Something New: South Island

Jet Linx achieved authorization to fly to New Zealand in the summer of 2020. Start planning your journey now with Jet Linx and Elevated Lifestyle partner EMBARK Beyond, and explore something new in 2021!

Queenstown

Queenstown rests on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amidst the massive peaks of the Southern Alps in what is considered one of the most scenic settings in the world. Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown also offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities yet also presents a wonderful haven in which to relax. Many visitors also wisely choose Queenstown as a gateway to the magnificent Fiordland National Park.

Akin to Auckland, Queenstown serves as the urban refuge of the South Island. Although quite small with only 15,000 residents, the resort town teems with exciting opportunities. Surrounded by mountains, positioned on the edge of a lake, this adventure hub thrums with adrenaline. Bungy jumping was invented at the Kawarau Bridge – a hair-raising bucket-list item to check off. Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, a gondola ride to Bob’s Peak offers a breathtaking view. Another crowd-pleasing option is a jetboat excursion on the Dart River, or horse riding through the rolling alpine countryside.

For those wanting to get active in Queenstown, the best neighborhoods to stay in are Fernhill and Arthur’s Point. Both are home to many hotels, as well as outfitters that can arrange adventure tours on land and sea. From a home base in these neighborhoods, you can set up opportunities to go hot air ballooning, bungy jumping, sky diving, parapenting, heli-surfing, river surfing, rock climbing, white-water rafting – or even tour sites where The Lord of the Rings was once filmed. Queenstown makes a truly magical spot from which

Explore the Dart River valley on horse, kayak, jet boat or four-wheel-drive safari.