Beaver Travel Magazine - Winter 2017/18

Below : Palliser Bay lighthouse nature and hike through ancient forests; take a four-wheel drive farm tour, horse ride along the coast or try quad biking. Explore black sand beaches, walk to Cape Palliser Lighthouse and the nearby seal colony or go on a wine tour. Back at the ranch, the cottages have crackling fires, squishy sofas and huge beds. Food is flat-out fabulous with a strong farm to table stance. DOWN SOUTH Hop on a plane for the quick flight fromWellington to Christchurch before picking up another set of wheels. No South Island trip would feel right without stopping off in Kaikoura, described by National Geographic as ‘a maritime Serengeti’. Just a fewmiles north is Hapuku Lodge &Tree Houses . There are just five treehouses, all unique and jaw- droppingly beautiful. Run by a husband and wife team; expect lots of venison and crayfish alongside their own olive oil. And for every guest that stays, the owners plant a native tree or shrub. Next up is Queenstown, a great place to get some proper adrenalin-pumping fun. A hop from the action is Eichardt’s PrivateHotel , its lakefront address something of a landmark. Its historic bar is fabulously famous: the atmosphere is brilliant and the wines world-class. The trip’s finale comes in the formof Minaret Station , a luxury lodge in the heart of the Southern Alps, only accessible by helicopter. As true to wilderness as you can get, adventures come on foot, skis, two wheels, on water or in the sky. The four, premier alpine chalets complete with hot tubs and roaring open fires are your very own hiding place that nobody else can reach. Enjoy... For further details on New Zealand and this bespoke itinerary contact Beaver Travel’s Australia, New Zealand specialist team on 01923 854 986. Above : Helicopter at a glacier inQueenstown Below : mountain hiking