South Island

Our pick: Off to St Bathans

On the shores of the Blue Lake lies what’s left of St Bathans. The township was established in the mid 1860s to service goal mines during the rush, but has since become a sleepy village and a perfect spot to chill out.

It’s a favourite spot of ours – pretty bloody spectacular after the snowfall and off the beaten track enough that you’ll generally get the place to yourself.

It’s a just under two hours from Queenstown, and great chance to open up the engine as you head east between Arrowtown and the Double Cone and wind your way around SH6. Leave Cromwell on SH8 and follow shores of the gin-clear Clutha River/Mata-Au before spinning off to Springvale and SH85 before taking the turn at Becks and coming up on the Blue Lake.

Grab a responsible drink at the Vulcan Hotel, which is still standing after nearly 150 years. If you’re staying overnight, then you might come across the resident ghost.

Take a wander through the town and see the historic mining facilities – and the Blue Lake itself, which was once a hill pit mine but now has gained life as an astonishing blue body of water with staggering columns of white quartz tailings. At around 170m deep, you won’t touch the bottom any time soon – but those of a strong spirit will have to take the plunge and skinny dip!