Kirsty & James

When you arrive at the Queenstown Airport, you can either use taxis or there is a frequent bus transfer that goes between the airport and central Queenstown. It's approximately 10 minutes.

Some hotels may also be able to provide you with an airport pick up service, but you will need to look into those arrangements when booking your accommodation to see what is offered.

On our wedding day, we are providing a private bus for anyone who has indicated on their RSVP that they want to use this transport.

The bus will be taking guests to Stoneridge Estate, and will be leaving from and returning to central Queenstown. 

Alternatively, you may also like to use a local taxi company. There are multiple to choose from in Queenstown.

There is a wide range of accommodation available throughout Queenstown. Options include everything from backpackers to 5-star hotels, as well as there being a lot of private accommodation through AirBnB as well if you're planning to stay with a larger group.

We recommend to book within the central Queenstown area for ease of access to all the amenities of the town and also to make use of the provided transport we have to take guests to and from Stoneridge Estate.

Websites to check for accommodation, we would recommend using booking.com or airbnb.co.nz.

You are absolutely spoiled for choice in Queenstown as there is a huge range of fantastic dining options and cuisine on offer at every budget.

Cheap and Cheerful Takeaways ($): The famous Fergburger, and Kirsty's personal favourite burgers in the world, is a must while you are in Queenstown. If you crave a little bit more tortilla and a little less bun, then Taco Medic will be the fix you're after. 

Casual Dining ($$):  The Cow is brilliant if you're looking for casual dining and incredible tasting pizza and pasta. It is a long standing institution in Queenstown and tucked away in Cow Lane in a rustic building, it's particularly cute and cosy in the winter months.

For a special occasion ($$$): If you are after a steakhouse, our personal favourite in Queenstown is Botswana Butchery, with a cocktail list nearly as impeccable as their cuts of meat. This is a beautiful restaurant right opposite the lake front. A perfect choice if you're planning a special dinner out one evening while you're in the area, and be sure not to miss out on their mulled wine during winter.

Breakfast ($$): If you're looking for breakfast food, Bespoke Kitchen has a health conscious focus so this one is also fantastic for anybody with dietary requirements such as being gluten or dairy free.

For a classic pub ($$): If you're spending a few days longer and venture over the crown range and towards Wanaka, you'll come across the historic Cardrona Hotel, which serves up meals that are as hearty and delicious as their pub is cosy. 

For the wine lovers ($$$$): There are endless wineries to explore your way around in Central Otago, and the time of year will be perfect for enjoying a few exceptional pinot noirs, but if you're looking to combine wine with an unforgettable experience, venture towards Amisfield.

Whether this is your first visit to Queenstown or you've been flocking here for years, there is simply always something new to do or try. If you're planning to stay longer, you may also like to explore a little further so we've included recommendations for day trips or where to continue your South Island itinerary. 

If it's your first trip: The Skyline Gondola promises picture perfect views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu, plus the luge is awesome. 

If you want an adrenalin rush: In this category, your options truly are endless, but to call just one thing out, it would have to be the Nevis Bungy which is 124m high. Kirsty has done this twice in her early 20s, and doubts she has the guts to do it a third time now she's in her 30s, but would love to hear anybody's stories if they are up for it! 

Snow bunnies: It is the perfect time of year for the opportunity to get out and enjoy a day or two of skiing if you're planning to be in Queenstown a little longer. There are a few ski fields to choose from, so for any first time skiers or if you're at a beginner-intermediate level, then you're going to have the best time at either Cardrona or The Remarkables. There are great trails for beginners and if you get a bit more confident, you can find more blue runs that are nice and wide for easier skiing/snowboarding. 

Wine tours: Queenstown offers so many different types of wine tours, with everything from cycle tours to private groups and helicopter tours. We'd suggest to head to the Queenstown NZ tourism site to get a sense of the variety of tours available. TThe Cardrona Distillery also offers tours if spirits are your preferred tipple of choice. 

If you want a bit of blissing out: The Onsen hot pools and spa are both incredibly beautiful to experience, but also divinely relaxing, so really it's a win any way you look at it. Not to mention it also comes with the added bonus of upping your Instagram game effortlessly. 

For your bucket list: Milford Sound is a place of beautiful, tranquility, and wilderness. You can either drive there yourself in which case we would recommend you stay at least one night in Te Anau or it is possible to do day trips from Queenstown on coach tours that combine with a scenic boat cruise. 

Short drives: Nearby historic and quaint Arrowtown has a main street filled with eclectic shops, boutiques and coffee shops, and in the other direction from Queenstown, a picturesque 45 minute drive takes you to Glenorchy. 

Day trips: For those with a bit more time to roam, you may like to plan a day trip or 2 to Wanaka, and even drive further into Mt Aspiring National Park - an incredibly scenic drive that takes you to locations like The Blue Pools, Haast Pass and all the way out to the remote Haast Beach if you keep on heading West.