QUEENSTOWN Golf

The Hills Golf Course Arrowtown
The Hills, opened in 2007, is set over 101 hectares (250 acres) of former deer farm on the outskirts of Arrowtown in Central Otago. The Mill race winds its way through the property and feeds the ten lakes and various ponds and waterways on the golf course. Trees, both native and exotic, are a feature of the course. The wetland area have been expanded, planted out with varieties of New Zealand flax, toetoe, the ubiquitous cabbage tree and wetland grasses and reeds. More than 50,000 red and silver tussock plants create a spectacular visual statement. Winter snow and frost conditions provide the ideal climate to grow fine grasses preferred for modern day golf.
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QUEENSTOWN Tours/Cruises

Milford Sound Tours: Their drivers love sharing their knowledge of the Fiordland area and there is plenty of time for photo stops and short walks along the way. See dense rain forests, waterfalls and rugged mountains with stops enroute to view the Mirror Lakes and the Chasm.
At Milford Sound, cruise as far as the Tasman Sea, past well recognised Mitre Peak and other points of interest while you enjoy your complementary lunch aboard the cruise vessel.
Then as part of your Milford Sound Experience the cruise vessel will stop at Milford Discovery Centre (Underwater Observatory) where you will visit the unique underwater world of Milford Sound to see its spectacular marine life including anemones, sponges, fish and rare red and black coral in their natural wild environment.
 

Shotover Jet Boat Ride: For an unforgettable Queenstown experience ‘Catch the Canyons’ with Shotover Jet, The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride, and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. The unique Canyon location, unrivaled drive style and world famous full 360 degree spins provide for the most thrilling Jet Boat ride!
90 minutes Queenstown Return,
Depart: Up to every 15 minutes
Other Info: Courtesy shuttle departs the ‘Station’, up to every 15 mins. Recommend sunglasses year round and warm clothing in winter.
 

Skyline Luge: Burn it up on the fast track or cruise sedately down the scenic track. Take on the thrill of banked corners, tunnels, bends and dips. Then hop on the chairlift and do it all again. Skyline Luge – it’s 800 metres of fast paced freedom. Once is never enough! Skyline Luge - Located at the top of the gondola.
Open daily from 10am
All day from 8am till Late.
Children under 110cm ride free on the scenic track only if accompanied by an adult.
An absolute Queenstown must do, guaranteed to bring out the child in all of us. The tracks offer amazing views and allow you to either cruise sedately or to really go for the wind in your hair thrill factor. You’re in control so it’s your choice.
 

Skyline Gondola: Reputed to be the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere, the gondola carries visitors high above Queenstown to the Skyline complex located on Bob's Peak.
Situated an easy five minute walk from central Queenstown, the gondola is an all weather tourist attraction in its own right. Sit back and relax as the views from the gondola unfold while you journey to the Skyline complex.
Numerous observation decks around the complex offer breathtaking views of Coronet Peak & The Remarkables, over Queenstown and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. Truly magnificent and awe-inspiring

Skyline Restaurant: By night you can enjoy dinner at Queenstown's most spectacular location.
The Skyline Restaurant serves up a mouthwatering Taste of New Zealand buffet of legendary proportions every night of the year.
Feast on South Island salmon, seafoods, salads, roast meats and delicious desserts - and feast your eyes on the most spectacular scenery in the country. Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every table!

As New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings Specialists, they have created several tours and experiences to cater to your Lord of the Rings needs and hopes.
Their guides have a professorial knowledge of the movies and books and one of their guides was an actor in the trilogy playing several parts and his stories are legend.
They are also proud to say that they work closely with all the other reliable and well respected Lord of the Rings companies throughout New Zealand.
Southern Lakes Sightseeing have a fantastic array of locations and resources at their fingertips to provide you with the ultimate Lord of the Rings experience – they have locations, weapons, costume, having thought of everything to give you a total immersion LOTR experience.
They can prove 100% that we have taken you to the exact locations used in the trilogy and with weapons and costume to handle,
Only a few Lord of the Rings tours are endorsed by Ian Brodie, author of the Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook. Our tours are among them.
 

