The Southern Lakes region – paying a visit to Central Otago’s playground
by Jane Dennis - December 15th, 2008. Filed under: Adventure, Attraction, South Island.There is no doubt that Queenstown and Wanaka in Otago are in a stunning part of New Zealand. Whether you’re into action-packed adventures or just wanting to relax and absorb the scenery in this, the Southern Lakes region, you won’t be bored.
Every time I visit Queenstown, I’m in awe of its beauty, surrounded as it is by rugged mountains, which I find captivating! And on a sunny day like the day I drove into Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu was such a picturesque shade of blue that it took my breath away. I have to admit I’m a sucker for landscapes, so it’s moments like these that make me feel proud to be a Kiwi.
Immediately I felt pumped, ready to explore and get active (but not enough to do a bungy jump though!). I’m afraid I hate heights, but I will endeavour to do it next time – promise!
If you are like me, there is always the AJ Hackett Bungy tour at the Kawarau Bungy Centre in the Gibbston Valley. Basically you get to experience the bungy without actually doing it, and come away with a wealth of knowledge about it. It certainly geared me up for a later attempt to spread my wings, because after going through the motions of all the safety procedures which have been put in place, and seeing those “daredevils” bungy jump and be left buzzing afterwards certainly made me feel more confident to throw myself off the bridge – bungy cord intact, of course.
I did however experience the thrill of taking a ride in the Shotover Jet. I was excited but at times terrified when the driver spun the boat around to spray us all with water, while skimming through the canyon at top speed. At one point I was holding on really tightly for fear of being thrown out of my seat and falling overboard into the Shotover River. Either way it was a good excuse to scream out loud, although my yelps were overshadowed by those from some of the others in the crew!
Jet boating is just one adventure of the many up for grabs in Queenstown. For a great day out, head for Serious Fun River Surfing. For four hours, you get to go white water river-boarding down the Kawarau River, and while at it, you learn to ride whirlpools, run rapids, do jumps and so much more with experienced guides on hand.
There are so many activities in the mix to challenge you and others that will fascinate you, such as walking trails and tracks and 4WD tours, gondola views, and spectacular scenic flights over the region.
But that’s not all. Queenstown is also a place to immerse yourself in some of the wonderful vineyards. I am partial to relaxing and sipping on a nice vino. A must-see is Chard Farm and Peregrine Winery in the Gibbston Valley. Director Greg Hay, of Peregrine Winery and brother to Chris Hay, of Chard Farm, have stunning vineyards that not only capture the beauty of the landscape. Both wineries have produced some fabulous award-winning wines.
Peregrine’s building is a stand-out – it has won awards from the Architecture Review magazine in London and the NZ Institute of Architects. The building’s gradient roof, made up of Duralite industrial cladding, attached to galvanised steel roof purlins, was inspired by our native falcon (the karearea) in flight and it’s definitely worth a look.
Gibbston Valley Wines is the perfect place to wine and dine. You will find each dish is matched superbly, too, with its award-winning wines. Amisfield Wine Company and Bistro also offers some nice aromatic whites and produces a good Pinot Noir, and it’s only 10 minutes out of Queenstown. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fabulous view over Lake Hayes.
There is so much to do here amongst this dramatic landscape of beautiful mountains, deep valleys and crystal clear water. What more could you ask for?
