central otago escape

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. 

Located on the southern shores New Zealand’s 4th largest lake, an hour’s drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is renowned for its village character and strong community spirit.

Wanaka is a small town that's big on the outdoors with plenty to keep you entertained. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka faces north, blessed with an incomparable alpine panorama in whichever direction you look.

There’s an unparalleled selection of walking and biking trails, short hikes, day walks and adventures including multi-day back-country journeys into the wilderness. If you’re looking for less adventure and more relaxation there are wildlife cruises to the lake’s island reserves, eco rafting trips on the Clutha River, winery tours and magnificent scenic flights around Mt Aspiring and to Milford Sound.

The neighbouring Mount Aspiring National Park, with its world-renowned hiking trails has its headquarters in Wanaka; Cardrona and Treble Cone ski resorts are both only a short drive from the town.

Clyde is a charming little town in the Central Otago Region of the South Island of New Zealand. Located on State Highway 8, between Cromwell and Alexandra, it makes a fantastic retreat, with an enviable climate, a relaxed ‘cafe culture’ and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. As it is a favoured stop on the Otago Central Rail Trail, the town offers mountain bike rentals and useful route maps of the region. Nearby Lake Dunstan, meanwhile, is great for fishing, boating, kayaking and water skiing. Try to time your visit to Clyde with the annual Blossom Festival (the week of the 22nd of September), when the orchards of the region are in full bloom.

Tucked between rugged schist mountains in the Central Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, Gibbston Valley unfolds along the dramatic Kawarau River gorge between Queenstown and Cromwell. Known as the “Valley of the Vines,” it is celebrated for boutique vineyards producing elegant cool-climate pinot noir. The landscape is strikingly austere yet beautiful: golden grasses ripple in the wind, vines trace the valley floor, and snow-dusted peaks rise in the distance. Visitors cycle the Gibbston River Trail between cellar doors, sample wines in rustic tasting rooms, or explore historic gold-mining remnants scattered through the hills. While facilities are small-scale rather than bustling, the valley rewards travellers with serene scenery and an intimate taste of Central Otago’s wine culture.