Nomad Safaris is one of New Zealand's most established tour operators. Nomad Safaris has 20 years experience in operating small and personal tours around Queenstown, New Zealand.
Queenstown is New Zealand's premier four season resort and has many adventure activities on offer. Nomad Safaris has the awards and the experience proving it as one of the best Queenstown activities.
Let Nomad Safaris take you on one of our personalised adventure tours to the NZ backcountry. Our award winning Safari of the Scenes will capture the heart of the most avid Lord of the Rings fans as our expert guides will explore with you spectacular filming locations.
Nomad Safaris offers historical adventure trips to the old abandoned gold mining towns of Skippers Canyon and Macetown. Travel the rugged road and experience true off roading as you explore the pioneer trails with tours guided by the professional adventurers!
Nomad Quad Safaris is the perfect adventure activity for those looking to see the spectacular panoramic views of the Queenstown area whilst riding our 400cc fully automatic ATVs.
For that extra special occasion, book one of the Private Collection Safaris. The Private Collection offers the complete Nomad Safaris experience with a hint of opulence. Your personal guide will take you on a tailored trip in one of our late model Range Rovers.
Nomad Safaris offers low passenger to driver ratio with a maximum of 6 clients per guide. This ensures that our trips are personalised and guarantees attention to detail not found with larger groups.
The range of tour options at Nomad Safaris makes it one of the "things to do" in Queenstown. Book now and explore this unique and stunning area.
 

TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruises: Cruising on the “Lady of the Lake” is like stepping back in time. Below deck, the steam engines hiss and thud as the stokers shovel coal into the glowing fireboxes. In the wheelhouse upstairs, the skipper rings through directions to the engine room using the traditional telegraph bells - the same method used on board a century ago.
A 1½ hour cruise on the TSS Earnslaw showcases some of Lake Wakatipu’s most beautiful alpine scenery and allows plenty of time to explore the decks and bridge. Visit the engine room, view the collection of historical photos in the Fo’c’sle gallery or join a sing-along with the onboard pianist. The vessel has a licensed café onboard selling a selection of café-style food as well as beer, wine and spirits.
Cruises depart regularly throughout the day. You can choose to complete a cruise only, or a cruise, combined with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek heritage excursion barbecue lunch or evening buffet dining
The TSS Earnslaw turns 100 in Oct 2012.
 

Welcome to Arrowtown NZ
The former gold mining town of Arrowtown is a living, historic holiday destination.  Spectacular scenery, four very distinct seasons and a tranquil atmosphere attract visitors from New Zealand and around the world.
At the heart of the southern lakes district, Arrowtown’s long hot summer days and stunning autumn colours are followed by crisp clear winters and a verdant spring.
The seasonal changes are best reflected in the historic tree lined avenue, where in autumn the leaves of gold and red are celebrated with an annual autumn festival, and provide photographers and artists with inspiration.
Arrowtown is nestled beside the Arrow River, and is the home of unique attractions.  Visitors can enjoy gold panning, tours around historic buildings, the Chinese Miners Settlement, the district’s museum, a boutique cinema and numerous walking trails.  Arrowtown is central to the region’s best in wineries, artist galleries, golf courses, fishing and ski areas.
Buckingham Street, the town’s main street and the lanes and arcades around it, are a shopping attraction, offering a wide range of quality products including fashion, galleries, jade, gifts and local wines.
Food has a special focus in Arrowtown from fine dining restaurants serving the freshest New Zealand products to international cuisine, from cafes and bars to sweet treats and takeways.
Arrowtown has a population of 2,400 who share their village atmosphere with visitors. It has an excellent pre-school and primary school, and the quality amenities include a library, museum, swimming pool, lawn bowls, skate park and internationally acclaimed golf courses. Services include, a medical centre, post office and pharmacy.  Nearby are an international airport, hospital, ski areas, ice and curling rinks, sports, events and aquatic centres.
Arrowtown is 20 minutes from Queenstown, and 15 minutes from the Queenstown international airport. 
 

Vacation Australia's Kangaroo Kelly will include any tour of your choice in your custom planned itinerary!

