DETAILS

  • USA → Queenstown, NZ (ZQN)

    Travel & Airfare

    • Air New Zealand is the main airline in NZ (there is also Jetstar, they usually have cheaper rates but are the equivalent to Spirit Airlines). Air NZ is partnered with United.

    • Air NZ/United operates direct flights between Auckland and San Francisco (12.5 hours), LA (12 hours), and Houston (14.5 hours). I recommend taking the red eye so you can sleep on the plane and land in the morning local time.

    • Arriving in Auckland: unless you’re staying to explore the area, you’ll need a connecting flight to Queenstown (in the South Island, about a 1.5 hour flight).

    • Make sure you have enough time in Auckland for your connection as you’ll have to clear customs and transfer terminals (you’ll want ~2+ hours of a gap minimum to be safe). In my experience, customs and general airport operations run pretty smoothly here (just don’t bring any food with you through customs!!)

    • Arriving in Queenstown: Wanaka is a 1 hour scenic drive from Queenstown Airport. 

    • I recommend reserving a rental car from the airport

    You’ll adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road faster than you think.

    Booking Tips 

    • Sign up for deal alerts on the Air NZ website! They have sales several times throughout the year. 

    • Time zones: Keep in mind you will lose a day flying from the US to NZ. 

      • i.e. if you were to fly out on Wednesday Nov 12, you won’t arrive in NZ until Friday Nov 14, the day before the wedding. 

      • But flying back saves time!

    Entering New Zealand 

    You won’t be able to enter NZ without applying for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)! 

    • Costs ~$10.00 

    • Processed within 72 hours 

    • Digitally attaches to your passport, so you don’t need to bring any paperwork with you when you arrive 

    You’ll also want to make sure your passport will not expire until at least 3 months after your trip. 

    • Friday November 14th

      Welcome party in the afternoon/evening, location & details TBD

    • Saturday November 15th

      Wedding ceremony will start around 3pm  

      Cocktail hour and reception immediately following the ceremony

  • Wanaka is a small town with a range of accommodations across hotels, motels, backpackers, and AirBnBs. Any accomodation booked in Wanaka should be a 10-15 minute drive from Rippon, or less.

  • Our Guide to Visiting Wanaka 

    1. Explore the Lakefront

    • Lake Wanaka Walks – Take a stroll along the lakefront promenade for stunning views of the mountains and the famous Wanaka Tree.

      • You can even see the pūteketeke’s, the “Bird of the Century” – thanks John Oliver!  

    • Sunset Picnic – Grab some local wine and cheese and watch the sun dip behind the peaks.

    2. Wine/Drinks Experiences

    • Maude Tasting Room  – Smaller, boutique vineyard perfect for intimate tastings right in the heart of Wanaka. 

    • Cardrona Distillery – home to some of the world’s most extraordinary Single Malt Whisky, Vodka, Gin and Liqueurs. Enjoy a tour or tasting and sit outside in the greenhouse for some lunch! 

      • Right next door to the infamous Cardrona Bras fence 

    • Nanny Goat Winery – known for their Pinot Noir.  

    • Rhyme & Reason – cool craft brewery and tastings, usually with a food vendor on site. 

    3. Favorite Restaurants 

    • Kika – Modern NZ cuisine 

    • Francesca’s – Modern Italian 

    • Big Fig – Great lunch cafe

    • Paloma – Mexican 

    • Scroggin or Kai Whakapai – best for breakfast and coffee 

    • Food Truck Park – great collection of food with tables to sit outside. Also walking distance to the lake if you want to picnic.

    4. Outdoors & Adventure 

    • Roy’s Peak Hike – An iconic New Zealand walk with incredible views, most popular at sunrise. Plan for a full day trip, about 5–6 hours return!. For an easier and faster option, consider Mount Iron Track (1.5 hours).

    • Bike or walk the Outlet Track – A scenic ride along the Clutha River; bikes can be rented in town.

    • Kayaking or Paddleboarding – Hire gear from the lakefront and enjoy a paddle on the lake. 

    • Jet Boating on the Clutha River or in Queenstown on the Shotover River – best for thrill-seekers!

    • Rob Roy Glacier Walk – (an hour’s drive partially through a river – ask Andy or Alister about it before you go) A stunning half-day hike through Mount Aspiring National Park, with waterfalls, swing bridges, and glacier views. 

    • Scenic Flights – Take a helicopter or small plane over Mount Aspiring or even to Milford Sound. 

    • Crossfire Wanaka – A fun option for mini golf, driving range, clay shooting, and archery. 

    • Golf – Wanaka Golf Club (amazing lake views), Lake Hawea Golf Club (15 min drive from Wanaka), and more options closer to Queenstown and Arrowtown (Jack’s Point Golf - QT; The Hills - Arrowtown, private member’s only but you can request a tee time). 

    5. Relaxing & Wellness

    • Wanaka Lavender Farm – Colleen’s favorite! Wander the fields, enjoy the lavender gift shop and cafe, and meet the friendly farm animals.

    • Cardrona Hotel – One of NZ’s oldest and most iconic pubs, perfect for a leisurely lunch in their garden.

    • The Sauna Wanaka – lakefront sauna experience, you can even take a cold plunge in the water after! 

    • Reform Wanaka – reformer pilates studio, another one of Colleen’s favorites! 

    6. Local Attractions

    • Puzzling World – A quirky Wanaka institution with illusion rooms and a giant maze (good for families).

    • Cinema Paradiso – Famous for its comfy sofas, homemade cookies, and cozy vibe. 

    • Wanaka Artisan Market (Saturday mornings) – Browse local crafts, produce, and artisan foods.