New Zealand is still not a much visited destination so far as Indian tourists are concerned. And there is one more snag too. The visitors and most travel packages to NZ confine their scope only to Auckland and Wellington, the largest city and capital of the country respectively. No doubt both of these cities located in North Island are fabulous and enjoyable but no tour to NZ can be complete sans a trip down the south island to its southernmost parts, spread around the Otago region. Let me take you to three amazing tourist places in the country and you may realise that what a big loser you were, or would be, if you did not include them in your NZ itinerary.

Queenstown

It was a direct flight from Wellington that took me to Queenstown. The Kiwis or New Zealanders call it the 'adventure capital'.... not only with the reference to their own country but to the entire world. And believe me their hyperbole is not far from the truth. From the very first day I was wonder struck by the beauty of Queenstown. The place is a haven for ardent lovers of adventure. Even those who just want to relax and absorb the scenery have no cause to feel disappointed. They may rest around the picturesque Wakatipu Lake and soak in the lucid countenance of nature.

During my visit to the beautiful city of Queenstown, I came to know that it gets the equivalent of around half the population of New Zealand in tourists, annualy. They visit here to experience their "Adventure Capital of the World" and to relax on the scenic walks and cruises, taking in the vast lakes, rushing rivers and awe-inspiring mountains. Queenstown possesses the perfect location to base yourself while you explore the wonders of Fiordland National Park and the rest of the Southern Lake region. The magnificence of Queenstown's lake side location and the range of accommodation and attractions available make it an essential part of any visit to New Zealand.

Queenstown has a backdrop of beautiful lakes and “remarkable” mountains. Tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the jagged peaks of The Remarkables, the charming feel of the town hit me before I even 'touched down'. The breathtaking aerial view of the region’s mountains evoked a strong desire to get out there and replace daily stresses with exhilaration. Actually Queenstown offers a huge range of action-packed experiences and activities that mix unforgettable thrills with an immensely satisfying personal challenge. One can fill his days with bungy jumping, white water rafting, jet boating, heli-skiing or skydiving and when ready to relax, he can always find a fantastic range of restaurants and bars as well as indulgent beauty spas.

I, on my part, experienced the thrill of taking a ride in the Shotover Jet. I was excited but at times terrified when the driver spun the boat around to spray us all with water, while skimming through the canyon at top speed. At one point I was holding on really tight for fear of being thrown out of my seat and falling overboard into the river. Either way it was a good excuse to scream out loud, although my yelps were overshadowed by those from some of the others in the boat! Jet boating is just one adventure of the many up for grabs in Queenstown. For a great day out, head for serious fun river surfing. For four hours, you get to go white water river-surfing down the Kawarau River, and while at it, you learn to ride whirlpools, run rapids, do jumps and so much more with experienced guides on hand. There are so many activities in the mix that will fascinate you, such as walking trails and tracks and 4WD tours, gondola views and spectacular scenic flights over the region.

But that’s not all. Queenstown is also a place to immerse yourself in some of the wonderful vineyards. A must-see is Chard Farm and Peregrine Winery in the Gibbston Valley. Peregrine’s building here is a stand-out – it has won awards from the Architecture Review magazine in London and the NZ Institute of Architects and is definitely worth a look. Gibbston Valley Wines is the perfect place to wine and dine. You will find each dish is matched superbly with its award-winning wines. it’s only 10 minutes out of Queenstown. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fabulous view over Lake Hayes. There is so much to do here amongst this dramatic landscape of beautiful mountains, deep valleys and crystal clear water. What more can one ask for?

Wanaka

I hired a car to visit Wanaka, the place with the most famous lake in New Zealand. There was another unique place on the way situated in the Cardrona Valley between Wanaka and Queenstown. They call it Backcountry Saddle which is considered to be a heaven for horse lovers. With Backcountry Saddle you can experience the rugged landscape of the Cardrona Valley all year round, and the treks around the Mount Cardrona Station plateau under the Cardrona Ski Area are a real treat. In fact, in winter it can snow right down to the valley floor, which is a magical sight. And if you’re anything like me, you will be pinching yourself, just to make sure it’s not a dream!

Located in Central Otago where large flocks of moas once lived, Wanaka is about one hour fifteen minutes drive from Queenstown. Sheltered behind the Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand, it is an ideal holiday destination. There is something for everyone, whatever your age, ability or sense of adventure. However, while I found the pace of life here far more sedate and less hurried than in Queenstown, Wanaka appeared to me as a place with many of the same high adrenalin activities and adventures. So if you want to do your paragliding, jetboating or rap jumping in a more quiet and secluded atmosphere, Wanaka may just be the place. Wanaka is also very near several excellent ski areas such as Treble Cone and Cardrona and some very good places to go tramping. Many of the most popular activities in Wanaka involve the beautiful lake.

A great place for relaxation in perfectly tranquil surroundings, the Wanaka region amongst soaring mountains offered a great deal more. West of Wanaka, Located one of New Zealand’s most prosperous district, Otago, its roads and alleys are rich with elegant historic architecture. With strong links to the past, this town is the perfect place to explore New Zealand’s heritage. Not many people know that the first Kiwi University, Otago University, was founded here in 1869. The railway station of this gothic town is also no less classy with its viaducts, tunnels and flemish architecture dating back to 1879. And yes, Winner of the best Cultural and Heritage Tourist Attraction in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2004, Otago Museum is the place not to miss!
I thanked my stars for a chance to visit the grand old city streets of Dunedin, one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. To me this Scottish town was a world away from big cities. A thriving city of heritage, Dunedin possesses a combination of cultural riches, fine architecture and natural wonders, blended with a special feeling of vitality created by the residents of this unique city. Situated on the south-east coast of New Zealand's South Island, this unique town is the main business centre for the region of Otago. Here the streets hum vibrantly with colour and culture, and the beauty of nature can still be found - everywhere. A city of rare charm, Dunedin spreads around a sheltered harbour. The classical spires and towers with notable, neo-Gothic buildings and stately homes punctuate Dunedin's cityscape. The city centre is compact, with a surprising array of kerbside cafes, high quality local craft, art, jewelry and fashion design outlets.

Dunedin is also renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife. The Otago Peninsula, a brief drive from the city centre, is home to a colony of the world's rarest penguins, the only mainland breeding colony of the royal albatross, rare New Zealand sea lions and the magnificent Larnach Castle. A world of recreational opportunities awaits the active at heart.
For a compulsive walker like me the city is special in one more respect. Dunedin is a walker's paradise, with over 150 documented walks in and around the city. From the charm of the town belt through to the historic staircases, there is something to suit all tastes, interests and fitness levels. The rugged hills, stone walls, secluded beaches, tidal inlets and volcanic landforms of the Otago Peninsula offer a wealth of interesting walkways. Overlooking the city Mount Cargill, Flagstaff and Signal Hill are popular lookout points. Let me tell you one thing more..... these Walkways and tracks are well sign posted.

So whatever you see or wherever you stay, you'll experience a different air that belongs specifically to Dunedin. Visitors to Otago region and especially to Dunedin find it very hard to forget the atmosphere and quality experiences of the area. That's the secret which ensures they will return. And most of them do.

Useful Information

Queenstown: Direct flights from Auckland and Wellington.

Wanaka: 1 hour and 15 minutes ride from Queenstown. Taxis and regular coaches available.

Dunedin: Linked by air with Wellington and Auckland. Accessible also via train and ferries from Christchurch. Just 3 hours and 15 minutes ride from Queenstown by taxis and coaches.