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Nature on a grand scale...
This is a land of immense proportions: giant boulders, colossal waterfalls and mighty albatrosses ... not to mention jumping from a 230-foot bridge. The region is often referred to as the far south. But don't expect to sight icebergs off the shores of Invercargill, New Zealand's southern-most city, because in North American terms, Invercargill is equivalent in latitude to Oregon or Maine.

Queenstown - Dunedin - Central Otago - Wanaka - Invercargill - Southland - Stewart Island - Fiordland

Nestling beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of The Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the South Island's year-round prime resort, where you can be as active as you want or just leisurely soak up the magnificent scenery. The resort is compact enough to walk around, with courtesy vehicles, buses or taxis available to take you to outlying attractions. Accommodation ranges from top-class hotels to motels, backpacker hostels and campground facilities. Shopping in Queenstown's boutiques and souvenir shops is as good as you will find anywhere in New Zealand, and there is an excellent choice of cafes and bars. Not to be missed is the 10-minute gondola ride up Bob's Peak for a breathtaking view, top-class restaurant and spectacular film show.

Queenstown's Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge

Queenstown Golf

Action packed vacations

DUNEDIN - Coastal Otago

Dunedin, the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh, is the commercial center for the region, and it is a gracious city of grand nineteenth century buildings and beautiful gardens, largely settled by Scots. With a population of 109,000, it is the South Island's second largest city, but until the turn of the century was the largest, being then the main center for commerce and finance.

Dunedin's grand homes and gardens reflect its early prosperity and solid Victorian respectability. Those open to the public include Olveston, a jacobean-style home and a must for lovers of antique furniture, silver, glassware and china. A 15-minute drive from the city, on the Otago Peninsula, are two of the city's stately homes: Glenfalloch (1871), surrounded by 30 acres of woodland garden and an elegant restaurant nestling among the magnificent trees and shrubs - and neo-Gothic Larnach Castle (1871), complete with battlements, fairytale ballroom and fabulously carved ceilings. The Otago Museum specializes in the natural history of southern New Zealand and the country's Maori and Pacific heritage while the Otago Early Settler's Museum exhibits memorabilia of the colonial days. Train enthuiasts can take an excursion, departing from the main railway station on the Taieri Gorge Limited train and marvel at the skill of Victorian stonemasons and engineers who built the railway through the spectacular scenery of the rugged Taieri Gorge.

Dunedin Golf
 

The Otago Peninsula

The Otago Peninsula has an abundance of wildlife seldom seen close to a city. From the Peninsula High Road, wild cliffs and secluded beaches of the Pacific coast may be seen on the right, contrasting the peaceful bays and hamlets of Otago Harbor on the left.

Sea birds swoop and shrill the wild eastern coast, fur seals bask on the sunny rocks; the rare and endangered yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho) trundles up steep dunes to its nest. Colonies of cormorants cling tightly to their elevated lofts; and at the end of the peninsula, at Taiaroa Head, the mighty albatross glides effortlessly on the updrafts.

This is the only place in the world where this largest of the world's sea birds lives within easy access. Several nature/wildlife companies include this unique adventure, as well as other special wildlife areas, in their I to 5 hour tours. You will also see most of this wildlife from a different aspect on a relaxing M.V. Monarch cruise whose crew provides informative commentary, lunch, teas and bar service.

How to get there: About hr. by car from Christchurch, 40 min., from Oamaru. Coaches operate daily services from Christchurch, and the South train runs Monday-Friday from Christchurch. Direct flights operate daily from Christchurch, 45 min.; Wellington 1 hr.. 10 min., and Auckland 2 hr. 40 min.

The Waitaki River

Driving down Highway 1, about 40 miles/60 km from Timaru, brings you to the Waitaki River, the boundary between Canterbury and Otago renowned for its salmon fishery. At the junction of highways 83 and 8 is Omarama, one of the best gliding sites in New Zealand and the location of the January 1995 World Championships. Tandem gliding with an expert is also available here. It requires no special skills for those trying this exhilarating experience for the first time. About 9 miles/15 kms south of the Waitaki River is Oamaru, the main town of the Waitaki area, whose grand stone Victorian buildings reflect the wealth of last century's gold rushes in the Queenstown area. On the foreshore, visitors have an opportunity to view two species of penguin: the yellow~eyed and little blue.

