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Description
 Fiordland
has by far the wildest and most dramatic scenery in New Zealand and
is one of the largest national parks in the world - waterfalls tumble
hundreds of metres into sheer-sided fiords, lakes shimmer and harsh
granite peaks lead to Tolkeinesque forests (the recent NZ$264 million
movie Lord Of The Rings was filmed there).
Te Anau is the best
place to base yourself to explore Fiordland's walking tracks and fiords.
The resort is based on tranquil Lake Te Anau, NZ's second largest lake.
 The
cosmopolitan alpine resort of Queenstown
has a party atmosphere all through the year. In spring and on long summer
days (when the sun doesn't set till 10pm) it's a base camp for trekkers,
skiers and adventure lovers. The shops open till 10pm also, seven days
a week, and the apres ski is legendary with over 100 choices of where
to eat or drink. The nearby skiing is among the world's best with amenities
to match.
Wanaka complements
Queenstown perfectly - it's mellow and calm and translates from Maori
as 'renewal of the soul'. Residents and visitors enjoy fine living with
top-class restaurants and their own stunning small winery.
 To
See and Do
-
 Take
a walk. After all, this is the walking capital of the world!
- Whether you're
an experienced skier or a novice, take to the slopes.
- Put time aside
to experience the silent grandeur of Doubtful Sound.
- Shoot to Shotover
River for jetboating, white water rafting, bungy jumping or helicopter
flight-seeing (most tour operators will mix up a cocktail of different
adventure activities.
- Whether you're
a hacker or a pro, you won't find a more beautiful setting for a round
of golf.
- Take a kayak
out on one of the lakes.
- What about a
pony trek or a 4WD safari into the high country?
- Explore NZ's
largest underground wine cave at Gibbston Valley Winery near Queenstown
and Rippon Vineyard near Wanaka is perhaps the world's prettiest winery,
nestled along the lake.
-
 The
Wanaka Fighter Pilots Museum has a great collection of vintage fighters
and you can also take a joyride in a Tiger Moth, tandem skydive or
scenic flight.
- For fun in the
snow without balance and bindings try skidooing or snowmobiling from
either Queenstown or Wanaka.
- Visit the picturesque
gold mining settlement of Arrowtown (20 minutes from Queenstown).
- For the small
and grown-up kids, get lost in The Great Maze, Puzzle Centre and Tilted
House at Stuart Landborough's 'Puzzling World' in Wanaka.
Sample
Itinerary 5 days
(Note: this is only
a sample - once you tell us your areas of interest, we will construct
a personal, suggested itinerary for you.)
Day
1
- Give
the brain cells a real treat today - kick off at Puzzling World and
the Great Maze.
- Head on to the
fascinating Fighter Pilots Museum. Take a skydive or a joyride in
a vintage plane.
- Sample a drop
of wine at Rippon Vineyard on Lake Wanaka before settling in to one
of the local fine dining options.
Day
2
- Drive to Queenstown
(1.5 hours), perhaps stopping at a vineyard for lunch.
- Enjoy an afternoon
cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station.
- While there,
saddle up for a horse trek then return to Queenstown for dinner in
an excellent restaurant or join the party scene.
Day 3 
- Cast a line
for some early morning fish then head to Steamer Wharf for brunch.
- Travel to historic
Arrowtown (20 minutes) where the old gold buildings are still in use.
- Indulge in an
afternoon of adventure - jetboating, rafting, bungy - or slip in a
round of golf or a walk. At sunset take the Gondola up Bob's Peak
for breathtaking views.
Day 4
-
 Go
on a 4WD safari to deserted Macetown or by jetboat down Dart River
into true wilderness.
OR
- Follow the Wakitipu
Art Trail and visit some lovely gardens.
- End the day
with the drive to Te Anau (2 hours).
Day 5
- Take a short
day tramp or spend the day on the water, cruising or kayaking one
of the majestic fiords.
- Spoil yourself
with a scenic flight over the World Heritage Area before heading back
to Te Anau for an evening cruise across the lake to the glow-worm
caves.
Where
to Stay
Click below for a choice of accommodation options in these regions:
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Contact
Information
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Phone:
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+61
7 3876 4644 |
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Fax:
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+61
7 3876 4645 |
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Email:
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[email protected] |
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