alpine vintages

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. 

Striking landforms, towering mountains, tranquil river flats, a few mischievous keas. These are the things that make Mt. Aspiring National Park a legendary location for tampers, climbers, skiers and sightseers. There are so many ways to experience this iconic area. At its heart is a massive area of wilderness - glaciers, snowfields, mountains, valleys and wildlife habitats that require days of hiking to reach.

To the west of the divide, where rainfall is plentiful, the beech forest comes with a soundtrack of birdsong and waterfalls. Deep in the glacier-gouged valleys of the east, grassy river flats are hemmed by imposing mountains. And above the tree line, subalpine gardens of tussock, lichens and dainty flowering herbs survive against all odds. Rock forms are an unforgettable feature of the park. From the curiously coloured slopes of the Red Hills to the brittle grey schist of the Alps, ice ages and huge tectonic upheavals have created beauty with a hard edge.

Set in South Island, near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin in the Waitaki District, Omarama is a charming small-town meaning ‘Place of Light’. The village is internationally renowned for its aerial gliding opportunities over the landscape’s untamed high-country, snowy mountain peaks and bright blue waters. 

Meander between the skyscraping ridges of the Clay Cliffs in the north, followed by a soak in the Omarama Hot Tubs which provide exquisite views both at night-time and during the day. The area is a fisher’s paradise, with an abundance of rainbow and brown trout in the lakes, rivers and streams and a range of guided trips on offer.

Arthur's Pass National Park lies in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. With its towering mountains, steep gorges, wide braided rivers and breath-taking waterfalls, it is an adventure seeker’s dream. The wide riverbeds and vast beech forests of the eastern side of the park stand in striking contrast to the deeply gorged rivers flowing through the dense rain forest of the west.

Down the middle of 'the great divide' between these distinct areas is an alpine wonderland of snow-covered peaks, glaciers and scree slopes providing a mecca for skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers. Take a scenic train ride through the park and pop into the lovely little village of Arthur’s Pass. This tiny hamlet, often shrouded in a thick cloud of mist, is located within the park and offers accommodation and a few quaint restaurants.

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.

The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries.