Uncovering a Different Side of Queenstown I Never Knew Existed

In the land of big adventures, Explorer Julia slowed down instead and discovered a lesser-known side of Queenstown.

Aotearoa/New Zealand’s Queenstown is changing its course of action. The biologically blessed town is shifting its pace, striving to be a regenerative tourism destination and carbon-zero by 2030. And your next visit to the adventure capital can help achieve its environmental and community goals just by slowing down.

Queenstown is encouraging visitors to adopt a slower itinerary to help preserve the landscape and culture for generations. The town is implementing new technologies to decarbonise, adopting climate solutions in infrastructure, and inspiring behavioural change for residents and visitors. Living life in the slow lane is not just a turn-of-phrase in Queenstown; I discovered, it’s a way of life.

Upon setting my sights on Queenstown for the first time, I understood why the town is working hard to protect its assets – it’s spectacular at every head turn.

Kayaking is a great way to slow down and see the town from a different vantage

The all-encompassing Remarkables mountain range and Lake Whakatipu glistening in the centre, two of the many beautiful natural features making up Queenstown’s dramatic scenery. I quickly realised my usual hurried pace and bucket-list ticking would be challenged here for the right reasons: it’s a place to soak in every moment and let be.

1. Slowing Down

I hate to admit it but I’m one of those people who finds it hard to be idle, especially when travelling, always darting from one attraction to the next. So it’s a welcome change visiting Queenstown. Mountains will always be a novel concept for this city slicker, and the stillness of Queenstown’s landscape gave me an awareness of standing still and appreciating the small things.

Don’t rush away from this view – take the time to enjoy it!

The town’s scenery drastically changes with the seasons. I’m visiting in autumn when temperatures range between 5 and 25 degrees. In late March, it’s still warm, with some summits lightly sprinkled with snow.

Heath, forests, and visible fissures appear as patchworks of auburn and gold. The mountains beautifully contrast with the blue waters below. I could only imagine seeing this real-life painting in the colder months, all blanketed in white – more reasons to come back.

Taking advantage of a sunny day, I start my Queenstown adventure with a leisurely stroll on the Queenstown Garden Loop.

The easy 1.9km track is one of many trails within the town, the route’s wide footpaths border Lake Whakatipu, connecting parklands and public spaces.

As I pass Queenstown Bay Beach, I spontaneously decide to go kayaking. I rent a kayak from Paddle Queenstown for an hour. I’m excited to be at the helm of my adventure, navigating the lake with each paddle stroke. Everywhere I go, Queenstown’s mountains encircle me.

2. Connecting With Nature

It’s effortless to connect with nature in Queenstown, as you are in the thick of it. I’m easily motivated to get active – my mood, both relaxed and excited to explore Queenstown’s natural assets on foot.

Beyond Queenstown’s low-rise buildings is Queenstown Hill, also known as Te Tapu-Nui, meaning ‘Mountain of Intense Sacredness’. It’s one of Queentown’s most popular hikes, with the trailhead a 20-minute walk from the town centre. From here, it’s a three-hour, 4.2km return trip to the peak.

You’ll even see a fairy garden on the way up!

Winding through pine forest, the trail features six interpretive panels highlighting early Māori culture and the region’s history and formation. Art is also found along the way, with postcard-sized handcrafted fairy homes attached to tree trunks and the much larger iconic ‘Basket of Dreams’ sculpture by local artist Caroline Robinson.

The massive steel and schist stone basket overlooks Lake Whakatipu. There’s a seat to take in the all-encompassing vistas, which are incredible but only get better.

The summit is only moments away, with panoramic views of Lake Whakatipu, the Remarkables, Queenstown, and the Skyline Queenstown Gondola. I finally made it.

You’ll be dreaming with your eyes open up here

For over an hour, I enjoy an unexpected sky show while eating snacks (It’s important to replenish energy stocks!).

I watch clouds slowly part over mountains, gradually revealing Queenstown’s striking formations. My mouth stays open – not just from snacking – but by being in a constant state of ‘wow’. What a moment!

3. Learning From The Locals

It’s now time to appreciate Queenstown through local eyes and discover how tour operators are adopting regenerative practices in their experiences.

