South Island

Reflecting the heavens with its vast shimmering pools, New Zealand’s Southern Lakes can make you feel like you standing on the edge of the Earth. It’s weathered and wildland, home to the near-miraculous natural wonder of Milford Sound, as well as Queenstown, the Kiwi adventure capital.

The Southern Lakes were made to explore, from the rippled mountain ridges of Fiordland National Park to the mirror-like lakes that blend seamlessly into the sky horizon-less, it’s a humbling reminder of the power of nature.

In the north of Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s lies Milford Sounds, the most impressive of the region’s 15 fjords. A staggering 1200m tall, it carves its way through the mountains for 15km, soaring out of the sea with nearly vertical cliffs, while waterfalls thunder down from the mist, high above. Colonies of penguins and seals lounge beneath the cliffs, and whales and dolphins are a common sight.

Queenstown sits sprawled on the shores of the scenic Lake Wakatipu and it’s hard to imagine another resort town with such a perfect backdrop. The snowy peaks of the Remarkables frame cosmopolitan streets that retain something of a quaint, alpine feel – despite having plenty of busy bars, award-winning restaurants, and a burgeoning local wine scene.

Bungee jumping, river boarding, parapenting, zip-lining – Queenstown is where the adrenaline junkies of the world come to let their hair down. From distant mountain heights to the deepest glacial lakes, Kiwis have figured out how to have fun in the wild. There are plenty of ways to relax, too like fishing out on the lake, helicopter tours, or wine tasting in the local vineyards.

This is easily one of our favourite places in New Zealand, and our regional specialists have plenty of experience of travelling here. We’ll use our knowledge to help design your perfect tailor-made luxury tour.