Mon 6 Jun 2011
Self-Drive Tour: New Zealand South Island Day 6 – Arrowtown and Queestown Onsen (Hot Pool)
Posted by sloppychic under Places[7] Comments
Queenstown is the only town that we stayed for 2 days because the scenery is amazing, so much to see, and it is one of the most happening towns!
The next morning, we started the journey to Arrowtown, a town that is about 25 mins away from Queestown.
Arrowtown used to be a mining town in the olden days.
We were greeted by the fallen leaves.
Arrowtown is very well maintained, the shop lots are refurbished but the old looks stay.
There are not many residents in Arrowtown, and most of them are running the businesses on the street.
Wool Press anyone?
It looks very much like WordPress.
There are about 2 rows of shopping streets, where you can really find some bargains if you are looking for knitted wear or boots.
And of course, being a mining town, there must be a gold shop right?
When we saw the old vs new photos of the street, it hasn’t even changed much. But only extended to building some new shops.
After the window shopping, we walked around the town for more photos.
There is a jungle trekking path which will take about an hour’s time.
We did not take the trek as I injured my leg during the Glacier climb so I was actually limping my way.
It was quite cold and we even found frost on the car!
The blue sky, a stream, and fallen leaves, picture perfect!
I still prefer wearing slippers even though it is cold! But of course
Not all the time.
After the Arrowtown tour, we drove back to Queenstown for more scenery-discovery moment.
The secret way to Kelvin Peninsula Walkway.
And you find scenery like this.
The reflection of the sun created sparkles like diamonds on the crystal clear surface.
Pollution is really minimal in New Zealand, you hardly find any water that is not crystal clear.
Our main relaxation for the day – Onsen Hot Pools!
We have pre-booked and paid for the onsen ( about NZD$80+ for 2 pax for an hour). Cancellation must be done an hour prior to your appointment because they would heat up the pool before you arrive.
The walkway to the rooms.
A pool can accommodate about up to 4 pax and no, you must keep your swimsuit on.
Towels can be rented there too.
There are a few buttons next to the tub and you can choose to add more cold water, or unwind the window panel.
Lo and behold! The view that we were overlooking while soaking in the water.
The combination of cold weather, hot water and perfect scenery was the best thing of the day.
You can choose to extend your pool time for additional 30 minutes if you wish. Showers are provided too.
We did not stay longer as it was already close to 5pm and we would need dinner before all the shops closed.
There is a shop in town – Ferg Burger, which was crowded day and night!
The Q was always long when we passed by there, and of course, we ought to check the burger out
The huge ass burger at NZD$11, which I thought was not bad at all.
The beef patty was so fresh and juicy, and I thought the highlight had to go to the bun.
The bun had this taste and fragrant that I have never eaten in any other burger before. It was soft yet firm. And no sesame on the bun! Seriously, we would have regretted if we did not try this as this is not available anywhere else in the world.
We headed to some honey and souvenir shopping after getting the burger. This shop carries tonnes of New Zealand made products, eg honey, kiwi-snacks & skincare, shirts, boots etc.
Honey is not the cheapest here, and I suggest you go to hypermarket like Countdown to get, it is few bucks cheaper in supermarket.
We called it a day after the shopping as we had a big day out the next day
1. Self-Drive Tour: New Zealand South Island Day 1 – Christchurch
2. Self-Drive Tour: New Zealand South Island Day 2 – Whale Watch in Kaikoura
3. Self-Drive Tour: New Zealand South Island Day 3 – Fox Trot: Half Day Fox Glacier Walk
4. Self-Drive Tour: New Zealand South Island Day 4 – Beautiful Wanaka Lake and Puzzling World
5. Self-Drive Tour: New Zealand South Island Day 5 – Visiting The Most Beautiful Town – Queenstown and Skyline Gondola























My oh my, look at the gorgeous scenery! Especially the one by the river! Now you made me want to go to NZ so badly!!! Ahh… and the huge burger too!! Drools!
it is really very scenic and beautiful! i actually won’t mind visiting NZ again in the future
My favorites are the twinkle-star sun rays and again the blue skies. Absolutely gorgeous.
Let me guess, the next day… bungee jump?
you can never get bored of looking at the blue sky and be amazed by it
the next day? not bungee jump but u will find out
wow, really crystal clear water, love it!!
So beautiful scenery and am planning to go. Sloppy, can u send me yr email address as I want to get some info from u. TQ vey much!
sure
would love to help