Queenstown makes TIME list of 'world's greatest places' to visit in 2022

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Queenstown is among the best places in the world to visit as people get used to living and travelling with Covid-19 and hit the roads – and skies – en masse.

At least that’s the view of TIME magazine, which included New Zealand’s adventure capital in the 2022 instalment of its “world’s greatest places” list.

The New York-based magazine and website compiled the 50-strong list using nominations from its international network of correspondents and contributors, paying particular attention to destinations offering new and exciting experiences.

Queenstown was described as “both a destination in its own right and a fantastic base to explore the region’s diverse landscapes”.

New luxury boutique hotel The Carlin – where guests can even get a massage on the toilet – was highlighted.

“High rollers can opt for the Skyhome suite – its seven bedrooms make up the largest penthouse in the southern hemisphere,” TIME said.

Each suite in the hotel, which bills itself as “more than five-star”, has its own outdoor fire and spa pool, and a kitchen where private chefs can whip up a meal.

Homes & Villas by Marriott, launched in June, won praise for its “stylish multibedroom apartments and houses”.

Kingpin Queenstown – a sprawling new entertainment hub featuring escape and karaoke rooms, pool, bowling, virtual reality and arcade games and a restaurant and bar – also scored a mention, as did the three Great Walks within a couple of hours driving distance to the town, namely the Milford Track.

Mention was also made of Invivo, the winery which famously collaborated with Sarah Jessica Parker and Graham Norton and announced plans to launch what has been dubbed “the world’s first winery airline” later this year. Fares for the Auckland to Queenstown flights are set to include a visit to local wineries.

Other destinations on the list include Australia’s Fremantle and Great Barrier Reef, “ecotourism hot spot” Kerala in India, the arty Setouchi Islands in Japan, the “year-round playground of Park City in the US state of Utah, and Portree in Scotland with its winning combo of whiskey and wilderness.