Our eight-day adventure in Queenstown and its captivating surroundings started with an early morning flight that landed us in this enchanting town. Upon settling into our accommodations at our motel, we wasted no time walking down to the magnificent Queenstown Gardens alongside the lively Queenstown Bay.
Activities at Queenstown Bay
This vibrant hub is bursting with an eclectic mix of activities, eateries, and bars. We had a quick meal at Fergburger and headed straight to Queenstown Gardens.
Queenstown Bay is the bustling epicenter of Queenstown’s lively scene—many charming cafes, restaurants, and even a jetty offer thrilling cruises and other water-based activities.
We walked leisurely across the lakeside, passing the renowned Patagonia ice cream shop.
The striking statue of William Gilbert Rees, a celebrated explorer and the first European settler in the area, is in front of Patagonia.
Watch the video we shot at Queenstown Gardens. It is at the end of this article. 👇👇
Enter Queenstown Gardens
As we strolled along the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, we marveled at the crystal-clear waters and the striking contrast of the blueish hue against the colorful ships dotting its surface.
Numerous benches line the lakeside, offering ideal vantage points to unwind and bask in the magnificent scenery of Lake Wakatipu.
We strolled along the charming autumn walkway along the lakeshore that eventually transformed into a walking trail.
The walkway is decorated with majestic trees donning golden autumn leaves that gracefully cascade to the ground. While some trees have shed their leaves, leaving only bare branches behind, effectively captivating the essence of autumn.
While Queenstown Gardens has an extensive network of trails, we opted for a shorter route to get a taste of the experience.
Starting at the Marine Parade Gate, we meandered along the path that hugged the serene lake, relishing the tranquil ambiance.
The trail eventually led us up a staircase to a meticulously maintained rose garden, where the Robert Falcon Scott’s Memorial Boulder is located.
We continued along the path, winding our way through towering trees before encountering the Queenstown Garden’s frisbee golf course.
The return route led us to the Queenstown ice arena before returning to the lively Queenstown Bay.
Queenstown Gardens FAQs
If you come to the South Island of New Zealand, this is one place you should not miss out. Here are some common questions and answers for you.
1. Are the Queenstown Gardens free to visit?
Yes, no entrance fee is required, making it an open area you can freely walk into.
2. When are the Gardens open?
Queenstown Gardens are accessible 24 hours a day, every day. However, I recommend visiting earlier, particularly during winter when daylight is shorter. Getting earlier to walk on the trails is advisable to avoid walking in the dark before reaching your final destination.
3. How can you get to Queenstown Gardens?
The Gardens are conveniently located merely a minute’s walk from Queenstown Mall.
Watch the video we shot at Queenstown Gardens. 👇👇
If you have read this blog post this far, don’t miss out on the video shot at Queenstown Gardens. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!). If you like New Zealand, check out our Wenderholm Regional Park story.
