What To Do in Queenstown, New Zealand

The next stop on our list is Queenstown, New Zealand; A quaint town on the shores of Wakatipu with a backdrop of the Southern Alps, leaving us with a breathtaking sight of the South Island. Our trip here was the combination of short yet sweet—us girls from Auckland had one night left together, but sometimes, the beauty of going away for school leads to friends being all over the world.

+ Day One

We departed from our four-wheeled 'Juicy Lucy,' and took a voyage to the south island. Here, we rented an Airbnb for the next two nights, which was undoubtedly the sickest house I had ever stayed in, and met up with some of our old college rugby friends who’d been training in New Zealand for the past couple of years.

As we got our bearings set for our stay—groceries and whatnot—it was time to get ready for the night. And as true rugby fashion, we started the evening with games, the music turned up and dancing, which continued throughout the night.

Felt like college all over again; sweet, sweet memories.

+ Day Two

With the sun peaking through the blinds, it was finally time we slowly, very slowly rallied our hungover bodies up, ate some breakfast, and headed out the door to do some exploring throughout the city.

While we roamed the streets, we decided to take a detour up the mountain on a gondola. At the peak of the mountain, we encountered a small restaurant, gift shops, luge, and the most stunning aerial view overlooking the city.

Though, as the light began to escape us, the night and stars were there to follow. With it being our last night, we thought there'd be no other way to say goodbye to this dreamy stop on our journey than to have dinner one last time together.

As we stepped foot in the restaurant (Ivy & Lola's Kitchen & Bar), the light was dusky, the melody flowed throughout the air, the fire crackled in the background, and the voices and laughter filled every curve of the room.

And as we sat there talking about life over food and wine, the light had vanished and the chatter ceased. However, it wasn’t long until the room brightened with a slow-burning light and a man with his guitar fueling our ears and hearts.

+ Day Three

Our flight was in the afternoon, which meant the time had come to say goodbye to our friends and New Zealand. When we finished eating and packed up, we headed out the door once again, but it wasn’t to the airport quite yet.

As we were driving along the windy road, we took the scenic route leading us to a natural preserve trail. With not a soul around, we got to take in the simplicity and be present in the moment.

New Zealand was many things and a place I’ll remember forever with experiences I get to share with those I love to be around.