New Zealand has a special place in the heart of restaurateur Erwan Heussaff. Not only did he tie the knot with Anne Curtis in this island country, this is also where, he said, he had witnessed some of the purest natural landscapes one will ever experience. Here are some of his favorite #NZMustDos:
Exploring Wanaka
On the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, the resort town of the same name offers outdoor adventures and indoor luxury. But Wanaka’s not just for outdoor enthusiasts—stroll the streets and be inspired by cool galleries, stylish shops, and a great selection of cafés and restaurants.
It is also a prime destination for luxury getaways. Its many prestige lodges and boutique B&Bs combine privacy and pampering and perfectly complement options such as helicopter tours, vintage plane rides, and back-country 4WD touring.
Driving the West Coast from Hokitika to Haast
Hailed as one of the greatest road trips in the world, the West Coast drive from Hokitika on State Highway 6, will see you pass icy-looking rivers spanned by one-lane bridges, with the deep green of Westland Tai Poutini National Park looming up on your left. Catch the Franz Josef and the Fox glaciers, where you can go from easy guided or self-guided walks to scenic flights and heli-landings on the glacier.
The mesmerizing Lake Matheson, described by Lonely Planet as “a hidden jewel” of the West Coast, is also part of the forested shoreline just six kilometers from the Fox glaciers. On a good day, New Zealand’s highest peaks, Aoraki Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman are reflected in the still mirror-like waters.
Exploring Franz Josef Glacier
One of the two glaciers down West Coast, Franz Josef is five kilometers from the town of the same name, and a 1.5-hour walk will take you to within 750 meters of its terminal face. If you want to actually make contact with the glacier, take a guided ice walk or a heli-hike. Aerial sightseeing is another option.
There is also a range of natural attractions in close proximity to Franz Josef Glacier Village. Lose yourself in the rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes. In the town, you’ll find plenty of places to stay in and eat at. You can also choose to relax at the Glacier Hot Pools or explore the wildlife center. At nearby Lake Mapourika, you can take a kayak tour or rent a stand-up paddle board.
Winery hopping in Central Otago
Nestled up against the Southern Alps, Central Otago is the world’s southernmost wine region. What makes Central Otago even more remarkable is that many of its wineries are family-owned and full of colourful characters, following philosophies of low cropping and handcrafting, while pushing the geographical boundaries of grape growing right to the edge.
There is a range of wine trails to suit any wine lover’s needs, including a new walking wine trail that visits four of Central Otago’s top wine producers—Misha’s Vineyard, Aurum Wines, Scott Base, and Wooing Tree Vineyard—while capturing some wonderful scenery through orchards and around Lake Dunstan. Photo from winetoursnz.com
Hiking up Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond towers above Queenstown offering a rare opportunity to ascend a lofty New Zealand peak via a well-trodden route. Travelers can take the gentler route and grab a scenic ride from town up the Skyline Gondola or start your hike from downtown Queenstown.
Panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, and Mount Earnslaw await you at the top which is 1,748 meters above sea level.