Stunning panoramas of the Southern Alps

Kishore and Smita Iyengar

New Zealand is the glorious land of the Southern Alps with the purest air on earth and a bewitching canvas of nature’s unlimited beauty. The sights and natural sounds of this snowcapped haven beckon with their mirrored water bodies and magnificent peaks, inspiring awe and wonder.

Endless magic

From the air, you are enthralled by the sheer vastness of the snowy blanket of peaks tapering down to sheer cliffs and deep blue lakes. Contrasting this canvas are patches of brilliant green pastures below and snaking rivers that cut across valleys. Queenstown attracts nature lovers and visitors, who respect the environment, adventurers and the young-at-heart who value nature’s bounty. Aptly named as the ‘Adventure capital of the world’, this exclusive destination packs in outdoor, action-packed thrills that never cease to uplift your excitement. From snow-boarding to tobogganing and fascinating skiing trails and surfing to kayaking, canoeing, cruising, cliff climbing, jet boating and wild river rafting, mountaineering and cross-country trekking to helichopper rides and hilltop picnics, it’s non-stop fun through every season.

Snow-tipped sensations

The Southern Alps also nurture and nourish another unique natural feature seen only in New Zealand, after Norway in northern Europe… the southern Fiords. These dramatic inlets of the ocean into narrow mountain crevices create mesmerising land and waterscapes that never cease to thrill. High above on the snow-kissed summits, one can enjoy exclusive experiences. Try an exciting helicopter tour of the peaks that bring you up close to dramatic rock and gorge formations. Land on a mini plateau, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and toast to the grand views.

Alternately, you can fly up in a chopper to the exotic all-glass covered Whare Kea Chalet atop the snow-lined peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park to enjoy equally mesmerising vistas as you sip hot chocolate or coffee with cookies. The magic of the Southern Alps never stops inspiring you from any angle.

Languid, yet luring

Water bodies in this region are as inviting as the tall peaks. The mystical stillness of Lake Wakatipu, believed in local Maori mythology, to be a massive giant sleeping amid the mountains and the Remarkables Range in Queenstown evokes awe and wonder with its many scenic frames. The Maoris are the original inhabitants of New Zealand and they have many fascinating legends to narrate to visitors. Lake Wanaka, which is 40 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, is like a fairy tale with its still blue reflections of the coniferous pine peaks bordering it and the tiny village of Wanaka on its shores. Lush green vineyards add to the beauty where one can do some excellent wine tasting and enjoy some of New Zealand’s award-winning wines here and in the Central Otago basin.

Mystical and magical

It is recommended spending time around these lakes in the evening as, the nocturnal colours change dramatically and there is something surreal and celestial about the whole natural beauty of these lakes. On the Dart river, which winds its way meandering through tall cliffs, gorges, narrow mountain passes, the thrill of jet boating at top speeds is an all-time adventure, one must try it out at least once! By night as you stand on Lake Wakatipu, the amber and blue colours of the sky reflect on the lake like a veil, you are silenced by the brilliance of the slowly changing mystical tones.

Picture perfect

Queenstown by itself is a pretty little town with a small population and an overwhelming number of international visitors who descend down in winter and summer to partake in the adventure sports and activities. One can drive at ease around the Lake Wakatipu all the way to Blanket Bay and Glenorchy to explore interesting places along the languid shoreline.

But one must drive down to the edge of the evergreen pine forest down into Fiordland National Park with its spectacular mountain panoramas and an unforgettable, leisurely cruise through Milford Sound, rated as New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination. ‘Sound’ literally means narrow and deep inlet of the ocean into land that resonates with multiple echoes. This is the magical Fiord of New Zealand, like the Norwegian Fiords of northern Europe, and offer visitors unbelievable natural beauty that make up for lifelong nostalgia. Fiords, inlets of the sea between deep mountain folds and valleys are exciting to discover.

Gurgling waterfalls like the Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, misty peaks like Mitre Peak, bird life and the purest air in the world all add up to a delightful day of cruising and discovery. By the end of a memorable day in the lap of nature, you are full of some of the greatest memories.

Fact File
How to reach: One can fly to New Zealand from Indian international airports via Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Queenstown in South Island is a one-hour flight from Auckland and Wellington (the capital).
What to do: One can hire self-drive cars or private sightseeing taxis / bus tours to discover the region around Queenstown, Wanaka and the wineries of Central Otago. Regular luxury coach day tours operate from Queenstown to Milford Sound.
Where to stay:  Accommodation ranges from B&B to luxury lodges and hotels in each destination.
When to go: Being in the Southern Hemisphere, summers are from November to April and winter from Mid-May to October. All prior bookings are advised before departing India.