As we sit in a cozy café in Queenstown, New Zealand, the sun is setting behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over Lake Wakatipu. It’s hard to believe this is the final stop on our two-month backpacking journey through Southeast Asia, Australia, and now New Zealand. Queenstown has been the perfect place to end what has been, quite frankly, the adventure of a lifetime.
We kicked things off in the best way possible—with a visit to Ferg Burger. For anyone who’s been to Queenstown, you know exactly what we’re talking about. The line outside may be long, but the burger is worth every minute of the wait. We indulged in the famous “Big Al”—a massive stack of beef, bacon, cheese, and all the fixings. After two months of street food and backpacker meals, it was a satisfying indulgence that felt like a little victory in itself.
Queenstown itself is a town that takes your breath away, both with its beauty and its energy. Set against a backdrop of jagged peaks and crystal-clear waters, the town has a magical vibe—relaxed yet ready for adventure. Whether it’s the cafés along the waterfront, the shops that line the streets, or the people we met along the way, there’s a sense of calm here, despite the adrenaline-fueled activities just around the corner. It was the perfect place to reflect on how much we’ve experienced in the past couple of months.
One of the highlights was taking the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob’s Peak. The views of the town, the lake, and the Remarkables mountains were nothing short of spectacular. Of course we couldn’t resist the Nevis —the world’s largest swing. Suspended high above the valley, we swung out over the landscape, the wind in our faces, adrenaline coursing through our veins. It was exhilarating, the kind of experience that makes you feel truly alive. It’s moments like that, when fear and wonder collide, that make travel so unforgettable.
But not every moment needed to be full of thrills. We took a road trip out to Glenorchy, just an hour’s drive from Queenstown, for a horseback ride through the stunning wilderness. It was the kind of peaceful, reflective day that balanced the rush of earlier adventures. Riding through lush fields with the Southern Alps looming in the distance, we felt like characters in a movie. It was the kind of experience that reminds you just how vast and beautiful the world is, and how much there is to be grateful for.
Looking back on the last two months, it’s hard to put into words just how much this trip has changed us. We started in Southeast Asia, diving into vibrant cultures and bustling cities, before heading to Australia where we explored the reef, the outback, and everything in between. But Queenstown, with its perfect mix of adventure and tranquility, is where everything came together. The people we met, the places we visited, and the lessons we learned have all shaped us in ways we never expected. We’ve become braver, more open, and more grateful for the world around us.
As we leave Queenstown, we’re carrying with us a new perspective on life. This journey has taught us more than we could have imagined about the world, each other, and ourselves. The memories we’ve made will stay with us forever, and as we head home, we know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter.
Sweethearts On the Go 