Wanaka
- Haast
- Fox Glacier
139 km (87 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
The lakeside town of Wanaka can provide you with an appealing mix of fine living, family fun and adventure. It has a high concentration of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops. You’ll also find unique attractions, like the 3D maze and the ‘warbird’ air show, which is held every two years.
Lake Hawea is the first scenic highlight of your journey, followed closely by the northern end of Lake Wanaka. The famous ‘bra fence’ is impossible to miss – it started as a joke, but it’s become a local legend. At the wilderness town of Makarora you can fuel up and refresh before you take on the dramatic twists and turns of the Haast Pass. Enjoy waterfalls and river scenery as you arrive in rainforest country.
The settlement of Haast was once a construction camp for the Ministry of Works (the government department responsible for road and bridge building). It’s a town with a touch of the wild west – helicopters fly deer hunters into the rugged ranges and local pubs make a feature of stuffed animal trophies.
Scenic Highlights
Kidds Bush
A splendid place for a picnic or a couple of days camping, Kidds Bush lets you enjoy the incredible beauty of Lake Hawea.
Mount Aspiring National Park
Stretch your legs and feed your soul in this remote wilderness of native forests, towering mountains and long river valleys.
Lakes Wanaka and Hawea
Framed by mountains, these glacier-carved lakes can be enjoyed from the water or by hiking shoreline tracks.
The Crown Range
There are two ways to drive between Queenstown and Wanaka, and this one is the most memorable. It's the highest main road in New Zealand.
Haast Pass
Allow plenty of time for the journey over Haast Pass to the coast. Many short walks begin at the road's edge, leading you through rainforest to fabulous waterfalls.
Rob Roy Glacier Track
Walk into the alpine zone beneath Mount Rob Roy. This half day on-foot adventure brings you face to face with active glaciers.
Clutha River walk
The immense Clutha River handles the outflow from Lake Wanaka. Walk the riverbank to Albert Town and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Cardrona Valley
The road along Cardrona Valley can take you to all kinds of active adventures or a great meal at the historic hotel.
Mount Iron and Mount Roy
Mount Iron and Mount Roy are two hiking challenges that will reward you with astounding views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Lindis Pass
This alpine area of tall, tussock-covered mountains is beautiful in every season, but with a dusting of snow it's particularly enchanting.
Jackson Bay fishing village
Explore a part of New Zealand that's splendidly isolated - there are more resident seals and penguins than people.
Activities
Lake Wanaka
Jet Boating (2),
Skiing (7),
Snowboarding (4)
Tour and Sightseeing
Lake Wanaka
Skiing (1)
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