prairie girl musings

Tag: Queenstown

Must-Try Winter Menus In Queenstown

It’s no secret that I love to eat and I’m willing to travel around the country to find the best food on offer. I was recently invited to Queenstown with Miss Lucy’s to celebrate their first birthday and to try everything on their new winter menu. Basically, it was my ultimate weekend away.

Miss Lucy’s is a rooftop restaurant and bar on Camp Street, above Jucy Snooze. Queenstown is an expensive city, so it’s nice to have central accommodation options that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Plus, the view from my room was all snow-capped mountains.

The restaurant itself is a ‘grammer’s dream, with peachy pink walls and the most photogenic drinks and dishes I’ve ever seen. The year-round balcony is ideal on a winter’s day, when cosied up next to the roaring fire with s’mores and a hot chocolate in hand. They even have blankets, perfect for rugging up when the temperature drops.

In terms of the menu, it’s impossible to narrow it down, so I’m going to tell you all about my (many) favourite dishes: the halloumi mac and cheese is a showstopper and the jalapeño poppers are perfect if you like a little kick. Mushrooms are in season, of course, and they feature heavily on this new menu. The mushroom dumplings are incredible as is the vegetarian (mushroom) pizza.

If you’re a meat lover, you don’t want to miss the spicy lamb pizza. For drinks, they’ve created a pink gin that rivals every other one I’ve tried (and if you know me, you know I’ve done my research!) If you’re wanting a dessert drink, the chocolate martini (made with vodka) is another must-try.

For dessert, they have the most amazing warm (!) cookies, perfect for dipping in hot cocoa, I should add. Oh, and they’ve managed to create delightful vegan s’mores. My advice is to grab a pal, sit by the fire and dig in.

After a big night celebrating Miss Lucy’s first birthday, I dragged my tired bones to Bespoke Kitchen for a late breakfast. Craving some vegetables, I treated myself to their bespoke bowl, which consists of fried cauliflower, organic brown rice, crispy tofu, daily greens, coriander, pickled radish, tamari seeds, tahini and peanut sauce. It was exactly what my body was craving after one too many chocolate martinis.

After meandering through the Botanic Gardens and even stumbling upon an ice rink (how magical!) I stopped into Cookie Time to try their s’more cookie sandwich (yes, s’mores two days in a row…) What can I say, I’m a s’more addict.

Since this was a food research trip, I headed to Yonder for one last meal before my evening flight. I’ve written about my love for Yonder in the past (it’s actually where I’m drafting this blog post and a favourite coworking spot among locals…) and I was pleased to see a few updates to their already solid menu. I ordered a beetroot latte and their vegan butty. Served with kumara crips and tofu, it’s better than the bacon version.

Queenstown is one of my favourite winter destinations and these enticing menus have me dreaming of a return visit already. Where do you love to eat in New Zealand’s adventure capital?

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Photos by Sophie Piearcey

My Queenstown weekend was a press trip with Miss Lucy’s, but as always, all words and opinions are my own.

June 17, 2019
The Best of Queenstown

You might remember my Queenstown guide from a couple years ago when Nick and I visited over Canterbury Anniversary weekend. We try to get away on long weekends whenever possible, but this year we were determined to save money (for obvious reasons). Initially, we thought we’d do a day trip somewhere nearby, but when the team at Southern PR invited us on a handful of exciting adventures, we couldn’t say no. Not only were we treated to some of Queenstown’s finest food and drink, we experienced first-hand the sustainability efforts Queenstown businesses are putting in play to make this popular destination as environmentally-friendly as possible. If you’re after a holiday that’s both action-packed and eco-friendly, read on for some ideas…

We kicked things off with a stay at mi-pad, a smart, sustainable hotel where your mobile phone acts as a digital concierge. All you have to do is download the app, mia to check in, access your room and quickly change the lighting and temperature. What I love about mi-pad is how effectively they utilize space – everything is consciously designed and carefully considered. Our room was perfectly compact; it had everything we needed and nothing we didn’t. Oh, and the view was spectacular. I’ve wanted to stay at mi-pad ever since it opened earlier this year. I like the growing trend of smaller hotels with shared spaces and the focus on only using what you need.