The Moeraki Boulders

This unique geological phenomenon may be seen to best advantage at low tide, near the small settlement of Moeraki, about 21 miles/ 34 kms south of Oamaru. Like some giant's playthings, these smooth, perfectly round rock boulders lie strewn on the nearby beach. Weighing up to four tons and about four million years old, they were formed on an ancient seabed through some complicated chemical reaction, and in more recent times have been eroded from the nearby cliffs.

CENTRAL OTAGO

It could be called the golden country for its gold-mining associations, its very hot sunny summers, its fall colors, and its apricot orchards. Central Otago, usually known simply as "Central," is made up of a series of river basins and deep river gorges, with each valley enclosed by a high-country barrier, giving a sense of isolation and vast distance. Located in the center of the South Island, it has many aspects of a continental climate: hot, dry summers, ideal for exploring and sightseeing, and freezing winters, which make this New Zealand's prime winter sports area.

In this semi-arid region, the old trails, which during the rip-roaring gold rush of the 1860s provided access for thousands of miners, can still be seen winding over the hills. There are stone cottages, amazingly engineered water races, mines and machinery, all of which are relatively well preserved and may still be seen along the Goldfields Heritage Highway.

Alexandra, the main town on the mighty Clutha River, is the center for another sort of gold these days - golden apricots and other stone fruit. This town plus Clyde and Cromwell are ideal bases from which to explore the surrounding historic countryside, and they offer a wide choice of accommodation and camping facilities. Some exciting recreational activities are available, such as jetboating, snowmobiling, 4WD safari excursions and gold panning.

WANAKA - its lake - its views

Central's second major tourist resort, Wanaka is in some respects a quieter, more relaxed version of Queenstown, with a range of accommodation from top-class motorlodges to camping. The town also has top-class restaurants and a selection of cafes.

Hemmed in by mountains, Lake Wanaka also appears calmer and gentler than Queenstown's Wakatipu. In the background is magnificent Mt. Aspiring, the main feature of Mt. Aspiring National Park, a favorite with hikers and mountaineers. Wanaka is a center for a variety of outdoor pursuits and a playground for water sports. You can cruise on a launch or take a jetboat trip; try sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing or jetskiing; or if this sounds too hectic, you can laze on the beach or swim in the safe lake waters. Anglers are also well catered to, with brown and rainbow trout and salmon fishing available.

Pony trekking and 4WD safaris are great ways of exploring the surrounding high country, and winter visitors are able to experience Nordic skiing on the Pisa range, skiing and snowboarding at Treble Cone and Cardrona skifields, and heli-skiing on nearby mountains.

For a spectacular drive in a historic gold mining area, take Highway 89 from Wanaka to Cardrona where there is a fantastic old pub. The adventurous may wish to continue on to Queenstown over the Crown Range, which, at 3,675 ft/ 1,120 m above sea level, has the highest road in New Zealand. Care is needed, though, as much of the road is unsealed (shingle), twisty and narrow in places. It should not be tackled in winter when it is likely to be under snow.

Southernmost Vineyards

Commercial grape-growing was only established in the southernmost wine-growing region in the world a little over a decade ago, but already its wines are creating considerable interest. Nowhere else in New Zealand are vineyards found in such diverse and rugged locations - clinging to the sides of steep river gorges, huddled around spectacularly beautiful lake shores or sprouting from jagged, rocky hillsides.

FIORDLAND

It's about a 2 1/4 hour drive from Queenstown to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, and a good base for exploring its walking tracks and the Te Anau Caves. A fast-growing tourist town, Te Anau has accommodaion ranging from motorlodges and motels to camping grounds. Activities based here include flightseeing, fishing, kayaking, and horseriding; and you can rent cycles here and bike to Milford.

Covering nearly three million acres/1.2 million hectares, Fiordland National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world. Fiordland is nature on a grand scale, where waterfalls tumble thousands of feet into virgin forested valleys, and lonely fjords indent its coastal boundaries. Protected by its remoteness, some of New Zealand's rare birds are found here.

