Have you ever wanted to just get away from it all? Kick back and relax? No sound but the wind whistling through the trees, or the gentle lapping of water on a lake as it hits the shore? Maybe a bit of stargazing on a moonless clear night? If you have answered yes to any of the above, then the Southern Lakes District is the place to be.

But there is more than one string to this region's bow. Even the most ardent adrenalin junkie's heart rate will go through the roof. Shoot down grade 5 rapids, zoom up and down the Shotover River and be flung around in a jet boat; scale a peak in the awe-inspiring Southern Alps; jump off a bridge with nothing but giant elastic bands strapped to your feet. Head south, a whole new adventure awaits you. more

• Accommodation in Southern Lakes
• What to See & Do in Southern Lakes

Southern Lakes Feature

Lake Manapouri

Some claim that Lake Manapouri is the country’s most beautiful lake; surrounded by dense bush and scattered with wooded islands, and with the Kepler Mountains rising in the background, it’s not difficult to see why. The Monument viewpoint and hiking tracks are among the attractions of the area. more

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

PLACE

Lake Wakatipu

Take a boat ride on the TSS Earnslaw. On a warm summer's day, there is nothing better than gliding along a glass-like lake while taking in the breathtaking surrounds of Lake Wakatipu.

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ACTIVITY

Skiing/Snow boarding

Sliding down a mountain full tilt, with the wind biting at your cheeks, and the chances of crashing out pretty high - nothing quite gives you an adrenalin rush as skiing or snowboarding. And the more difficult the run, the bigger the satisfaction if you beat the mountain.

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ROAD TRIP

Wanaka to Milford Sound

At least a six-hour drive, but well worth it, and not just because of what awaits you at the other end. Some would say the scenery almost matches that of Milford Sound itself.

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