We are 48 hours from departure and have all the big stuff booked (hotel, air, rafting, jet boats, whale watching, rental car).

We are now looking for your ideas regarding where to eat and perhaps things to do or see (e.g., 30 minute or a couple hour adventure to fill up our free time - the time not spent just enjoying the scenary!).

Looking for ideas in Queenstown (3 nights), Motueka (2 nights)(or anywhere in that area), and Kaikoura). Our other stops are pretty booked and/or include dinner.

Any not to miss restaurants/pubs? Not to miss things to see?

Thanks!

Hi Laura -

If you like Indian food, don't miss Little India in Queenstown and their sister restaurant Mantra in Arrowtown.

If you like wine, you might be interested in Wine Tastes in Queenstown, and the Wine House and Kitchen, which is just down the road from the Bungy bridge (QT)

www.winetastes.com/VisitandContact.cfm

If you enjoy walking, you might consider the hour long walk around Lake Hayes followed by wine tasting at Lake Hayes Winery. Morrison's Pub in QT (next to one of the casinos) is a great stop for a pint and to meet some locals.

The drive to Glenorchy (40 minutes frm QT) is spectacular and not to be missed if you have the time. Lots of tracks originate from there.

In Motueka, you might consider taking the Motueka Walkway, an easy 5+ mile coastal path along Tasman Bay. The walkway is located in the Raumanuka Scenic Reserve.

Two good restaurants in the area are Flax and The Smokehouse - both located at the Mapua wharf between Motueka and Nelson along Ruby Bay. There's a nice bakery in Mapua too -the Naked Bun.

Be sure to drive out to Kaiteriteri if you're near Abel Tasman - great beach.

There's a nice winery in Kaikoura that offers tours of their underground celler and great views of the coast from their vineyard - Kaikoura Winery.

I guarantee you won't run out of things to see and do. Have a fabulous trip!

Correction - the winery near Lake Hayes is called Amisfield Winery.

Thanks so much! I read your past trip reports and have got a lot of good ideas from you.

Cross your fingers for us that the weather cooperates in getting us out tomorrow. We are supposed to get 14 inches of snow here in Chicago today...500+ flights cancelled today. We are a bit anxious about getting out tomorrow, but I guess it is out of our hands at this point.

Outside Queensland, there is a really fine restaurant called Gantlet's. If you're staying at a Queensland hotel, they'll send a taxi. This is a world class place and not to be missed if you like fine food.

I second Amisfield Bistro for a place to eat/drink, between Queenstown and Arrowtown. The chef's choice is a great value. Be aware that they don't have late hours. They've won best winery restaurant from Cuisine magazine, the dining room is beatiful.

http://amisfield.co.nz/experiences/restaurant/overview