WeekendinFEATURE
WeekendinFEATURE
HOLIDAY
VISA REQUIRENMENTS
Singaporeans: No (Visa given upon Arrival)
British/Australian/Other Passports: No
(Visa given upon Arrival)
FLIGHT ROUTE
Singapore Changi Airport - Christchurch or
Queenstown
FLIGHT PROVIDERS
Singapore Airlines: Christchurch
VISA REQUIRENMENTS
Singaporeans: No (Up to 90 days within 6
months from date of initial entry)
British/Australian/Other Passports: No (Up to
90 days within 6 months from date of initial
entry)
FLIGHT ROUTE
Singapore Changi Airport - San Francisco Airport
FLIGHT PROVIDERS
Singapore Airlines: (Direct flight)
Emirates: (One stop)
Emirates: Christchurch/ Queenstown
A vineyard in Napa Valley
Travel to
Napa Valley
Napa Valley needs no introduction as a premier
travel destination and as the location of some of
the world’s best wineries. With over 300 wineries
ranging from small family businesses to company giants with first class facilities, the valley sees
up to five million visitors a year, particularly in
the summer and during harvest in autumn.
Approximately 35 miles long and 1 to 5 miles
wide, Napa Valley has 16 unique sub AVAs
(American Viticultural Appellations), each of
which has its own microclimate, geographical
characteristics and cultivation methods that
result in the fruit and drinks’ unique characteristics. The wineries themselves have their own architecture, ambience, history and overall charm,
therefore making each visit different from the
next. However the selling point of the area is
probably the stunning panoramic views of the
Mayacamas and Vaca mountains, that visitors
can enjoy while getting a taste of these top
Weekendin 54
A day to reflect - When the scenery is this powerful, your heart beats faster even before you start peddling.
The Ledge Bungy - Bungy with a million dollar view
Napa River Front
notch Californian wines.
While wine tasting is the prominent activity
in the area, do note that winery touring does
not have to be a mundane and lifeless activity.
Some of the more lively options include Bike
tours, which enable you to go off-road and get
a whiff of the fruit as you pedal through the offbeaten tracks. Those looking for a more regal
experience can opt to take the horse- drawn
carriage that takes you on a 7 mile loop to four
different boutique wineries. Or if soaking in the
panoramic views while riding in a classic 1947
Packard convertible limousine is more your
style, that option is available as well. However
the best and most exciting way to explore the
wine country is to take a hot air balloon ride, an
hour-long journey that comes with narration by
the pilot.
Non-wine drinkers should note that Napa Val-
Mt. St Helena
ley is not just endless rows of vineyards. On the
epicurean front, Napa Valley is also recognised
as having some of the country’s best restaurants,
many of which are run by award winning chefs.
Day spas are another activity that tops the list of
many tourists. There are more than 50 spas in the
area, each with their own treatments and styles to
suit your needs and preferences. Calistoga Spa Hot
Springs has mineral water pools and mud baths,
while Villagio Inn & Spa has designed spa experiences that have individual scents, sounds and
therapies.
Other activities include a Safari ride through a 400
acre wildlife sanctuary which is home to over 400
mammals and birds. Farmers Markets can also be
found where you can purchase flowers, gourmet
food, handmade crafts or simple enjoy the vibrant
atmosphere with live music.
Anyone for a heli-picnic? In Queenstown, take the
joys of picnicking to a whole new level of fun
It is no surprise that New Zealand consistently
tops travellers’ “countries to visit” lists, and has
earned a name as God’s own country. The South
Island in particular, is one of the purest and
most natural landscapes you’ll ever experience,
with its snowcapped mountains, primeval forests and sweeping beaches that will take your
breath away.
Perhaps the best way to experience the South Island is to rent a car in Christchurch, and take the
6 hour drive to Queenstown. Not only is there
a stunning backdrop (complete with sheep) to
keep you company, but there are also plenty of
quaint towns and sights to visit along the way.
Twizel, Lake Tekapo and Lake Wanaka are small
but charming towns that make great pit stops
and also have decent accommodation should
you wish to stop for the night. Other must-see
natural sights are Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s
longest lake at 80km, and Mount Cook which
Travel to
New Zealand
is the country’s highest mountain. You can opt
to take a scenic helicopter flight for a bird’s eye
view of this majestic mountain, or get up close
to the Tasman Glaciers and icebergs of every
shape and size.
Arriving at Queenstown, there is an array of activities so vast you might have trouble choosing
what to do first. As the Adventure Capital of the
world, the city has almost every extreme sport
you could ask for; from skiing, to paragliding,
bungy jumping, rafting, caving, canyoning and
much more! While there are at least 3 different
bungy jump spots for you t