Queenstown, the scenic South Island holiday spot, is probably the most popular destination in New Zealand among international visitors. Queenstown was once a gold mining town. But today, the city is a favoured destination for high-octane outdoor activities and mountain climbing. Although the place is hyped by its outdoor-ish image, Queenstown will still be fully enjoyed by vacationers who prefer laid back strolls and a lazy trip of sightseeing and dining experience. Count us in on that! Here are some of the snapshots and must sees for the lazy vacationers like me.
Queenstown sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Imagine the view, guys! With such background, uhmm… perfect jud mag model model. loljoke. Pose anywhere you like because every corner of this town is seriously photogenic and is entrance free!
Queenstown is also a heaven for foodies. Must try is the ever famous Fergburger. Giant Angus Beef Patty in a seriously hefty set of bun with everything in it. This burger has become a NZ culture in itself. A Staple must try in Queenstown, that lines can already be seen even at an early 8 A.M. And since Queenstown is a holiday spot that never run out of tourists, fergburger closes at 5 A.M. For the employees, rest is only for the weak. lol. Fergburger is priced at 18 Dollars (700 Pesos) but it could seriously feed 2 hungry pax or 4 Annilou’s (A friend with small appetite). Typical complete meal in NZ by the way is between 10 to 18 Dollars for a sandwich/burger and 15 to 22 Dollars for a rice or Middle Eastern meal. Coffee is usually at 6 Dollars up.
Puhoi Chocolate drink is also a must try! just around 4 Dollars (P 160) a bottle. Don’t be bothered by the cold, Patagonia Ice cream is also a must try.
The highlight of this trip really is my first Snow experience. Lol! As a boy from the sun-burnt city of General Santos, getting up close and personal with snow is a seriously big deal! So yeah, me and Richmon went up the Coronet Peak where the Remarkables Ski field is located. The highest point of the peak is at 1,649-metre.
The 45 -mins. bus ride from Queenstown costs 20 Dollars (800 Pesos) RT. There is a specific bus solely serving this route every hour during the day. Just ask around sa mall where to fine the Remarkables office. QT town centre is pretty small, you definitely won’t miss a thing.
Photos by Richmon. Entirely shot using #Oppo. 
- Entrance to the ski field is free of charge.
- Ski experience starts at 130 Dollars(5,500 Pesos) with gears and coaching.
- Lockers are available for 10 Dollars (400 Pesos).
- Drinking water is free,as to everywhere in New Zealand. Tap water is very safe to drink,by the way.
- Wearing sunblock is a must due to direct exposure to the sun (even if it’s cold up there).
- Don’t forget to bring a Shaded Eyewear as the entire peak is almost entirely covered with white and it is seriously glaring.
- Dress appropriately. Layer is a must. Plus a non-slip closed footwear. Snow covered ground is slippery.
- A Legit food hall is available. usual prices are at 12 to 16 Dollars( 500 to 700 Pesos) per meal.
- Bring Milk, ube and others to enjoy your own halo-halo up there. Loljk. Do not eat the snow.
- Start a snowball fight if you like.
Queenstown is served by its own International Airport. However, we opted to land in Christchurch and drove our way to QT via Lake Tekapo. That’s 7-8 hours of scenic ride. Our road trip was hosted by Richmon’s brother, Eric, who is based in Christchurch.
Lol! Full blog of this to follow! Watch out. =)
Christchurch blog here. https://iamjosemanuel.com/2018/11/02/random-shotschristchurchnew-zealand/
Visa Application link here. https://iamjosemanuel.com/2018/04/22/new-zealand-tourist-visa-for-filipinos-2018-online-application-guide-with-photos/
On the shores on the lake you’ll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake (newzealand.com)
Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water.
Best seen between April and September, Lake Tekapo is known for it’s clear nights and lack of light pollution, making it a great viewing destination. 
Wasn’t able to experience Tekapo star gazing though. More reason for me to revisit the place someday. An overnight stay would have been ideal. 
Passing through Lake Tekapo, it took four more hours to reach Queenstown. There are bus tours that covers these place from Christchurch, but the best option for tourist really is to rent a car and drive at your own pace and stops. Our road trip was hosted by my Richmon’s brother, Eric.
