As you pass through the Central Otago region approaching Queenstown, you enter the southernmost wine-growing region in the world. With high spring rainfalls followed by long dry summer days, these wineries produce fine sauvignon blancs, chardonnays, rieslings, and pinot noirs. The wine also comes with incredible scenic backdrops along the Kawarau Gorge and in the Cromwell Basin. (Click on the pictures to enlarge.)
Once in Queenstown, one can find outstanding scenery in all directions. The area is dominated by the Remarkables Range and Lake Wakatipu. The lake is almost fifty miles long and the second largest of the glacial lakes on the South Island. (Click on the pictures to enlarge.)
At the head of Lake Wakatipu lie a series of spectacular mountain ranges that form the southwest coast of the South Island. The Darren, Humbolt, Thomson, and Livingstone Mountains dominate the Southern Alps and the northern reaches of Fiordland National Park. World famous hiking tracks - the Routeburn, Milford, and Hollyford among others - traverse the mountains providing access to spectacular vistas. And jumping into a Cessna provides access to unique unsurpassed views too. (Click on the pictures to enlarge.)
