winter wilderness

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. 

Resting on the banks of the stunning Lake Manapouri, beneath the Mighty Cathedral Mountains, the township of Manapouri is known by many as merely a base for excursions into the exquisite glacier-carved wilderness of the surrounding Fiordland. Manapori itself has much to offer with the lake dotted with 33 pristine wooded islands which are best explored by kayak. The shoreline stretches across 157 km, and is characterised by lush rainforest, secluded beaches and hidden bays. If kayaking isn’t really your cup of tea, there is a wide range of boats available for hire as well as luxury cruises and even water taxis. However you choose to get around, you will undoubtedly revel in the seclusion and tranquil atmosphere of this remote little township and its extraordinary neighbouring lake.

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.