As the temperature rises in Singapore, we are dying for a cold-weather holiday – and somewhere with great ski slopes, beautiful scenery and delicious winter grub sounds ideal. Presenting Queenstown, New Zealand
Winter may be over in the Northern Hemisphere, but if you are looking to hit the snow slopes, fret not; the Southern Hemisphere is just opening up for business. One of our favourite skiing destinations from Singapore is New Zealand, and we love the Coronet Peak and the Remarkables, 25 and 40 minutes respectively from Queenstown, the adventure capital. The city’s ski season runs from mid-June to early October (the best time to be there is in August), so you can ski even in their late winter months. With Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand flying to the Land of the Long White Cloud daily, jetting off to the snow is a cinch.
Just so we’re not missing out on anything noteworthy, we tasked our friends at Lightfoot Travel to come up with the ultimate ski holiday guide to Queenstown in Middle-Earth. Their tips never disappoint!
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Where to stay
If we were to choose a home away from home in Queenstown, we would set up at Matakauri Lodge in a heartbeat. The views, the service and its location, a mere 10 minutes from Queenstown are perfection.
On the shore of Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s is an elegant downtown retreat with just five hotel suites and four apartment suites, making it very intimate and cosy. It’s also conveniently located. We particularly love the mix of antiques and modern, design furniture.
Set close to the vibrant shopping district, cafes and nightlife, The Spire is a great option for those looking for a romantic and soulful experience in a boutique hotel with just 10 stylish and spacious rooms.
If you’re travelling with a big group, The Rees is ideal as it boasts numerous spacious hotels rooms as well as luxury apartments with fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities and, of course, stunning views over Lake Wakatipu.
Set across 500 acres, Millbrook features a variety of lovely accommodations, ranging from studios to four-bedroom fully equipped cottages. All are spacious and each offer fantastic views. If you need a break from skiing, Millbrook is also home to a superb golf course!
Where to eat
Why change a good thing? The Cow’s menu has been the same since it opened its doors in 1976, and guests constantly come back for more. What’s on the menu: Delicious hand-rolled pizzas, spaghetti, homemade bread… All are winning combinations.
With the Remarkables Mountains as a backdrop and a stunning view of Lake Hayes, Amisfield Winery Bistro offers a daily changing a la carte menu. But when we’re there, we opt for the ‘Trust the Chef’ signature menu: Shared dining experience with select dishes by the chef based on fresh produce. It houses its own winery, and their nectars are divine!
For casual eats, burgers are always our go-to, and there is nowhere quite like Ferg Burger for a juicy meat-fill.
With its five fireplaces, Botswana Butchery is perfect for warming yourself up. The fireplaces aren’t the highlight though; the food, service and fit-out of the restaurant are what makes it increasingly popular and successful. Fine cut meats in a stylish setting and superb service – what more could you need?
Craving premium steak? Head straight Jervois Steak House, “the steakhouse to end all arguments” as they describe themselves. They are, hands-down, one of the best steak houses we have been to in a long while.
Where to not ski
While you’re there to ski to your heart’s content, it’ll be a shame to miss out on the many other non-skiing activities that Queenstown has to offer.
Step back in time at the Historic Arrowtown, a charming and quirky town famed for its gold rush in yonder years. Soak up the lively heritage and picturesque setting as you shop and dine in the charming spot.
For some adrenaline-pumping fun, nothing beats the thrill of a Dart River Jet Safari. Delve deep into the heart of the renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, which mixes breath-taking scenery and exciting jet boating, for a memorable experience.
With the highest helicopter per capita ratio in the world, making for the skies and admiring the fantastic landscape is easy in Queenstown and an absolute-must. Spoil yourself with the views over Milford Sound and opt for a glacier landing. Exciting!
New Zealand is getting more and more praise for its superb wines, so don’t miss out on a wine tour. Head over to Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell regions, some of the area’s finest vineyards.
Ok, this is technically a ski-related activity, but heli-skiing is a must-do. Not only do you get to take in beautiful sights, but you get to ski on pristine snow, away from the crowds. The mountain is yours!
Where to dine on the slopes
Take a break at Heidi’s Hut at Rocky Gully on Coronet Peak for some gourmet pizzas, pasta, great coffe and a myriad of other Italian delicacies. Our fave item on the menu is the mulled wine, ideal for warming ourselves up.
Dine outdoors and feel on top of the world at Captain’s Pizzeria. It’s perfect for those in a rush to get back on the slopes and want to quickly eat and fuel up.
This article was brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.