A small part of lake Wakatipu in Queenstown
Tháng 2 vừa rồi, mình có dịp đến Queenstown, một thị trấn xinh đẹp ở đảo Nam của New Zealand. Phần đảo Nam của New Zealand nói chung và Queenstown nói riêng nổi tiếng với quang cảnh thiên nhiên hùng vĩ. Mình rất tiếc vì khả năng chụp hình hạn chế, nhất là ảnh phong cảnh nên những cảnh đẹp tự nhiên thì chụp lên thật không bằng một phần ở ngoài. Đành để con mắt hưởng thụ và ghi nhớ hình ảnh rồi nhất định sẽ cố gắng chụp cảnh tốt hơn để chia sẻ với mọi người. Ngoài cảnh đẹp tự nhiên, Queenstown còn là trung tâm của những trò chơi mao hiểm ở New Zealand. Đến Queenstown có thể thử cảm giác mạnh khi nhảy bungy từ trên độ cao 134m xuống phía sông Nevis hay nhảy dù để trải nghiệm cảm giác rơi tự do trong 1 phút ở tốc độ 220km/h. Lần này mình chỉ đi được ít ngày nên chưa trải nghiệm được nhiều thứ ở Queenstown. Nhưng dù sao cũng ghi lại một số điều mình học hỏi và ghi nhớ được trong chuyến đi này. Hy vọng sẽ sớm có dịp quay lại đây.
Mention Queenstown, and 9 out of 10 people we know would use the best words they can come up with to describe this resort town. It is no doubt one of the most famous holiday destinations in New Zealand. Situated in the South Island of the country, Queenstown is renowed worldwide for its breathtaking scenery and a wide range of adventure activities. Even though we have heard of Queenstown even before we came to New Zealand and have always wished to visit, we only managed to go there last February before our trip to Australia. Most of the time, I feel guilty for not being able to capture the beautiful nature around me.
This is just a recap of our trip to Queenstown and some tips we learn and save along the way. And because Queenstown can be a very expensive place to visit if you come unprepared so I will note here our experiences and a list of places to eat in Queenstown without break the bank. :D
Scenery on our way to Milford Sound
Getting there: You can find regular flights from major cities in New Zealand to Queenstown by Air New Zealand. For a cheaper option, go to www.jetstar.com/nz and check the schedule. If you can book early and catch some good promotion then the price for a return trip can be reduced by half.
Transportation: We hired a car for our time in Queenstown online and find it to be the best option to travel around. The car rental company will provide free two ways airport transfer service and you will pick up and drop off the car at their Queenstown branch. The process is quick and very convenient. We hired our car through a company called A2B Car Rentals and are pleased with their service. Depends on the vehicle type and capacity, the price can range from $40 per day to above $100 per day.
A part of the small and peaceful town
Accommodation: Depend on your budget, Queenstown offers accommodation options from Backpacker, Hostel, Serviced Apartment to Hotel, Resort or Luxury Lodges/Holiday Home. The price for accommodation in Queenstown is quite high compared to other holiday destination in New Zealand. But you can save up by booking early and go to Queenstown at the off-peak season (March, April, May and November).
Grocery: I spotted two supermarkets right at the center of Queenstown. They are Fresh Choice and Alpine Food Centre. You can find almost anything you need for a short holiday there, from fresh produce (fruit, vegetable) to general goods. If you stay for a long time and would like to find a large, full service supermarket then go to Wakatipu New World. It is the largest supermarket in Queenstown, locates near Queenstown airport and about 10 km from the town central. Also, convenience stores are everywhere for you to grab a cold drink and some basic necessities. We even found an Asian store (Asian Mart) to buy some snacks and drinks.
Saturday Market in Queenstown Center
Things to do: Well, a trip to Queenstown would not feel right without a visit to Milford Sound in the northern most end of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. It is New Zealand's hidden secret beauty and also, their pride. We book a tour from Great Sights New Zealand to visit Milford Sound which include two way coach transfer and a 1 3/4 hour Scenic Cruise. It took the whole day to go there and be back, the coach also makes several short stops at some beautiful places along the way like the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm. I am quite happy with Great Sights service. Our driver/tour guide for the day is a funny, friendly and knowledgeable man which makes the trip an enjoyable experience. Depend on your budget, you can also book a Scenic Flight back to Queenstown which many people have raved about.
If you love adventure and in need for some adrenaline rush then Queenstown is the right place for you. Imagine bungy jumping from 440 feet (134 meters) high or travelling down creeks, challenge rafting or thunder jet... you name it, Queenstown has it for you. The things I want to do most for our next trip to Queenstown is paraflight and skydiving. I still can not imagine how the 60 seconds free-fall at 220km/hour would feel like. So I think I will try to experience that feeling at least once in my life. :D
There are many more things to do in Queenstown from a wine experience, cultural tour, fishing... to skiing in winter (from June to September). So for more information about all types of activities in Queenstown, please visit their website. And remember to check out for online coupon on special deals in Queenstown before you book. Otherwises, you can also get some small coupons from free travel guide booklets at Queenstown airport or from other information centers.
Some handmade jewelries to take home
Fancy a tour on this?
Beautiful Queenstown, we will be back. ♥
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