The Orsini Guide to Queenstown: Sarah’s Favourite Places & Experiences

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand.

The road follows Lake Wakatipu with the mountains rising around you, and there are plenty of places where you'll want to stop simply to take in the view.

Glenorchy itself is small, but the landscape surrounding it is magnificent. If you have the time, continue towards Paradise—the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic and wonderfully remote.

My advice is not to rush this drive. The journey really is the experience.

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, although adventure doesn't necessarily have to mean jumping off a bridge.

A helicopter flight over the mountains is unforgettable, particularly if you can include an alpine landing.

There are also wonderful walking and cycling trails throughout the region. The trails around Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and Gibbston are particularly enjoyable and allow you to experience the landscape at a slower pace.

And if you ski, winter opens up an entirely different Queenstown experience, with Coronet Peak and The Remarkables both close by.

For something quieter, take some time to visit Lake Hayes.

On a still day, the reflections across the lake can be beautiful, and the walking and cycling trail around the lake is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.

It is conveniently positioned between Queenstown, Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley, so it's very easy to incorporate into a day exploring the area.

If you have a little more time, it is worth venturing beyond Queenstown towards Wānaka and Lake Hāwea. Lake Hāwea is quieter and less discovered than its better-known neighbours, with beautiful clear water, dramatic mountain scenery and a wonderful sense of space. For something particularly special, Mt Isthmus, part of The Lindis Group, is a spectacular private retreat set between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea. Further afield, The Lindis in the remote Ahuriri Valley is another extraordinary New Zealand luxury experience, combining beautiful architecture, exceptional food and genuine high-country isolation. I love discovering places like these—somewhere the landscape is really the star and the luxury comes from the setting, privacy and opportunity to completely slow down.

If I had just one day, I would start slowly with breakfast at Millbrook before heading into Arrowtown.

Spend the morning wandering through Arrowtown's historic streets, galleries and shops, then head to Ayrburn for a long lunch.

In the afternoon, take a drive through the Gibbston Valley and stop at a favourite winery for a tasting. Or, if you feel like slowing the pace, spend a few hours relaxing at Queenstown's new luxury bathhouse before returning to Millbrook.

Then there is just enough time to relax and change before dinner—perhaps Japanese at Kobe Cuisine at Millbrook, or make the short journey to Amisfield if you want to turn dinner into the main event of the evening.

Nothing too complicated. Just wonderful scenery, good food, a good G&T and good company.

One of the newer additions to Queenstown's luxury scene is the new luxury bathhouse, and it is a lovely option if you want to build some genuine downtime into your stay.

Queenstown itineraries can very quickly become filled with restaurants, wineries, walks and day trips, so I always think it's worth leaving some time to simply stop and enjoy where you are. Spending a few hours at the bathhouse is a wonderful way to do exactly that.

The experience is designed around relaxation and wellbeing, with beautiful bathing and spa spaces that make the most of Queenstown's spectacular surroundings. It would be particularly lovely after a day skiing, walking or cycling—or simply as an indulgent afternoon between lunch and dinner.

For me, this is another side of Queenstown that is becoming increasingly appealing. Alongside the adventure and incredible landscape, there are now some wonderful ways to slow down, switch off and enjoy a little luxury.

Queenstown Style & What to Pack

Queenstown style is generally relaxed and effortless, but evenings can still feel wonderfully sophisticated. I tend to pack pieces that move easily from exploring during the day to drinks and dinner in the evening—a great coat, beautiful knitwear, boots, a simple dress or tailored trousers and, of course, jewellery.

When travelling, I particularly love jewellery that is versatile and easy to wear. A beautiful pair of gold earrings can instantly elevate an outfit. The Mini Nanis Boule earrings are a perfect travel companion—they’re petite, set with diamonds and just as easy to wear skiing during the day as they are out to dinner. They’re lightweight and click securely closed, which makes them ideal when you’re on the go.

A favourite necklace— mine is the Pomellato Nudo pendant—and a few beautiful rings can completely change an outfit without taking up precious room in your luggage. I keep my jewellery in one of our mini WOLF travel jewellery cases. They’re compact and beautifully designed, keeping everything protected and organized while making it easy to find the piece you want when getting ready.

I also like to travel with pieces that can simply stay on, so there’s less chance of losing something along the way. Our stretch bracelets are perfect for this—they’re comfortable, effortless and easy to layer, whether you’re heading out for a walk, onto the slopes or to dinner.

And one final Queenstown essential: layers. The weather can change surprisingly quickly, even in summer, so it always pays to be prepared.

What I love most about Queenstown is that you can make it whatever you want it to be.

It can be adventurous or indulgent, energetic or wonderfully slow. You can ski in the morning, visit a vineyard or art gallery in the afternoon and enjoy an exceptional dinner in the evening.

Staying somewhere like Millbrook also allows you to experience another side of the region. You can retreat from the energy of Queenstown and enjoy the beautiful countryside around Arrowtown while still having everything within easy reach.

But my favourite Queenstown experiences are usually the simplest ones: discovering somewhere new, enjoying a long lunch with friends, finding a wonderful bottle of Central Otago wine and taking the time to appreciate that extraordinary landscape.

I hope you discover a few favorites of your own.

Sarah Hutchings
Creative Director
Orsini Fine Jewellery, Parnell, Auckland