Queenstown
- Wanaka
103 km (64 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic. It’s the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including bungy, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing. It’s also a destination for luxury experiences – gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf.
The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you’ll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.
The lakeside resort 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 some unique attractions, like the 3D maze and the ‘warbird’ air show, which is held every two years.
Scenic Highlights
Sam Summers' Hut Track
Exercise your mind as well as your legs on this three hour loop track. There's a lot to be learned about gold mining here.
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.
Skippers Road
High above the raging Shotover River, Skippers Road creeps along the face of Skippers Canyon. Don't look down!
Scenery of Glenorchy
The only thing better than the drive to Glenorchy is the road to Paradise. How much scenery can your camera cope with?
Gibbston Valley vineyards
Raising grapes this far south is hard work, but one sip of the local pinot noir will tell you the effort is totally worthwhile.
Lake Wakatipu
Cruising across Lake Wakatipu on a restored paddlesteamer is a blissful way to appreciate the magnificent alpine scenery.
Moonlight Track
It's not a walk in the park, but this challenging day hike promises to lift your spirits as high as the Southern Alps.
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.
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.
Activities
Queenstown
Bungy (1),
Horse Treks (4),
Jet Boating (4),
Off Road Driving Adventure (6),
Scenic Flights (8)
Lake Wanaka
Heliskiing (2)
Tour and Sightseeing
Queenstown
Off Road Driving Adventure (4),
Scenic Flights (2)
Tour and Sightseeing
Lake Wanaka
Wineries (5)
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