A Scenic Escape to New Zealand: Nature, Wine & Adrenaline

Arrive in Queenstown and spend your first afternoon wandering the vibrant downtown area, filled with lakeside views, boutique shops and cozy cafés. Take the Skyline Gondola to the top for breathtaking panoramic views, and if you’re up for it, race down the luge track for a fun thrill. For dinner, choose from standout local favorites like Botswana Butchery, Rātā or Bella Cucina. Each offers a unique dining experience — from refined alpine dishes to rustic Italian comfort food.

Spend the day sipping your way through the stunning Central Otago wine region, renowned for its bold Pinot Noir and striking landscapes.

Gibbston Valley

Start your day in Gibbston, known as the "Valley of Vines," where you'll find some of the region’s most iconic Pinot Noir producers. Stop at Kinross, a relaxed tasting garden that features wines from several boutique producers. Then head to The Church Cellar Door & Café — a beautifully restored historic church offering tastings and a charming spot for lunch.

Cromwell & Bannockburn

In the afternoon, visit Burn Cottage. This is a small, biodynamic vineyard producing elegant wines, followed by a stop at Mt Difficulty. Here you can sip bold reds with sweeping views of the Bannockburn terraces.

Wānaka

Wrap up your day in Wānaka with a tasting at Rippon, one of the most scenic wineries in the world. Make a side stop at the Wānaka Lavender Farm for a peaceful stroll and a scoop of lavender ice cream.

Insider tip: Plan to hire a driver so you can relax and fully enjoy the journey through this spectacular wine region.

Morning: Paragliding or hang-gliding

Start your day soaring above Queenstown with a paragliding or hang-gliding experience — offering breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Midday: Kawarau Gorge bungy jumping

Next, head to Kawarau Gorge, the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, and take the plunge from the historic bridge if you're up for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Afternoon: Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & day spa

Wind down your day at Onsen Hot Pools, soaking in a private cedar tub overlooking the Shotover River canyon. It's the perfect way to relax, reflect and recharge after an adventure-packed morning.

Take a scenic 45-minute drive along Lake Wakatipu to the charming town of Glenorchy, surrounded by mountains and raw natural beauty.

Stop by Mrs Woolly’s General Store for fresh, locally made lunch options — perfect for eating on the spot or packing as a picnic. Grab a coffee at Akin, a cozy café with great brews and a peaceful vibe.

Stroll past the historic Steamship Depot, then find a quiet spot to sit and soak in the breathtaking lake and mountain views.

If you’re up for a light adventure, take the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway, an easy loop with boardwalks, mirror-like reflections and stunning photo ops.

Take a full-day journey to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and a truly breathtaking destination. The drive is incredibly scenic — don’t miss a stop at Lake Pukaki for those iconic turquoise waters and alpine views.

Consider booking a scenic flight for panoramic views of the Southern Alps, with the chance to land on a glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’d rather stay on the ground, the Hooker Valley Track is a stunning, accessible walk with swing bridges and glacier-fed rivers. Or enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Hermitage Hotel, with views right from the dining room.

On your return to Queenstown, make a sweet stop at the Mount Cook Lavender Farm — stroll the fields and treat yourself to their creamy, house-made lavender ice cream.