How do I begin to express my love for this beautiful city?

Queenstown is a cross between a European alpine village and a sporty Colorado ski town, which is to say it’s charming, trendy, and active. It’s known as the Adventure Capital of the World, home to the original bungee jump and several other extreme sports. And it sits on a huge lake completely surrounded by mountains.

I snap this photo from the bus window on our way into town:

Here’s a view looking towards the downtown area:

Check out the GIANT backpack below.

The downtown waterfront is just stunning. I never want to leave.

Here’s a wedding photo shoot in progress:

And what is a post about Queenstown without mentioning Fergburger? I remember meeting a couple in the Bay of Islands who spoke about Queenstown and the first sentence out of their mouths was about Fergburger. If only I knew what lay in store…

Fergburger claims to be the best burger in the world and I won’t argue with them.

We eat here twice and it does NOT disappoint.

Here’s my Instagram photo from this night:

There’s also a bakery next door, but I only pop my head in to take some photos.

The next morning I grab breakfast Joe’s Garage. I googled “best coffee in Queenstown” and this was the highest-rated result. Good enough for me!

My dad would love the car decor around the whole restaurant.

My plan is to visit nearby historic Arrowtown for the day (full post coming tomorrow) but first I walk around the lake and soak up more of Queenstown’s stellar mountain lake views and fall foliage.

Of course this sign below right catches my attention. Broadway is coming to Queenstown? How did they know I was here?! I make a mental note to return later that evening for dinner and show tunes.

After my day in Arrowtown I hop off the bus at Frankton to snap photos at the other end of the lake.

As I approach the water, three strapping young gentlemen climb out of a camper van, strip down, and hop in the water to cool off.

I’m not complaining. Is it creepy that I take out my camera?

I tear myself away from the swimmers and get back on the bus towards town. I disembark again about two miles from Queenstown and walk the rest of the way along the lake so that I can take my time snapping photos and really enjoy the scenery.

Queenstown, you are pretty perfect. You have my heart and I don’t want it back.