Here's a 8-day mommy retreat in Queenstown, New Zealand, starting on a Saturday with a private transfer from the airport, and featuring skiing, wine drinking, and a rest and relax day on Day 5. Queenstown is a perfect destination for an adventurous yet relaxing retreat, offering both stunning alpine landscapes and luxurious experiences.
Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
Day 2: Skiing at The Remarkables
Day 3: Skiing at Coronet Peak & Wine Tasting
Day 4: Scenic Gondola, Wine & Dinner
Day 5: Rest and Relax Day (No Museums or Art Galleries)
Day 6: Skiing at Cardrona Resort
Day 7: Wine and Scenic Exploration
Day 8: Departure
Additional Notes:
Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
- Arrival: Private transfer from Queenstown Airport to your hotel in Queenstown (approx. 15-20 minutes).
- Accommodation: Check into a luxurious lakeside hotel like Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Matakauri Lodge, or The Rees Hotel with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
- Evening: Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant or a local fine dining spot. Queenstown offers incredible culinary experiences, with local wines and fresh ingredients.
- Overnight: Relax in your room, soaking in the peaceful surroundings and preparing for the week ahead.
Day 2: Skiing at The Remarkables
- Morning: After breakfast, head out for a day of skiing at The Remarkables Ski Resort, one of the top ski destinations in New Zealand. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced skier, The Remarkables offers a variety of slopes for all levels.
- Private ski lesson: If you'd like to improve your skills, book a private instructor for a more personalized experience.
- Lunch: Take a break and enjoy lunch at one of the mountain lodges or ski-in/ski-out restaurants offering hearty alpine meals with spectacular views.
- Afternoon: Continue skiing or explore the resort. You can also take a scenic gondola ride for panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Queenstown.
- Evening: Après-ski drinks at The Remarkables Ski Resort's bar or back at your hotel.
- Dinner: Enjoy a cozy dinner at the hotel or venture out to a local restaurant like Rata for exceptional food with a Kiwi twist.
- Overnight: Rest up for more adventures tomorrow.
Day 3: Skiing at Coronet Peak & Wine Tasting
- Morning: After breakfast, head to Coronet Peak Ski Resort, another popular ski area just a short drive from Queenstown. The resort offers a variety of slopes, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
- Try the night skiing (if available) for a unique experience.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch on the mountain at The Coronet Peak Café.
- Afternoon: After skiing, head back to Queenstown for a relaxing afternoon. Book a private wine-tasting tour in the nearby Central Otago Wine Region, famous for its Pinot Noir.
- Visit local wineries like Chard Farm, Gibbston Valley Winery, or Amisfield Winery, all known for their beautiful settings and high-quality wines.
- Evening: Return to your hotel and unwind with a dinner and wine pairing experience. Many local restaurants and hotels offer curated wine dinners with local New Zealand wines.
- Overnight: Rest and enjoy your time in Queenstown.
Day 4: Scenic Gondola, Wine & Dinner
- Morning: After breakfast, take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob’s Peak for breathtaking views of the town, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountain ranges. You can also try the Luge if you're in the mood for some fun.
- If you're feeling adventurous, consider a paragliding experience or bungy jump (optional for thrill-seekers!).
- Lunch: Have lunch at the Stratosfare Restaurant atop the gondola, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with panoramic views.
- Afternoon: After lunch, explore more of the local area or enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Arrowtown, a charming nearby historic village with boutique shops and beautiful walking paths.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Bunker, a renowned restaurant in Queenstown offering fine dining with a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Pair it with some local wine to complement your meal.
- Overnight: Head back to your hotel for a restful night.
Day 5: Rest and Relax Day (No Museums or Art Galleries)
- Morning: Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or café. Today is all about relaxation and recharging.
- Enjoy the spa at your hotel. Many luxury hotels in Queenstown, like Eichardt’s and Matakauri Lodge, offer world-class spa treatments, perfect for pampering yourself after skiing.
- Alternatively, spend the morning relaxing by Lake Wakatipu, taking in the stunning views or enjoying a peaceful walk around the lake.
- Lunch: Have a light, fresh lunch at a nearby café or at your hotel’s restaurant, enjoying delicious local produce.
- Afternoon: Take it easy with some self-care: perhaps book a massage or facial at the hotel’s spa or indulge in a private yoga session for ultimate relaxation.
- Enjoy some quiet time in the outdoor hot tub with stunning views or simply read a book by the fire.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a local, laid-back restaurant like Fergburger for a more casual experience.
- Overnight: Take the time to unwind completely.
Day 6: Skiing at Cardrona Resort
- Morning: After a relaxing rest day, head to Cardrona Alpine Resort for more skiing action. Cardrona is known for having a variety of slopes and is great for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
- Consider a private lesson if you’d like to work on your technique.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Cardrona Hotel, an iconic spot in the area with excellent food and a historic atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Continue skiing or try a new activity like snowshoeing or snowmobiling (if available).
- Evening: Head back to Queenstown for après-ski and a cozy dinner. You can visit The Cow Restaurant for pizza and pasta or enjoy a more formal dinner at Rata.
- Overnight: Rest after a fun day on the slopes.
Day 7: Wine and Scenic Exploration
- Morning: After breakfast, head out for a private wine tour of the Central Otago Wine Region. Visit some of the best wineries in the area, such as Chard Farm Winery, Gibbston Valley Winery, or Brennan Wines.
- Enjoy tastings of local Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varieties, while learning about the region’s unique terroir.
- Lunch: Enjoy a wine-pairing lunch at one of the wineries, accompanied by stunning vineyard views.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful countryside or head back to Queenstown for a relaxing lakeside walk or a visit to the Botanical Gardens.
- Evening: For your last evening in Queenstown, indulge in a luxurious dinner at the hotel or a renowned local restaurant like The Bunker.
- Overnight: Enjoy your final night in this beautiful destination.
Day 8: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy your final breakfast in Queenstown, and take a moment to relax before your departure.
- Departure: Private transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight home, taking in the last views of the beautiful lake and mountains.
Additional Notes:
- Private Transfers: All transfers from the airport to your hotel and between activities will be arranged privately for maximum comfort.
- Accommodation: Stay in luxury hotels with beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
- Wine Experiences: New Zealand’s Central Otago wine region is world-renowned, and your wine tastings will showcase some of the best local wines.
- Ski Resorts: Queenstown offers a variety of slopes suitable for all levels, with easy access to the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Cardrona Resort.