Girls’ Getaway: Queenstown

This escape is about getting away and immersing yourself into the the beautiful environment, breathing the clean air, enjoying a nice glass of something with new friends or old, dining on delicious NZ food and taking time out to recharge and rejuvenate.

From the moment you land in Queenstown, you are hit with an overwhelming sense of excitement. Queenstown sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps.

Renowned for adventure sports, it’s also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns. Queenstown is the perfect stop for a getaway due to its dramatic beauty and plethora of things to do. It is one of those rare places where it doesn’t matter how old you are or what season it is, you are sure to be enthralled and delighted by the scenic majesty and the vibrancy of this year-round playground.

Even though it may be known for its outdoor pursuits, it is also a mecca for boutique shopping; from international heavyweights to highly regarded New Zealand designers.

This gorgeous Escape comprises of nothing more than good company, great food, incredible wine, boutique accommodation, fabulous pampering, a bit of adventure and pure relaxation. Queenstown is a dream destination and the perfect town for a well-deserved getaway, and this 7-day Escape fits all the bills!

So come and join Andrea for this beautiful getaway – and rejuvenate…

GETTING THERE:

Air New Zealand and Qantas both offer flights ex Australia (schedules subject to Co-vid) and if based in NZ then Air New Zealand can get you there!  Ask us for assistance with airfares for a seamless booking

Tour Price:  Twin share per person: *AUD$3995  Single is *AUD$4995

(Please note for those who do not wish to do the helicopter experience please advise us at the time of booking and we can remove it from the price.  Your day will be at leisure.)

Tour Dates:  29 October – 4 November 2022

Tour Starts & Ends:  Queenstown

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Fully escorted from Queenstown by Andrea Powis, Founder Travelling Divas
• Group arrival and departure transfers Airport – hotel and v.v. (Please note we will advise arrival and departure times for group transfer)
• 6 nights luxury accommodation, Hotel St. Moritz M Gallery
• Daily breakfast
• Meals as stated in the itinerary
• Excursions and sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Welcome dinner & casual farewell dinner
• Onsen Hot Pools experience
• Sofitel So Spa afternoon
• Chef’s lunch at Amisfield Winery
• Private touring of Arrowtown & Gibbston
• Wine tasting Mt Rosa Wines
• A ‘glass of wine break’ at Akarua Wines & Kitchen
• Private wine tasting day at Bannockburn including lunch at the Bannockburn Hotel
• Picnic on the Peak:  Helicopter ride to a mountain location overlooking Wakatipu Basin, plus gourmet picnic lunch
• Private transport throughout
• Local guide where required
• GST & other government taxes

* Individual arrival and departure transfers can be arranged for an additional cost should you arrive outside of nominated times

NOT INCLUDED:

The price does not include international flights, travel insurance,  tips, items of a personal nature, optional tours outside those included in the itinerary, meals and beverages unless specified, visas or passport, telephone and wi-fi costs.

OCTOBER 2022

Saturday 29:  WELCOME TO QUEENSTOWN…

Arrive into the beautiful city of Queenstown. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. It is about a 20 minute transfer and Andrea will be at the hotel to greet you. Check in, rest and relax.

Depending on our arrival time, take a wander downtown to get your bearings, and to see what Queenstown has to offer shopping wise!

This evening we will meet for a pre-dinner drink and chat,  before enjoying our Welcome Dinner. A great way to get to know each other and get the lowdown for the coming week.

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel St Moritz M Gallery

Meals:  Welcome Dinner

Sunday 30:  Private touring to Bannockburn…

Central Otago is one of the Southern-most grape growing regions in the world and is arguably the world’s most spectacular setting for vineyards. The first wine grapes were planted here back in 1864 and despite the district’s potential as a wine-growing area, wine grapes were not commercially grown again in Central Otago for more than a century. Central Otago today is best known for its rich, mineral-laden Pinot Noir and its’ dramatic landscape.

Bannockburn is a surprising oasis of vineyards, heritage sites and fantastic vistas. The surrounding area offers a chance to discover the unique tastes of Central Otago, gold mining heritage and to be inspired by working artists and galleries. Wherever you go, you will be rewarded with expansive views of the Kawarau River, Pisa Range, Lake Dunstan and the Dunstan Mountains. Your Private Wine Tour to Bannockburn showcases some of the best fine wines made at top wineries and vineyards. You will visit the Cellar doors of Chard Farm, Terra Sancta and Te Kano. We then stop for a truly fabulous Tapas style share plate lunch at the Bannockburn Hotel.

Return to the hotel after a long and lazy late lunch.

Your evening is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel St Moritz M Gallery

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Wine Tasting

Monday 31:  DISCOVER YOUR OWN QUEENSTOWN…

Today is a free day; your day to indulge. It is your time to do as much, or as little as you please. Jemma and Andrea will be on hand to help you organise whatever you would like to do today, but here are a few suggestions:

Walking / Hiking: – The Queenstown Hill walk – The Tiki Trail walk – Moke Lake walk

Biking: **all of these can be Guided or Self-Guided, and can be on E-Bikes also:  Gibbston Valley Bike Wine Tour – Queenstown to Arrowtown Bike Tour.  Bike The Bridges.  The Basin Explorer

Pampering: Yoga at Nadi Wellness.  Salt Float Spa.  Body Sanctum Day Spa

Shopping: Fill your boots (or your suitcases!!)

