Unexpected Overnights in… Queenstown, NZ
A few terms in aviation hold a meaning like no other jargon… those few words are, “Aircraft is U/S (unserviceable)”, engineering requirements, curfew, offload, and… unexpected overnight. All these words were thrown around while we were on a Sydney/Queenstown trip where we spent a few nights in Sydney and shuttled a Queenstown return. However, on this very evening, as we were about to shut the doors, the captain told us we could not close them yet and that they were looking at an engineering issue.
When the captain makes an announcement and mentions the term “Paperwork,” it means they are working through their checklists to prepare the aircraft to take off on a normal day. On other days, engineering may be mentioned as causing a delay. On this day, we were at a port [ZQN Airport] which doesn’t have engineering and to top it off, has a curfew (Airport closes). We were pushing time for curfew, however, on a few interphone calls back and forth, the captain made the decision that we were not going to make it off the runway in time this evening.
Four days and one aircraft part later… We were put up at the Hilton Spa and Resort (very boujee). I had a room as big as my apartment I live in with a minor living area, a big jet bath, and a balcony facing the lake. Queenstown is only a 2.5-hour flight from Melbourne, with no crew base there, so we have never rostered a trip there. All of us crew would secretly cross our fingers and toes each time we did these shuttle trips that we would get stuck there, and this time I got lucky.
Immerse yourself in this quant town with cosy interiors and wide landscapes. I was there during May. It was fresh cold at night and sunny clear skies during the day.
On my first night in Queenstown, I delved straight into the cocktail bar scene, as always.
Queenstown is a small town. All the bars and pubs are within walking distance of each other. The Hilton offers fantastic boat transfers to the other side of the lake, as Ubers costs about $30-50 one way.
There are not many Ubers in town and no Uber eats! Massive heads up for that. Takeaway shops close early, make sure you make it to the hotel restaurant or into town before kitchens close.
Your Cocktail Bar Walking tour…
Feel the warmth and vibrance through the town as the sun sets over the mountains and you’ve finished lining up for your FergBurger and polished off a Venison Burger and chips and start checking out the nightlife Queenstown has to offer.
Cowboys Queenstown: Ride a mechanical bull and sit by the cosy fire while sipping on a cocktail, it gets very busy on the weekends, worth a visit! 20-30 year olds.
Bardeaux: Won me over on their creative cocktail menu, this bar had an open fire and a DJ playing good deep house music tunes. 27+ year olds.
Bungalow: Guaranteed messy night, think podiums and the year 2010 onwards music. Not particularly my scene but if you're 18-25 years old this place is probably for you. Open until 4am.
Fergs Bar: A very well-known gastropub serving cocktails. Punters who know Fergburger will know about this gastronomy chain and may have already eaten at their bakery too. Mixed age group.
Electric Rush & World Bar: If you’re looking for electronic music and a dancefloor then go here! Electric Rush has housed DJs including Monkey Safari and Rebuke.
Cowboys Bar, Queenstown.
Adventure and exploring are the themes of this town.
Although the air carried a chill, the sun glowed upon my back. Setting out for the day, our destination was the peak of the cable car point, where a thrilling adventure awaited: the luge ride back down the mountain. The luge track boasted two lanes, catering to the leisurely riders and the adrenaline-seeking daredevils. With laughter in our hearts, we couldn't resist the temptation to ride them twice!
The journey on the cable car was breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the entire town below. As shadows crept in and the temperature dropped, we sought refuge in the cozy confines of the Max Brenner store, treating ourselves to decadent hot chocolates. Later, dinner beckoned at the local pub, where the ambience mirrored that of a quaint snow village—wooden interiors, steaming beverages, live music, and friendly faces abound.
Returning home, I indulged in a well-deserved hot bath, the crackling fire in the fireplace warming both body and soul. Wrapped in my favourite robe, I couldn't help but relish in the simple joys of a day well spent amidst the charm of this picturesque town.
The Luge.
Each day we went downstairs to our buffet breakfast - New Zealand butter, fresh eggs, jam on toast, coffee, while the restaurant faced the lake, taking in the view.
Next door to the Hilton Resort is a small bike hire place. Couldn’t recommend this activity more. The trail around the lake is perfect for bike rides. For $20 each we paid for our bikes for 4 hours. We could have hired bikes for our entire trip and road into town each day. It’s a nice distance and scenic route. The bike shack next to our resort was called Better By Bike, google map location here.
The view from my balcony.
Queenstown Golf Club.
Our bike ride trail had cute little spots for photo moments, homemade swings by locals, golf courses and short little boat docks. The water looked crystal clear, if only it was warmer, we would have gone swimming.
My colleagues on this trip were the best bunch, the techies (flight crew) even joined us on the luge and invited us for drinks around the campfire at the resort in the evening. Not every trip you have crew like each other and they truly added to the experience.
The facilities in the Hilton Spa and Resort were nothing short of indulgence, we used the steam room and sauna almost every day.
On our last night, we had to try the burgers at the well-known burger grill “Fergburger”. It was about a 20min wait to order and a further 20min wait for the burger but it was worth it! I tried the venison burger (deer), and can recommend it! I just loved the feeling I had walking around the town I feel warm and cosy.
10/10 Queenstown, I look forward to coming back! The only thing that is stopping me is it’s a little bit expensive, think Australian price menus and resorts are $250-$500AUD a night. However, if you haven’t been it’s a place you must visit at least once. A town that is popular with solo travellers in their 20s and 30s, families and older crowd. If you’re a snowboarder or skier make sure you go during the winter to make the most out of their snow slopes.
