Cromwell & Central Otago

Heli-hiking offers you the ideal way to experience New Zealand's mountains in a short period of time, accessing high terrain available to very few people. Your adventure begins with an exhilarating helicopter flight and landing on a ridge high above Lake Wanaka from where you will have stunning views of the lakes, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Bring your camera! Then a two hour downhill trek with your guide pointing out scenic features and telling stories of the beautiful areas you are walking through. Return by 4WD vehicle through a working high country sheep farm back to your accommodation. Moderate fitness for the 2 hour off-trail downhill walk.

From $175 USD per person

This is a remarkable journey into one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the mighty Southern Alps, a 4 hour wilderness adventure. It starts with an unforgettable scenic flight into the heart of the beautiful Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Park. Then a 3 hour walk in the remote Siberia Valley and finishing with an exciting 30 minute scenic Jet Boat ride on the Wilkin River. Enjoy some of New Zealand's best scenery from the air, on land and from the water. Mountains, rivers, glaciers, alpine lakes, rain forest, waterfalls and more - a day never to be forgotten.

From $189 USD per person

Experience the ever-changing vistas of the Matukituki River, travelling by jetboat on one of New Zealand's most powerful and pristine rivers, fed by glaciers and surrounded by the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Travel through Lord of the Rings locations, watched over by Avalanche Glacier and Mount Aspiring. Along the way your guide will share with you his great knowledge of the area and of its history, of how these ancient lands were carved by ice and of the first people to come here. Group numbers are limited to ten to ensure you enjoy your guide's company on an interesting, thrilling and truly unique Journey.

From $123 USD per person

This guided day tour gives wine enthusiasts the opportunity to compare the three terroir regions of Bannockburn, Gibbston Valley and Wanaka. The day starts with a visit to either Mt Difficulty or Bald Hills to sample the wine produced on the soils that make up the confluence of the Clutha and Shotover river. Then to the Van Asch winery and a gourmet lunch at the vineyard's Winehouse Restaurant. After lunch travel the historic Crown Range Road before descending through the old goldmining town of Cardrona to Lake Wanaka. The final stop is at the spectacularly sited Rippon Vineyard on the lake shore where you finish the day enjoying wine produced by the Mills family, pioneers of the wine industry in Central Otago.

From $137 USD per person

Join your co-hosts Jon & Lesley Davies of Aoturoa Luxury Villa and vineyard estate owners Warwick & Jenny Hawker of Pisa Range Estate for an evening of fine food, fine wine and good company. Aoturoa have created a range of exciting menus using the very best of local produce, supplemented by vegetables from their own potager garden. Hear the estate owners talk about their passion as they present wines that have been carefully selected to compliment the menu. It will be a rare opportunity to taste some outstanding older award winning wines. After a relaxed evening, tour Pisa Range Estate boutique vineyard to learn more about the production of fine wines from the Central Otago region.

From $322 USD per person incl. accommodation, dinner, wine with dinner, vineyard tour, breakfast.

When a bustling 93 mile Otago railway line was closed in 1990 and the rail-tracks removed it was decided to convert it into a path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The resulting Rail Trail has proven to be hugely popular with New Zealand and overseas visitors to the region. There are no steep hills to conquer, and the complete trail takes 3-5 days to complete with small towns along the way offering good food and accommodation. The trail passes through parched hills, tussock grasses, awesome gorge and mountain scenery, farmlands, historic landmarks, goldfields and pioneer settlements. See below for a 4 day Rail Trail option.

This is a supported 4 day tunnels and gorges cycle trip over a spectacular section of the trail. It includes:

• transport to start of the trail at Clyde
• bike rental for 4 days
• side trips to St Bathans and Naseby
• total support on the trail
• 4 nights accommodation
• 4 Breakfasts & lunches, morning teas, 3 dinners, 3 afternoon teas
• Taieri Gorge Train to Dunedin (or return to Clyde)

From $813 USD per person