A Smooth Journey to Queenstown: Our First Impressions
New Zealand has always been on our bucket list, and finally setting off on this adventure felt surreal. Our journey started with a fantastic flight on Air New Zealand from LAX to Auckland. If you're going to be in the air for 13 hours, I highly recommend doing it in their lie-flat seats—the best we have experienced! The flight was smooth, the service was top-notch, and before we knew it, we were touching down in Auckland, well-rested and ready for the next leg of our journey.
From Auckland, we hopped on a flight to Queenstown on the South Island, and wow—what a view from the air! As we descended, the Remarkables mountain range came into view, its rugged peaks creating a dramatic backdrop. The jagged, towering mountains had an almost otherworldly quality, making us feel like we were flying straight into Middle Earth. Their epic presence carried a sense of both wonder and foreboding—a perfect introduction to the wild beauty of New Zealand.
Exploring Queenstown
Our first day in Queenstown was all about soaking in the atmosphere of this charming town. Nestled along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is surrounded by stunning scenery and an undeniable sense of adventure. We took the gondola up to get a bird’s-eye view, and it did not disappoint—panoramic vistas of the mountains and lake made for an unforgettable start to our trip.
Staying at Hulbert House
For our stay, we checked into Hulbert House, a beautifully restored bed and breakfast dating back to the 1870s. This place is brimming with character! We were warmly greeted by Taveh, who had grown up in California but now calls New Zealand home. She made us feel instantly welcome, sharing a bit about the history of the house and offering recommendations for exploring the area. Our room was lovely, with an amazing view that reminded us why we came all this way.
Dinner at Rata
After a day of exploring, we headed to Rata, a local favorite with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere and some seriously delicious food. One standout? The marmite butter with crispy fried yeast, served alongside sourdough. We had never tried marmite butter before, and it turned out to be a surprisingly savory, umami-packed addition to the usual butter service. The crispy fried yeast added an unexpected crunch, making for a unique textural contrast that elevated the dish even more—definitely a fun new foodie experience!
Ending the Day with a Sunset
As the evening came to a close, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset. Sitting on the porch of Hulbert House, wrapped in the crisp mountain air, we soaked in the golden hues over Queenstown. It was the perfect way to end our first day—just us, the quiet beauty of the landscape, and the feeling that our Excellent Adventure had only just begun.
