6 Best Sights in The Southern Alps and Fiordland, New Zealand

Although it will be several years (around 2025) before their first batch of 10-year old single malt whisky is ready, Cardrona Distillery has released its three- and five-year-old batches, and a lovely range of spirits is ready to go, including vodka and gin. The setting, tucked away high in the Cardrona Valley, is beautiful, and they offer tours departing hourly 10–3 every day.  Book tours in advance if you're visiting during the holidays or long weekends.

At this excellent facility, you can have a hand at clay-bird or rifle shooting, archery, or get a basket of golf balls and swing away. It's fun for experts, and you get full instruction if you're a novice. There's an activity for everyone including the kids at the minigolf course. Largely undercover, this is a great option if the weather's misbehaving.

The cartoon-like houses built at funny angles with the Leaning Tower of Wanaka is just the start. Turn off here for a number of puzzling life-size brainteasers, including the amazing Tumbling Towers, Hologram Halls, and Tilted House, which is on a 15-degree angle (is the water really running uphill?). There's a 3D Great Maze to get lost in and a Sculptillusion gallery. For a break, head to the café, take on the puzzle of your choice, order a cup of coffee, and work yourself into a puzzled frenzy.

Lying spectacularly by the shores of Lake Wanaka, Rippon is one of the most photographed vineyards in the country. The vineyard's portfolio includes riesling, gewürztraminer, sauvignon blanc, and fine pinot noir. Head west from Wanaka along the lake on Mt. Aspiring Road for 4 km (2½ miles).

Lying somewhere between a treasure trove and a junkyard, this compelling and slightly disorienting museum covers a full century of memories. One man's hoard featuring hundreds of vehicles, from cars and motorcycles to fire engines and aircraft, is almost overwhelming in its abundance. It can feel like there is just too much stuff. The toy collection is also enormous and includes display cabinets overflowing with Star Wars collectibles and many other well-known brands.

There are around 30 privately owned classic cars on display here. Their 1934 Duesenberg is the star of the show, with Packards, Lincolns, and Fords among the mix. You may have heard of the NZ Fighter Pilots Museum—it's long gone but you can still see some of the planes here, including a WWI SE5A, Hawker Hurricane, Vampire, and Strikemaster. This is also home of New Zealand's largest contemporary touring art collection; at least half the collection stays here, including a fine collection of Grahame Sydney lithographs. There's also a retro diner serving breakfast and lunch daily.