Imagine yourself in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, taking in sweeping vistas of gleaming lakes, majestic mountains and enchanted forests. It may sound like a fairytale land but this is no work of fiction. Hillend Station, near Lake Wanaka in New Zealand's South Island, is a magical place you could soon be calling "home". This 6,500 acre working high country station now offers a rare opportunity to secure land in an area that's as close as you'll ever come to heaven on earth. Sometimes getting back to nature means sacrificing comfort. Not at Hillend Station. Residents and their guests can enjoy a luxury lodge with four one-bedroom apartments, each with an en suite bathroom and small kitchen. Also planned is a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, as well as a comfortable lounge, complete with traditional open fire. The whole lodge faces north to make the most of Wanaka's sunny climate and stunning lake setting. Owners will not only be able to stay in the lodge while building their home, but can book an apartment or even the whole lodge for visiting family and friends. A solar heated swimming pool, two spa pools, two tennis courts, fishing pools and an air strip/helicopter pad will also be available on site for use by residents and their guests. Nearby is a proposed winery and café, also constructed of natural materials in harmony with the landscape. Here, you can sample a selection of great wines or catch up with a friend over coffee. Hillend Station's well-maintained trails provide the ultimate experience for mountain biking, horse trekking and tramping with terrain to satisfy all fitness levels. You could even helicopter into the wilderness, or simply take a laid back stroll along the fishing pools and waterways. Only at Hillend Station does the rugged beauty of New Zealand's wilderness mesh so effortlessly with the slickest in comfort and style. Whether you've always imagined yourself living the high life in the hills, overlooking a valley, on the shores of a lake, on a vineyard, or on a farm - you'll find your dream site at Hillend Station. Lake View (1-6) The elevated terraces of these sections offer majestic panoramas of the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. The fully fenced area will be thick with both native and alpine plantings, creating your own beautiful natural park. Take a closer look. Vineyard Sites (7-18) A tapestry of vibrant colours in front, the Southern Alps as a backdrop - who could ask for a more beautiful place to build a home? The price of these sections includes the contracted set-up and management of your own private vineyard. Take a closer look. Rural View (19-21) These sections are perfect for those who enjoy quiet country living, but don't want to maintain a large property. Set close to a mature shelterbelt of oregon with pockets of larch, they overlook grasslands of grazing deer. Take a closer look. Upper Plateau Rural (22-39) Hidden high above the main road, these lifestyle blocks capture the essence of rural living, with sweeping views from the expansive deer paddocks to the magnificent Cardrona Valley and mountain range. The generous size of these lots means you can keep your own animals. Take a closer look. Timber Creek Rural (40-50) These private sites put you directly in touch with nature. Set close to Timber Creek, you'll see and hear the crystal clear stream as it winds its way past your doorstep, or choose an elevated site that overlooks the Timber Creek Valley. Take a closer look. Wanaka: the outdoor enthusiast's dream. Just five minutes from Lake Wanaka, a thriving tourist spot in West Otago, Hillend is a dream come true for anyone who loves the outdoors. With incredible skiing right on its doorstep in winter and world-class fly-fishing throughout the summer, life is never dull here. Also boating, water sports, climbing, tramping and mountain biking are all at just a stone's throw. The residents of Wanaka are also spoilt for choice when it comes to relaxation. The region reflects New Zealand's love of good food with a host of outstanding restaurants and cafés to visit, as well as some of the country's most awarded vineyards. Although Wanaka may be pleasantly secluded, it is by no means isolated. Queenstown International Airport is just a short drive away and both Dunedin and Christchurch International airports are at a manageable distance. There are also daily flights to Wanaka direct from Christchurch. The local community is very proud of its town. While Wanaka may be one of the fastest growing settlements in New Zealand, its 4,000 or so residents are committed to keeping their home clean, green and every bit as special as it is now. And it is this little township, bursting with life and natural beauty, which provides the setting for a unique rural lifestyle opportunity. To find out more about Wanaka, visit the sites below. www.lakewanaka.co.nz www.tourism.net.nz/region/wanaka www.wanaka.nzgolf.net www.skilakewanaka.com www.cardrona.co.nz www.treblecone.co.nz www.trout.net.nz www.infinitywanaka.com www.newzealandlakes.com www.lakelandadventures.co.nz www.adventure.net.nz