ZipTrek Tours is Queenstown’s first carbon-neutral tourism operator. It mixes thrills with thoughtful travels; wannabe birds can fly over a forest canopy along the world’s largest tree-to-tree zipline and learn about the region’s natural environment and sustainability practices.

With each ride, the company offsets 100% of its CO2 emissions by purchasing certified carbon credits to help conserve Indigenous forests in Aotearoa.

Owner Trent Yeo says the multi-award-winning experience empowers people to have daring adventures while developing a greater awareness of environmental impacts.

‘I think it is vitally important that we are creating connections with place. We hope people go home with something that is more than just ‘I did that’, but “that it means something to me”.’

Another advocate for combining both adventures and education is Ride to the Sky. The e-bike tours are operated by husband-and-wife duo Shay and Ksena Muddle, leading riders to explore the back roads of Queenstown.

The couple, who have resided in the area for over 20 years, offer three tours to explore greater Queenstown while supporting local businesses, such as wineries and producers, en route.

Take two wheels around Qtown

With tours ranging from ascending mountain tops to leisurely cruises around the lake, Mr Muddle says biking is just about immersing people in nature.

‘You don’t have to do the extreme rides; you can just stick to the low trails. It’s just a matter of getting people outside, moving, and enjoying our beautiful country.’

Besides showcasing the best of Queenstown, the couple provides insight into the area’s history and Māori culture.

‘I like to share as much as I can about our Māori history. Our Māori history is really important in the area and as a Māori, I do feel a responsibility to share stories’, he says.

Revel in the incredible scenery and history of this magical place

4. Locals at The Forefront of Change

Diving deeper into Queenstown’s regenerative ambitions, I found out I could continue to do my bit protecting the environment even in my sleep! Headwaters Eco Lodge in Glenorchy is New Zealand’s first net zero/net positive energy destination.

Founded by American philanthropists Debbi and Paul Brainerd in 2019, it’s the world’s first accommodation facility certified to the Living Building Challenge standards set by the International Living Future Institute.

Not bad for a rest

The lodge’s 14 chalets and communal areas are taking sustainable living to the next level by abiding by the most comprehensive sustainability guidelines, led by seven principles or ‘petals’:

• Place – Restoring a relationship with nature
• Water – Operating within the water balance of the climate and place
• Energy – Solely relying on solar income
• Materials – Using products that are safe for all species
• Equity – Giving back to the world
• Beauty – Embracing and celebrating design that uplifts the human spirit
• Health and Happiness – Creating environments that enhance physical and psychological health and well-being

The award-winning rustic-luxe eco-lodge shows how nature and beauty can positively impact us all. Its existence is a collaboration between community members, engineers, builders, environment-management specialists, landscape architects, and championing local artists.

Ms Brainerd says, ‘When we commission an artist, we ask them to integrate a story about a sense of place: the land, history, and people’.

The lodge’s community focus goes beyond calming aesthetics. Positive influences are also felt through shared experiences, inviting locals to interact with guests at events such as talks, yoga, movie nights, and food tours. Its communal spaces include a restaurant, kitchen solar garden ‘greenhouse’, and Mrs Woolly’s General Store selling local wares and produce.

Aaaaand exhale

Outside the retreat’s soothing premises, the Brainerds encourage guests to participate in ‘slow tourism’, offering bespoke 3–7 day ‘Adventures in Paradise’ itineraries. Activities can include hiking and biking in Mount Aspiring National Park and fly fishing, to name a few.

‘A guest once told me the lodge was a place to breathe a little slower and sit a little deeper,’ Ms Brainerd tells me, ‘I ended up putting that on a plaque’.

Read more: This Once Neglected Land in New Zealand is Now The World’s First Living Building

How are you going to slow down in Queenstown?

Queenstown is the perfect place to unwind, breathe in fresh, crisp mountain air, and appreciate a sense of place. Participating in activities allowed me to connect with nature and engage with community members.

I got to experience Queenstown and its surroundings through their eyes and understand and appreciate its history. And learning how to slow down in Queenstown was a good start.

Discover more of Queenstown’s regenerative journey.

Images supplied by Destination Queenstown.