South Island: The Real Heartland of New Zealand

With striking mountains, picturesque lakes, crystal clear rivers, and pristine forests, New Zealand’s South Island’s landscape is nature at its best. The place offers a plethora of incredible experiences - from the rugged coastline of the south to the golden beaches of the north. The New Zealand dream comes true, here, in the South Island.

The Christchurch International Airport is the primary gateway to the stunning holiday destination with well-connected flights from Australia and Asia. Tourists can avail of an array of travel options to get around the place. The rolling countryside, majestic fiords and beautiful lakes make for an action-packed experience.

In the south, the Nelson Tasman region boasts of three National Parks with a continuously changing landscape: from wide sandy coastlines to alpine lakes. It’s also the place to indulge in some New Zealand seafood. Mussels, clams, and scallops are among the favorite delicacies.

South Island is host to innumerable historic towns and settlements. Moreover tourists can experience art, wildlife, and food rarely found anywhere. From succulent lamb and fresh seafood delicacies, to crafted beers and wines, you can enjoy the delights as you embark on the wonderful South Island journey.

Tourists also visit a number of distilleries spread across the South Island. One of the world renowned offerings from the South Island is the “South Island Single Malt 25YO.” A must-try for tourists is this whisky– aged in American Oak as well as Ex-Bourbon barrels for nearly 25 years. The drink is made from 100% malted New Zealand barley in the Willowbank distillery, Dunedin.

The most important thing you need is time when exploring South Island, as every district offers a unique experience just waiting to be discovered.

Glancing at Glen Grant, Moray's Pride

A small village named Rothes in Moray, situated by the river Spey has been home to Glen Grant since 1840. Brothers James and John Grant, founder of Glen Grant spent years smuggling and distilling whisky illegally, before acquiring a license. It was not hard for the brothers to find an ideal location, since Rothes offered almost all. The sea, the port of Garmouth, the river with acres of barley growing by its plains, Rothes was bountiful in all the basic ingredients that make malt whisky.

Japan’s Tryst with Whisky: Yamazaki Distillery

Established in 1932 at Shimamoto, Yamazaki is the first ever commercial whisky distillery built in Japan. The ‘Whisky Library’ it is known for, has seven thousand unblended bottles on display. Soaring remarks by visitors from across the world earned the place the prestigious ‘Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year’ title at icons of Whisky, 2015.

Unearthing George Washington's Distillery

Who could have imagined that the Father of the Nation of the United States would set his mind on whisky making after retiring from his presidency in 1797? Yet, that is exactly what George Washington did. Shortly after stepping down from his stately duties, he was looking forward to the peacefulness of a sedentary pastoral life which had so far eluded him. Mount Vernon was his sanctuary of choice, and when plantation owner James Anderson met George Washington, he proposed they utilize the watermills, and state-of-art gristmill of Vernon for whisky production.