Queenstown Surroundings Travel Guide: Discover Breathtaking View Homestays

Background: Embarking on a journey with four elderly companions, our focus was on a serene and leisurely self-driving adventure, savoring the picturesque landscapes, rather than engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities.

[Places to go around Queenstown]
Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Steamship, Deer Park
Cromwell: Cherry Pick-Your-Own (PYO)
Glenorchy: Scenic Day Trip
Arrowtown: Brief Stop

Specific Experience Report:
1. TSS Earnslaw Steamship:
The voyage aboard the TSS Earnslaw is a feast for the eyes, with breathtaking views both from the deck and the charming island. The onboard buffet, however, left much to be desired. If there’s one standout, it would be the crispy pork, though even that couldn’t redeem the overly sweet desserts.

After the meal, a stroll around the farm, complete with a sheep shearing demonstration, offered a delightful experience. The shorn sheep looked rather forlorn, but the well-trained sheepdogs were a joy to watch.
Important Notice ⚠️
– Punctuality is key! A mere two-minute delay due to parking and traffic meant Old Wang and his group missed the boat.

We had to watch helplessly as the five of us set sail without them [Smile R].
– For those keen on photography, animal encounters, or souvenir shopping, head straight to the farm after your meal. Once the show ends, a queue forms quickly for the return trip.

2. Deer Park:
Perched at the highest point in Queenstown, the park offers decent views, but the overall experience is somewhat underwhelming. The limited number of animals and rough road conditions didn’t help. A particularly unsettling incident involved a mischievous flock of sheep invading a car, causing the children inside to scream and scatter their snacks, which only attracted more sheep.

This chaotic scene prompted us to leave immediately. In summary, unless you’re a photography enthusiast, this stop is optional.

3. Cherry PYO
If time allows, this is a must-visit! Our initial plan was to visit McFarlane’s, but they were already picked out, so we opted for Smithy instead. While not the largest, it still provided a pleasant experience. For those who prefer to buy cherries without the picking, Jones or Webb are good alternatives. Friends who visited Cherry Tree also reported a fantastic time, making it a top choice for our next visit.
The biggest regret? Missing out on the white cherries [Cry R].

4. Glenorchy:
Starting from Queenstown, you’ll embark on a scenic journey that takes you through these captivating points:
– Seven Miles Point Track: A breathtaking trail that offers stunning views, as seen in Picture 10.
– Wilson Bay Reserve: A charming lakeside spot where you can easily park by the roadside and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

– Bob’s Cove Track: This track is said to take about half an hour for a round trip, but it’s a bit of a trek. Unfortunately, we had to skip it as my mom wasn’t feeling well that day, so I can’t provide a firsthand account.
– Bennets Bluff Lookout: Prepare for a 20-minute climb up some stairs, but be warned—the wind here is extremely strong!

The scenery, while not spectacular, still offers a unique and invigorating experience.
– Blanket Bay: A truly beautiful spot with incredibly strong winds and a sparse crowd. The view of snow-capped mountains is a rare and delightful sight, especially during the summer months.
– Glenorchy Wharf: This picturesque and tranquil town is a must-visit.

Although the red house was too crowded with people queuing, we opted for a leisurely walk around the area instead. The lakeside is absolutely stunning, with the strong winds creating a mist-like effect from the dust and sand, giving it a dreamy and ethereal feel. The nearby large lawn is perfect for a playful frolic.

Notice ❗ The toilet facilities here are pit latrines! Proceed with caution!

5. Arrowtown:
A quaint and cozy town, Arrowtown is known for its vibrant autumn foliage. However, in the summer, without the colorful leaves, it appears rather plain and subdued.