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel St Moritz M Gallery

Meals:  Breakfast

NOVEMBER 2022

Tuesday 01:  TIME TO BE PAMPERED…

This morning we visit the Onsen Hot Pools; an experience that is all about unwinding and soaking up Queenstown’s spectacular scenery. Onsen Retreat is located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon, providing views over breathtaking alpine scenery and the perfect vantage point to watch the Shotover Jet boats on the river below. A unique kiwi twist on a Japanese tradition, each pool is heated to approx. 38.5 degrees and comes with a retractable roof. Your pamper experience begins with a 60- minute soak in one of the classic, original cedar-lined hot tubs while you enjoy a complimentary drink and snack and soak up the incredible views of the southern landscape.

We then transfer back into town to relax and prepare for an afternoon of magical Spa time. You will be having a glorious massage at St Moritz’s sister property – the Sofitel in their So Spa, which has been voted the World’s Best Hotel Spa by Travel + Leisure magazine. You will be split into groups here, so while one group is getting their treatment, the rest of the group can languor in the 1789 Wine & Jazz Lounge with a cheeky cocktail. After your massages, return to St Moritz feeling very zen and sated. Tonight seems a perfect night to wander into town and have a drink at the boutique Eichardt’s Bar lounge open since 1867, serving cocktails, tapas & champagne in a chic and cozy atmosphere.

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel St Moritz M Gallery

Meals:  Breakfast

Wednesday 02:  ARROWTOWN & GIBBSTON…

This morning we make our way to historic Arrowtown, which was swarmed firstly by European gold prospectors in the 1860s, then by 5,000 Chinese who were invited to try their luck among the leftovers. We will walk among the tiny restored cottages of their settlement and wander down the main street of this exquisite little town with its charming historic buildings. There is also some amazing boutique shopping to be done. To whet our whistles before lunch, we drop into the lovely Mt Rosa wines for a tasting. We then make our way to the fabulous Amisfield Restaurant & Winery to indulge in a ‘Trust The Chef’ 3-course lunch. Everything about Amisfield reflects Central Otago, including the dramatic stone building that houses the acclaimed Bistro and Cellar Door. The three-hatted restaurant experience takes you on a culinary journey through the tastes of a place that has become an essential destination for gourmands and vinophiles. After lunch, it seems only fitting you end with a tipple at gorgeous Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan, set in a beautiful garden setting surrounding a lovingly restored historic cottage. Return to Queenstown and your evening is free

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel St Moritz

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Tastings

Thursday 03:  HELICOPTERS & A PICNIC…

Today is a an AMAZING day! We start this incredible experience with a transfer from the hotel to your private helicopter (squeak), which will take a breath-taking journey through dramatic mountains and glaciers. You will finally settle atop a picturesque peak – a location with 180-degree views of the Wakatipu Basin and overlooking Queenstown – where you will be served a gourmet picnic, complete with champagne/wine and a spectacular backdrop.

Queenstown has some of the most breath-taking scenery in New Zealand and there could be no better way to enjoy the remarkable views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, than enjoying a champagne gourmet picnic perched high up on one of the peaks. Enjoy your champagne picnic of meats, cheeses, salad, fruit, and a selection of beverages for as long as the group desires. The helicopter will return you to Queenstown when ready – and provide a bird’s-eye view of Queenstown before heading back to the heli-base.

This is a stunning combination of the tranquillity of the remote mountain location, together with the excitement of a helicopter flight over beautiful surroundings and accompanied with local food & beverage delights. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

This evening is free. But you will need your rest for tomorrows’ big day…

***NOTE: We understand that helicopters may not be to everyone’s liking. We want this to be an absolutely magical experience for you, so we do not want anyone coming  that would not feel they would be able to fully enjoy this experience. And yes, it is a Big Ticket inclusion. If this is something you know you would struggle with and prefer not to do, please let us know upon booking as we will deduct this excursion from your Tour Cost. This means you have another Free Day to do exactly as you please! **This is the ONLY excursion we can deduct from the tour individually. **Your Insurance Policy MUST cover the helicopter flight a as company policies do not so your undertake this flight knowing this condition applies.

Overnight Accommodation:  Hotel St Moritz M Gallery

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Friday 04:  TIME TO GO – OR EXPLORE NZ A LITTLE LONGER, PERHAPS…

Today is our final day. A group transfer will be provided to the airport.  Thank you for travelling with us and I look forward to seeing you next time!

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel St Moritz M Gallery:

A boutique hotel in the heart of Queenstown offering scenic alpine views. The architecture and interiors offer intriguing works of art, bespoke furniture and cocooning colours, which highlight the unique charm of Queenstown and the serenity of the surroundings. Decorated with style and elegance, our spacious rooms & suites provide the same sense of calm and serenity. The blend of textures, colours and light combine to make this “alpine residence” a unique haven where sensorial delights await you. Lombardi Bar, Dining Room, Library and Den create the Lombardi Quarter a signature establishment that offers an array of dining styles and spaces.