Keep Dreaming of Incredible Queenstown

We’ve teamed up with Destination Queenstown to bring you something truly extraordinary this edition. Welcome to a deep-diving exploration of our international hub of tourism: Queenstown.

The perfect home of adventure for any thrill-seeker or lover of adrenaline, Queenstown brings the finest of New Zealand’s accommodation, culinary and experience delights to the forefront in one beautiful and untouched corner of our nation.

Gaze up into the swirling celestial mass as you spy the different stars and planets, sink into a hot tub and soak up the ambience, or treat yourself to a tour of the many boutique vineyards in this, the beating heart of Central . Dine, delight and excite your senses as you explore this world-class destination.

Plus, we’ve thrown in a few extra treats of our favourite must-do’s and hidden secrets, to ensure your experience is luxurious and perfect!

Until next time, - The team at Travel Associates EXPERIENCE YOUR DESTINATION: Queenstown offers experiences in true abundance and you’ll find that whether Queenstown you’re seeking thrilling adventures or relaxing discoveries, this is the place to be.

Kick-back by night with a mug of hot chocolate RETREAT and cast your eyes skyward to the diamond Recline in supreme luxury and modern speckled dome above. You can go with comforts, in this untamed and pristine professional guides to a retreat that is hidden corner of Aotearoa. You’ll find from overbearing light, so you can use accommodation is done right here. professional equipment and gaze deep into the galaxy – a truly dreamy experience. International acclaim is no stranger here, with lodges, luxury retreats and exceptional hotels that fit the bill. You’ll find it simply easy to fall in love with accommodation in Queenstown, and the comforts and amenities are designed to help your stay be even more perfect that any you’d find abroad. INDULGE No destination is complete without some delicious food. As such a massive tourist hub, Queenstown has an exotic plethora of deliciously delectable cuisine options!

Our top recommendation is that you either ask the locals, or chat with us about the Cuisine Hat Awards. The Hat Awards are comparable to a Michelin Star within New Zealand and you can take solace in the fact that restaurants bearing these hats are mouthwateringly delicious and will give you true dining ecstasy! WHERE TO STAY

Hidden Lodge Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa Your ideal retreat from the world, you’ll fall in love Enjoy the uninterrupted views of and Perfection starts right here at the Gibbston Valley with this small boutique accommodation. Secluded the rugged mountains that fall in the background of Lodge & Spa. Experience a Welcome Drink, Daily on a hillside on the very outskirts of town with 4 luxury beautiful Queenstown. Located just a 10-minute stroll Wine Tasting Hour, Evening Turn-Down Service, suites, you’ll find this to be a perfect base for from the centre of town, you’ll find these spacious Complimentary Bike Hire, Valley Parking and a Winery embracing all that Queenstown has to offer. Hidden and luxurious apartments are like home away from Shuttle into town to name just a few of the away from prying eyes and overlooking Lake home, where you can take advantage of the beautiful exceptional benefits of your stay here. In a refined, Wakatipu, the unobstructed views straight to the amenities to create an experience of your very own. comfortable and modern retreat, you’ll love spending mountain ranges will mesmerise all - as you soak in Being in such close proximity to town, you can take a time amidst the vines, and enjoying the simple sunsets, sunrises, movements of the water and the small stroll and find any number of exceptional pleasures of natural quiet away from the public eye. amazing night sky. Find comfort, decadence and restaurants, vineyards or experiences that make this a Relax and revive with a rejuvenating spa package, luxury in your retreat room with under-stated perfect home base for experiencing the true nature of sample world-class food and wine, or even branch out perfection or soak up the wonder of experiencing the Queenstown. Plus, when you return by night, you’ll fall and have an intimate and private picnic prepared wide-reaching perfection of the amenities on offer. asleep in the softest of decadence and delight in specially for you by the Executive Chef. This an soaking up the warm luxury in the well adorned experience quite unlike any other, and quite worth its bathroom! weight!

Discover this retreat for yourself for 3 nights Discover this retreat for yourself for 3 nights Discover this retreat for yourself for 3 nights Make some memories with the whole family Blanket Bay, Luxury Lodge

Widely acknowledged as New Zealand's leading luxury lodge, Blanket Bay has received many international accolades. Discovery Channel featured the lodge in their 7 Wonder Resorts of the World and Five Star Insider documentaries. The Rob Report has consistently listed Blanket Bay in the top 100 hotels of the world. The Lodge is situated at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu forty minutes drive from Queenstown. Accommodation comprises three suites and five intimate rooms. Two chalets offer an additional four suites. All rooms have lake and mountain views.

