South Island - Queenstown & Wanaka Holidays
The first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle. Long summer days throw the hills open to mountain bikers and hikers. The brilliant reds and golds of autumn colour the trees, inspiring photographers and golfers alike. In winter, snow transforms the region into a remarkable alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders. Spring brings the spark of fresh green to the landscape, a time to celebrate life with a cruise on the lake or an invigorating bungee jump. Queenstown's compact downtown area is a cosmopolitan hub that's relaxed during the day and huge fun at night.
The nearby picture perfect town of Wanaka with its lakeside setting offers an excellent base for hiking, white water rafting, jet boating, fishing, horseback riding or just relaxing.
Not to be missed is a visit to the Fiordlands; the power of this scenery never fails to enthrall travellers. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords; ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains; shimmering lakes and granite peaks look the same today as they did a thousand years ago.
From the lakeside townships of Te Anau and Manapouri, experience Fiordland in your travelling style. Adventurers can embark on kayaking tours of the lakes and fiords, hikers have access to a choice of well known walking challenges, scenery lovers can catch a scenic flight or enjoy lake and fiord cruises and divers can discover rare black corals growing just beneath the water's surface.