Look forward to year-round outdoor adventures with a visit to Luggate, a small rural town surrounded by mountains, countryside and vineyards.
Walk, cycle or jog along the Upper Clutha River Track, an 11.5-mile (18.5-kilometer) route between Luggate and Albert Town. Cover the entire course or just sections such as the 3-mile (5-kilometer) Cardrona River to Stevensons Road track. Go past the network of century-old gold mining workings and through the Rekos Point Conservation Area.
Drive southwest from the town for about 45 minutes to reach the Cardrona Alpine Resort, a summer and winter mountain playground. Hit the beginner, intermediate or advanced slopes on skis or a snowboard from June to October. The white-covered terrain extends for 988 acres (400 hectares), and the average annual snowfall is 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). Other activities include ski and snowboard lessons and tubing.
During the summer, explore the rugged landscape on a hiking or mountain biking adventure. Navigate a downhill race track on a three-wheeled motorized mountain cart and treat yourself to a picnic at the summit of the mountain.
Swap land for water and head for the lakeside resort town of Wanaka. Go on a self-guided kayak tour of Lake Wanaka, then turn up the speed dial for a jet boat ride on the fast-flowing Clutha River.
For more fun on the water, make tracks for nearby Lake Hawea. Swim, kayak and kite surf then cool off on the beach.
After your intrepid outdoor excursions, unwind with a drink in one of the local wineries or craft breweries. Try pinot noir at the Aitken's Folly Vineyard. Sample gin, whiskey and other spirits made with alpine water from Mount Cardrona at the Cardrona Distillery. Go on a tour of Wanaka Beerworks, a microbrewery with two ranges of handcrafted beer.
Reach Luggate by flying into Queenstown Airport, the closest international gateway. Then drive or take the bus for the 45-mile (72-kilometer) journey to your vacation destination of natural splendor and outdoor pursuits.