After a quick power nap (and some Netflix because you can Chromecast your phone to the TV, another neat feature!) I strolled into Moochi, which had conveniently opened that day. Afterwards, I ventured to Yonder for an intimate dinner with Southern PR and a lovely group of Queenstown content creators. I’d been to Yonder for breakfast last summer and loved the beautiful outdoor space and was impressed by the eclectic vegan and plant-based options. Yonder caters to all diets and everything is clearly marked, making it super easy to find dishes you’ll love. We sampled the new summer menu and it was ridiculously delicious! From fried cheese balls and fried chicken to fresh ceviche and lovely summer salads, everything was incredible. Their cocktail lineup is equally impressive. I loved the summer spritz, which is Yonder’s take on an Aperol spritz, but with rhubarb. Basically, I’ll be attempting to recreate it for the next few months. After dinner, we were treated to live music, which is a regular occurrence at Yonder Live.

The following day, Nick and I were up bright and early for a wine tour with Alpine Wine Tours. Queenstown’s surge in tourism means that more and more wine tours and companies have opened up this year. Alpine took us to a mix of boutique vineyards and well-known wineries. Central Otago is well known as one of the top three destinations for pinot noir alongside Burgundy, France and Oregon, USA. It’s also my preferred type of wine, so I was eager to try plenty of it on this tour. We stopped at Kinross for scrumptious platters and even sampled pinot noir chocolate (yum!) at Gibbston Valley. My personal favourite was Mt. Rosa, a boutique winery with amazing views and excellent wines. Both Nick and I loved the rosé and they also serve mulled wine and sangria, which is a refreshing change. I’ve been on plenty of wine tours, but I like the small size of our group and our tour guide, who was full of fun anecdotes and details about this beautiful wine region.

Just as we finished up at our last winery, the rain started to come down as we were due for dinner at Erik’s Fish and Chips, but that didn’t stop us. We met with the lovely owner, Anna who told us that Queenstown didn’t have a fish and chip shop three years ago when they opened. They’ve been hugely successful, especially on sunnier days, when customers can take their meals down to the beach. The menu is extensive and they do a tasty fish fry up, but probably most noteworthy is the deep fried kiwi fruit. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and sour and I can’t recommend it more. Another cool thing about Erik’s is that everything on the menu is gluten-free, but you’d never know. The team recently took home SME Business of the Year at the local business awards and have opened up shop in Wanaka. Definitely add this spot to your list when you’re next in QT.

Queenstown has experienced a population boom in recent years and traffic is becoming increasingly problematic with only one road in and out of the city. To help reduce congestion, Queenstown Ferries have refreshed their offering with Go Orange. Commuters and visitors can say goodbye to traffic jams, road rage and the hunt for an elusive car park. I really can’t think of a more scenic and sustainable way to get in and out of the town centre.

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy nature (of course you are, you’re in Queenstown), be sure to book yourself in for some ziplining adventures with Ziptrek. The Canadian company originally opened in Whistler before expanding to Queenstown. The views are unparalleled and the team is focused on educating visitors on local sustainability efforts. Each line begins with a quick lesson on how we can reduce our environmental impact. We did the Kea Tour, which includes six ziplines, finishing with a ride that descends 30 storeys at speeds of up to 70kph! It’s definitely a unique way to get down the mountain.

I was pleased to arrive in time for the opening of SLOW. A concept store on Beach Street, SLOW embraces and is named after the movement that encourages us to slow down our consumption habits. Rather than succumbing to fast fashion, SLOW is all about buying less but better. Exclusively stocking plenty of Scandinavian, American and Canadian brands, I was taken by the gorgeous homewares, well-made clothing and coffee table books in the light-filled shop. There’s also a FRAMA coffee machine with a cabinet of vegan and wholefoods. It’s definitely worth visiting when you’re next in Queenstown.

