REGIONS: SOUTHERN LAKES
The Southern Lakes district is located in the lower South Island spreading from Wanaka in the North to Queenstown in the South. The landscape varies from beautiful soaring mountains, to mesmerising blue lakes, to golden hill country. With an abundance of activities to take part in, you will never be bored. There are also galleries, boutiques, and a great choice of cafes, wineries and restaurants throughout the region. Whether you enjoy your holidays action-packed or you just enjoy relaxing in breathtaking natural surroundings, the Southern Lakes never fails to charm.
Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with the beautiful back drop of the southern alps, lies Queenstown. With a population of over 28,000, Queenstown is the largest area in the region, also known as the adventure capital of the world, last year alone it bought in almost 3.3 million dollars of tourism revenue. There’s a wide range of adventure activities to take part in, from bungy jumping to 4x4 safaris and everything in between.
The scenery that surrounds Queenstown is breath-taking, and the views incredible, even from your hotel window. The accommodation in Queenstown varies from million-dollar apartments to lodges and backpackers, making Queenstown a desirable place to visit for everyone. There are loads of cafes and restaurants and shops and it is always a hub of activity.
Further north lies the lakeside town of Wanaka, home to a much smaller population of 8,000+ residents so it feels more intimate. The lack of high-rise hotels in Wanaka gives the town a more open and relaxed feel. Located on the southern banks of Lake Wanaka, it is easy to understand why this place draws in visitors from around the world. The natural beauty of Wanaka’s lakes and mountains is second to none.
Between the two lies Arrowtown, a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, the town is filled with history. The beautiful, charming town has access to over 100km of walking tracks and in winter Arrowtown becomes a base for many of the international ski teams’ training in the area. The historic buildings, cute shops and bright enchanting nature surrounding Arrowtown make the place feel like home away from home. Some have labelled Arrowtown charming and quirky, and it is a much quieter alternative to Queenstown.
There are four very different ski fields in the Southern Lakes region: Coronet peak, The Remarkables, Treble Cone and Cardrona all offering different experiences.
Coronet Peak, a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, has 280 hectares of skiable terrain. It is perfect for all levels and due to night skiing offers the longest onsnow hours in the country. Coronet Peak was the first commercialised ski field in New Zealand giving the field an air of history and longevity. Coronet Peak also offers flood lit parties on the slopes at night. Travelling alone or looking to interact with new people this ski field would cater perfectly to you.
The Remarkables, a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, has five different terrain parks which cater from beginner to advanced. Last year saw the learner’s area expand to cater for the increasing demand. The Remarkables has 385 hectares of terrain; 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced. This ski field is perfect for any level of skiing or snowboarding.
Treble Cone is the largest ski area in the South Island and is approximately 25-minutes’ drive from Wanaka. With a whopping 550 hectares of skiable terrain it has the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes, and also the longest intermediate runs. Treble Cone is known as an intermediate and advanced skier’s mountain as they have more intermediate/ advance terrain than any other South Island ski area. However, Treble Cone is also great for beginners, with runs that suit everyone. The Freeriding terrain at Treble Cone is the best in the region.
Cardrona is approximately a 45-minute drive from Queenstown and only 20 minutes from Wanaka. This ski field has an impressive 400 hectares of terrain; 25% beginner, 25% intermediate, 30% advanced and 20% expert. Cardrona is a perfect ski field for all skiers, however with their reputation as boasting the Southern Hemisphere’s most extensive terrain park facilities, you’ll find Cardrona hosting a range of local and international events throughout the season. (See calendar on the following page).