Using Delta Miles, Virgin Australia to New Zealand, Queenstown, Sydney, with Pictures
Jan 2, 2013, 2:02 am
#31
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: QFF, Krisflyer
Posts: 472
Awesome trip report and also respect for scoring Row 5 on VA 
The Park Hyatt looks fantastic, the food, views and service all look the same to. Gets highly praised on a few blogs I have also read. If I head over to Sydney will definetly have to stay there.
As an aside we also call pyjamas-pyjamas here in Australia. Sleep Suits must be a VA branding thing
The Park Hyatt looks fantastic, the food, views and service all look the same to. Gets highly praised on a few blogs I have also read. If I head over to Sydney will definetly have to stay there.
As an aside we also call pyjamas-pyjamas here in Australia. Sleep Suits must be a VA branding thing
Jan 2, 2013, 7:41 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MO
Programs: AA EXPLT
Posts: 430
I am about to go on a similar trip in February. I have limited time in NZ and very much wanted to get to Queenstown. I haven't been able to find any non-stop flights from SYD-Queenstown. Did you fly non-stop on this route or connect somewhere?
Thanks
Thanks
Jan 2, 2013, 9:35 am
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
Programs: HHonors Gold , National Emerald Exec, Hertz Presidents, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,604
Jan 2, 2013, 9:41 am
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
Programs: HHonors Gold , National Emerald Exec, Hertz Presidents, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,604
May 21, 2013, 7:34 am
#40
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MO
Programs: AA EXPLT
Posts: 430
Sorry to keep hijacking the thread, but I'll make a couple comments on my recent trip to Queenstown.
I was on the fence for a while regarding my opinion whether it is worth the trek to get to NZ. Being from the USA, we have so many incredible landscapes that native USA people seem to not acknowledge. I would argue that Yosemite is more dramatic than anything in NZ, for example.
However, there is more to traveling than just scenery. Upon return from my visit to Queenstown, I have reflected upon the whole experience and indeed believe it is worth going. The attitude, culture, and whole ethos of the region is pretty special.
The Hilton is a great hotel that is just far enough away from the hipster party scene of downtown.
And the airport! What a great approach route! It might be worth going just for that. We were flying between valleys for a good few minutes up until the landing.
I was on the fence for a while regarding my opinion whether it is worth the trek to get to NZ. Being from the USA, we have so many incredible landscapes that native USA people seem to not acknowledge. I would argue that Yosemite is more dramatic than anything in NZ, for example.
However, there is more to traveling than just scenery. Upon return from my visit to Queenstown, I have reflected upon the whole experience and indeed believe it is worth going. The attitude, culture, and whole ethos of the region is pretty special.
The Hilton is a great hotel that is just far enough away from the hipster party scene of downtown.
And the airport! What a great approach route! It might be worth going just for that. We were flying between valleys for a good few minutes up until the landing.
May 21, 2013, 7:57 pm
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
Programs: HHonors Gold , National Emerald Exec, Hertz Presidents, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,604
Sorry to keep hijacking the thread, but I'll make a couple comments on my recent trip to Queenstown.
I was on the fence for a while regarding my opinion whether it is worth the trek to get to NZ. Being from the USA, we have so many incredible landscapes that native USA people seem to not acknowledge. I would argue that Yosemite is more dramatic than anything in NZ, for example.
However, there is more to traveling than just scenery. Upon return from my visit to Queenstown, I have reflected upon the whole experience and indeed believe it is worth going. The attitude, culture, and whole ethos of the region is pretty special.
The Hilton is a great hotel that is just far enough away from the hipster party scene of downtown.
And the airport! What a great approach route! It might be worth going just for that. We were flying between valleys for a good few minutes up until the landing.
I was on the fence for a while regarding my opinion whether it is worth the trek to get to NZ. Being from the USA, we have so many incredible landscapes that native USA people seem to not acknowledge. I would argue that Yosemite is more dramatic than anything in NZ, for example.
However, there is more to traveling than just scenery. Upon return from my visit to Queenstown, I have reflected upon the whole experience and indeed believe it is worth going. The attitude, culture, and whole ethos of the region is pretty special.
The Hilton is a great hotel that is just far enough away from the hipster party scene of downtown.
And the airport! What a great approach route! It might be worth going just for that. We were flying between valleys for a good few minutes up until the landing.
We were actually in Yosemite 5 months before New Zealand, so had a fresh comparison. The southern part of south New Zealand kind of reminded me of my impression of Rome. When you try to go somewhere, there is always something beautiful you stumble across on your way there that is just about as interesting as where you were headed.
Recently found out this was my wife's favorite vacation (asked her that question as a security question for a log in).