The 45 minute drive from Queenstown is reason itself to head to Glenorchy. This is the stuff of car advertisements - the winding road stretching for miles ahead of you, curling up the hillside, the fabulous blue of Lake Wakatipu spread out below and mountains all around the far side of the lake. They shoot up to the sky with a sprinkling of snow on top during the summer and are blanketed right down to the lapping shore in winter. Glenorchy itself is 'minimalist'. The town boasts two hotels, a pub, a cafe and a few houses but is in the middle of a region that is nothing short of spectacular. Base yourself here to discover true New Zealand wilderness. Order your free copy of