The Central Otago Touring Route is a 341km journey through dramatic landscapes full of natural wonders and unique attractions. The stunning route follows the road less travelled from the Pacific Ocean in Dunedin to the foot of the Southern Alps in Queenstown, via the beautiful Strath Taieri and…
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Lake Whakatipu Lake Whakatipu was named from the original Māori word Whakatipu wai-māori. Legend says that the lake bed was formed when a giant demon, Matau was burned while sleeping. Lake Whakatipu is up to 379 metres deep in some places, making the lake bed below sea level at its deepest point…
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Located at the southern end of Lake Whakatipu, Kingston is a great spot to stop for some fresh air, a bite to eat, or just soak up the views on your way to Milford Sound or Queenstown. Kingston is only 47km from Queenstown, but the drive is a dream for photographers. The road twists its way along…
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New Zealand’s oldest touring route, the Southern Scenic Route was dreamed up in 1985 by Tuatapere locals. After much hard work and lobbying, the route officially opened in 1988, and has since firmly established itself not only as a must do New Zealand tourism experience, but as one of the world’s…
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As you head towards Kingston, be sure to pull over at the Devil’s Staircase Lookout Point and soak up the stunning lake and snow-capped mountain peaks stretching into the distance... While this view’s an easy win, it’s just the beginning, because these Kingston short walks are (mostly) big on…
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Arrowtown is a foodie paradise, packed with delicious places to eat and drink. Here are our favourite places to get your Arrowtown breakfast on. The Dishery Dudley's Cottage Precinct, 4 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown Right next to the lush beauty of the Arrow River Reserve, The Dishery has a spacious…
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Arrowtown is a scenic 20 minute drive from Queenstown and the route has many hidden artist’s studios dotted along the way. Stop in and explore the studio of Angus Watson on Littles Road, a riot of abstract, colourful figures and landscape paintings. Take a scenic detour to the lanes around…
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Getting to Arrowtown is easy and is well worth the visit as part of your Queenstown winter holiday. Arrowtown is just 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown or you can catch public transport (bus route #2) from Queenstown's town centre, bus fares are just $2 with a Bee Card or $4 with cash. If you’re…
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For years Candice was the sommelier for the Rātā hospitality group. Recognised as one of New Zealand’s best sommeliers, she now consults for restaurants wanting to up their wine game and writes reviews for Raymond Chan Wine Reviews. She shares with us her favourite Central Otago wineries to enjoy a…
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Glenorchy’s a paradise for lovers of alpine scenery and the southern night skies. The village sits between the massive Humbolt, Barrier, and Richardson mountain ranges in the mighty Southern Alps. Whether your style’s relaxing with a picnic in idyllic surroundings, or tackling a demanding hike…
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