How to spend the perfect Labour Weekend in Queenstown with friends
After what seems like a severe dry spell where Public Holidays are concerned, the allure of Labour Weekend is on the horizon and Kiwis everywhere are setting their sights on how to make the most out of this welcomed three-day weekend. While the idea of international travel appeals, staying closer to home preserves this precious time wholeheartedly, maximising fun with friends and minimising travel time.
And where better than the Adventure Capital of the World - Queenstown? This year, the South Island town ranked number one in Booking.com’s latest Labour Weekend search Data, beating the likes of Rarotonga and Tokyo. Elsewhere overseas, Vietnam took the top spot for the top trending international destination (based on YoY% increases in flight searches), with Japan and Thailand not far behind.
With that said, here’s your small but mighty guide on how to spend the perfect Labour Weekend with friends in Queenstown.
Via @bridzii for @queenstownnz
For the…Foodie Friend Group
Queenstown is home to over 150 eateries, and with longer, warmer days, it's the perfect time to enjoy some al fresco dining. No mention of Queenstown’s dining scene would be complete without the legendary Ferg Burger. A favourite of locals and visitors alike, indulging in one of these famous burgers is practically a rite of passage. Pro tip: Call ahead for pick-up and to the queue before enjoying your burger by the lake.
Beyond its casual spots like Sundays, Margo’s, and Fat Badger’s, Queenstown also boasts a strong reputation for fine dining. Standout restaurants include Aosta, Rātā, and TOAST & OAK. For a truly special occasion with friends, book a table at the award-winning Amisfield Restaurant. With three hats to its name and headed by visionary chef Vaughan Mabee, this degustation celebrates the best of Central Otago’s wild and wonderful offerings.
Via @ayrburnnz
Want to make a day of it? Head to Ayrburn and park up in the outdoor dining space for a sun-soaked meal. Since opening last year in Arrowtown, this all-day eatery has become a go-to for long lunches, casual gatherings, and celebrations, offering a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. If this quaint part of Otago tickles your fancy, you’ll find plenty of boutique, open-plan accommodation options for you and your friends through Booking.com.
For the…Get Up And Go-ers
Known as the Adventure Capital of the World, it’s no surprise that locals and visitors alike flock to Queenstown to get the adrenaline pumping. For a true bucket-list experience, tackle the Ben Lomond Track—a challenging 6-8 hour hike that rewards you with breathtaking views over the Wakatipu Basin and Mount Aspiring National Park. Insider tip: reaching the peak before sunrise is nothing short of spectacular. For something a bit more beginner-friendly, try the Queenstown Hill Time Walk. This 3-hour trek still delivers plenty of the South Island’s stunning scenery.
Via @real.newzealand for @queenstownnz
Want to shake off those winter cobwebs? Book a whitewater rafting adventure on the Shotover or Kawarau River through Booking.com—an experience that’ll make the group chat sing for quite some time! Let the experts take care of everything - simply click, book and get ready for adventure!
Back in town, grab your group for a gondola ride to the top before racing down via luge, or rent a frisbee and enjoy a round of frisbee golf in the beautiful Queenstown Gardens.
For the…Day-Trippers
If you and your friends have already hit the Queenstown hotspots, there’s still plenty to explore outside of town. A 20-minute drive brings you to Arrowtown, a historic gold rush village brimming with charm. This picturesque town offers walking trails, gold-mining sites, and an array of quaint shops and eateries.
Via @gibbstonvalley
As the region is renowned for its wine, visiting a few cellar doors is a must for any budding sommelier. Our recommendation? Swap four wheels for two by joining a guided bike tour, or set off on your own cycling convoy with friends. Spend an afternoon cycling between the cellar doors of Gibbston’s wineries, including Mt Rosa Wines, Chard Farm, and Gibbston Valley Winery. Charcuterie platters are absolutely essential. Keen to kick back and relax? Book on to a Hop on, Hop off Wine & Beer tour through Booking.com. This is a great way to try tipples with the peace and mind of a designated driver who will work around you and your crew in terms of pickups and drop-offs - what a win, win!
As Kiwis, it’s practically our duty to embrace the setting of The Lord of the Rings and its iconic filming locations. Fortunately, Queenstown offers plenty of guided tours that let you and your friends explore some of the most recognisable landmarks from the films. You can even book a Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown with Booking.com, and there’s even free cancellation options!
With your itinerary locked and loaded, explore Booking.com’s wide variety of accommodation options to find the perfect option for you and your friends this Labour Weekend. From self-contained apartments to deluxe hotel rooms, your perfect long weekend getaway to Queenstown awaits!
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