Incredible Girls Weekend Away Ideas in Queenstown and Rotorua

Wanting to book a girls weekend away but not sure where to start? Everyone needs some time away with their friends to catch-up on what’s new, relax, unwind, and forget about the worries of everyday life. With that in mind, we know that you and your friends may be after different experiences, so whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, explore the nightlife, or dive into some great food, our collated list of girls weekend away ideas cover it all and will be sure to get you inspired. Whether you are looking to getaway in the North or South Island, both Rotorua and Queenstown offer a range of activities for you and friends to keep you occupied. VR has hotels located in both of these cities as well as others throughout New Zealand, so it’s easy to find accommodation and start planning your girls weekend away today!

Girls weekend away in Queenstown – Activities and things to do

Queenstown is a beautiful resort town in New Zealand’s South Island, located at the base of soaring white-capped mountains on the edge of Lake Wakatipu amongst the Alps. Whether you visit Queenstown in the winter or summer, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in the ‘Adventure Capital of the World.’

Explore Queentown’s waters

There’s nothing more glamorous than chartering a yacht for an afternoon to cruise around the island exploring many coves for a special occasion or just to treat yourself.

Experience Lake Wakatipu – Take a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, a century-old coal-fired steamship. Or if you prefer to stay closer to land, drink at Perky’s Floating Bar, New Zealand’s only floating bar, where you can B.Y.O food and enjoy the company right on the water.

Explore one of the many walking trails

Whether you’re looking for simple scenic short walks or multi-day hikes during your girls weekend away, Queenstown has the perfect trail for you. Check out this blog by Home of Advrenture if you are looking for some top rated hikes in Queenstown.

If you prefer to stay a little closer to town but still want to enjoy the outdoors, delve into the Queenstown Gardens by walking the trails or try something new by playing the Disc Golf, an 18-basket course that winds through the 14 hectares of ornamental gardens.

Shotover Canyon Giant Rope Swing

If you and your friends are after an adrenaline rush, check out the Shotover Canyon Swing. You’ll be swinging off a 109-meter (358-foot) high platform directly into Shotover Canyon. Free fall for 60 metres (197 feet) before the rope catches you, swinging you out across this historic canyon! It’s both thrilling and beautiful.

Nightlife

Queenstown’s nightlife is fantastic all year round. If your group wants to party, there are numerous stylish and sophisticated nightclubs, pub tours, and live performances by local and visiting performers at venues throughout town.

Spas and Hot Pools

After exploring the world’s adventure capital, you may need some time to relax and rejuvenate. Immerse yourself in a cedar hot tub with a view of the Shotover River at Onsen Hot Pools and Day Spa.  This highly ‘instagramable’ location is only a 15-minute drive from our Queenstown accommodations, with the option of taking the complimentary shuttle.

Where to eat in Queenstown

• Fergburger – Fergburger is Queenstown’s most well-known restaurant, so it’s no surprise that one of their menu items made the cut. Fergburger’s classic burger, the Ferg Deluxe, comes with bacon, cheese, dill pickle, tomato, onion, aioli, and tomato relish.
• Blue Kanu – Blue Kanu is another true treasure; their duck nachos are incredible!
• Smith’s Craft Beer House – Try their famous Poutine, a Canadian dish that is difficult to find outside of Canada.

Girls weekend accommodation in Queenstown

VR Hotels have some of the best accommodation options for you in Queenstown, where you can relax and unwind while taking in breath-taking alpine and lake views, explore the incredible amenities, and easy access to the central downtown area. We have a couple of different stays that suit a range of budgets. Each of these options is ideal for a girls weekend away.

• The Lofts Apartments – Each room is uniquely decorated and equipped with essential amenities such as a full kitchen and laundry facilities for the ultimate ‘home away from home’ experience. Relax in style at The Lofts Apartments in Queenstown.
• Lakefront Apartments & Lodges – Queenstown Lakefront Apartments provides affordable yet high-quality accommodation in stunning surroundings with views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.
• Lakeside Motel – Queenstown Lakeside Motel welcomes you. Where amazing views, style, and affordability come together for the night! Relax and unwind in one of New Zealand’s and the world’s most scenic areas.

Girls weekend away in Rotorua

If you are looking to getaway with your friends in the North Island, look no further than Rotorua. With its natural geothermal activity, relax in its the therapeutic waters or rejuvenate your skin with a natural mud bath.

Or if you in for some adventure? Don’t worry Rotorua has it all. River rafting, Volcanic air tours, bungee jumping and skydiving in Rotorua are famous as well.

Rotorua also offers many spots to wine and dine for your friends to catchup over a nice meal.

Spas and Hot Pools

Polynesian Spa, Rotorua – Polynesian Spa’s award-winning facilities include natural acidic and alkaline pools, ideal for relieving tired muscles, aches, and pains. Rotorua is widely known as New Zealand’s geothermal capital, and if you enjoy swimming in hot pools, this should be one of your top destinations. Have a glass of bubbles with your girls in the Geothermal Pools and catch up on the latest gossip!

Go on a quad tour

Wanting a little adventure on your girls weekend away in NZ? Quad bikes, also known as ATVs, are a fun way to get around and explore the rough terrain. Climb mountains, cross rivers, and race through the mud!

Zorbing

Famously created in Rotorua, the Zorb is a must-do activity providing laughs and long-lasting memories as your roll down a hill in an inflatable ball (yes, it’s a real thing!). Jump into the massive hollow inflatable hamster ball (Zorb) which is filled with just a little bit of warm water, and you and two others are then set loose to roll down a hill! Choose from various tracks for this bizarre tumbling experience. To keep you warm in between your rides, the location offers hot tubs for you to chill in as you wait for your turn.

Where to eat in Rotorua

• Eat Streat – Eat Streat is the place to go in Rotorua if you’re looking for an epic feast. For good reason, it’s one of the city’s most vibrant hotspots.
• Atticus Finch– a culinary destination unlike any other, ideal for lingering over lively conversations, paired with playful plates of delicious food.
• Leonardo’s – Leonardo’s is a must-visit restaurant in Rotorua for authentic Italian cuisine.

Girls weekend accommodation in Rotorua

We have the perfect stay for you at our VR Rotorua Lake resort. Located between the shores of Lake Rotorua and the beautiful Lake Rotoiti, and just 15 minutes from the CBD, our hotel is the perfect accommodation in Rotorua to unwind. Relax at our pool, spa and sauna facilities, then spend the night eating great food at The Grill, our on-site restaurant, offering the finest international cuisines paired with the best of New Zealand’s wine.