A destination for all seasons and reasons
Snow-capped mountains decorated with trout-filled streams, dramatic waterfalls and glistening glaciers – New Zealand’s Southern Alps are the backbone of the nation’s South Island, stretching some 500km – from Arthur’s Pass to Queenstown. In addition to providing breathtaking vistas and Instagram invitations at every turn, New Zealand’s Southern Alps serve up year-round adventures in spectacular surrounds.
FIVE FABULOUS WAYS TO ENJOY NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTHERN ALPS
Walking and hiking: those that like to stretch their legs in fresh mountain air are spoilt for choice in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Ask our Travel Design team about scenic self-guided walks, spectacular guided hikes and stunning off-the-beaten path heli-hiking experiences.
Fishing: the Southern Alps’ lakes, rivers and streams serve up some of the world’s finest fly-fishing experiences. The South Island fishing season runs from October through to April, with the best experiences to be had from December onwards.
Skiing and snowboarding: at a towering 3,724 at their highest point (Aoraki / Mt Cook), the dramatic peaks of New Zealand’s Southern Alps are snow-capped all year round – but between June and October these landscapes are transformed to a Southern Hemisphere winter playground for skiiers and snowboarders (and apres-ski enthusiasts too). Talk to our Travel Design team about tailored heli-skiing experiences and the best tips to find untracked powder runs.
Star-gazing: home to the world’s largest Gold Status International Dark Sky Reserve (the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky reserve) and far from any big city lights, this region offers some of the best Southern Hemisphere stargazing.
Adventure sports: mountain-biking, jetboating, bungee jumping, rafting, canyoning, ziplining and more .. the Southern Alps are a natural playground for adventure seekers of all ages.
A COLLECTION OF OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY TO EXPERIENCE NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTHERN ALPS
Blanket Bay – guests can choose between the luxurious lodge rooms, spacious chalet suites or one of two ultraluxe serviced private villas.
The Lindis – design-led luxury alpine accommodation in the Ahuriri Valley offering the choice of lodge rooms or free-standing ‘pods’ (complete with private outdoor hot tubs), a spectacular ‘Black Diamond’ private dining experience, fabulous fishing and breath-taking stargazing.
Minaret Station – accessible only by helicopter, guests of Minaret’s four freestanding luxury cabins enjoy privileged personalised experiences and complete seclusion from the outside world.
Mt Isthmus – on a 7,000 acre high-country station this full-service private villa offers privileged seclusion and luxury.
Rosewood Matakauri – overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps beyond, this luxury lakeside retreat offers both sublime tranquillity and easy access to unlimited adventure.
Eichardts Private Hotel – lakeside luxury only footsteps from Queenstown’s bars, restaurants and attractions.
We also have access to multiple fabulous luxury and ultraluxe private villas in the region that can cater to groups of all sizes and interests.
AND MORE LUXURY NEW ZEALAND SOUTHERN ALPS ACCOMMODATION COMING SOON
Flockhill Villas – in the Craigieburn Valley (at the northern end of the Southern Alps), Flockhill station (already home to the fabulous full-service Flockhill Homestead private villa experience) is set to welcome (opening December 2024) the addition of 7 free-standing luxury villas (each of which is comprised of two spacious suites connected by a generous lounge area, and which can be booked individually for couples or together for families or friends travelling together). The property will welcome a stunning new on-site restaurant, Sugarloaf, at the same time,
ROKI Collection Queenstown – on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, ROKI Collection Queenstown promises to deliver a new level of lakeside luxury Queenstown accommodation from July 2025. The new development will include 15 ultraluxe suites and apartments in various configurations (studio through to seven-bedroom fully self-contained luxury apartments) as well as a choice of restaurants and a spectacular new wellness centre.
Header Image: Roys Peak
