake and mountains. Upon arrival, there is a place where you can relax and enjoy nature. You can witness the surreal views of snow-capped mountains and Lake Wakatipu from the top.
Hold on Tight
For the luge rides, you have to take a short chairlift ride further up the hill. On the way, the camera fitted in the poles clicks automatically. You can buy the pictures later from the counter. Skyline Luge is the most thrilling ride that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
There are two main tracks; easy and adventurous. First, they set you on the easy track and if you come back again, you can experience the other one that is a bit challenging yet exciting. The luge carts let you drive through the scenic track consisting of tunnels, dippers, and banked corners all set on the top of mountains.
Remember, one ride won’t be enough. If you enjoy the luge ride once, you’ll do it again and again. That’s what we did. The Luge staff instructed us to wear a helmet and gave us guidance on using the cart. Once you start following the track, you notice the spectacular scenery on one side which can be scary for once but exciting at the same time. Make sure to keep full control over the Luge cart as it can stop on the track. After finishing one luge ride, we took chairlift back to Stratosfare Restaurant for lunch.
Skyline Dining in Queenstown
The dining experience at Stratosfare Restaurant is like no other in the world. Imagine yourself having scrumptious food at the top of the Gondola while enjoying the panoramic view from the window. There were many delicious food items and desserts to choose from.
It was late afternoon when we finished lunch and decided to enjoy more luge rides. Our combo package had only one luge ride offer so we had to buy a separate ticket for luge again.
Queenstown Skyline Recap
One after another, we had four rounds of luge rides. This was the best adventure of my life. During a luge ride, there are cameras fitted at some points to take your pictures. We bought some of the best shots later after completing the rides. It was evening when we returned back to town through the cable car. After strolling around the town for some time and having dinner, we made our way back to the hotel on a local bus.
It was the most exciting and memorable day of my life which I’ll always cherish. If you want to witness picturesque landscapes and also enjoy thrilling experiences, you should visit Queenstown which is a blend of both. Whether you want to have a sightseeing tour or you’d like to try your hand at bungee jumping or jet boating, Queenstown has it all. Make sure you visit your favorite travel tips site and do your homework before you arrive so that you can enjoy the most of it. Hold on Tight and Safe Travels!
