From now on, I will be sharing my past travels as part of my Travel Throwback Thursday #TTBT series.

Queenstown boasts on being the outdoor capitol of the world. With the infinite outdoor activities accessible in this area of New Zealand, it is hard to disagree. Unfortunately, only having two and a half weeks in New Zealand and not wanting to book any tours, we did not plan for much in the area. I hope to make it back to Queenstown in order to get a full experience.

lake wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu

We arrived the evening after touring Doubtful Sound and found a campground to park our camper van for the next couple of nights. It would be place to shower and do laundry from the past few days, along with stocking up on groceries.

Queenstown Hill Track

One activity Andy and I decided to do was to trek up the Queenstown Hill Track for views of Queenstown and the Remarkables. It was steep and longer than I expected. However, the views were worth the work. The trail had a loop section, so we went one way up and the other way down.

Queenstown

Views of Queenstown.

queenstown hill panorama

Panorama of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu.

swallowed by the dark forest

Hiking through the tree covered trail.

Happy New Year!

After the hike, we took a nap before heading into town to bring in the new year. In 2009, New Zealand was in the first time zone to bring in the new year, so we celebrated 18 hours before our friends and family back home. Bar hopping in Queenstown was easy, so we checked out a few before heading outside for fireworks.

New Zealand Trip

Andy and I ringing in 2010.

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

The Holiday Park was one of the only private campgrounds we stayed at when in New Zealand. With many paved parking spots to accommodate the many camper vans touring New Zealand, it is a great place to stay within walking distance to Queenstown. Internet/ Wifi can be hard to find in New Zealand, and the holiday park had lounge with computers for use. Beware because the holiday park nickel and dimed every extra service. As mentioned before, we were excited to shower and do some laundry, but we paid for it. The kitchen was spacious and free to use, so we saved money from eating out by cooking our own meals.

New Zealand Trip

Our “campsite”.

If hiking is not for you consider riding the Skyline Gondola for beautiful views of the area. Tours leave from Queenstown to Milford Sound and surrounding areas. If you are someone that likes to explore on the water, then check out the Shotover Jet boat.

What Queenstown outdoor activity would you recommend?

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