Morning
First things first, Coffee
If you're only spending 24 hours in Queenstown, you've got to get up early.. Head to one of the little whole-in-the-wall coffee shop, Mackenzie Coffee for a (takeaway) Flat White.
Mackenzie Coffee Co, Cow Lane
@jamieelizabeth
Its tucked away on cow lane (just behind Glassons). They have alternative milks, small treats and support reusable cups.
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Morning stroll
Once you've secured a coffee, it's time for a morning walk. From Mackenzie Coffee you'll want to head towards the lake front, snap a picture of the #views and walk towards Queenstown Gardens. The walk is as quick as 20 minutes and as long as a few hours if you continue along the lake towards Frankton Track. But with only 24hrs, we don't have time for more.
Queenstown Gardens
@jamieelizabeth
Gorgeous easy walk around the perimeter of the gardens. The gardens are complete with a pond, native plants, flowers, sculpture, history, tennis, lawn bowls and a hockey rink. If you walk along the water you can loop back into town on Park Street.
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Breakfast
Now that you've worked up an appetite it's time for some breaky. Here are my top three places to have breakfast in town. My favourites spots for breakfast are actually out-of-town and mentioned in my longer Queenstown guides, but with only 24hrs we've got to keep it in town.
Bespoke Kitchen
@jamieelizabeth
Great counter service cafe option for all dietary needs. I love their cabinet food items & tumeric latte!
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Ferg's Bar
@jamieelizabeth
Don't under estimate the name, this is a great spot for breakfast! Located next to the famous fergburger, sit by the window and people watch all morning!
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Day
Choose your own adventure
With only 24hrs in Queenstown, you'll have to pick just one of these adventures to cross off the bucket list. Here are a few options that only take a few hours of your day.
Skyline Luge
@jamieelizabeth
Take the gondola, snap a few pics and ride the luge. Its pretty touristy but worth the views and can be a fun time.
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AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy & Swing
@jamieelizabeth
Kind of a right-of-passage to bungee jump in the town that it was invented. I would do the OG bridge bungee and stop a a winery on the way back for a celebratory drink.
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The Helicopter Line, Queenstown
@jamieelizabeth
Queenstown is gorgeous from above, I would take a Helicopter trip over the Southern Alps, to The Remarkables or Cecil Peak.
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Evening
Line your stomach
Queenstown has an amazing nightlife for a small resort town -- which is a must when only enjoying 24hrs here. Before you ride the famous bull at Cowboys, you need to line your stomach. Depending on your mood and hunger levels here are two dinner options to enjoy.
Tanoshi Cow Lane
@jamieelizabeth
Little (semi-hidden) gem. Quick service and great, quality Japanese food. A limited menu but everything is good. The scallops & beef are top of the list! If there is a wait, they invite you for a drink while you wait which usually isn't too long.
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Blue Kanu
@jamieelizabeth
Aways a crowd pleaser! Great island-inspired cuisine and lush cocktails. You need to book ahead of time!
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Hit the town
Technically you're already in town but it's time to hit the bars. In the theme of keeping your options short and sweet, here are three places to check-out for drinks.
The Sundeck Rooftop Bar
@jamieelizabeth
The best rooftop vibes in Queenstown! Please do yourself a favour and order a Spicy Marg or I Am Kiwi. 21+ and some great DJs in the evening.
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The Bunker Restaurant
@jamieelizabeth
Great for cocktails and chatting by the fire (don’t go before 10pm) you can dance inside later in the night, 25+ vibes and definitely welcomes an older crowd.
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Cowboy's Queenstown
@jamieelizabeth
Tourists rite of passage, you must go to cowboys and riding the bull. All ages, but the bouncer can be tough so don’t have too many drinks before you go.
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The 24th hour
To finish off the night, you probably want to get a bite to eat. Now is your time to get a famous Fergberg (they stay open until 4am). Another great option is Fergbakery next door with a shorter line, discounted cabinet food past 12am and NZ famous hot pies.
Fergburger
@jamieelizabeth
Yes, this is a 'must' go mainy to say you’ve had one and because it’s pretty good & fairly cheap. My favourite is actually the tofu burger.
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