jewels of the south

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. 

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.

Lake Hāwea is a glacial lake in New Zealand’s South Island, set in Otago near Wānaka, framed by the Southern Alps. It offers a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbours, with a wide-open shoreline, pale turquoise waters, and a sense of space that feels unhurried. Visitors cycle or walk the Lake Hāwea Track, kayak along glassy inlets, fish for trout, or swim in brisk, crystalline water that carries the sharp chill of the mountains. Lakeside winds ripple across pebble beaches, while snow-dusted peaks reflect in still morning light. At night, clear skies reveal bright constellations, making stargazing vivid. It is a place of elemental beauty, best suited to unhurried exploration and appreciation of raw alpine scenery.