A fixed-wing flight from Queenstown takes you over the Southern Alps, home to more than 3,000 glaciers, before landing at either the Tasman Glacier or the Franz Josef. From there, a scenic helicopter flight drops you deep into the ice, where experienced guides lead you through caves and natural formations that most people only ever see in photographs. Here, you will be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the glacier ice, checking out ice caves and seeing the natural wonders of the South Island’s glaciers.
One of the great natural wonders of the world, and entirely worth the effort to get there. Fly in over lakes, mountains, and the vast sweep of Fiordland National Park, then cruise the fiord itself, beneath sheer cliffs, past waterfalls, and close enough to the resident seal colonies to really appreciate them. Pure Milford’s coaches and scenic flights operate daily, with the Fly–Cruise–Fly option keeping total time to around four or five hours.
Untouched powder, backcountry terrain, and the Southern Alps as your private playground. Queenstown is home to some of the finest heli-skiing in New Zealand, and a full-day Elite Charter puts all of it within reach. Up to four guests, 12–15 runs through the Southern Lakes region’s most iconic terrain, a gourmet alpine picnic on the mountain, and a guide who knows every line. This is what you come to New Zealand for.
Far fewer visitors reach Dusky Sound than Milford, which is precisely why it’s worth the effort. A scenic helicopter flight sets you down on a custom-built floating helipad, from where a private boat takes you into one of Fiordland’s most pristine fiords. Fishing, wildlife, and shoreline exploration are all on offer, as is following in the footsteps of Captain Cook, whose crew cut timber here in 1773.
Queenstown’s dining scene has grown up. These are the restaurants and venues we’d point you towards without hesitation.
A historic Arrowtown precinct with six distinct venues under one roof, from Billy’s upscale Asian-influenced dining to the casual wood-fired pizza at The Bakehouse. Open seven days, and well worth an afternoon to wander between them.
in Arrowtown
Italy’s Aosta and Central Otago both sit on the 45th parallel. They share similar attributes, with distinct four seasons, and similar flora, fauna and soils. New Zealand Chef Ben Bayly combines Italian techniques with locally sourced produce – a match made in heaven.
by ROKI
Fine dining done properly. Led by Director of Culinary Paul Froggatt, Essence offers both a degustation menu and à la carte, local and international produce, European technique, and a setting of considered elegance.
After a day on the mountain, the right kind of recovery makes everything better. Queenstown’s wellness options range from floating saunas on the lake to full spa rituals with a view.
In the heart of Queenstown, a European-style bathhouse with hot, ambient, and cold pools, a Finnish sauna with fireplace, infrared saunas, a tiered steam room, and two serene lounges. Thoughtfully designed for deep recovery, the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned.
Perched above the Shotover River, Onsen is as well-known for its cedar-lined tubs and valley views as for its day spa treatments. The Tri-Bathe contrast therapy experience and the Serenity Soak & Spa package are both worth considering.
Queenstown’s first floating sauna, right on Lake Wakatipu. Finnish sauna technology, alpine views, and a cold plunge into the lake. Simple, invigorating, and genuinely unlike anything else available in the region.
We’ve thought through the details so you don’t have to.
Our skis are hand-selected for New Zealand conditions and tuned in-house to perform at their best. For everything else: boots, bindings, jackets, and goggles. Our in-villa hire service fits you out at the property. No trip into town, no queues. Book through us before you arrive and step out the door ready to ski.
Wind down without going anywhere. Our mobile spa partner brings everything to the property, heated tables, aromatherapy oils and full-body treatments. After a day on the slopes, there’s no better way to recover.
Food always tastes better when someone else cooks it, even more so when that someone is a highly trained chef in a beautiful villa. Whether it’s a dinner party for a special occasion or simply a relaxed evening at home after a full day exploring, we can’t recommend this experience highly enough. Speak to our concierge team to arrange.
-2.png?width=200&upscale=true&name=Untitled%20design%20(4)-2.png "Adventures Beyond the Slope")
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