Highlights of the Day
Today, we drove to Queenstown, making stops along the way. In Alexandra, we intended to visit its hilltop clock but settled for a distant photo due to roadwork. Next, we reached Cromwell’s stunning Lake Dunstan, where families relaxed on yachts and inflatables. We waded in the clear water, enjoying vineyard views. At Rockburn Winery, we skipped wine tasting since we had to drive. Arriving in Queenstown, we dined at Lone Star Restaurant—grass-fed beef was tough, but the salmon was outstanding. As the sun stayed high, we strolled along Queenstown Wharf, soaking in the lively evening atmosphere.
Logistics
Accommodation: HIGHVIEW APARTMENTS QUEENSTOWN (highly recommended)
Transportation: Rental Car
Today, we drove to our next destination, Queenstown, stopping at a few places along the way.
Our first stop was Alexandra, a small town known for a clock built on a hill. In 1968, the town decided to create a landmark, so they built this clock. It sounded interesting, so we went to check it out.
After a simple lunch in town, we drove toward the clock. However, roadwork caused some traffic, and we figured it wasn’t worth the wait. Instead, we took a photo from afar and moved on. I tried to zoom in on the clock — can you see it clearly?
Next, we arrived at Cromwell, home to the famous Lake Dunstan. We drove along the lake and found it stunning. A few families were enjoying the water—adults on yachts and kids floating in inflatable boats. The scene looked so relaxing that we decided to stop and join in. We waded into the crystal-clear water, enjoying the coolness, while across the lake, lush vineyards stretched out in rows.
This region is famous for its wines, and we passed many wineries along the way. We chose Rockburn Winery for a visit. Originally, we planned to join a vineyard tour, but they only offered wine tastings. Since we had to drive afterward, we hesitated. The staff explained that in New Zealand, it’s legal to drink a glass of wine as long as you eat something with it before driving. That wouldn’t be allowed in the U.S., so we decided to skip the tasting. Later in Auckland, a friend confirmed that New Zealand does allow this—good to know!
We arrived in Queenstown just in time for dinner and headed to Lone Star Restaurant – a steakhouse. New Zealand’s lamb had impressed us before, so we wanted to try its free-range beef. It turned out to be quite tough. Later, we learned that since New Zealand cattle are grass-fed rather than grain-fed, their meat tends to be firmer. Interesting fact! On the other hand, the grilled salmon we ordered on a whim was exceptional—juicy, tender, and possibly the best I’ve ever had.
Even at 7 or 8 PM, the sun was still high in the sky. It was the perfect time for a stroll and some photos. Walking along the Queenstown Wharf, we soaked in the lively atmosphere. The town was buzzing with energy, and I made a mental note—next time, we’ll have dinner here to fully enjoy the vibrant scene! 😊
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