The alpine heights glazed with half melted snow seem to stand in silent admiration as the’ lady of the lake’ glides across the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand, as if not used to that sight for nearly a century. Still the lady charms, as she carries her fascinated passengers on a journey which is tinged with old world charm as the steam engines whistle and roar and the bells clang out clamorously still beating with the vigour of the Edwardian era.
Queenstown residents may well take pride in the TSS Earnslaw steamship as it is the last remaining steam ship which carries passengers in the entire southern hemisphere. Its journeys across the beautiful Wakatipu Lake have their origin in 1912. Today the journey is a far more enriching experience as the age old charm of the steam engine is such a rarity, and what is more the journey is complemented with a cosy little café aboard called the Pomegranate Café. There is music and merriment in the form of a pianist who can be trusted for a sing-along. The journey is even more promising when there is a landing at the Walter Peak High Country Farm to enjoy a barbeque lunch. This is where all the ravenous passengers get to dip their tastebuds into the fresh natural flavours of the countryside . A well structured day like this could end on a high note with dinner at a carvery style buffet at the Colonel’s Homestead where you can arrive via the steamship. This is where the visitors get to indulge in the congenial hospitality of the countryside while savouring its excellent seafood as well as freshly prepared salads. If it’s entertainment you want, there’s the after dinner show to offer an entertaining sneek peek into country life.
Finding accommodation Queenstown, especially one that will suit your peculiarities and wishes is easy as there is the Kingsgate Hotel Terraces Queenstown which is ideal to stay over in before or after visiting the city. With spacious private balconies looking over the enchanting Lake Wakatipu and the sky grazing Remarkables mountain range, this three star hotel provides a wonderful indoor stay coupled with fine dining at its Hilary’s Restaurant which too has its long glass windows revealing the ravishing lake. The search for a hotel Queenstown New Zealand need not be long with a hotel like this that satisfies every whim and wish of even the most discerning traveller.