Facilities include an intimate den, game room, spa, gym, jacuzzi, steam rooms, therapy suite and heated outdoor lap pool. An a la carte dinner served at your own table. Pacific Rim cuisine is complimented by an impressive choice of wines. Activities include guided fly-fishing, heli-flight- seeing to Milford Sound, jet boating or hiking in the Mt. Aspiring National Park, horse riding on the adjoining Wyuna High Country Station and heliskiing in the winter.

Their five intimate lakeside Lodge Rooms feature their own balcony or terrace; king-size bed; armoire; and ensuite bathroom with granite-topped double vanities, separate shower and bath. The three magnificent 700 sq. ft. Lodge Suites offer bedroom and sitting areas which have their own stone fireplace, spacious bathroom with steam shower and separate tub. Outside, each suite has a 400 sq. ft. private terrace, with heart-stopping views of the lake and mountains.

Their Chalet Suites reflect New Zealand colonial architecture and complement the Main Lodge through the use of schist stone and timber beams. Each Chalet comprises two 700 sq. ft. suites with open stone fireplaces and a central living room. The Chalet Suites may be combined with the living room to create The Richardson Staterooms. All of their rooms are equipped with complimentary high speed internet connection, TVs and DVDs. Their nightly room rates are for two people with carte blanche use of sports equipment and facilities, as well as breakfast, pre- dinner cocktails and dinner. The self-service bar in the games room is open at any time at no extra charge.

This retreat is filling up fast - speak to your local Travel Adviser today! WHAT TO DO

Sensational Stargazing Over the Top Golf Boutique Wine Tour Take the slopes and head up the Skyline Gondola to Possibly the world's most picturesque golf hole Undertake a tour of adventure as you hunt for the experience a fascinating, celestial stargazing tour. situated over 4000ft above Queenstown and best boutique vineyards throughout Central Otago. Enjoy constellation and sky exploration from the reachable only by private helicopter transfer, this par From Queenstown to Cromwell, to Alexandra and experience stargazing guide, while using industrial, 3 golf experience is truly exceptional. The altitude more, you will see and taste more of Central Otago quality telescopes to look deep into the galaxy. The golfer can enjoy four tee boxes to attempt their on this boutique wine tour! Taste over 30 delicious clear, unpolluted skies of Queenstown offer the (definitely worth boasting about) hole-in-one. To turn wines from the best producers throughout the region, perfect setting. Perched high above Queenstown and this into an even more exceptional experience, pre and best of all, experience this in a round trip from surrounded by the relaxing snow-capped mountains, purchase food and beverage options to take up there your accommodation. Your guide will pick you up in you’ll gain access to the hidden world of our universe with you and have a celebratory drink and picnic lunch the late morning and drop you back in the late that is not seen by the naked eye, and that is as you soak in the 180 degree views of Queenstown afternoon. Sample, purchase and indulge in the best impossible to see in most other locations around the and the magnificent . To make a full flavours that these exceptional vintners have to offer! world. Enjoy the lack of trespassing light to day of it, enjoy the traditional 18-hole game at any experience an unbelievably clear view of the night local course and then have the helicopter collect and sky, or recline with a warm mug of hot chocolate to transfer you up into the hills, for the grand finale just soak in this cosmic wonder. you’ve been waiting for!

Reach out to your local Travel Adviser about this Reach out to your local Travel Adviser about this Discover more about this experience We recommend you visit this location Kiwi Birdlife Wild Park

Five incredible acres of sprawling wildlife sanctuary house over 20 native species as part of this managed conservation programme in Queenstown. Passionate about conservation, the land evolved from a dumping ground in 1984 to a wildlife sanctuary thanks to the efforts of passionate conservationist Dick Wilson and his wife Noeleen. Across two years, they cleared out the rubbish and pest-plant species and built aviaries with the help of the community to establish a safe and well maintained home for our indigenous birds.

Since they opened in 1986, the Wilson family have planted an astounding 15,000 native trees on site, with 5,000 alone planted in 2019. They work on incredible projects, the latest of which is their new state of the art kiwi exhibit. Couple with their already existing exhibits, they now boast the largest kiwi display space in the entire country. They personally visited every kiwi house in the country prior to development and have created a space they’re proud of. In this stunning space, you’ll experience the kiwi exhibiting their natural behaviours as the immersive forest setting allows them to behave as they would in the wild. You can get up close without disturbing them, and smell, hear and see the kiwi plus hear about what is being done to conserve them. All kiwi in this institute are released back into the wild, so this is a highly worthwhile place to visit.

