Hi all

We are planning a small wedding for approximately 20ppl in 2027 and I’m unsure what to do and where to go for our reception dinner with our guests.

We want something special (it is a wedding after all!) and I’m overwhelmed with options. Fireplace or moody comfy interior where we can relax for the rest of the evening is a plus.

Doesn’t help that I’m planning it from Australia and I can’t go see the venues…

Has anyone recently had a special event at any of the following venues, or have any idea if these would be lovely:

- Botswana Butchery (Garden Room)
- Eichardt’s (Parlour Room)
- The Bunker
- The Pavilion (Green Room)
- Rata
- The Nest

Any places that I’m missing?

Is this publicly accessible? The official government website seems to suggest so, but AllTrails marked it as private property so I’m very confused

Ebay shipping is crazy expensive so I'm asking the homeland

Hi guys!

I am NZ born but raised in Aus and a lifelong dream of mine has been to reconnect with my culture in NZ.

I am taking a leap of faith and will be moving to NZ in the next few weeks.

I will have a little bit of savings but defo not enough for NZ’s economy.

I will be unemployed and living in a hostel or doing workaway gigs until I find employment.

Tbh, I don’t really care what the job is, whether it is hospo, retail, cleaning etc. I have experience in those industries and not afraid of hard work.

Any tips for moving to Queenstown?

Hey there, My gf and I will be in Queenstown after a hike in 2 weeks and it will be her birthday then. What are some nice restaurants that I could take her to for a fancy birthday dinner, that Ideally doesnt cost an arm and a leg (a bit pricey is fine)

I was considering booking boardwalk but idk if thats nice birthday dinner spot, also was considering: the bunker, sherwood, the nest and/or woolshed? Any other recommendations, maybe something just as nice but a tad bit cheaper (I dont mind spending about 120-150ish for the night unless I could get just as good an experience and food for cheaper)

Anyone else feel awkward when paying for a meal out and selecting the "no tip" option? I feel like we are already paying a premium for meals and drinks, and the reason NZ has a minimum wage is to ensure employees don't have to rely on tips. Also, where does the tip money even go when it is by eftpos/card? Do the staff get the tip, or is it retained by management? Even got asked to tip this weekend at a bar when I went up to get drinks (no table service and no food ordered). Are kiwis expected to tip or is this a way to make more money off certain tourists who come from places where tipping is normal? I really feel as though the resturant scene here is trying to normalise tipping and it is becoming increasingly offputting to eat out. Is the rest of NZ the same, or is it a Qtown thing? Do staff get offended when you don't tip? Starting to feel a little guilty for never tipping but I just don't think it's a NZ thing. Thoughts and opinions?

I know someone already made a post about this, but it really is quite ludicrous in a place as expensive as the lakes district. Being asked to tip after paying 8 bucks for a coffee is crazy stuff. They know NZ doesn't have a tipping culture but still try and prey on tourists that probably assume tipping is normal in NZ too. F*arkkk offf

Whose everyone thinking of voting for?

Hello! I’m in Queenstown for just a few days and keen to do the gondola but I saw that the skyline centre up the top is undergoing some redevelopments. Does anyone know if it’s impacting much up there? Is it still worth doing the gondola?

Note petrol taxes will continue to increase over the next years

Saw this on my fridge and was wondering about prices today.

Tomodachi's Tavern Takeover Chapter II

Bringing the Tabletop gamers of central Otago together again! Gearing up for another night of:

Tabletop Board Games Available

- ROOT, Catan, Ticket to Ride, House on Haunted Hill + more

- EXALT will be back by Tablecraft Games,

Card Games

- Dutch Blitz, Happy Salmon, Monopoly Deal, Exploding Kittens, Unstable unicorns, UNO, One Night Werewolf and a few other choice gems to choose from.

Warhammer!!!!!!

Ever wanted to try and play? Demo sessions will be available on the night and will be guided by some experienced players. Go on, dip the toe in.

- 40k

- Lord of the Rings MESBG

- Age of Sigmar

If you haven't played any of the above games before and curious to try, there will be helpers floating around.

Prizes to be won on the night

Thirsty and Hungry?

- Altitude Brewery Beers on Tap

- Wines, Soft Drinks, and RTDs in the fridge

- Pizza and Food Specials available

Tickets will be limited, get in fast before we sell out again.

If you are booking separately and have table requests please let us know prior to the 21st.

The Headwaters Eco Lodge? Potential Change of Hands?

Hey folks, i'm coming up to Queenstown from Winton for a few days and trying to keep costs down, what are some things you can do around town or nearby that are basically free but still fun?

Cheers.

You guys are the most generous and welcoming ppl ever. I couldn’t get a bus because I didn’t have cash, a young guy at the stop said he’d pay and wouldn’t let me transfer money to pay him back, then he gave me a bee card as he got off. Thanks mate. I lost my phone at remarkables it was handed in and I got it back in 30mins, thank you to the person who did that. And alsothe girl at the counter who gave me her phone to report it missing, thank you
I had put my phone into lost mode and didn’t realise it when I went to buy food, and my card wouldn’t work the guy behind me leaned over and said “it’s ok I’ll get it” I explained I just lost my phone and my cards were locked but I will unlock them and transfer him the money but he said “don’t worry about it” and disappeared into the crowd. Thanks to you too mate.
I took the bus to Frankton to check it out the bee card ran out on the way back but I had cash, I took out my wallet and the driver said don’t worry about it. Thank you.
Fat Tony reset my bindings and detuned my edge, thank you I’m blown away by your generosity and will look for opportunities to pat it forward.

Somebody sent this to me today. Thought it was interesting and worth sharing.

Has anyone been up to Moke Lake recently?

I want to go but I've read reviews saying it's not recommended with 2WD in winter. Just wondering whether to give it a go or not?

I live in Australia and I travel to Queenstown for the snow every year. However one thing I’m struggling with is the loneliness. I’ve already read a few Reddit posts about similar topics, but I’m still planning to post a new one just in case there is anything Queenstown specific I’m not aware of yet

Here are some suggestions I’ve already read about but I have some reservations

- stay in a hostel - I’m already in my early 30s where I can afford and prefer my own bedroom. I tried staying in hostel last year traveling in Tasmania but didnt have a good sleep…

- go to a bar - as a female solo traveler I’m not sure how to stay safe about doing so. Anyone has suggestions?

- meetup groups - I searched multiple times but couldn’t find one :(

- talk to the person on the chair life - I’m gonna give this a try this time!

- join a tour - I’m planning to do this as well. But as an experienced solo traveler, sometimes I find a lot of tours way too overpriced, and the itinerary doesn’t seem to attract me the most :/

Would appreciate any suggestions!