Our Luxury Travel Associate Carla has just returned from exploring...
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For travellers who crave space, scenery and something deeper than the usual check-list sightseeing, New Zealand’s South Island stands apart. . Right now, New Zealand’s South Island is a treasure trove of experiences that reward those willing to immerse themselves fully — from stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere to sipping exceptional Pinot Noir in Central Otago’s vineyards.
Yet it’s not just the landscape that lingers. It’s how thoughtfully New Zealand invites you in. Lodges blend sustainability with discreet luxury. Local produce finds its way onto every plate and glass. The people you meet are grounded, easygoing and proud to share the Māori stories that anchor this wild, green land to its roots. It’s the perfect match for travellers who appreciate detail and depth — the same ethos that Audley Travel brings to every tailor-made itinerary they design. At Swords, we partner with Audley to bring our clients tailor-made journeys that combine expert local knowledge with thoughtful luxury — ensuring every trip is uniquely suited to you.
Our Luxury Travel Associate, Carla, has just returned from an Audley research trip exploring the best of the South Island. From elegant lakeside stays to glacier landings by ski plane, she’s come back convinced this is a destination that deserves time — and a bit of thoughtful planning — to reveal its best side.
I kicked things off in Christchurch, a city that’s quietly blossomed into one of New Zealand’s most compelling urban gems. My first night was at The George, a boutique luxury hotel renowned for its refined blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort — perfectly positioned opposite the lush expanse of Hagley Park, offering a peaceful haven right in the city’s heart. The following night, I stayed at The Observatory Hotel, nestled in the vibrant arts district, where sleek, modern design meets local creativity through its curated art collection and thoughtful details.
Christchurch’s food scene is rapidly gaining a reputation for quality and innovation, and I experienced this firsthand on a progressive walking food tour. From relaxed neighbourhood bistros to sleek modern eateries, each stop offered a fresh taste of the region’s dedication to seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Paired with excellent local wines, the tour was a delicious and dynamic way to discover the city’s culinary soul — a perfect overture to the wider gastronomic delights awaiting in the South Island.
Next, I headed to Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat on the shores of Lake Pukaki. The Ashley Mackenzie two-bedroom villa I stayed in is a masterpiece of understated luxury (and such a treat), with expansive windows framing awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Mornings began with breathtaking sunrises illuminating the peaks, while evenings were spent in the outdoor hot tub beneath a night sky so clear it felt like a private planetarium.
The retreat offers thoughtful amenities, including an outdoor sauna, a massage room, and a workout area — perfect for recharging after days spent outdoors. Dining here is an experience itself: a six-course tasting menu highlighting local produce, enjoyed with the lake and mountains as a dramatic backdrop.
A highlight of this leg was the ski plane landing on the Tasman Glacier, the only flight of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Setting foot on the pristine ice, glass of champagne in hand, was surreal. This was followed by a helicopter flight over Mount Cook and its glaciers, revealing panoramic views of snow-dusted summits and deep glacier valleys — moments of awe that linger long after the flight.
From Mount Cook, the journey unfolded towards Wanaka, a town that perfectly balances outdoor adventure with a relaxed, creative vibe. I stayed at The Edgewater, a lakeside hotel that lives up to its name with rooms opening onto shimmering waters and fresh mountain air. My two-bedroom apartment was modern, spacious, and quietly sophisticated — a perfect base for early morning walks to see the famous Wanaka Tree, standing solitary against the lake’s mirror-like surface.
Wanaka’s charm lies in its mix of natural beauty and small-town culture. The town centre, just a short stroll from the hotel, buzzes with artisan cafes, local galleries and boutique shops — ideal for a leisurely afternoon. It’s a place where you feel encouraged to slow down and absorb your surroundings, whether that means lingering over a great coffee or simply watching the light shift over the lake.
Queenstown, the South Island’s adventure hub, was my next stop. I stayed at The Rees, a sophisticated five-star hotel situated on Lake Wakatipu’s quieter shores, providing a peaceful retreat with shuttle access to the town centre’s vibrant energy.
The region’s natural playground offers a range of memorable activities. I experienced horse riding through scenic areas around Queenstown, then ventured out on the Dart River for a kayaking trip surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine wilderness. A cruise through Milford Sound brought me face-to-face with one of the world’s most dramatic fjords, its waterfalls and sheer rock faces demanding full attention.
The culinary scene here is equally vibrant. I couldn’t miss the famous Fergburger — a gourmet institution beloved for its generous, flavour-packed offerings. For something more refined, Rosewood Matakauri provided an elegant dining experience with views of the Remarkables mountain range, where a carefully curated tasting menu paired with fine wines created a truly memorable evening.
A day spent in Central Otago revealed a different side of the South Island’s allure. At The Lindis estate, set in the serene Ahuriri Valley, I enjoyed a beautifully crafted lunch paired with wines from one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions. Central Otago’s vineyards are famed for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the combination of stunning landscapes and world-class vintages makes this a must for any discerning traveller.
Horseback riding in the Ahuriri Valley offered a tranquil escape into the region’s pastoral beauty, reinforcing the intimate connection between landscape, culture and luxury that defines much of New Zealand.
The South Island is a tapestry of unforgettable moments — from horse riding through the quiet Ahuriri Valley to funyaking on the Dart River, surrounded by towering mountains. Wine tasting in Central Otago’s renowned vineyards offered yet another layer to the sensory journey. Cruising Milford Sound, with its dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls, was a reminder of just how raw and powerful this landscape can be.
But what stays with me most is the way New Zealand invites you to slow down. The country’s respect for nature and culture isn’t superficial — it’s ingrained in everything, from eco-conscious lodges to local guides who share their land with pride. Time here moves differently, allowing you to fully appreciate each experience.
My advice? Don’t rush. The South Island deserves to be savoured, whether you’re on a self-drive itinerary, hiring a campervan, or following a bespoke route crafted to your interests. Every stretch of road reveals new beauty, and there’s no shortage of ways to connect deeply with this extraordinary place.
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