For something a little different, branch out and attend the Conservation Show that is regularly held on-site. Observe all of the beautiful natural birds, with their varying sizes, colours and intelligence as they fly through the outdoor theatre. This is guaranteed to be a unique and memorable event, that you’ll remember for years to come.

TAKE PHOTOS BUT DON’T TOUCH Take the Tiaki Promise and pledge to help preserve our beautiful nation and its creatures for years to come. WHAT TO EAT

Fishbone Tatsumi Botswana Butchery A lively joint where the interior decor is as sparingly We’re fortunate in New Zealand to easily experience The Botswana Butchery is a crowd favourite and fresh as the celebrated cuisine on offer. With over 25 the simplicity and delight of Japanese cuisine, brings that wholesomeness of the restaurant vibe years experience in the bag the food is modern, however for something exceptional, a dining together with an exceptional dining experience to seasonally driven and ranges from simple baked experience at Tatsumi might be the way to go. create an experience worth multiple bookings! perfections, to exquisitely intricate masterpieces. Starting in Christchurch, then to Auckland and now Granite bar tops, leather couches and white linen Experience overwhelmingly perfect flavours that based in Queenstown, this stunning restaurant has tablecloths that are backdropped by fireplaces are seamlessly complement each other, with ingredients shifted according to the needs of the restaurant, and but a few of the simple yet effective design features from local ports around the and from thus offers a level of service that is second to none. that lend to the mood of this establishment. Lunch farms in the region. Indulge in hand-selected wines to The success of their dishes lies in the delicate mix of and Dinner both boast delicious options for NZ-based showcase the best of Central Otago and New Zealand authenticity and innovation. Discover traditionally cuisine and employ the use of local ingredients in all as you sample your way through shellfish, the classic curated sushi offered in a contemporary manner, their dishes. Glazed Free Range NZ Pork Cheek, Soup fish and chips or a more decadent serving of Blue sample Tempura that is made with squid ink, or of the Day or the Confit Southland Hare Risotto are Cod. For lovers of seafood, you won’t be indulge in traditionally French desserts, that have but a few of the amazing flavours on offer to help cap disappointed with a dinner experience here. evolved into Japanese flare. You’ll find that this off any perfect day. Plus, paired with a delicious NZ experience is over and above anything you’ve ever wine, you’ll find a combination of flavours to love. experienced before. OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION Tempt yourself with a delicious treat Rata

Paying homage to the rata tree, native to New Zealand, Rata restaurant is an award-winning eatery, owned and operated by internationally recognized Michelin starred chef Josh Emett, and highly regarded local restauranteur Fleur Caulton.

Rata takes inspiration from the southern landscape and everything that epitomises New Zealand. A relaxed eating-house with a neighborhood feel, Rata is known for its excellent service and exceptional food. The restaurant is located discreetly away from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, tucked away alongside heritage buildings in the town’s core.

Rata is a great place to unwind, with several dining spaces including a sunny courtyard and comfortable bar. The menu showcases Josh’s impeccable cooking skills and the discipline of his Michelin star background, which ensures elegant, well-balanced, and inspired cuisine. The wine list proudly showcases wines from the Otago region and greater New Zealand, with an emphasis on an eclectic mix of the highly regarded and little known gems.

You can expect mouth-watering treats in this intimate environment, complete with authentic international dishes, crafted delicately from local produce and ingredients. Succulent meats, rich sauces and sensational aromas dominate in this true fine-dining experience.

ASK ME ABOUT THIS Let’s get you booked in to dine here when we chat through your Queenstown getaway, to ensure you don’t miss out! Explore more of home... Love travel at home with perfect retreats, idyllic escapes and rejuvenating experiences aplenty.

Treat yourself to a slice of domestic luxury and discover what awaits in our own backyard. We've hand selected an array of experiences and opportunities that we think you'll love as much as we do, to help you truly experience the wonder and luxury of travelling in an authentically kiwi way. Whether soaking in geothermal spas, indulging in delicious cuisine and wine, or even zipping down snow- laden slopes, you're sure to discover something incredible in this beautiful country we call home.

So peruse what we have to offer and give your local Travel Adviser a call on 0800 482 776 to chat through the options available! NO BOOKING FEE* Book your domestic trip via phone, email or in store, with no booking fees!*

Plus, book in confidence with our extensive experience and travel knowledge! *Merchant fee may apply. See online or ask your Travel Adviser for more information. So where to next? Keep an eye out for Volume 4 – coming 29 June 2020. Make sure you’re signed up to The Departure Lounge to ensure you receive our communications!

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