Our friends at Roady recently went on an exciting snow mission to Queenstown, experiencing it all in a Polestar 2 from SIXT. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or preparing for your first journey, Queenstown never fails to delight, and road-tripping through the adventure hub in an EV adds an extra touch of fun to the experience. In this update, we’ll explore all there is to discover in this stunning New Zealand destination. For another perspective, you can also watch Roady’s video capturing the trips highlights. Watch it here.
Queenstown, nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps in New Zealand’s South Island, is a breathtakingly beautiful and adventure-filled destination. From its stunning landscapes to its adrenaline-pumping activities, Queenstown has something for everyone.
Queenstown is also committed to preserving its natural environment, and many operators offer eco-friendly tours and activities. As people’s curiosity about low-impact travel grows, it’s amazing to see a wide range of experiences that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning part of New Zealand, while also being mindful of your impact on the environment.
We’re clearly biased, but we believe the best low-impact way to travel is by electric vehicle. There are multiple ChargeNet stations (in the most scenic locations, might we add) in and around Queenstown, making it easy to recharge along the way. You can also take advantage of overnight charging by booking accommodation with EV charging facilities. This way, you can park the car when you’re done for the day and power it up overnight.
To save you time researching, we’ve put together a guide with all the best things to do in Queenstown, so you can make the most out of your trip!
Best time to visit
Queenstown is most definitely a year-round destination, each season offering a unique experience. Summer (December to February) provides nice warm temperatures for outdoor activities and maybe even a summer dip, while autumn (March to May) showcases the most incredible colour scheme as all the trees throughout the town turn a vibrant orange and red hue. Winter (June to August) is the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding, while spring (September to November) is a beautiful time to visit all the surrounding wineries as they come to life.
Getting there
Queenstown is well-connected by air, with regular flights from major cities in New Zealand and Australia and it has got to be one of the most scenic airports in the world! Flying into this stunning alpine town is an experience in itself as you take in the surrounding mountain views.
If you’re opting for an EV for the trip, head to the Sixt depot inside the airport and grab your choice of adventure mobile. They’ll come all charged on pick-up, so it’s basically like enjoying free petrol – which is always a win for the environment and your pockets!
Where to stay
There are accommodation options to suit every budget and preference in Queenstown. The town centre offers a range of amazing hotels, motels, and hostels within walking distance of popular attractions. For a little bit of luxury, check out the Scenic Suites – the views are absolute magic. Camping grounds are also a great option for budget travellers, and there are actually a few in Queenstown that also offer EV charging, including Creeksyde Queenstown Holiday Park & Driftaway Queenstown. Driftaway Queenstown also offers a lovely hot tub experience which is the perfect way to end a day of adventures.
Queenstown is a destination that caters to all types of travellers. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or simply seeking some downtime, this scenic town has it all. So, pack your bags, prepare for an adventure of a lifetime, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in Queenstown.
Here are Roady’s suggestions for an epic few days in Queenstown. Be sure to download the Roady App for all the detailed information you’d need for all these amazing spots we’re mentioning.
Explore Central Queenstown
The views just from the edges of Lake Wakatipu are absolutely stunning. You could easily spend a day relaxing at the beach and eating at one of the many great lunch spots in the town centre. The iconic burgers from Fergburger are definitely well worth a try. You can even take them onto Perky’s Floating Bar (if you purchase a drink) and enjoy them while taking in the epic mountain scenes. Otherwise, jump on the TSS Earnslaw, which has been running since 1912, and enjoy your lunch out on the lake.
Take a hike
One of the best ways to explore Queenstown and appreciate its stunning landscapes is by taking advantage of the various walking and hiking trails. If you’re looking for a pleasant and easy walk, consider the Lake Hayes Walkway, Bobs Cove Lookout and the Moke Lake Loop Track. These paths are situated along the edge of the lake, offering a beautiful 2-3 hour scenic route.
For those seeking a slightly more challenging experience, the Queenstown Hill Walk leads to a viewpoint that overlooks the city. Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Lake Wakatipu, and sections of the Kawarau River. Another few excellent options that require a bit of an ascent but reward you with stunning views is Tobin’s Track in Arrowtown, the Wye Creek track and Lake Alta walk tucked away in The Remarkables.
Get your thrills
For the adrenaline junkies or those keen on a little more adventure, you’ve got the Shotover Jet, Bungee Jumping & world-class ski fields nearby. Hit the slopes up Coronet Peak or The Remarkables and experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding. Don’t just take our word for it, check out this awesome video. These resorts offer runs suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to pack chains for your car and if you’re in an electric vehicle, we can promise that they handle the snow and cold like pros!
Take a ziplining adventure through the forest canopy
Another highly recommended activity in Queenstown is embarking on a ziplining adventure with Ziptrek Ecotours, Queenstown’s first carbon-neutral tourism business. The experience involves soaring through the beautiful forest, where you can appreciate the scenery that surrounds you. Their guided tours not only offer valuable insights into the natural habitat but also shed light on their commendable sustainability endeavors. In fact, they have diligently planted more than 6000 trees to bolster the ecosystems in which they operate. Unquestionably, this activity guarantees heaps of enjoyment while promoting an environmentally friendly approach.
Discover the scenic town of Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a beautiful small town located about 45 minutes away from Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. A day trip to this stunning location really is a must-do. The drive is just as beautiful as the destination itself and is up there as one of the most scenic roads in all of New Zealand. There are a few spots worth stopping in on the way, including the Bennetts Bluff Lookout and Wilson’s Bay.
Your first stop has to be the iconic Glenorchy Wharf & famous red boat shed. These two features bring 100s of people to town every day and you can see why it’s quite the popular Instagram photo hotspot. The historic red shed is where the people of Glenorchy stored and sorted goods that arrived on steamers.
A nice and easy walk worth checking out is the Glenorchy Lagoon. It’s only a short walk from the wharf and will take you through a beautiful wetland area perfect for birdwatching. Finish it off with a bite to eat and a drink in one of the local bars.
For a bit of adventure, jump on a jet boat wilderness experience with Dart River Adventures – you’ll explore iconic, untouched landscapes inaccessible by other means in the pristine Dart River Valley.
While you’re there, pop your EV on charge at the Glenorchy charging station while you wander around the town. This might just be the most scenic place to charge in the country – the mountain backdrop is pretty tough to beat. If you haven’t already, it’s worth setting up an account on the ChargeNet app, which will give you access to a network of over 300 charge points nationwide. Plus, when you’re on the road, you can see which chargers are currently in use.
Visit the iconic Cardrona Hotel
Another great spot to head out on a day trip to is the Cadrona Hotel. Nestled in the charming little town of Cadrona, the journey across the Crown Range, known for its stunning alpine views, is absolutely breathtaking.
Tour Gibbston Valley on an E-Bike
The Gibbston Valley area has been captivating visitors with a wide range of cellar door facilities and wine-tourism activities and is home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir. Jump on an E-Bike from Better by Bike in the heart of Arrowtown and make your way into the Gibbston Valley to try the world-class Pinot Noir for yourself! The 16km ride is super flat and easy. It takes you past stunning river gorges across seven bridges, including the famous Kawarau Bridge Bungy.
