What to Do in New Zealand – According to Qantas Frequent Flyers
From snowy sojourns to an epic food safari, Qantas Frequent Flyers share the experiences that fulfilled their New Zealand dreams.
“We landed on a peak and made the first footprints in the snow.” – Kate Branch, Bronze Frequent Flyer
“Travelling with two children means keeping them busy – luckily Queenstown is bursting with activities. We flew over Glenorchy in a helicopter before landing on a peak and making the first footprints in the snow. In Arrowtown, the kids looked for gold in the river using pans we rented from the local post office. I found the gold-rush history fascinating.
At the 161-year-old Cardrona Hotel, the kids toasted marshmallows in the huge fireplace out the back while my husband and I sipped red wine. The restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike so make sure you book. Let them know a day ahead if you want the roasted lamb – believe me, you do!
If we had more time, we’d have spent many hours at The Winery, where you insert tokens into machines that auto-pour tastes or glasses. It’s a novel way to try rare and boutique wines that you usually only find by the bottle on expensive restaurant menus.”
Kate flew Sydney to Queenstown
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“The sight of Kāpiti Island just offshore from Raumati Beach is like living in a real-life ad for New Zealand.” – Carla Day, Platinum Frequent Flyer
“My mother has moved to the Kāpiti Coast, an hour’s train ride north of Wellington, so I travel to New Zealand two or three times a year to see her. It’s a beautiful part of the world but I’m all about the food.
On my last visit we ate proper Kiwi fish and chips – out of paper, of course – from Raumati Fish Supply. We ate it on Raumati Beach and the fresh air and sight of Kāpiti Island just offshore was like living in a real-life ad for New Zealand. Paraparaumu township is close by and great for a wander but I headed north to 180 Degrees Café before the cheese scones sold out. They’re a New Zealand favourite and should be eaten warm and slathered with lots of butter.
The country is also very proud of its dairy. Kāpiti cheeses are renowned nationwide and I filled Mum’s freezer with Kāpiti Central Otago Black Doris Plum ice-cream.”
Carla flew Port Macquarie to Wellington via Sydney
“Waitematā Harbour and the Auckland skyline are best seen from the rooftop at Bar Albert.” – Valerie Young, Platinum Frequent Flyer
“I scheduled time for shopping, dining and cocktails between conference sessions to turn my Auckland trip into the perfect mix of work and play. I chose to stay at Voco Auckland City Centre for its magnificent views of Waitematā Harbour and the city skyline – best seen from Bar Albert on the 38th floor.
The hotel is walking distance to Commercial Bay, which has New Zealand’s biggest food hall, Harbour Eats. Walk another five minutes and you’re in the Britomart neighbourhood, where the enormous Italian-style restaurant and bakery Amano serves next-level breakfasts. The smoked warehou paté with poached egg and sourdough might sound like an unusual breakfast but it was so good I had it twice.
When I visited, a three-masted Mexican Navy tall ship, the Cuauhtémoc, was docked at Princes Wharf and civilians could board. After that, I came ashore to enjoy a summery peach-and-raspberry cocktail – ask for a Bringing Sexy Back – at the waterfront Soul Bar & Bistro.”
Valerie flew Melbourne to Auckland
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“A road trip from the North to the South Island was stunning.” – Mish Wright, Gold Frequent Flyer
“Both the North and South islands have so much to offer and we drove from top to bottom, starting at Kerikeri in the far north, about four hours from Auckland.
“In nearby Mahinepua Bay, the coastal walk is off the beaten track and offers a different view at every turn. It’s stunning.
“In the south, visiting Milford Sound is incomparable. We did a full-day cruise, stopping along the way so we could do short bushwalks. There were hundreds of waterfalls and our guides stopped the boat so we could stick out our hands and catch the glacial water to drink straight from the falls.”
Mish flew Qantas from Melbourne to Auckland.
“We went on a food safari in Christchurch.” – Courtney Wilton, Bronze Frequent Flyer
“We’d earned Qantas Points travelling to Canada and Mexico and redeemed them on flights to Christchurch. The food at Riverside Market in the CBD was diverse and delicious, we ate everything from Greek to Mexican and excellent fish and chips.
“At the Antarctic Centre, it was so much fun to see the penguins and pretend we were in the middle of a snowstorm in the Storm Dome.
“After driving south, we chose to stay in Arrowtown rather than Queenstown, which allowed us to have beautiful early morning walks through the Millbrook Resort golf course, complete with a dawn sighting of a hot air balloon.”
Courtney flew Qantas from Brisbane to Christchurch.
“Ziplining through Queenstown was exhilarating.” – Cameron Dawson, Gold Frequent Flyer
“Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and taking the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline is an exhilarating way to see the town. The guides from Ziptrek EcoTours made it even more fun and encouraged us to try tricks in the air.
“Hiking up Queenstown Hill was more peaceful – the air was crisp and all I could hear was birdsong. Afterwards, I sat by Lake Wakatipu and enjoyed takeaway from Erik’s Fish & Chips. Flying Qantas Business Class on the way home was a nice way to end the trip.”
Cameron flew Qantas from Canberra to Queenstown (via Sydney).
