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Dart River SafariMusician in ArrowtownGlenorchyBuckingham Street, ArrowtownGlenorchySet at the head of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is atiny settlement encircled by the towering peaks ofthe Southern Alps. It feels a world away from thebuzz of Queenstown, despite being only a 40minute drive along the lake. It serves as the basefor walkers, with access to parts of the RouteburnTrack (please see pages 64 and 65 for furtherdetails) and also has its own airfield offeringscenic flights up the valleys to Fiordland. Thoseundertaking trips on the Dart River will also stopoff here before heading deep into the WorldHeritage area of Mount Aspiring National Park.Blanket Bay, GlenorchyBringing all the luxuries of the 21st century to theremote shores of Lake Wakatipu, Blanket Bay ismagnificently located in a region where sheepshearers once created shelters from stitchedblankets alone. Framed by the peaks of theHumbolt Mountains, this opulent lodge is aluxurious getaway. Timber, stone and period-stylefurnishings have been artfully combined to createa unique atmosphere and each guest suite, eitherin the main lodge or the adjacent chalets, offerspanoramic views of mountains, rivers, lake and sky.The lodge is one of the most exclusive in NewZealand and every comfort is catered for. Withimpeccable service and world-class dining you mayfind it hard to tear yourself away.Blanket Bay, GlenorchyDart River SafariThe Dart River was created by ice melt fromthe mighty Dart Glacier, which carved out aspectacular valley between the mountains. Thebest way to explore this region is by taking anexhilarating guided tour along the river on a jetboat followed by a walk through ancient foreststo learn about the local flora and fauna. The tripalso delves into the history of the area from a timewhen early Maori settlers came on a quest forjade. The final part of the journey is taken by road,leading you through more of the inspirationallandscapes used to create the alternative worldsin the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies.ArrowtownThis beautifully preserved gold mining town is justhalf an hour from Queenstown and shares itsspectacular backdrop, but the pace of life slowsconsiderably in the quiet tree-lined streets thatshelter wooden churches and colonial buildings.At one end of Buckingham Street, restored shopfronts now house galleries, jewellers, boutiquefood outlets and local wine stores, whilst at theother end are the tiny stone miners’ cottageswhich date back as far as the 1860s.Arrowtown HouseJust a two minute stroll from the cobbled streetsof Arrowtown, this hotel is set in the originalchurch grounds on a tree-lined avenue with prettyflower-filled gardens. Accommodation is inbeautifully furnished self-contained suites completewith all facilities. Each of the guest rooms enjoysmountain and garden views from the verandas orprivate courtyard gardens.Arrowtown Housewww.audleytravel.com/newzealand l 01993 838 820 l South Island 55