An Adventurer’s Perfect Day in Queenstown

Kyle Mulinder, known as Bare Kiwi, provides National Geographic readers an authentic glimpse into his and his fiancée’s adventures around New Zealand. Mulinder is a self-taught photographer and filmmaker, who makes nature and adventure photography and inspirational videos.

“It really is a place that needs no introduction,” Mulinder shares. “It’s a guaranteed good time year-round. The city is constantly humming, occupied by an endless stream of travellers eager to taste the Adventure Capital of the World. With a lucrative tourism industry and high number of visitors, Queenstown is often referred to as ‘the bubble’.”

Mulinder recommends starting the day early with rewarding views from the top of Queenstown Hill.

“If you prefer to ease into the day, take a drive to Lake Hayes for mirror-like reflections or stroll along the Queenstown waterfront to the One Mile car park for views of The Remarkables,” he says.

“The most iconic view of Queenstown is from the top of Bob’s Peak. It’s undeniably breathtaking; the view never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. The easy way up is to take the Skyline Gondola, a scenic cable car ride that gains 450 meters in altitude.

“[Eat lunch at] Frank’s Eatery, a welcoming, bright space with comfy, cushioned corners. Like its name suggests, Frank’s is all about being straightforward, providing wholesome food that is ethical, organic, and local.”

Mulinder also suggests taking in a beverage at Atlas Craft Beer Café, which offers 22 different beers on tap and has a traditional English-style hand pump.

As well, Mulinder recommends: a luge ride, a round of frisbee golf, a bounce at Site Trampoline and a visit to Arrowtown.

Original article by Kyle Mulinder, National Geographic, October 26, 2018.

Photo by Christian Mueringer.