New Zealand · Southern Alps
Queenstown,
wide open.
Helicopters to untouched snow, pinot in Central Otago, lake water so clear it reads as glass. Adventure with a very comfortable landing.
First light
The lake,
before anyone.
Wakatipu at dawn is a sheet of black glass. Coffee on the jetty, a slow kayak out while the mist lifts, and back before the town wakes up.
Altitude
Snow with
no footprints.
A helicopter lifts you over the Remarkables to a ridge no lift reaches. Lunch is set on the snow: a table, a burner, a view that needs no caption.
Central Otago
Pinot, from
the source.
The world’s southernmost wine region, an hour from town. You taste in the rows with the people who prune them, then lunch at the cellar door.
Last night
A very
comfortable landing.
Back at the lodge the fire is lit and the lake has gone violet. Adventure all day, deep quiet all night. That is the whole idea of Queenstown.
Plan your Queenstown →