Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is a place to take a deep breath and relax. Protected from the
outside world by the grandeur of the mountains, you're enclosed in a hidden
paradise.
Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the
Southern Alps, which are home to winter ski fields and the dramatically
alpine Mount Aspiring National Park.
Lake
Wanaka is New Zealand's fourth largest; its clean, blue waters are an inland
sea for sailors and jetboaters to explore. Walking tracks and bridle trails
wander the flats and foothills. In all seasons, outdoor adventures beckon.
The region's fortunes have changed over the years. The discovery of gold in
the 1870s inspired a rush of interest in the area. As the gold faded away,
high country farming became the main source of employment. Today, tourism is
the new gold - an endeavour that requires the environment to stay picture
perfect.
» Lakes wherever you look : Centuries of glacial action crafted
Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Discover their scenic perfection by mountain biking
the high trails, paragliding over the hills, sightseeing by air or walking
the myriad of tracks.
» Get high on Mount Aspiring : The jewel of the region is its
highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027 metres), which nestles comfortably in
one of the country's largest national parks. Delve inside the park's
boundaries and discover a rare world.
» Winter sports wonderland : The Lake Wanaka region is a
complete winter sports destination. Cardrona and Treble Cone are classic
downhill ski fields, heli skiing happens high in the Harris Mountains and
there's Nordic skiing at the Snow Farm.
Queenstown
The first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori pounamu
(jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of
treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery,
adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle.
Long summer days blonde the tussocks, throwing the hills open to mountain
bikers and hikers. The brilliant reds and golds of autumn colour the trees,
inspiring photographers and golfers alike. In winter, snow transforms the
region into a remarkable alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders.
Spring brings the spark of fresh green to the landscape - a time to
celebrate life with a cruise on the lake or an invigorating bungy jump.
In any season, you can count on stylish accommodation, designer shopping
and marvellous cuisine experiences. Queenstown's compact downtown area is a
cosmopolitan hub that's relaxed during the day and huge fun at night.
» Larger-than-life scenery : From crystal clear Lake Wakatipu
across to The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown's environment is
majestic, awe inspiring and almost unbelievable. Catch the gondola up Bob's
Peak to discover this view.
» A treasured land : Queenstown has always attracted people on
a quest. First came the Maori, seeking pounamu (jade). Gold prospectors
followed and today, the quest for high adventure and sublime relaxation
attracts people to Queenstown.
» Adrenalin buzz : Queenstown's wildly exciting environment is
irresistible to adventure seekers. In the 'Adventure Capital of the World'
you'll find adrenalin-stirring, sanity-reducing exploits of the most extreme
kind.
Central Otago
Central
Otago is a region touched by history, with a powerful landscape of ancient
mountains, weathered rock formations, alpine herb fields and fast rivers.
In ancient times, Maori travelled through Central Otago on their way to the
pounamu rivers of the west coast. Hunting parties also visited the region -
they built rafts and used the Clutha River to transport moa and other game
back to the east coast.
More recently, in the 1860s, Central Otago was the scene of a gold rush.
Trails used by miners can still be seen winding over the hills. Stone
cottages, a haunted hotel, cleverly engineered water channels, mines and
machinery are other relics to discover. You can still try your luck with a
gold pan, or be satisfied with the golden sweetness of a Roxburgh apricot.
Nowadays, Central Otago is the scene of a 'wine rush'. Pinot Noir has
become one of the region's newest treasures, and many of the wineries
welcome visitors for tours and tastings.
» Gold history : Retrace the steps of the hardy gold miners who
carved their living from the harsh and often unforgiving environment. Relive
their experiences in the museums and historic sites throughout the region.
» Premium Pinot Noir : The mountain valley vineyards of the
world's most southerly wine region have excelled in recent years. In
particular, the vibrant, spicy flavour and velvety texture of Central Otago
Pinot Noir has earned wide acclaim.
» Tracks and trails : Around the hills of Central Otago, the
hiking tracks are almost endless. Many were created by miners during the
gold rush; others lead to alpine herb meadows, secret valleys and strange
rock formations.
Fiordland
The power of Fiordland's scenery never fails to enthral travellers.
Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords; ancient rainforest
clings impossibly to the mountains; shimmering lakes and granite peaks look
the same today as they did a thousand years ago.
Fiordland was well known to Maori, who have many legends recounting its
formation and naming. Demi-god Tute Rakiwhanoa is said to have carved the
rugged landscape from formless rock, hewing out the steep sided valleys with
his adzes.
From the lakeside townships of Te Anau and Manapouri, you can experience
Fiordland in the way that suits your travelling style. Adventurers can
embark on kayaking tours of the lakes and fiords; hikers have access to a
choice of well known walking challenges; scenery lovers can catch a scenic
flight or enjoy lake and fiord cruises; divers can discover rare black
corals growing just beneath the water's surface.
»
Magnificent Milford Sound : Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth
Wonder of the World' Milford Sound is always spectacular. Feel the mist of
the waterfalls, look for seals on the rocks and marvel at the steep sides of
the fiord.
» The deepest fiord : At 421 metres, Doubtful Sound is the
deepest of New Zealand's fiords. It's a haven for nature, with resident
bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Kayak tours and eco-cruises
reveal the mysteries of the fiord.
» Wonderful walks : Three of New Zealand's 'great walks' are
found in Fiordland - the Routeburn, Milford and Kepler tracks. For those
with less time, a range of short walks lets you dip into the wilderness for
a few hours.
Southland
In contrast to the dryness of Central Otago, Southland is lush and green.
Tranquil waterways attract fly-fishing enthusiasts in search of brown trout.
Near-pristine southern rainforest provides opportunities for day walks and
hiking. The amazing Catlins Coast promises wildlife encounters and the
chance to see Curio Bay - a petrified forest of subtropical kauri and other
trees dating back to the Jurassic age.
Southland's largest urban centre is Invercargill, a city of 49,000 people.
Visitors come to admire the elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings,
gardens and landscaped parks.
A half hour drive south from Invercargill is the fishing port of Bluff -
home to the famous Bluff oyster and a lively annual seafood festival.
From Bluff, visitors can catch a ferry to Stewart Island - a haven for
native bird life and the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see
kiwi in their natural habitat.
» The Catlins Coast : Winding between Fortrose and Kaka Point,
the Catlins Coast takes you to enthralling wildlife experiences, beautiful
waterfalls and rustic, farmland scenery. Beaches, forest walks and nostalgic
hospitality will capture your heart.
» Park in the city : Invercargill is built around beautiful
Queens Park - 80 hectares of gardens, wildlife and sporting fun. As well as
an 18-hole golf course, the park has animal enclosures, a bird aviary, play
areas and the Southland Museum.
» Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island : Stewart Island is an
ecological wonderland. The clamour of civilisation is replaced by rapturous
birdsong and sounds of the sea. Rendezvous with a kiwi, visit Ulva Island
bird sanctuary or walk one of the many tracks.
