Queenstown is totally the place to go!

As my next book (after the one I’m currently labouring on) is set in Queenstown, NZ, and as I’ve never been there before, I decided it was time for a research trip and I have to tell you it was one of the very best things I’ve ever done.

I’m one of those naughty NZers who haven’t seen a huge amount of my own country. I’m not proud of that fact but I’m working to remedy it, and to include as many wonderful NZ destinations in my books as I possibly can.

A Friday afternoon arrival in Queenstown was perfect, and so was the weather. Blue sky, sunshine, warm temperatures a view of Mt Egmont (Mt Taranaki) on the flight down, and the most wonderful service from the Avis rental car staff at the airport, through to the hotel reception staff at the Copthorne, through to the restaurant (Prime Restaurant & Bar) for dinner that I’ve ever experienced anywhere in the world. Here’s a glimpse of the view behind me from the room at the hotel. I have to say, every morning and every evening I spent a fair amount of time on that balcony just totally awe inspired by the outlook. Truly, truly, beautiful.

Dinner on Friday night was, after much deliberation and checking of doorfront menus, at Prime. I do not normally hugely enjoy chicken breast because it often presents so very dry, but the chicken breast and vege rosti was delicious, especially with the Akarua Chardonnay. 

Saturday was drive around the countryside day. First, a trip to Arrowtown, which is filled with history. On the way there a glimpse of the Shotover River Jetboats (which engendered an instant booking for the next day) and on the way out, watching some intrepid jumpers take a leap off a bridge, secured by bungee. You couldn’t ever pay me enough money to do that–EVER! LOL. In Arrowtown, a couple of hours spent wandering the museum is time well spent. I can’t believe I didn’t take a single picture inside there. There was so much history about the place but one of the things that really struck me was how personal everything seemed. All the histories were about people whose names you came across everywhere you went, all over the general district. Totally fascinating stuff.

After Arrowtown came a journey through the Kawerau Gorge and a brief glimpse of the Goldfields museum and Jet. Then past several wineries (loved the sculpture at the entrance to one particular vineyard, whose name escapes me now, darnit!) until Cromwell. After Cromwell was a trip back to Queenstown and Kelvin Heights. I could very seriously see myself living there. The views, the tranquility…what else does a person need?

After this was a trip through to Glenorchy. Every corner on the road delivered yet another beautiful vista. I can well understand why this area was chosen for filming the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There’s a raw stark beauty about the area that stays with you long after you’ve passed through. This is one of my favourite photos. At the end of the road were a few businesses, including the Glenorchy hotel which was a beautiful spot to stop and soak up the atmosphere of the surroundings.

Sunday morning was pretty relaxed. A bit of a wander around the retail offerings (many) that line Queenstown central’s streets and watching the coal truck deliver its 6 tonne load to the TSS Earnslaw, at the wharf. But then after that, the excitement began. After a short wait, ever so patiently, at The Station for our bus driver to collect the group heading to the Shotover River, we did exactly that. On arrival it was time to don splash coats and life vests and meet the driver of the jet boat that gave me what was probably the most fun and exhilarating ride I’ve ever enjoyed in my life! I’m a bit of a wimp with most things but this was supreme! I swear we passed within centimetres of rocks and cliff faces, but there wasn’t a single moment, even during the amazing 360 degree turns (and despite the screaming Aussie to my left, ) where I felt frightened. I got off the boat wanting to let my inner child demand, “Again! Again!” After that, a small group of us were taken by bus half way up Coronet Peak where I experienced my first ever helicopter ride. Again, exhilarating and, again, something else I really want to repeat. So often my characters use helis as their preferred mode of transport. Now I really know why! The heli ride finished at the top of the Skyline Gondola complex where intrepid thrillseekers rode the luge (and the scary looking chairlift that takes them to the top of the luge.) The views from up there were spectacular and the ride down in the gondola (about 300m of near vertical drop, I believe) was a brilliant finish to a terrific afternoon. Well, almost a brilliant finish. A couple of glasses of wine on a sunbaked terrace at the Pig & Whistle, followed by a delicious Sunday roast meal, really polished the day off in perfect style.

Monday was, sadly, the day to return home to deadlines but in the morning there was time for a trip on the TSS Earnslaw. Learning about the vessel during a brief and informative tour given by one of the crew was delightful and by the time we pulled up outside Walter Peak Farm I knew that this was yet another trip I wanted to do again. The farm offers heritage tours, lunches, dinners, horse treks, sheep shearing displays and all sorts of entertainment. I think next time around a full day to explore is definitely in order.

It might have only been a three day trip but I felt as if it was much longer–but in a really good way. I’ve come home totally energised about starting the next book, although there’s the small matter of finishing the current one first. Best of all, I have a real sense of place and people for the area, which I know will translate into the story beautifully.

And, if you ever get the opportunity to visit Queenstown, please, do it! You won’t regret a minute of it, I’m sure.