Tuesday, December 6, 2016

MUST-TRY: Top 10 Free Things to Do in Queenstown

Discover and explore Queenstown for free. So much fun at no extra cost.

It’s almost Christmas! And since it’s one of the most festive seasons of the year, we all want nothing but the best so we plan early where to go and what to do – spending some quality time with our families and friends.  

However, can we still make it as memorable and as fun as the previous Christmases when we’re actually on a very tight budget? Well, worry no more! We come here to the rescue. Try any of these top 10 things that you can do in Queenstown for free and you’ll surely have lots of fun.

1. Take the kids to Kingston for a “classic family picnic”.
No doubt, Queenstown, New Zealand has been tagged as the “adventure capital of the world” because it has a lot of interesting and exciting things to offer.

Kingston’s lakeside setting, cosy vibe, and outdoor lifestyle make it a great spot for you to spend your family day out. Ready your picnic baskets loaded with delicious meals, hale and hearty snacks, and refreshing beverages. Be relaxed and comfy on picnic benches that sit on the water's edge.

2. Be “kids” again: Play, play and play
Each of us surely has unforgettable moments when we were still kids. And yes, we must admit that most of us enjoyed our childhood days even in the absence of Internet, gadgets and computers.

Feel free to do those “silly things” again as it can be a great way to relieve stress. Laughing out loud (like a kid) isn’t bad after all.

Outdoor games such as hide and seek, kick the can, capture the flag, etc. are not only great additions to our kids awesome childhood memories but most importantly aid in the promotion of a healthier and more active lifestyle.

3. Enjoy some nature-tripping activities.
Mother Nature doesn’t only reward us with fresh air, scenic views and serenity but also provides us with a natural playground and a captivating backdrop for “picture perfect” a range of activities all year round.

Find time to drop by at Queenstown Gardens, Lake Hayes, Glenorchy, etc. and fall in love with the picturesque beauty of nature.

See the man in the photo? He took his van up the Remarkables road to get a better view of the Wakatipu Basin from above.

Appreciating the charm of nature not only gives you tranquility from within but also lets you remain hopeful that a brighter future lies ahead of you. 

4. Walk along Lake Wakatipu.
Whether you’d go for a morning walk or a late afternoon stroll, its charm remains irresistible and distinctively beautiful. Thanks to its accessibility from the town centre through the Queenstown Gardens and the Frankton Track. Satisfy your cravings for exquisite scenery and fresh air.

Trivia: Scientists have rated it as 99.9% pure and clean, making it the second-purest lake water in the world.

5. Discover the charm of Lake Face Creek Falls trail. 
Unleash the charm of a secret spot, bring your families with you and have the guts to get wet and wild outdoors.

Be amazed by the stunning view and crystal clear water. It’s also a perfect time for some photo ops. So, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this hidden gem and get ready to share the photos to your fellas – they’d surely love them, too.

6. Go on a road trip.
Sightseeing does wonders… especially to the kids. There’s truly more than just a countryside road trip. It’s more of what everybody loves during the travel: random chitchats, stopovers, foods, and all those “bonding moments” – things they say money can’t buy.

Yay! Don’t forget to include Glenorchy in your itinerary, especially if you’re a big fan of “Lord of the Rings” and “Narnia” series. You’d realise why lots of scenes from the said movies were shot in here, thanks to its photogenic landscape, scenic drive, and panoramic view.

7. Stroll after an al fresco dinner and some drinks.
What can be more satisfying than feeding your eyes with some chunks of beautiful and serene surroundings after a delightful dinner and some refreshing drinks? Well, it’s certainly a rewarding experience that’s worth cherishing for a lifetime.

This also works best for lovely couples out there who wish to have some equally romantic and cosy rendezvous without the need to spend much.

8. Ready for some “me” time?!
Feeling exhausted lately? Give yourself a break by finding the perfect time to relax, unwind and de-stress from the very busy life in the city, hectic working schedules, and too many errands. Many people consider this (as shown in the photo) their favourite spot in Glenorchy. It’s pretty obvious why, right?

9.  Reward him or her with a not-so ordinary date.
World-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown boasts its various adrenaline-based activities including jetboating, bungy jumping, white water rafting and skydiving, guided tours, and even scenic flights. These things you can do and enjoy together.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider doing something unique yet as fun as any of those activities. You may opt to explore many hiking and biking trails in Queenstown, have some BBQ lunch by the beach, or just relax on a bench in Glenorchy, Arrowtown or Kingston. Such a perfect time to recharge!

10. Go stargazing.
The clear, dreamy and unpolluted skies of Queenstown make it the perfect setting for some breathtaking stargazing experience. Who doesn’t want to do this anyway?!

The best things in life are FREE.

Come and visit Queenstown and begin making memories with your loved ones and friends – no need to spend much. Have a blissful holiday season, folks!