1. Banana Mckintosh – Basti’s Brew, Victoria Plaza. Yes guys, old school muna keyyy! Tayong mga taga Davao, alam naman nating institution na ang Basti’s brew nun college tayo (Haha, wala pa tayong pera nun mga bes, kaya happy bonus tologoh makapag Basti’s lang). Masaya talaga ako sa B.M. nila. Crumbly crust, caramelized banana filling, cream top, chocolate drizzle. Simple, spot on. Walang kyeme. Yung tipong parang Tita mo lang ang nag prepare? Ganun ka comforting ang Banana Mckintosh for me. Sadly di na to masyado naseserve ng Basti’s nun recent visits ko. Kung kilala nyo ang may ari, paki tanong naman.
2. Mango Charlotte. Bistro Rosario. Torres St. Yes guys, another old school Davao pastry. Sobrang deserving ng slot sa list ko, and I guess most Davao people naman my age would agree. Madaming childhood memories dala-dala si Mango Charlotte with its spongy chiffon, light cream and bold mango toppings. Saktong tamis lang. Simple. Spot on. Though there are some who say na medyo commercial na daw ang MC ngayon, pero kebs. Natutunan ko na siyang mahalin through the years, tatalikod pa ba ako?
3. Carrot Cream Cake – Basti’s Brew. Di naman ako masyadong fan ng Old school Davao noh? Chot. But personally, gusto ko talaga ang carrot cake basta freshly baked. Probably because it is not super common, and umay na din palaging mag chocolate. Basti’s version is slightly moist, which I like. Sakto lang din ang Tamis ng cream.
4. Fruity Cheesecake – Cafe de Flore, Torres St. Pasok na tayo sa mga recently opened cafes. Yes po, this one is from the cafe fronting Angel in Torres =D. Pretty to look at, and quality din. Gusto ko ung honest to goodness cheesecake center nila; non gelatinous, thus medyo brittle sya. Ganito ung nasubukan kong cheesecake sa Brussels. Chot. Pero di nga, try nyo. The Cafe is owned and operated by a French National. Though I only had this cake twice, and wasn’t able to visit na the recent months. I hope they were able to keep up. Di rin kasi mura this. nasa 180 Pesos to per slice. but it’s a large piece and I liked it.
5. Chocopology – Alor’s/Yummy Chicken, Torres Street. By now, you may have noticed, di ako masyadong mahilig sa chocolate cakes. However, This entry is an exemption. Probably kasi mestisa lang sya. lol. Layers of semi moist chocolate chiffon base, light cream, mocha and chocolate mousse. Probably because malawak yung layer ng cream that is why I didn’t find it too sweet. Sakto lang. Highly recommended this .
6. Matcha Cheesecake – Katsu Country, Jacinto Extension. Mahilig ako sa Matcha. Probably because mahilig sa matcha si crush so I have to cope. Chot! But seriously, Matcha flavour is exotic. Acquired taste bale, it’s not for everyone. Katsu Country is only months old, pero I must commend the quality of this featured cheesecake. Texture. consistency. Good! Again, non gelatinous. honest to goodness cheesecake lang on a plate. Super turned off ako sa cheesecake na parang jelly.
7. Nutty Matcha Cheesecake-Cuppycakes Boulangerie,Marfori Subd. A proof na mahilig ako sa Matcha. I can’t choose between this and the previous so I’m including both. But unlike the honest, unembellished composition of item 6, this matcha cheesecake is a bit fancy, with walnuts and caramel drizzle . And if I am not mistaken, the crust is semi carrot-ish.
8. Durian Cheesecake Mini – Lachi’s Marfori. No need to argue guys, Lachi’s is a dessert institution. Everything there is good. Sansrival, pecan pie, french cake. Lahat. But for this list, I am including the Durian Mini since ito naman madalas kong ma order.
9. Cheesecake Roulette – Park Inn Hotel, Lanang. All 6 varieties of good cheesecake on a platter. Perfect for presents on Christmas, kaya I included this para mag bigay ng gift idea. On this set, pinaka gusto ko yung cheesecake with caramel candy topping.
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