EPIC QUEENSTOWN SUMMER

Queenstown is renowned for its incredible winters, but spring and summer are equally as epic. Visitors and locals alike are blessed with long warm days and evenings, perfect for getting into the fresh alpine air and discovering hidden gems amongst the diverse landscapes. There are green valleys bursting with flowers, glistening lakes and rivers, local hangouts, as well as a multitude of trails and bike paths to find and explore. 

MOKE LAKE 

Moke Lake is a secluded, stunning lake framed by mountains and farmland and is just a 20-minute drive from the Queenstown town centre. Locals venture to Moke Lake to cycle, walk, camp, and swim. Drive out of Queenstown on the Queenstown-Glenorchy Road for about 10 minutes until you see a right turn off at Moke Lake Road. When you have arrived, there is a two-hour loop track to walk around. 

DOROTHY BROWNS CINEMA 

Dorothy Browns is a delightful boutique cinema and bar in picturesque Arrowtown. The cinema’s décor is a mix of romantic charm and funky modernism with a fully licensed bar, fire, and large seats with armrests for cheeseboards and wine glasses. Enjoy a wonderful evening watching an arthouse or contemporary movie, then peruse the bookshop or enjoy a gin at The Balcony bar afterwards. 

 SEARCHLIGHT BREWERY 

Searchlight Brewery is an independently owned and operated brewery in the industrial edge of Queenstown’s CBD in a converted warehouse. Searchlight is a local favourite and offers 18 taps, a beer garden, kitchen, taproom, and loads of board games. Dogs are welcome, and the outside seating area buzzes in summer with local live DJs, quiz nights, and more. 

MOUNTAIN BIKING ON CORONET PEAK 

Coronet Peak is well known in winter as a great ski resort; however, the natural terrain offers fun, flowy, and technical trails with breath-taking alpine views. You can expect an epic time, and because trails are accessed by chairlift, it means you get faster laps and more vertical. A range of passes are available with a day, sunset, or season pass on offer. 

ARROWTOWN GOLF CLUB 

Arrowtown Golf Club is tucked away behind the Arrowtown township and offers the chance to play alongside seasoned locals, who may just share some of their insider knowledge. Set in the stunning and tranquil surroundings of Arrowtown’s rolling hills, the challenging 18 hole course winds through narrow schist rock defiles and immaculate undulating greens. 

AKARUA WINES & KITCHEN BY ARTISAN 

Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan offers a memorable dining experience set amongst a tranquil garden setting and restored historic cottage just five minutes out of Arrowtown. Matched carefully with Akarua wines, the food is honest and social, with a focus on quality, taste, seasonality, and sourced from the local growers of Central Otago. 

For more information on all of these hidden gems and more , visit queenstownnz.co.nz