A land of four seasons...

From soaring mountains to a wild and dramatic coastline, golden hill country to crystal alpine lakes, the Southern Lakes is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in New Zealand. Visitors are captivated by the breathtaking scenery, changing seasons and culture of the area. The region runs from the dramatic

landscapes of Fiordland in the south, to the rugged mountains and established, international four-season resort of Queenstown and to Lake Wanaka in the north, an inspiring place of tranquillity and beauty at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.

September - November
Fresh clean air, warm daytime temperatures, cool evenings as the countryside comes to life with fresh spring greens.
Temperatures range from 8C to 15C.

December – February
At 45°south, the summer days are long and warm and perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.
Temperatures range from 20C to 30C

March – May
A relaxed time to visit against a vibrant backdrop of the brilliant reds and golds of the autumn colours.
Temperatures range from 0C to 20C

June – August
A magical season with snow-capped mountains and blue skies and fantastic skiing.
Temperature range from -5C to 10C

Southern Lakes announced as top 10 destination for 2012

Influential travel authority, Lonely Planet, has chosen New Zealand's Southern Lakes region as one of the world's Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012.

The Southern Lakes region, featuring Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland is the only New Zealand region to feature in the new book, Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012 – the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.

Queenstown and Southern Lakes is ranked eighth in the book's list of Top 10 Regions for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery. An excerpt from the book reads, "There isn't a bad time to turn up in the world's top adventure playground. There are nonstop outdoor activities year-round in the resort towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau, as well as the surrounding mountains, lakes and parks… Where else can you ski in the morning and golf or water ski in the afternoon? Add excellent wineries and superb restaurants and what more is there to say?"

Lonely Planet New Zealand spokesperson Sarah Bennett said, "This news is hardly the shock of the century. Anyone who lives in or has visited the Queenstown region will back up this accolade. Words like breathtaking, jaw-dropping, exhilarating and stunning are grossly overused in the tourism industry but the Southern Lakes region has a right to them all."

Southern Lakes – TRENZ 2012 Host Region

Southern Lakes will once again host New Zealand's largest international travel showcase, TRENZ 2012, following on from its ground breaking success in 2011.

TRENZ is staged by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA). Traditionally held in the main centres of Auckland, Rotorua and Christchurch, TRENZ 2011 saw a change in format with the influential tradeshow based in the Southern Lakes regions of Queenstown, Fiordland and Lake Wanaka with Queenstown as the main hub.

Several hundred international travel buyers, media and other industry professionals spent several days in the region, immersing themselves in the spectacular landscapes, experiences and products the Southern Lakes region has to offer.

"We're delighted to have the opportunity to once again host TRENZ in 2012. The new format and location were very well received by international buyers and media in 2011 and we're looking forward to building on that success in 2012," said Dave Hawkey, chairman of Southern Lakes.