This three-day itinerary introduces you to adventures in and around Queenstown, with hot pools, day spas, yoga, and delicious dining for the ultimate relaxation weekend.
Day one: wine & wellness
Reset and unwind on your arrival to Queenstown before e-biking to Gibbston for a wine and wellness experience.
Morning
Reset with a morning soak at Driftaway
As soon as you arrive in Queenstown, shrug off the stresses of everyday life and reset your clock to chill time in your own private hot tub with unrivalled views over the lake and mountains at Driftaway Queenstown Hot Tubs.
Lunch at Yonder
A local favourite for delicious food with plenty of healthy plant-based options, Yonder’s sunny space is open for brunch and dinner. They make all their breads, pastries, and sauces in house. Specialties include their rice pudding with rhubarb compote and coconut labne, and their sensational vegan butty crammed with mushrooms, crispy tofu, and kumara crisps.
Friends dining at Yonder
Afternoon
Explore the Gibbston wine region by e-bike
Hire an e-bike from one of our excellent bike hire companies and hit the Queenstown Trail to Gibbston wine region for an afternoon of spectacular scenery and spectacular wine.
From Queenstown to Gibbston is a 40 km ride taking 4-6 hours. There are a couple of decent climbs but with an e-bike those hills are a breeze and with spectacular views long the way, the time flies by.
Gibbston Valley Lodge Sauna
Vinotherapy & degustation at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa
After an afternoon trying local vintages, lean your bike up at the vineyard where the Central Otago wine phenomenon all began, and check in for an evening of relaxation and indulgence at the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa where you’ll stay in villas among the vines.
Recuperate from your afternoon in the saddle with a luxurious vinotherapy spa treatment. Choose from the TheraVine pinotage and lime salt scrub, the Aromavine relaxation massage, or the Hydravine facial and mud-detox wrap, then kick back in the sauna and hot pools.
When hunger strikes, wander over to the lodge restaurant, for a degustation dining experience with celebrated chef Anthony Gradiska. Produce from the local region and the lodge gardens are paired with Gibbston Valley wines, for a sublime taste of the local terroir.
Day two: Arrowtown & Millbrook
Explore historic Arrowtown before spending an afternoon recharging at Millbrook Resort.
Morning
Ride the Arrow River Bridges Trail
After a blissful night’s sleep among the vines, hop back on your e-bike and cycle 20kms along the Gibbston River Wine Trail and Arrow River Bridges Trail to Arrowtown. You’ll follow the willow lined Arrow River, crossing historic suspension bridges, and passing swimming holes. The ride will take a couple of hours, depending on how often you stop for photos.
Edgar Bridge, Arrow River Bridges Trail
Explore Arrowtown
Drop off your e-bike and work up an appetite by strolling the tree lined streets of Arrowtown. This historic gold mining town is packed with delightful boutiques selling local art, crafts, produce, and fashion. Discover local history at the museum and the Chinese miners village.
Lunch at the Dishery
Nestled down by the Arrow River, The Dishery is a classy new addition to the Arrowtown food scene. A comfortable courtyard overlooking Dudley Cottage is the perfect spot to try their succulent wood fired meats, or sip on a signature cocktail.
Afternoon
An afternoon at the Spa at Millbrook
Part of the Millbrook Resort near Arrowtown, The Spa at Millbrook is a relaxing day spa set in a villa in the resort grounds. Treatments include facials, massage, body and beauty treatments, with spa packages offering indulgent experiences. Booking a treatment at the spa also gives you use of the swimming pool and hot tubs. While away an afternoon recharging and dreaming in their tranquil relaxation room overlooking a stream flowing through native bush.
The Spa at Millbrook
Evening entertainment options
Your Millbrook Resort accommodation options include studios, suites and luxury retreats. With stunning views from everywhere, 650 acres to explore, two championship golf courses to play on, a health club and a choice of cafes, restaurants and room service, we totally understand if you simply want to stay and soak up the vibes.
Or head back to Arrowtown to eat at Aosta or La Rumbla followed by an evening of live music, stories and whisky by the fire at the Blue Door.
Day three: Queenstown chill
Start the day with yoga in Queenstown, before taking in the vistas on foot or on the water, then spend an afternoon soaking in nature, before ending on a delicious high at the Sherwood.
Morning
Yoga at Nadi Wellness or Studio Sangha
Set yourself up for the day with an energising yoga session. Nadi Wellness offer vinyasa, yin, hatha and slow flow yoga and meditation sessions. While Studio Sangha offers heated Bikram yoga along with vinyasa, hatha and Pilates.
Kayak on Lake Whakatipu or walk up Queenstown Hill
There’s no better way to experience Queenstown than immersing yourself in nature. Our top pick is a walk up Queenstown Hill. This steep climb rewards you with Queenstown history, followed by panoramic views over the lake, mountains, and town below.
If you’re more of a water lover, Paddle Queenstown offer kayak and paddleboard rentals off Queenstown beach. Paddle out in the great lake and see the scenery from the water.
Kayakers on Lake Whakatipu
Lunch at Bespoke Kitchen
Another local hangout, Bespoke Kitchen has gorgeous views, and a menu full of hearty, healthy flavourful food, that’ll make you feel as good as it tastes. Try their seasonal greens vegan benedict, or their golden smoothie bowl sprinkled with bee pollen.
Afternoon
A soak at the Onsen Hot Pools
Located above the Shotover River, near Coronet Peak, enjoy the tranquility of your own cedar-enclosed spa overlooking breathtaking panoramic views of the Shotover River at Onsen Hot Pools.
In addition to the exclusive use cedar hot tubs you can also have a relaxing session in their day spa with an extensive range of face and body treatments.
The Spa at Nugget Point
Dine and stay at the Sherwood
A visionary reboot of a mock Tudor eighties motor lodge, the Sherwood transforms these unpromising raw ingredients into a sustainable luxury retreat set in a garden oasis. Unwind and relax in your cosy room with yoga classes, massage, and a sauna, before heading to the sunny central courtyard for a late afternoon cocktail.
The Sherwood restaurant sources all its ingredients from local producers and their own kitchen garden, so you’re eating hyper local, hyper seasonal, and most importantly hyper delicious. Finish your stay with a nightcap around the bonfire, and watch the sun set over the lake.