Southern adventures

With the Government announcing its tentative reopening plan and Kiwis itching to travel again, a Southern Circuit trip may be the ticket to rejuvenate your spirit and rest your weary bones before we can safely travel overseas once more.

Plus, it’s the ideal time to explore the lower South Island without as many tourists bumbling about. Spring is just around the corner, and with it, why not take your once in a lifetime trip in one of the most beautiful regions in the world? Wanaka When people think about Wanaka, often their minds drift to the famous Wanaka tree or as a stop on the way to Queenstown. The fact of the matter is Lake Wanaka in spring is really the best of both worlds. Not only can you explore in warmer weather and longer days, but you can also attend events in both the dirt and the snow. What’s great about Wanaka is there are options for both people who want to tramp around outside and people who want to experience the finer things in life. You want to test the limits of your physical prowess? Try the Roy’s Peak 24 Hours challenge. You want to get away from the hustle and bustle? Escape to Lake Hawea in its picturesque glacial lakes. Have a taste of premium spirits at Cardrona Distillery just outside of the town, or walk along the lakefront at all the restaurants and café dotted alongside it.

Lakes and Rivers Information:

• Lake Wanaka – 311 m deep, 45.5 km long, 192 sq km, 4th largest lake in New Zealand • Lake Hawea – 393 m deep, 35 km long • Average water temperature 8.9°C – 20.0°C. Information sourced from the Wanaka Tourism website. Visit www.lakewanaka.co.nz for more.

Queenstown One of New Zealand’s most internationally renowned cities, Queenstown is known for being the adventure capitol of the world. From bungee jumping to skydiving, any adrenaline junkie can go get their fill, especially as the ski season draws to a close in October. You can go skiing in the morning on the snowcapped Coronet Peak and then go for a walk in the afternoon to enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms and daffodils. There’s something for everyone, though, not just those who want to be active. Eat your fill paired with some of the world’s best Pinot Noir from Central Otago while admiring the glittering Lake Wakatipu reflecting the sunlight on a fresh spring’s day. With over 150 eateries in Queenstown and nearby Arrowtown, you are spoiled for choice. There is also a thriving nightlife, where you’ll be able to pub crawl around town in Queenstown Central.

Southland Despite simply being referred to as ‘Southland’, the area encompasses a glittering region full of different natural wonders. The magnificent Milford Sounds in Fiordland, the rugged beauty of the Catlins, and Stewart Island below it all, there is much to be seen. The biggest city in Southland is Invercargill, the gateway to all the wonderful scenery the region has on offer. Fiordland, on New Zealand’s South Island, is home to the spectacular Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Stay in Te Anua or Manapouri to explore the breathtaking treasures of Fiordland by water, air or hiking.

Nugget Point Lighthouse – The Catlins, Southland. Photo credit: Graeme Murray. Fiordland National Park 100,000 years in the making, fourteen fiords – a u-shaped glacier-carved valley which has been flooded by the sea – frame the southwest corner of the South Island. In Maori, the fiords were created by a giant stonemason called Tute Rakiwhanoa, who hued out the steep sided valleys with his adzes. Information sourced from the Southland NZ website. Visit www.SouthlandNZ.com for more.

Go visit the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sounds, with dramatic waterfalls, forest-clad cliffs, and mountain peaks brushing against the sky; the gateway to panoramic views of the Catlin coast from Nugget Point Lighthouse; or historic sites littered along the bottom of the South Island. It’s something no one will want to miss. CT — Advertising Feature

Bluff, Southland waterfront. Photo credit: Miles Holden. Boat in Glenorchy, Queenstown. Photo credit: Miles Holden

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Phone 03 216 8071 | Mobile 027 256 6095 yummyfoodatclifton@gmail.com foodatclifton.co.nz

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