queenstown

From soaring mountains to a wild and dramatic coastline, golden hill country to crystal alpine lakes, the Southern Lakes region is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in New Zealand.   Visitors are captivated by the breathtaking scenery and changing seasons of the area.   The region draws breath from the dramatic landscapes in every direction, with rugged mountains and the established four-season resort of Queenstown, the gorgeous historic village of Arrowtown past Lake Hayes, to Lakes Wanaka and hawea in the north, an inspiring place of tranquility and beauty at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.

Queenstown, named because it was fit for Queen Victoria, is the Southern Hemisphere's premier four-season lake and alpine resort.   Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstowns stunning scenery is inspiring and revitalising.

No two days will ever be the same in New Zealand's adveture capital.   There's skiing in the Winter and activities such as bunjy jumping, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round.   If hardcore adventure isn't your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available too.   Experience one of the many walking and hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine.

One hundred and forty years after being established as a gold mining camp, central Queenstown has transformed in to a sophisticated cosmopolitan twon.   There's a permanent buzz where you'll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a livey bar scene and excellent shopping.

Head out of Queenstown and the drama of the Central Otago landscape unfolds around you.   If you're a Lord of the Rings fan you'll recognise many of the locations of Middle Earth here.   Twenty minutes from Queenstown, arrowtowns gold-mining history is alive and vibrant.   Visit the lakes District Museum or go gold panning.   Forty minutes from Queenstown at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu is rural glenorchy and Paradise Valley.   From here it's a short drive in to the mt aspiring National Park and the start of some of New Zealand's great walks, and the gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sounds.

Head to the north and you'll come across Lake Wanaka.   The perfect setting for an unhurried weekend getaway, an action packed outdoor adventure, a leisurely family holiday and a photographer's dream.

In Winter, skiers flock o this region from all over the World for superb skiing and snowboarding at Cardrona and Treble cone, cross-country skiing at Snow farm and heli-skiing in the Harris Mountains and beyond.   But Wanaka is much more than a Winter destination.   Year round activities include fishing, hiking, canyoning, climbingh and skydiving.

Be the Queenstown thrill seeker - bungy jump (the oldest to jump off the Kawerau Bridge bungy is 94 years old !), jet boat, or canyon swing.

Take in the wilderness of Lake Wanaka.   Visit Mou Waho Island and take in the serenity, see no manmade creations and just take in the sweeping 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding World Heritage Southern Alps and valleys and the two lakes below.   Be joined by the flightless Buff Weka, reintroduced to this sialnd; this rare flightless bird has been extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920.   This eco-tour points out these and many other fauna and flora on this magical nature reserve.

visit in Winter and ski one of the International level skifields in the area.   Get out on the back country mountains with a Heli Ski experience.

Dip a goldpan in the river in Arrowtown.   Walk the quaint, tree lined streets, see miners cottages and shops presevred as they were in the 19th century gold rush era.

Enjoy a tour of the local wineries, stop and take in the views along the way while enjoying what Central Otago soils make - the perfect pinot noirs.

Experience true majestic splendour on the Siberia Experience.   Fly up the Siberia Valley, walk up the river and then jet boat back down - all in a day.   For the brave amongst us, swim amongst ice bergs at the top.

Take in one of the Great Walks.   Your guided experience will take care of your bags so you get to enjoy the views.   Fill your drink bottle with pure glacier water and trek through unspoilt bush.

With 4 International golf courses on your doorstep, keen golfers shouldnt miss an opportunity to play a round - or two !  

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