The South Island of New Zealand is perfect for thrill-seekers or those who just want to slow down and unwind. No matter which style you prefer, you’re in for an amazing adventure. This unspoiled land is waiting for you; discover the beauty and wonder of South Island.

Before you can start any adventure, you have to unpack, and we have the perfect place to put down some temporary roots. Voted one of the top 25 hotels in the Pacific, Queenstown’s luxurious Remarkables Lodge will put you in a comfortable place. Located at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, the lodge is a retreat, far removed from the hustle and bustle, offering a spectacular setting and breathtaking mountain views. This exclusive retreat offers seven rooms: three lodge rooms, three premier rooms and one premier room adjacent to the house. Features include a library, tennis court, snooker table and solar-heated pool. For more information about the Remarkables Lodge, visit www.remarkables.co.nz.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far from the Remarkables Lodge for South Island adventures. The Lodge offers a variety of packages and tours that fit your needs.

If you have ever dreamed of soaring high above oceans and mountains, dream no more! You’ll have the opportunity to take a helicopter adventure right from the lodge! As you enjoy your breakfast, watch as your helicopter touches down, ready to take you away! Try heli-hiking to escape into the wilderness and hike along dramatic ridges, green valleys and even a glacier! Get off the beaten track to secluded fishing spots where you can cast a line for wild brown and rainbow trout. Remarkables Lodge offers a special two-night stay created especially for a helicopter adventure! You’ll be on top of the world when your private helicopter takes you to the top of the Remarkables where you’ll take in the panoramic views and sip champagne. 

Tee off at Jack’s Point for the crème de la crème of fine golf. This world-class championship course works with nature to give you a challenging 18-hole, par 72 course that’s an amazing experience. The course measures 6,986 yards and weaves through grasslands, rock outcrops, steep bluffs and brush to the edge of Kale Wakatipu. More information can be found at www.jackspoint.com/#/golf_club_info/.

Experience a true taste of New Zealand with the lodge’s Wine List Tour. First, you’ll enjoy a dinner paired with Chard Farm Sauvignon Blanc and a bottle of Saddleback Pinot Noir from the award-winning Peregrine Winery. The next day, you and your private wine guide will explore local wineries, traveling through Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell and Bannockburn. You’ll lunch at Carrick Winery where you’ll visit a wine cellar and explore the aroma room to develop your wine tasting skills. 

Want more? Satisfy your appetite with a South Island gourmet food and wine experience that lets you experience a trio of South Island’s top chefs. First up is the Pescatore Restaurant where Chef Andrew Brown creates Pacific Rim cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Next, Chef Shona Jane of the Conservatory Restaurant utilizes local ingredients and produce from organic gardens. Finally, the Remarkables’ own Andrea Glover brings the flavors of the region together into mouthwatering dishes.

Thrill seekers: If you are in the South Island, you must bungee jump! A.J. Hackett started the sport here in 1986, and you can still jump from the original bridge over the Kawarau River. More information on bungee jumping can be found at www.queenstown.nz.com/bungy-jumping.aspx. 

If bungee jumping is too much for you, another fun – and wet – activity is jet boating! You’ll get soaked as you travel at high speeds on the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River. We recommend Kawarau Jet for your jet-boarding adventures. Visit www.kjet.co.nz/ for more information.

Wild and wonderful. It’s time for your New Zealand South Island escape.