Remarkable
11 Oct 2017 Napier Courier, Napier Hawkes Bay Author: Mike Yardley • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Audience : 24,866 • Page: 18 • Printed Size: 508.00cm² • Market: NZ Country: New Zealand • ASR: NZD 1,166 • Words: 512 • Item ID: 857522100 PMCA licensed copy. You may not further copy, reproduce, record, retransmit, sell, publish, distribute, share or store this information without the prior written consent of the Print Media Copyright Agency. Phone +64-4-4984487 or email [email protected] for further information.
Remarkable
QUEENSTOWN
W
ITH spring in bloom across our adventure capital, the razored ridgeline of the Remarkables was still flecked in snow on my recent swing through Queenstown, accentuating the resort town’s good looks. The gracious old lady of the lake, TSS Earnslaw, was faithfully plying Wakatipu’s waters, but eager for a fresh scoop of floating pleasure, I boarded Southern Discoveries’ gleaming catamaran. They operate daily excursions to Mt Nicholas Station, one of New Zealand’s most historic, family run merino sheep stations. Spanning 40,468 hectares (100,000) acres of golden high country terrain, the 45 minute scenic cruise down Lake Wakatipu affords glorious vistas of Mt Earnslaw, Cecil Peak, and the tucked away valley beneath Mt Creighton, where the Hollywood set have reportedly purchased homes, including Arnie Schwarzenegger and John Travolta. Arriving at Mt Nicholas Station, you have a variety of add-on sightseeing options including a 4WD Safari, a two-hour High
Country Walk or the Woolshed Experience. I opted for the latter, which was a wonderfully hands-on exposition of merino wool’s journey from fresh fleece to top-end clothing. As a premium wine-growing region, swooned over for its pinot noir, a swirl of wine trail tours can whisk you across the vineyards of the Gibbston Valley and beyond. If you’re short on time, visit The Winery, a one-stop-tasting shop in the heart of Queenstown where you can taste over 80 wines, including several dozen delicious pinot noirs, at the press of a button. Complement your wine sampling by grazing from a flavourful platter of local cheese, salami and olives. Speaking of food, you’ve surely heard about the insatiably cultish following that consumes the footpath of Shotover St, outside Fergburger, which is open 21 hours a day. Phone ahead and track your order on the website. These decadently delicious gourmet creations are sinfully good. My pick? The Bun Laden.
Page 1 of 2
11 Oct 2017 Napier Courier, Napier Hawkes Bay Author: Mike Yardley • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Audience : 24,866 • Page: 18 • Printed Size: 508.00cm² • Market: NZ Country: New Zealand • ASR: NZD 1,166 • Words: 512 • Item ID: 857522100 PMCA licensed copy. You may not further copy, reproduce, record, retransmit, sell, publish, distribute, share or store this information without the prior written consent of the Print Media Copyright Agency. Phone +64-4-4984487 or email [email protected] for further information.
Page 2 of 2
Another great noshing spot is Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan, just up the road by Lake Hayes. Open for breakfast and lunch, the tasty and seasonal food is thoughtfully matched with the purity of Akarua wines. On Steamer Wharf, graze heartily from the share plates at Public Kitchen & Bar, a convivial celebration of local produce overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the gazillion dollar views. Another recommended fuss-free experience is the Ballarat Trading Company. This is FROM TOP: Queenstown with The Remarkables beyond; the Spirit of Queenstown; Queenstown’s only gastropub. outside Fergburger on Shotover St.
TOP TIP I booked my pooch-friendly Queenstown accommodation through Booking.com who have an excellent filter, highlighting lodging options for pets in the destination of your choice. It’s such a great timesaver, eliminating the fuss of having to check with the property whether dogs are welcome. By the way, there are actually 14 listed pet-friendly options in Queenstown. With nearly 6000 New Zealand accommodation options listed, Booking.com properties include a diverse array of options from hotels and apartments to holiday homes and campsites. Whether you’re on the website or via the app, Booking.com is super easy to use with incredible deals and total flexibility, whether you need to amend or cancel your bookings. www.booking.com.
Remarkable
QUEENSTOWN
W
ITH spring in bloom across our adventure capital, the razored ridgeline of the Remarkables was still flecked in snow on my recent swing through Queenstown, accentuating the resort town’s good looks. The gracious old lady of the lake, TSS Earnslaw, was faithfully plying Wakatipu’s waters, but eager for a fresh scoop of floating pleasure, I boarded Southern Discoveries’ gleaming catamaran. They operate daily excursions to Mt Nicholas Station, one of New Zealand’s most historic, family run merino sheep stations. Spanning 40,468 hectares (100,000) acres of golden high country terrain, the 45 minute scenic cruise down Lake Wakatipu affords glorious vistas of Mt Earnslaw, Cecil Peak, and the tucked away valley beneath Mt Creighton, where the Hollywood set have reportedly purchased homes, including Arnie Schwarzenegger and John Travolta. Arriving at Mt Nicholas Station, you have a variety of add-on sightseeing options including a 4WD Safari, a two-hour High
Country Walk or the Woolshed Experience. I opted for the latter, which was a wonderfully hands-on exposition of merino wool’s journey from fresh fleece to top-end clothing. As a premium wine-growing region, swooned over for its pinot noir, a swirl of wine trail tours can whisk you across the vineyards of the Gibbston Valley and beyond. If you’re short on time, visit The Winery, a one-stop-tasting shop in the heart of Queenstown where you can taste over 80 wines, including several dozen delicious pinot noirs, at the press of a button. Complement your wine sampling by grazing from a flavourful platter of local cheese, salami and olives. Speaking of food, you’ve surely heard about the insatiably cultish following that consumes the footpath of Shotover St, outside Fergburger, which is open 21 hours a day. Phone ahead and track your order on the website. These decadently delicious gourmet creations are sinfully good. My pick? The Bun Laden.
Page 1 of 2
11 Oct 2017 Napier Courier, Napier Hawkes Bay Author: Mike Yardley • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Audience : 24,866 • Page: 18 • Printed Size: 508.00cm² • Market: NZ Country: New Zealand • ASR: NZD 1,166 • Words: 512 • Item ID: 857522100 PMCA licensed copy. You may not further copy, reproduce, record, retransmit, sell, publish, distribute, share or store this information without the prior written consent of the Print Media Copyright Agency. Phone +64-4-4984487 or email [email protected] for further information.
Page 2 of 2
Another great noshing spot is Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan, just up the road by Lake Hayes. Open for breakfast and lunch, the tasty and seasonal food is thoughtfully matched with the purity of Akarua wines. On Steamer Wharf, graze heartily from the share plates at Public Kitchen & Bar, a convivial celebration of local produce overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the gazillion dollar views. Another recommended fuss-free experience is the Ballarat Trading Company. This is FROM TOP: Queenstown with The Remarkables beyond; the Spirit of Queenstown; Queenstown’s only gastropub. outside Fergburger on Shotover St.
TOP TIP I booked my pooch-friendly Queenstown accommodation through Booking.com who have an excellent filter, highlighting lodging options for pets in the destination of your choice. It’s such a great timesaver, eliminating the fuss of having to check with the property whether dogs are welcome. By the way, there are actually 14 listed pet-friendly options in Queenstown. With nearly 6000 New Zealand accommodation options listed, Booking.com properties include a diverse array of options from hotels and apartments to holiday homes and campsites. Whether you’re on the website or via the app, Booking.com is super easy to use with incredible deals and total flexibility, whether you need to amend or cancel your bookings. www.booking.com.
