48-Hours in Queenstown

Follow Flight Centre consultant Greer Gardiner as she samples the best Queenstown has to offer, as seen on The 48 Hour Destination TV series. The catch? She only has 48 hours to experience it all.  Here’s her action-packed Queenstown itinerary to whet your wanderlust.
 

A QUICK LOOK AT 48 HOURS IN QUEENSTOWN

DAY 1

5pm Rata

After touching down in Queenstown, Greer and Flight Centre NZ consultant Catriona McCormack enjoy a sumptuous meal paired with local wine at Rata, an award-winning restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Josh Emet. Restaurateur Fleur Caulton hosts, introducing Rata’s philosophy of relaxed eating that is inspired by the South Island landscape and local produce of New Zealand.

7pm Blue Kanu

Blending Polynesian vibes and Asian style, Blue Kanu is the perfect spot for an evening cocktail or two in Queenstown. The duo settle in to the tiki-themed bar where Cat reveals that a surprise awaits Greer tomorrow.

DAY 2

6am Helicopter ride

A surprise is in store for Greer, which turns out to be a helicopter ride with Over The Top The Helicopter Company. A pilot whisks Greer and Catriona up and away and the duo experience panoramic views of the stunning Southern Alps, taking in the breathtaking Fiordland National Park. Landing on a glacier and enjoying the vista with a glass of bubbly is a definite highlight!
 
11am Fergburger

After an adventurous morning, it’s time to refuel at Queenstown’s famous Fergburger. The popular eatery is well known for the queues of people lining up to sample their gourmet burgers – an mandatory stop on any Queenstown itinerary!
 
1pm Skyline Queenstown
 
Greer and Catriona ride the iconic Gondola up Bob’s Peak for some panoramic selfies, before descending the mountain in a most unique way – on the Skyline Luge. The thrilling, twisting track is one of the top things to do in Queenstown.
 
2pm Queenstown Photography Tours
 
For a personal souvenir, you can’t go past an amazing photo that captures the unique beauty of Queenstown that you’ve taken yourself. Greer and Catriona get some pointers on how to take amazing images on a photography tour that arguably has one of the world’s best backdrops to work with at Skippers Canyon.
 
5pm Wet Jacket Winery 
 
No visit to New Zealand would be complete without a visit to a winery, and the duo’s last destination of the day is Wet Jacket Winery. Greer and Catriona take a guided walk through the vineyards at sunset before heading to the historic and atmospheric Woolshed to sample some of the drops around a crackling fireplace.
 
DAY 3
 
7am Lakeshore, Forest & Bird Guided Walk
 
It’s an early start today as Greer and Catriona head out with a hiking guide to explore the flora and fauna around the lakeshore. Spotting local wildlife, the duo practises their newfound photography skills and soak up the serene surrounds.
 
11am Shotover Jet
 
After a leisurely start to the day, it’s time to board the Shotover Jet  – another must-do in Queenstown. Greer and Catriona don their lifejackets for a white-knuckle whitewater ride at 85kph through the narrow twists and turns of the Shotover Canyon ably steered by a professional skipper.
 
12pm Queenstown Paragliding
 
The adrenaline rush doesn’t end there for Greer – next up, she and Catriona take turns at paragliding with an instructor, soaring over Queenstown for a real bird’s –eye view from above.
 
3pm Farm visit 
 
Now that her whirlwind trip has come to an end, Greer and Catriona take a final stroll together amid quintessential New Zealand scenery ¬– complete with sheep – and reflect on their 48-hour travel experience in Queenstown. 
 
CREDITS
 
A
Creative Studio
Production
 
Flight Centre
Presents
 
THE 48 HOUR DESTINATION
 
Series Created & Produced by
Luke Wheatley
 
Executive Producers
Darren Wright & Jason Wolff
 
Executive Post Producer
Nicole Manns
 
DESTINATION: QUEENSTOWN, NZ 
 
Featuring
Greer Gardiner
 
Guest Featuring
Catriona McCormack 
 
Directed, Produced and Written by
Luke Wheatley
 
Director of Photography
Rich Wang
 
Sound
Alicia Eames
 
Offline Editor
Georgia Mackay and Digby Hogan
 
Online Editor
Digby Hogan
 
Assistant Editor
Katherine Chediak
 
Colour Grade
Ben Eagleton
 
Sound Mix and Master
Ross Batten
 
Animation
Georgia Mackay
 
Asset Design/Illustration
Danika Catchpole & Georgia Mackay
 
Post Producer
Kait Ferguson
 
Series Post Producer
Nicole Manns
 
Produced in association with Empire Post
 

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