Some other businesses I’d suggest visiting:

Vudu Café and Larder: For a classic breakfast, I can’t go past Vudu. Grab a seat at one of the communal tables overlooking the lake and tuck into eggs and hash. And their coconut milk flat white is bliss!

Bespoke Kitchen With a focus on healthy breakfasts and plant-based treats, I make a point of stopping into Bespoke whenever I’m in Queenstown. The coffee’s excellent and the smoothie bowl is divine. Bespoke is right near the base of the gondola, so if you’re planning on a trip to the highest point in QT, stop here before or after for a bite.

Amisfield Winery Nick and I stopped here for lunch and a tasting a few years ago and I’ve been wanting to return ever since. They’ve released their 2018 rosé and I’m so eager to try it. Definitely book in advance as it can get busy!

Sherwood Queenstown I’ve stayed here previously and can’t recommend it enough. The Sherwood reminds me of the Canadian Rockies in the best way possible. It has a decidedly ski-lodge feel to it, with beautiful amenities, an incredible in-house restaurant and yoga studio. The outdoor eating area feels like a cosy campfire hangout. You honestly won’t want (or need) to ever leave.

Miss Lucy’s Located on the rooftop of Jucy Snooze, Miss Lucy’s is a beautifully designed space with epic views. Nick and I enjoyed watching the Queenstown Marathon finish line as we sipped on their new cocktail menu (their Aperol Spritz is killer) and delicious pizzas. The branding here is on point with impeccable attention to design detail, making it super ‘gram worthy.

Have you been to Queenstown before? If so, where are your must-visit spots?

November 19, 2018
From Christchurch To Queenstown

Having visited Queenstown a handful of times, I still marvel at the drive down from Christchurch. The Canterbury plains swiftly disappear to reveal rolling hills and turquoise, azure lakes. With so many changes in scenery, the drive never becomes stagnant. Many a tourist flies into Christchurch from the North Island, ready to journey south. And so, why not chronicle my favourite stops along the way to New Zealand’s playground, Queenstown?

Despite countless trips through Tekapo, I had yet to visit Mt. John Observatory. Even during the day, the views are exquisite. As far as coffee stops go, Astro Café is pretty stellar. Grab a coffee and a custard slice, stretch your legs, and take in the vistas.

Both Lake Tekapo and Pukaki are popular photo stops. The water colour of these two lakes is unbelievable, so vibrant even on the cloudiest of days.

Carry on driving, and you’ll reach Cromwell, which produces some of the best stone fruit in the country. Just look out for the massive fruit monument (peaches, pears, apples, oh my!) and you’ve come to the right place. In addition to picking up some fresh fruit, Nick and I can never go past the real fruit ice cream. I’ve always lamented the fact that soft serve doesn’t seem to exist in New Zealand. Real fruit ice cream is almost as good!

By this point, you’re nearly in Queenstown (only 25 minutes away), but I highly recommend making two more stops before venturing to your final destination. First up, Grazë in the Lake Hayes district. The fit-out of this well-designed café and eatery is worth the visit alone. The stunning fixtures and aesthetics had me reaching for my phone. Grab a coffee to takeaway or indulge in the delicious menu of rhubarb breakfast crumble, sweet and savoury crumpets and various foodie favourites. If you’re in need of snacks for the road, stop by their adjacent shop to stock up.

Another favourite spot, nestled outside Queenstown in the Lake Hayes district, is Amisfield Winery. A true gem amongst countless Central Otago wineries, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch. Sit in the sunny courtyard and take in the breathtaking views over Lake Hayes. The gorgeous interior is one to behold and the impeccably executed menu and award-winning wines will leave you satisfied. The service is warm and attentive. Amisfield is continually ranked as one of the best winery restaurants in the country, and it isn’t hard to see why.

As you reach Queenstown, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views, adrenaline-inducing activities and culinary wonders to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Stay tuned for my Queenstown City Guide, up next!

November 13, 2016
Where To Holiday In New Zealand

It’s no secret that I love New Zealand, a country I’ve decided to call home. I’ve talked (and blogged) about it on countless occasions, but have yet to disclose my favourite holiday destination.

