At the edge of the world map, deep in the South Pacific, is an island nation known for adventure. A remote technicolor paradise of volcano and glaciation, New Zealand is a mythical and moving place. The deep and patient culture of the Polynesian Maoris dance harmoniously with the wild hearts of Kiwis eager to play throughout the island nation’s wild, rugged, and unimaginably beautiful playground. In Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, every cute barista and elderly bus driver has bungy-ed, canyoned, an skydived through infinite instances of adventure, all with the sparkling eyes of an adrenaline junkie. Here, the culture of the town is run on meat pies, cold brews, and thrill. Here, it seems that all conversation about what is good and fun in life in condensed into, “Did you jump? How high?”.

Queenstown is an insanely beautiful town, that sits on a Z-shaped lake at the base of the Remarkable Mountains. We drove into Queenstown from Wanaka, through the Remarkables in a snow covered pass. It was beautiful, and I was SWEATING about driving through the snow, but it was totally fine and a fun little experience. We were met on the other side by a perfect violet twilight sky hovering above the town, whose glittering light reflected off the lake like stars.

We checked into a private room at the Nomad Hostel, and hit the town in search of pies. We were met with a surprise that would shape the rest of my life… Fergburger. Here houses the greatest burgers on the planet, and I say this with complete confidence. Fergburger opened in 2001 and has become a Queensland icon ever since, refusing to expand or franchise, the only place on the planet to get close the ground and saucy heaven of a Fergburger is there and then. Can you tell I think about Fergburger often? Would you believe that I have a framed print out of their menu at my house? These burgers are the dream, and I dragged Kaitlynn there 2x a day for lunch and dinner and to the neighboring FergBaker for breakfast pies. I have no other first hand food recommendations, sorry not sorry, this is all I ate! #Noregretsnotone. Please.Go. Get an elk, a lamb, and a classic, don’t choose come three times. Pair with a FergBeer. All the lads and ladies working there are precious too, and give a great pep talk if your nervous about a jump (:

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, so pick your poison and get to it! There really is no way around getting your blood pumping in this incredible town, the energy is tangible and you might as well join in! Besides, there are plenty of options, and something for everyone. There are incredible packages for people who want to go all out and bungy a couple different heights and places, and there are also tamer choices like a shotover jet boat ride on the lake. Regardless of you desire for thrill, get involved, when is Queenstown, do as the Kiwis do and have the most fun!

Let’s talk bungy. Bungy jumping was popularized by a AJ Hackett, who was inspired by a coming of age ritual he witnessed in in the island nation of Vanuatu in which young men jumped from heights towards the ground with vines tied to their ankles. AJ Hackett was a local Kiwi, and created the first commercial bungy just outside of Queenstown on the Kawarau Bridge. The Kawarau Bridge sits 43m (141ft) high above a dreamy river of cloudy turquoise. Kaitlynn, my bold little charger, was thrilled to jump and dove with style and grace. I was unexpectedly terrified and didn’t end jump committing to the jump until our last day. The “bungy boys” who worked there were all so sweet and encouraging, and remained in such true Kiwi spirits even with jumper in need of some serious courage. It was a fun and beautiful experience, and I’m sure it is all the more dreamy in the summer when they dip you in the river below! There is also the Nevis jump 134m (440 ft omg) one of the highest in the world, and the Ledge. Kaitlynn also did The Ledge bungy jump, which is just a bit higher at 47m (150ft). This jump was really fun to get to, because we got to take the Skyline Gondola up to its platform and there was a gorgeous view of Queenstown below. There are many beautiful viewing platforms up here, as well as a bar, and a luge!

Now bungy jumping is certainly the quintessential New Zealand experience, but there is a world of other action adventure ways to feel that rush! I was a bit disappointed in my fear of the bungy and was able to find an INCREDIBLE alternative! We went to the Canyon Swing, a 109m (357 ft) high platform overlooking the sea foam green of the Shotover River. When harnessed, you jump to a 60m (196ft) fall and use your momentum in 200m (656ft) swing through the canyon. This activity was so much fun, and the platform was much more private than the other jumps we visited. Here you could choose your dismount, as you wore a full body harness as opposed to the ankle only wrap of bungy. Kaitlynn and I went harnessed together the first time, and it was so fun! The second time we went individually, and I went down a slide into the jump! The boys running the show were safe, encouraging and we're not gonna let me back out, which I appreciated in the moment (: Watch the video for the single most fearful expression my face has ever worn. HIGHLY recommend this!

Stars in the night sky have always been a deeply moving allure to me. I have spent a lifetime on the Pacific, raised on islands that were discovered by celestial navigation (and myth), and there is still a feeling so grounding for me while staring up into the past, present, and future. The South Island of New Zealand houses the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world, and is so close to the south pole that they can see auroras (solar flares). I pulled over on the road one night on our drive back from Milford Sound, wanting to check the stars before heading back into the city, and was brought to my knees. I have never seen so many stars, so clear and bright they were distinctly different colors, webbing together, sparkling electrically. The immensity of the universe crushed me in its brilliant presence. New Zealand was one of the last lands to be inhabited by man, and it seems the stars have claimed this sky as their home long ago. Eager for more we hopped in the car the next day to head for Lake Tekapo, in the heart of the Aoraki MacKenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the largest in the world. Here resides the Church of the Good Shepherd lives, possibly the most iconic structure of astrophotography. When we arrived to the lake, there were clouds in the sky and in my heart, but it was a fun ride out deep into the center of the island, and we saw many views of the Southern Alps. I am certain to be back here one day, and hope to do an overnight stargazing tour, swoon.

Just like the brave and unrestrained landscape, shaped by an eternity of nature at it wildest, Queenstown encourages you to stretch your comfort zone to its rocky peaks, erupt the volcanoes of your own bravery, and let the rush flow and solidify and change you, like the glaciers that shaped this land. The is no better time to feel alive that within this city bursting with zealous adventure. Here you will meet the wild terrains of the earth within and without you, and you will conquer them, and celebrate them. Where there are stars, alps, Fergburger and adrenaline, anything is possible.

Kia Ora Queenstown!

THE JAM

DIGS
A private room at the Nomad Hostel. Splurge on the Azur Lodge, which consists of 9 stand alone lake view villas, or the the Rees Hotel for lakeside windows and a private cellar.

EXPERIENCE
AJ Hackett Bungy, Canyon Swing, The Ledge Bungy, Skyline Gondola, Dark Sky Reserve, The Nevis Bungy, Skydive, Shotover Jet Boat, ONSEN Hot Pools, Otago Wine Tasting, Lake Wanaka, Milford Sound

FEAST
Fergburger, Fergbaker, Atlas Beer Cafe, Bespoke Kitchen, Botswana Bakery, Winnie’s Bar (live music), *There are many hip bars, go explore!

LOCAL
Eats: Meat Pies, Local Cheeses, Lamington, Fairy Toast, Marmite
Drinks: Otago Wines