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The ‘SPIN IT WIDE’ region, from the Waitaki River south to Stewart Island and inland to Queenstown, offers a wealth of activity and stunning scenery with so much for you to discover during Rugby World Cup 2011. You’ll want to plan for plenty of time in the region because once you discover the South you won’t want to leave!
Dunedin - Character and Culture close to Nature
A world away from big cities and all that they bring lies a small, thriving city set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea. Here the streets hum vibrantly with colour and culture, and the beauty of nature can still be found - everywhere. It is a city of rare charm.
An historic university town, Dunedin spreads around a sheltered harbour. The city is regarded as having the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. Spires and towers of notable neo-Gothic buildings and stately homes punctuate Dunedin’s cityscape. The city centre is compact, with a wonderful array of kerbside cafés, high quality local craft, art, jewellery and fashion design outlets.
As New Zealand’s eco-tourism capital, the city is renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife. The Otago Peninsula, a brief drive from the city centre, is home to a colony of the world’s rarest penguins, the only mainland breeding colony of the royal albatross, rare New Zealand sea lions and the magnificent Larnach Castle. A world of recreational opportunities awaits the active at heart.
Wherever you stay, you’ll experience the southern hospitality that is unique to Dunedin. Visitors to the region speak enthusiastically of its atmosphere and quality experiences. And that’s the secret that ensures they will return. Visit Tourism Dunedin website
Oamaru and Waitaki
Nestled on the South Island's east coast, Oamaru and the Waitaki District is an ideal destination for anyone keen to experience a quieter side of New Zealand. With friendly locals, a compact town centre and a variety of attractions, Oamaru and the Waitaki District offers unique experiences for even the most seasoned traveller.
We have an array of attractions you simply won't find elsewhere - from our vibrant Historic Precinct featuring New Zealand's best 19th Century streetscape to world famous Moeraki Boulders. With picturesque walkways, rich fossil sites and unique geological forms, explore our district and experience being here.
Our cafes and restaurants serve an enticing array of local and international cuisine, a creative atmosphere inspires a flourishing community of artists and the natural environment is postcard perfect. Accommodation options range from up-market hotels to self catering options, all with an emphasis on service. Visit Tourism Waitaki website.
Clutha Country
Clutha Country is renowned for its myriad landscapes and friendly locals. From coastal rocky shores, sandy beaches and wetlands, to rolling hills and mountains, the countryside is as beautiful as it is diverse. Clutha is characterised by its thriving rural communities and industrious service centres.
Balclutha, the district’s hub, is situated an hour south of Dunedin, and half an hour from Dunedin’s international airport, combining a rural setting with accessibility to the beyond. Invercargill is only ninety minutes away on State Highway 1, or a more leisurely few hours via the Southern Scenic Route. The Southern Scenic Route takes in the stunning beauty of the Catlins, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing visitor destinations.
The Catlins is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Inland from Balclutha, Lawrence is best known for its gold rush history, while West Otago offers spectacular scenery, excellent sporting options, and a proud, energetic community.
Throughout the district, our sport clubs have a special place with us. Whether it’s sideline on a Saturday at school kid rugby, or getting vocal in front of the big screen down at the local, we know how to get in behind our players.
Discover Clutha Country’s picturesque surroundings and join the friendly locals, whose real sense of community is characteristic of the south. Visit Clutha Country website.
Queenstown
A four-season lake and alpine resort located in the Southern Lakes region of the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown is tucked into picturesque Lake Wakatipu bay and surrounded by mountains. Born as an 1860’s goldmining camp and named Queenstown because it was considered ‘fit for a Queen’, it is now a sophisticated, compact and cosmopolitan resort famed as the jewel in New Zealand’s tourism crown.
Cultural, spiritual and powerful – the Queenstown vibe attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The Maori call it ‘mana’ meaning stature or prestige and just as Hollywood’s leading lights, European movie directors and US Presidents find something special here, so too will you.
