the southern way

The second-largest city on the South Island, Dunedin (Celtic for Edinburgh) overlooks the Otago Harbour and Peninsula. There’s no urban sprawl here, instead, you’ll find impressive historic architecture, parks, and natural beauty in abundance. More than 20 beaches can be reached within 30 minutes and stunning, unspoilt coastlines make for excellent hikes and sunset shots. You’ll want to visit Gothic-revival Larnach Castle, known for its colourful history, a resident ghost and impressive treats, Speight’s Brewery for tours, tastings and hearty meals, glorious St Paul’s Cathedral and the Ice Stadium to watch a game or two of curling. Art lovers should make sure to explore the impressive street art trail through the historic buildings of the Warehouse Precinct.

The region of the Catlins is a hidden gem on the south eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is an area characterised by striking contrasts and spectacular natural beauty. Sparsely populated, extremely remote and brimming with lush farmland, dense rainforests and long, sweeping beaches, this rugged area is a nature enthusiast’s dream. The region plays host to an abundance of fascinating wildlife such as seals and sea lions, as well as some of the world’s rarest species of penguins and dolphins. On the coast, the Catlins Forest Park boasts remarkable waterfalls, river valleys, and native forests. Whether surfing some of the south island’s best and least crowded waves, hiking to breath-taking hidden waterfalls, or exploring the quaint rural townships dotted along the coast, you will find plenty to keep you blissfully engaged during your stay in the remote and rugged region of the Catlins.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, this picturesque town is the gateway to the spectacular wilderness of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Surrounded by towering mountains, ancient rainforests and pristine waterways, Te Anau offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Explore the renowned Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Great Walks, enjoy scenic lake cruises, kayaking and trout fishing, or discover the magical underground world of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Visit the Punanga Manu o Te Anau bird sanctuary to encounter some of New Zealand’s remarkable native birds, including the rare takahē. With its peaceful lakeside setting and extraordinary surrounding landscapes, Te Anau is an ideal base for exploring Fiordland.

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.