The lake is the picture and the mountains are the frame

Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the Southern Alps, which are home to winter ski fields and the dramatically alpine Mount Aspiring National Park.

Lake Wanaka is New Zealand's fourth largest; its clean, blue waters are an inland sea for sailors and jetboaters to explore. Walking tracks and bridle trails wander the flats and foothills. In all seasons, outdoor adventures beckon.

The region's fortunes have changed over the years. The discovery of gold in the 1870s inspired a rush of interest in the area. As the gold faded away, high country farming became the main source of employment. Today, tourism is the new gold - an endeavour that requires the environment to stay picture perfect.

Lakes wherever you look
Centuries of glacial action crafted Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Discover their scenic perfection by mountain biking the high trails, paragliding over the hills, sightseeing by air or walking the myriad of tracks.

Get high on Mount Aspiring
The jewel of the region is its highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027 metres), which nestles comfortably in one of the country's largest national parks. Delve inside the park's boundaries and discover a rare world.

Winter sports wonderland
The Lake Wanaka region is a complete winter sports destination. Cardrona and Treble Cone are classic downhill ski fields, heli skiing happens high in the Harris Mountains and there's Nordic skiing at the Snow Farm.

Sensational in any season

Long summer days blonde the tussocks, throwing the hills open to mountain bikers and hikers. The brilliant reds and golds of autumn colour the trees, inspiring photographers and golfers alike.

In winter, snow transforms the region into a remarkable alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders. Spring brings the spark of fresh green to the landscape - a time to celebrate life with a cruise on the lake or an invigorating bungy jump.

In any season, you can count on stylish accommodation, designer shopping and marvellous cuisine experiences. Queenstown's compact downtown area is a cosmopolitan hub that's relaxed during the day and huge fun at night.

Larger-than-life scenery
From crystal clear Lake Wakatipu across to The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown's environment is majestic, awe inspiring and almost unbelievable. Catch the gondola up Bob's Peak to discover this view.

A treasured land
Queenstown has always attracted people on a quest. First came the Maori, seeking pounamu (jade). Gold prospectors followed and today, the quest for high adventure and sublime relaxation attracts people to Queenstown.

Adrenalin buzz
Queenstown's wildly exciting environment is irresistible to adventure seekers. In the 'Adventure Capital of the World' you'll find adrenalin-stirring, sanity-reducing exploits of the most extreme kind.

The eighth wonder of the world

Fiordland was well known to Maori, who have many legends recounting its formation and naming. Demi-god Tute Rakiwhanoa is said to have carved the rugged landscape from formless rock, hewing out the steep sided valleys with his adzes.

From the lakeside townships of Te Anau and Manapouri, you can experience Fiordland in the way that suits your travelling style. Adventurers can embark on kayaking tours of the lakes and fiords; hikers have access to a choice of well known walking challenges; scenery lovers can catch a scenic flight or enjoy lake and fiord cruises; divers can discover rare black corals growing just beneath the water's surface.

Magnificent Milford Sound
Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' Milford Sound is always spectacular. Feel the mist of the waterfalls, look for seals on the rocks and marvel at the steep sides of the fiord.

The deepest fiord
At 421 metres, Doubtful Sound is the deepest of New Zealand's fiords. It's a haven for nature, with resident bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Kayak tours and eco-cruises reveal the mysteries of the fiord.

Wonderful walks
Three of New Zealand's 'great walks' are found in Fiordland - the Routeburn, Milford and Kepler tracks. For those with less time, a range of short walks lets you dip into the wilderness for a few hours.

Internationally reknowned as the adventure capital' of New Zealand, Queenstown has something for everyone.

Surrounded by magnificent mountains and situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Originally named Queenstown as it was fit for Queen Victoria, Queenstown boomed during the gold rush of the late 1800s. People from all over the world rushed to Central Otago to discover their fortunes and relics of old Chinese settlements are still evident in nearby Arrowtown today.

The town centre is only one square kilometre in size, which makes everything within easy walking distance including a huge variety of shops, bars, accommodation and over 100 eating places.

Queenstown enjoys four distinct seasons and you can find an adventure activity to suit any one of them. Try bungy jumping from the world's first commercial bungy jump operation. Kawarau Bridge Bungy first started in 1988 and now there are a total of four Bungy sites in the Queenstown area, where you can take the ultimate plunge with only a rubber cord attached to your ankles.

The Shotover and Kawarau Rivers offer the thrill seeker jet boat rides, whitewater rafting or river surfing. Do a tandem hanglide or parapente, go rock climbing, four wheel drive or mountain bike over the local terrain, 'Fly by Wire' or enjoy the million dollar views on a chartered flight. Some of the other activities on offer are ice-skating, mini golf, water skiing, wind surfing, horse trekking, fishing and hiking.

