Sarah WallockSpend the day in Queenstown! Luckily, there is no shortage of both free and commercial activities to choose from. After living here for six months, I’ve tried to perfect the delicate balance of enjoying the free activities the region has to offer and treating myself to more pricey options without breaking the bank. Above all, having so many adrenaline-fueled activities nearby is very tempting! *I wrote this piece last year, shortly after moving to town and before I took for granted how incredibly unique this place is.
Park Run in the Gardens
Right upon waking up, head down to the Queenstown Gardens for a morning 5k run. If it’s Saturday, the Queenstown Park Run operates. Park Run is a group that provide free international running events. There’s always a good turn out. Otherwise, just head out on your own! It is so sweet waking up with the sun and running along the lake. Starting your day with a run not only will get you energized for the day ahead, but you’ll bump into loads of locals on the trails.
View of Queenstown from the gardens
Get Competitive with Frisbee Golf
The frisbee golf course overlooks the lake on both sides in the Queenstown Gardens. It curves around a peninsula with a view of Queenstown to the right and Kelvin Heights to the left. Looping around the gardens and playing frisbee golf is an epic way to spend a sunny day. Frisbee Golf is a popular and free sport.
Hop on Shotover Jet
In the afternoon, head to Shotover Jet. Man oh man, I am a massive fan of jet boats. Many different jet boat companies operate in shallow rivers throughout New Zealand. These rides are pure adrenaline. It was easily one of my favorite activities I’ve done in New Zealand. If you go when the sun is beating down, it’s the perfect way to cool off. The freezing alpine river water from the Shotover splashes about and you’ll fling around in 360-degree turns. The ride is pretty mild and doable for people of all ages. Prepare to get soaked!
Shotover Jet operates in slot canyons on the Shotover River. Image credit to Shotover Jet
View from Arthur’s Point, looking over the Shotover River
Snuggle Up with Takeout or a Picnic
We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to good food in Queenstown. Grab pho or mouth-watering Vietnamese chicken curry from Saigon, or fresh and delicious pizza from Frankton Pizzeria, or maybe even a juicy burger from the ever so popular, and rightfully so, Fergburger. Take it to the lake and enjoy the sunshine. Or if you’re drained from all the vitamin D from the day, shoot back inside to rest up for an eventful night.
Comedy Night or Drag Show at Yonder
Yonder has loads of events on each week. I particularly enjoy the comedy nights, not because the comedians are funny, but because it’s such a great environment. It’s a great way to end the day by listening to the stories and musings of the comedians. More recently, Yonder has started doing drag shows and these are totally worth going to. Yonder has a warm, comfortable environment, and great drinks!
For the comedy and story nights at Yonder, they re-arrange their space and fill it with chairs facing the stage. Image credit: Yonder.
All in all, Queenstown has so much to do! If you’re as restless as I am, Queenstown will definitely tire you out as there are endless activities. There are constantly events, activities at discounted prices, and monthly festivals. If you’re weighing up how to best enjoy a sunny day in Queenstown, I would definitely recommend adding jet-boating and playing frisbee golf to your list- a cheeky swim in Lake Wakatipu and a trail-run also pair nicely! Lastly, concluding the night with takeout and an event at Yonder is the way to go.