Milford Sound

For all its isolation, the ordinary sightseer can still enjoy a "wilderness" experience. The Milford Road to famous Milford Sound cuts right through the park, with buses leaving daily from both Te Anau. and Queenstown. Considered one of the finest alpine drives in the world, the road to Milford traverses the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys below massive peaks and bluffs and through the 1,312 yd/1,200 m long Homer Tunnel. On arrival at Milford you are confronted with mile-high Mitre Peak, one of the most famous and spectacular views in New Zealand.

Cruise launches ply the sound beneath sheer cliffs and leaping waterfalls, but this is still very much the realm of dolphins, seals and gulls. It is now also possible to overnight on the sound on a replica of an early New Zealand sailing scow. Flightseeing in this region must rate as one of the great sightseeing options in the world. Flights can be arranged from either Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka or Milford itself. Many people find it a good idea to take the road one way and fly the other, although you really need to fly both ways from Wanaka, because of the distance.

Absolute trekking

The world-renowned, 33-mile/ 53km Milford Track takes four days for independent hikers. It traverses some of the park's most spectacular scenery, including the 3,520-ft/1,073-m Mackinnon Pass and the Sutherland Falls, one of the highest in the world. Limited numbers are permitted on the track at any time, so you are advised to make a booking well in advance. Another popular walk is up the Hollyford Valley, but reservations are only required for the guided option. Guides are also available on the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone tracks; all you have to carry is a day pack.

The other fjord easily accessible is Doubtful Sound. Here trips operate across island-studded Lake Manapouri and include a visit to an underground hydroelectric power station and a bus trip over the Wilmot Pass, down into the fjord and out to sea. En route, the bus driver describes local flora, and you are likely to see dolphins and seals basking on rocks. This trip cannot be undertaken by private motorists.

INVERCARGILL - Southland - Stewart Island

From Te Anau, its 100 mile/ 160 kms km south on Highway 6, across the rich, sheep-dotted Southland plain to Invercargill. This city of 52,000 has many elegant buildings, neat gardens and tree-filled parks. It has an excellent art gallery and museum with high-tech audio-visual displays based on the flora and fauna of New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands, way down in the southern oceans. It also has a unique display of the tuatara, a "prehistoric" lizard-like reptile whose ancestors were the dinosaurs. City hotels, motor inns and motels offer a range of accommodation options.

East of Invercargill, on the Southern Scenic Highway from Dunedin, the Catlins Forest Park offers some great walks and magnificent coastal scenery. Farm hosting is a popular option in this area. Anglers should know the Mataura River near Gore is famed for its brown trout.

Invercargill Golf

Stewart Island

Stewart Island, unspoilt in its isolation, may be reached by catamaran or airplane. For anyone seeking peace and tranquillity, this is the ultimate spot.

Bush walks and bird watching

There are superb bush walks and great launch cruises in some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastal scenery. Bird watchers will find the island richly rewarding, and you might even spot a kiwi in its natural environment. Outdoor activities include excellent sea fishing, sea kayaking and hiking on trails provided with huts. One will find comfortable accommodations at Halfmoon Bay.

How to get there: The catamaran ferry service operates from Bluff, 6 days a week in summer and twice weekly in winter. The crossing takes one hour. The airplane flight from Invercargill Airport takes 20 minutes.

Getting Around

Coach and air services operate from Chirstchurch, Queenstown and Te Anau. Self drivers, you can rent a mini-motorhome, 4wd or rental car.

Budget Rental Car Vacation NZ's Preferred Partner

FEATURED HOTELS: Pebble Beach Motor Inn

Queenstown Millbrook Resort 5*

Dunedin Southern Cross 4*

Invercargill Croydon 4*

SUGGESTED ADD-ON TOURS
Gondola ride up Mt Cavendish
JetBoat on Shotover Canyon
Skyline Gondola Restaurant & Luge
Fly & Cruise Milford Sound
TSS Earnslaw lake cruise
Visit historic Arrowtown
We use & recommend local experienced
Kiwi tour operators for all add-on tours that we can include in your golf & leisure itinerary

Vacation NZ provides custom planned golf & leisure vacations

Go to Enquiries & Quotation for your custom planned, competitively priced itinerary

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