Twenty kilometres from Queenstown is Arrowtown where the seasonal changes are visually striking. Sophisticated in its appeal, the cobbled main street and town centre offer a mix of shops, cafes, unique accommodation, restaurants and is the home of the Lakes District Museum.
45 kilometres drive from Queenstown is Glenorchy which offers breathtaking lake views, hanging valleys, glaciers and sheer mountains. Once there, the village offers great dining and accommodation options and unique shopping. Glenorchy is famous for possum fur products and you will find New Zealand made designer garments and gifts. Visit Queenstown website.
Invercargill and Southland
The natural unspoilt splendour of Southland claims visitors’ hearts and thoughts like few other places.
Southland has a natural unspoilt beauty that travellers find hard to leave. The character of the region is found in the landscape – the endless beaches pounded by the Pacific Ocean, rolling green, fertile plains, meandering rivers and rugged mountains.
Southland’s scenery is forever changing and the sheer beauty can hold your attention for hours. You can stand in a forest and feel you’re the only person on earth, fish on long clear uncrowded rivers or sit on a yellow sand beach that reaches as far as the eye can see. Cafes and craft shops are dotted throughout the countryside and there is an abundance of bird and sealife.
One of the most spectacular roads in Southland is the Southern Scenic Route, which forms a link from the world-renowned Milford Sound in Fiordland, through New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill, to the Edinburgh of the south, Dunedin.
Dolphins, sea lions, seals and penguins are just some of the wildlife to be seen in the Catlins. Caves hidden from sight by tides, waterfalls flowing through the trees and an ancient petrified forest all provide stopover points along the Southern Scenic Route. Visit Tourism Southland website.
Alexandra and Central Otago
Welcome to Central Otago! Affectionately called ‘Central’, it is New Zealand’s most inland region, located in the southern half of the South Island.
The region is readily accessible by main highways from Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown and the West Coast via Wanaka. Dunedin International Airport is 2.5 hours drive from Alexandra and Queenstown International Airport is 40 minutes drive from Cromwell.
‘Central’s’ mountain and valley landscape, inland location and semi-arid climate create distinctive seasons. You’ll bask in the heat of summer; kick back in autumn’s golden glow; hunker down under the blanket of winter; and recharge the body and soul in the flourish of spring. Each season brings new discoveries.
Set your own tempo; cycle a section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, taste award winning wines, try curling year round, play a round of golf at one of the 11 golf courses, cruise the Clutha River, visit quaint gold mining towns or just relax at one of the many boutique accommodation places. ‘Central’ is where you can relax, indulge and rejuvenate.
The people of ‘Central’ have a strong sense of “Love of Place” and are proud to share their place with visitors. It truly offers A World of Difference. Visit Central Otago website.
Wanaka
Lying at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, Lake Wanaka is a region of striking mountains, deep alpine lakes and spectacular natural beauty. Mount Aspiring National Park is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area and attracts hikers, climbers and day walkers from all over the world to enjoy the stunning, unspoiled landscapes.
The bustling township of Wanaka enjoys unhindered views up the lake to the mountains beyond. The selection of restaurants, cafés and shops is excellent and there is a thriving arts and crafts community. Wanaka is also within easy reach of dozens of award-winning vineyards, many of them producing award-winning wines, particularly known for their pinot noir.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a multitude of activities from trekking in the National Park to mountain biking, rock climbing to kayaking. Four international ski areas provide excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter for every age and ability and the views from the snow-capped peaks over the lake and deep green valleys have to be seen to be believed.
Everyone from budget travellers to the luxury lovers can enjoy Lake Wanaka with a wide range of accommodation from motels to secluded boutique lodges. Direct flights from Christchurch International Airport provide easy accessibility with car available at Wanaka Airport. Neighbouring Queenstown is just one hour’s drive away and there are regular bus services from Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and the West Coast.
For further information, visit www.lakewanaka.co.nz