Mick and I are here for 2 nights only as what’s on offer here in Queenstown, and there is plenty, is not why we are visiting New Zealand’s South Island. The main purpose for this trip is to explore the Central Otago Wine Region just to the east of here.

The direct flight from Brisbane to Queenstown took us just over 3 hours, which is short enough not to be a pain, but the landing today was the hardest we have ever experienced. A huge thud. I am surprised we did not blow a tyre. I was worried as we were coming in when all I could see from my middle seat were steep mountains on both sides, some covered in snow, and no level land anywhere. Some obviously appeared, but boy was it hard when we hit.

Mick and I were pleasantly surprised to find that Queenstown is a very pretty place.

We are staying only a 5 minute walk from here – the heart of Queenstown, on the edge of Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown is famous for skiing. But in summer, little snow if any is to be found. This ski lift is right on the edge of the town, a few hundred metres from the city centre. It looks crazy!! Who would ski down that???

Mick was thrilled to find some fresh oysters for sale from a stall on the edge of the lake. Unfortunately they weren’t Bluff oysters as it is the wrong season, but the woman selling these gets the oysters fresh daily from her father who is the farmer. Tonight he purchased just two for $10NZ, but I am sure we will be back tomorrow for some more – a dozen will cost $50NZ. We found a pub here were we can bring them to eat with a glass of their wine. Perfect.

There is a beach in Queenstown – nothing like we find on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, but people were enjoying it nonetheless.

We plan on spending just under two weeks on the South Island on this trip – the main purpose as I said is to taste the wines from here.

Central Otago is New Zealand’s southernmost wine region, and is home to big mountains, pristine lakes, and dramatic skies.

Pinot Noir is the main grape variety grown in this region; it is said to flourish in this part of New Zealand. Last year in May, Mick and I spent just over two weeks in New Zealand exploring both the North Island and part of the South Island, but we didn’t make it this far south. And, as soon as we landed back home from that trip I immediately booked this follow-up trip. I am particularly excited about tasting the Chardonnays and some aromatic varietals that are said to grow extremely well here too.

To get this trip (research) started, we purchased a bottle of Pinot Noir to enjoy with our dinner.

We are both pretty confident that the Central Otago Region will not disappoint.