DAY 3 – QUEENSTOWN
We woke to a crisp, clear morning in Queenstown and enjoyed a slower start to the day. The breakfast buffet at the Novotel was excellent, with plenty of choices and great coffee — a welcome treat after a few days on the road. The hotel itself, while clearly showing its age and in need of a refresh, had everything we needed, including a cozy bar and friendly staff.
After breakfast, I took a little time to catch up on the travel log before heading to the lobby at 10 a.m. for our excursion aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a beautifully restored vintage steamer that’s been crossing Lake Wakatipu for more than 110 years. Built in 1912, the Earnslaw was once vital to the region, ferrying livestock, supplies, and passengers between the remote lakeside stations and Queenstown. Today, it’s one of the last remaining coal-fired passenger steamers still operating in the Southern Hemisphere — affectionately known as the Lady of the Lake.
The cruise across the lake was an unforgettable experience. The views were breathtaking — deep blue water surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, their peaks still dusted with snow. The rhythmic chug of the steam engine and the scent of coal added a nostalgic charm to the trip.
Lunch at the farm station was outstanding — easily the best meal of the trip so far, apart from breakfast. The buffet offered an array of fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and perfectly grilled barbecue meats. After lunch, we wandered through the lakeside gardens, taking in the peaceful scenery and deciding to skip the sheep-shearing show in favor of more time outdoors.
The gardens were exquisite — a mix of native plantings and old European trees, their leaves rustling softly in the cool breeze. The sound of gentle waves against the shore was deeply calming. Though the air was chilly, my turtleneck, heavy Spanish sweater, hat, and scarf kept me perfectly comfortable. Moments like this remind you just how extraordinary nature — and the universe — really is, even in its quiet simplicity.
After a couple of hours it was time to reboard for the return trip. With a glass or two of wine and the steady hum of the engine, the journey back was wonderfully relaxing. Once docked, we strolled back through town, browsing a few shops before heading toward the hotel — just in time for happy hour.
Later that evening, we wandered back out and ended up at Winnie’s, known for its “world-famous” pizza. The food lived up to its reputation — easily deserving of the award — but the service, unfortunately, did not. Our waiter was inattentive and even brought us the wrong bill. Still, it was a lively and fitting end to another memorable day in Queenstown
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