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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.
See Queenstown - Christchurch & Regions |
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
Action packed vacations

If you enjoy action-packed thrills, then this is the place. You will never forget a
jetboat ride on the Kawarau River or Shotover Canyon, where the amazing New Zealand
invented craft execute seemingly impossible maneuvers in the restricted confines of the
gorge. Equally thrilling are the whitewater rafting options available, and tandem
parachuting and parapenting allow you to jump without special training. Queenstown is the
world capital of bungy - the sport of jumping from a height with a rubber rope tied around
the ankles! For many young and not so young folk, a certificate proving the owner has
jumped is the ultimate souvenir.

Exploring the backcountry
There are several options available: flightseeing by helicopter or 4WD safaris which
explore old mining tracks, such as the hair-raising Skippers Road; a lake cruise in the
grand old steamship TSS Earnslaw, which makes daily excursions to a highcountry sheep
station. You might also horse-trek the Moonlight Trail high above the Shotover River.
Every outdoor enthusiast should make the 30 mile/50 km drive to Glenorchv, at the ton of
Lake WakatiDu, a priority to experience stunning scenery, fishing, jetboating and a choice
of hikes. About 15 miles/24 kms away is Arrowtown, a historic and picturesque settlement
with many of its original gold-rush buildings still in use; many are stores which
specialize in woollen garments and jade ornaments and jewellery. For golfing enthusiasts,
a Bob Charles designed course is available at the nearby Millbrook resort. In fall the
Arrowtown region is a photographers' paradise as the countryside turns golden. In the
winter you can ski your heart out in the local world-class ski areas of Coronet Peak and
The Remarkables. Also within easy reach are Cardrona, just over an hour away, and Treble
Cone, only a 1 1/2-hour drive away at Wanaka.
How to get there: From Dunedin take Highway 87 or 8. It takes about 4 1/2hr. Coaches run
daily. from Christchurch, 7-8 hr., Dunedin 4-6 hrs.., and Invercargill, 2 1/2 hr. Air
services fly direct from Christchurch, 50 min., and from Rotorua, 2 hr. 40 min.

Queenstown Golf
Surrounded by some of the world's most spectacular scenery, Millbrook Resort is designed to embody the relaxed New Zealand
country lifestyle. Unwind in a tranquil atmosphere of unrivalled luxury and beauty, where the indulgences of a more modern age
sit in harmony with an historic, pioneer past. Millbrook Resort is a year round, recreational paradise, each season featuring
its own character, colours and leisure pursuits. The Resort is located on the outskirts of historic Arrowtown and is only a 20
minute drive to Queenstown and 10 minutes to Queenstown airport by courtesy shuttle.
See golf courses:
Millbrook -
Kelvin Heights
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
Otago has
hosted many of New Zealand's major tournaments. The Balmacewan course is
hightly rated and a very good test of golf. Many famous players have graced
the fairways of Balmacewan. Over the years, galleries have delighted to the
skills of Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer, Bob Charles, Gary Player, Peter
Thomson (winner of the NZ Open at Balmacewen in 1953 and 1971), Bobby Locke
and in more recent years Simon Owen, Greg Turner (member prior to turning
professional), Frank Nobilo, John Morse, Peter Fowler, Phillip Tataurangi
and Michael Campbell. Today, Balmacewen course is ranked among the finest in
the country, and with one of the most difficult slope ratings offers a good
test of golf to players of all abilities. The beauty of it's setting, the
establishment of it's turf and it's convenience to the city will add to the
pleasure of competitors.
See Dunedin golf courses:
Balmacewan
- St Clair -
Chisholm Park
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.
Milford Sound Coach
Tours & Cruises
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
Southland Golf Club (Oreti Sands) is the southernmost 18 hole links course in the world, situated 10 Kms Southwest of Invercargill,
the most southerly city in New Zealand. The course features a links layout with large greens on a sandy base. Enjoy playing on a
course that will challenge even the most experienced player.
See Invercargill golf courses:
Otatara Links -
Oreti Sands Links
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 - Used and recommended by Vacation Australia.
Vacation NZ provides custom planned, competitively priced tours &
packages
Vacation Australia's "Kangaroo Kelly" has comprehensively golf and travelled
both Islands in NZ over a period of 44 years. He not only knows the
popular tourist regions but also knows the favourite places of the crafty
locals.
Groups 8 or more persons
His assistant, "Wallaby Wendy," is an experienced travel buyer who individually
negotiates the lowest possible price for your group. We assure you that your
itinerary price will be the most competitive possible.
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