Along with adventure activities there are plenty of relaxing things to do in Queenstown as well. Take the Gondola up to the Skyline Restaurant and Luge, where you can enjoy Queenstown's greatest views. See our native Kiwi at the Kiwi and Bird-Life Park, enjoy award winning wines from the world's southern most vineyards and experience a traditional Maori meal and show at the Queenstown Maori Concert & Feast.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on our 'Lady of the Lake' the TSS Earnslaw. Built in 1912 this steamboat is an icon in Queenstown and is a classic way to travel to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

The Resort winters produce some of the best skiing conditions in Australasia. Both Coronet Peak and the Remarkables ski fields are very accessible and offer full ski hire, international ski schools, night skiing and heli-skiing options. To celebrate the arrival of snow, Queenstown hosts the ultimate winter party its popular annual Winter Festival. This event is not to be missed and is jam packed with fun and entertainment for a whole week in July.

Step back in time when you visit the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. Only 20 minutes drive from Queenstown this quaint township is rich with history. Try your luck at gold panning, visit the old jail and Chinese settlement and explore the Arrowtown Museum, one of the best boutique museums in the country. Visit Dorothy Brown's - a unique movie theatre and bookshop, wine and dine at one of the many good restaurants or take a look around nearby Millbrook Resort. The annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival is another popular event in the Resort.

Along with a buzzing nightlife, numerous activities and breath taking scenery Queenstown is one of those places you can spend days just relaxing and enjoying the serenity.

With its relaxed atmosphere and amazing alpine scenery Wanaka is a popular tourist resort and also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.

Situated at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, the pretty township of Wanaka offers visitors a variety of arts, crafts, shops, eateries and a number of areas to relax.

Cinema Paradiso is a unique cinema and café, where they serve homemade cookies and ice cream at intermission and you can enjoy a movie while sitting on a comfy couch or cushion. The Puzzling World (2 kilometres from Wanaka Township) is a truly fascinating experience, challenge your patience in the Great Maze, visit the puzzling and illusion rooms or check out the most eccentric toilets in the world!

The Wanaka Airport is an adventure on its own. Step inside the New Zealand Fighter Pilots' Museum, which houses the largest collection of fighter planes in the Southern Hemisphere. Try your hand at flying with the interactive flight simulators or take a real scenic flight over majestic Wanaka in a plane or helicopter. Make sure you visit Wanaka Beerworks before you leave the airport to sample the popular locally brewed beers.

Wanaka is a skiers' paradise with four top ski fields on its doorstep including Treble Cone, Cardrona, Waiorau Snow farm and the Harris Mountains. Explore nearby Lake Hawea or enjoy a Lord of the Rings Tour', where you will visit many of the locations that the infamous trilogy was filmed. Sample the local award winning wines on a vineyard tour or visit nearby Cardrona Valley, which is home to the historic Cardrona Hotel (built in 1863).

For the experienced climbers there are a number of hiking tracks, glaciers and the magnificent Mount Aspiring (standing 3027 metres high) to ascend. For the more relaxed outdoor enthusiast enjoy one of the many gentle walks in the area or take a picnic lunch to picturesque Glendhu Bay.

As well as the breathtaking Southern Alps, dense rainforests and alpine meadows, Wanaka offers visitors a number of adventure activities including 4WD safaris, heli-biking, horse riding, jet boating, a shooting range and skydiving. Wanaka's annual events include the Wearable Art Awards and the Wanaka Snow Festival held in August.

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and is your ideal base to explore nearby Milford and Doubtful Sounds. The town centre of Te Anau is well known for its fine restaurants, bars and accommodation. Visit the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and Museum, the Wildlife Bird Park, Underground Trout Observatory or Ivon Wilson Park. Enjoy swimming, yachting, skin diving, water skiing, horse trekking, and salmon/trout fishing or hire kayaks, paddle boats or canoes to check out the lakefront. Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Te Anau, explore the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves or photograph the magical Mirror Lake (situated on the Te Anau and Milford Highway). As well as being a popular holiday destination Te Anau has world renowned walking tracks such as the Milford, Routeburn, Greenstone Caples and Kepler on its doorstep.

Milford Sound, known as the 'eighth wonder of the world', is the most accessible Sound in Fiordland National Park. Take a Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise (daytime or overnight) or hire kayaks to discover the majestic scenery including Mitre Peak and the stunning Bowen Falls. Milford Sound has New Zealand's highest annual rainfall but in return you will see some amazing waterfalls. You might be lucky enough to see seals, dolphins and the Fiordland crested penguin or visit the underwater observatory in Harrison's Cove to view Milford Sound's wonderful marine life.

Manapouri is one of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes and home to the country's biggest underground power station. The Monument viewpoint, a guided tour of the power station, fishing, tramping or kayaking are just some of the attractions. Take a day trip to Doubtful Sound which includes a lake cruise, the Manapouri Power Station, a drive over the Wilmot Pass and the wild beauty of Doubtful Sound. Further south (on State Highway 95) you will enjoy the isolation of Lake Monowai, Borland Lodge and New Zealand's deepest lake, Lake Hauroko.