South Island | Queenstown, Christchurch & Across the Island Insider Tips

South Island, Queenstown | One of my many favorite wineries to visit is Valli, just outside Queenstown. At one of the world's largest wine competitions in London, Valli scooped the award for Best Pinot Noir in the world, an unprecedented three times - a feat achieved by no other winemaker. To wet your appetite, think deep-purple pink color, fresh cherry and grinding sweet spice aromas, mixed with a touch of kirsch. Extraordinary, in all aspects, this is a truly graceful, exceptional world class Pinot in a beautiful youthful stage of evolution.

South Island, Kaikoura | This town has a fascinating history; archaeological remains indicate that Moa hunters inhabited the peninsula 900 years ago. The Maori name Kaikoura translates to meal of crayfish and it is crayfish for which the region has traditionally been famous for. Today, the emphasis is on the conservation of marine life. Kaikoura lies within the Southern Hemisphere Whale Sanctuary. One of the most popular activities is a swim with the dolphins and whale watching experience. I highly recommend this excursion to anyone who is comfortable in the water. Full wetsuits are provided because it is cold. It took us about 30 minutes out in the open ocean to find a pod of dolphins, then we were able get out and snorkel around. The dolphins were interested in playing around with us and it was such a unique experience to view them in their natural habitat rather than a pool. ~ Patty Granger, Business Development Manager

South Island, Queenstown | Not to be missed in Queenstown is the Gondola Ride & Dinner; it was exciting too! Start with a lovely trip to the top of the Gondola for a delicious buffet dinner, then take a thrilling ride on Luge carts that you access by chairlift. You luge back down to dinner through banked corners, tunnels and dips. The views from the Gondola make it worth the price. Queenstown is a lovely city and I would recommend at least three nights to fully explore the destination. ~ Patty Granger, Business Development Manager

South Island | There's a reason so many movies and shows film in the southern part of New Zealand's South Island. Its beautiful scenery is unlike anywhere else on earth, making it the ideal backdrop for everything from The Lord of the Rings, to Avatar, The Piano, and A Wrinkle in Time.