Despite living in Auckland for three years, I’ve always been captivated by the South Island. Its geography changes so rapidly and dramatically; one minute you’re driving through the Southern Alps and the next you’re surrounded by lush greenery. After aimlessly counting sheep, you’re suddenly driving along the pristine coastline. It’s remarkable how the landscape shifts from arid to sub-tropical right before your eyes.

After one particularly magical week in Kaiteriteri, I even declared, “THIS is my favourite part of New Zealand!” I’m generally a pretty enthusiastic person, but something about Tasman resonated with me.

When faced with the task of showing our Toronto friend the best parts of New Zealand, we deliberated where he should spend the majority of his time. Granted, we’re living in Christchurch, which provided a great starting point for exploring the South Island.

We began our weekend in Nelson, which has an undeniably relaxed vibe about it. As New Zealand’s sunniest city, many Kiwis regularly consider packing up their lives and moving to Nelson. The city is packed with breweries, wineries and cideries, so those who enjoy a beverage or two will be satisfied. Be sure to visit Stoke, an established brewery that brews their beer in Nelson and is actually New Zealand-owned.

You won’t want to miss out on hiking Abel Tasman. Start the day off at Kaiteriteri Beach and catch a ferry to Anchorage Bay. On the ferry, you’ll see baby seals and Split Apple Rock. From there, hike 12km to Bark Bay (stopping at Cleopatra’s Pools and Sandfly Bay along the way!) Be sure to pack a lunch and some water. And like I said before, Kaiteriteri is one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand.

Prior to leaving Nelson, we walked along the main street, stopping for coffee and fresh pastries at DeVille. With expansive outdoor seating, we soaked up some more of that Nelson sun. I was also planning to visit local gem, Palm Boutique, but was unfortunately short on time.

As we began our journey back to Christchurch, we were treated to gorgeous views of the Marlborough Sounds. We made sure to stop at The Mussel Pot in Havelock for legendary mussels in a glorious outdoor setting. With a huge variety of toppings, you won’t be disappointed!

After stopping for ice cream on the Picton harbour, we visited a seal colony near Kaikoura. It’s hard to believe how much we fit into one weekend.

February 21, 2016
Wanaka Weekends

I was over the moon when my flatmate, Mel asked if I’d like to join her on a roadtrip to Wanaka. Apart from a pitstop a few years back, I had yet to explore this year-round resort town. The drive alone was worth the trip as we were rewarded with stunning, constantly changing scenery. Mel kindly drove the entire way as I gazed out the window and snapped photo after photo. After living in Auckland for three years, I had forgotten just how dramatic and diverse the South Island scenery is.

The following list should sufficiently equip the adventurous traveller ready to take on Wanaka.

Treble Cone: Granted we visited during the summer months, but Wanaka is a hit with skiers and snowboarders. Treble Cone is the closest ski area to Wanaka and the largest in the South Island. I’m already looking forward to a visit next winter.

Mount Iron: You can’t visit Wanaka without a hike up Mount Iron, an impressive, glacier-carved, 240-metre rocky knoll. Run or walk at your leisure!

Federal Diner: One of our favourite spots in town, we both loved the retro vibes and open kitchen concept of this diner.

47 Frocks: I fell head over heels for this must-visit boutique, which stocks many of New Zealand’s most covetable labels.

We daytripped to Queenstown, which is a short 45-minute drive from Wanaka. For a first-timer, I highly recommend partaking in all the adventure tourism on offer: skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting, oh my! Oh, and you can’t forget Fergburger. Other great spots for lunch include Vudu Cafe & Larder (food pictured below) and Bespoke Kitchen (as lauded by Denizen).

A few stops along the way:

Lake Tekapo: Characterized by its vibrant turquoise colour, Lake Tekapo is a popular destination in the summer months. Despite how beautiful it appears in photographs, it’s about 100 times more gorgeous in person.

Lake Pukaki: The largest of three alpine lakes along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake that has become famous for its milky-blue colour and as the foreground to Mount Cook.

January 26, 2016