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INDEPENDENT PASSION
INDEPENDENT PASSION
We're keen to keep the character, Kiwi flavour and passion in our community. We'll do our utmost to champion owner operators.
Image: Hiker on top of Mt Roy. Garrick Cameron
OPEN SPACES
OPEN SPACES
The freedom to explore is a rare thing in today's world. Lake Wanaka is a spectacular natural playground, one which we're committed to.
Image: Boating on Lake Wanaka. Camilla Stoddart
PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT
PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT
We feel a strong responsibility to protect the incredible environment in Lake Wanaka. We'll never take it for granted.
Image: Swimming in Lake Wanaka. Camilla Stoddart
GENUINE HOSPITALITY
GENUINE HOSPITALITY
We're genuinely excited about sharing our local knowledge so you can make the most of your time and come to love Lake Wanaka as much as we do.
Image: Spa bath, Lake Wanaka. Fredrik Larsson
VIBRANT COMMUNITY
VIBRANT COMMUNITY
Our locals come from around the corner or the other side of the world. In Lake Wanaka, when you visit, you can live and feel like a local for a few days, a season or forever. It's in the community spirit.
Image: Preschool children at daycare, Cardrona Alpine Resort
A STUNNING PLACE TO LIVE
A STUNNING PLACE TO LIVE
If you're into the outdoors then there is no better place to visit or live than Wanaka...
Image: Wanaka nestled on the shores of the lake.Credit: Gilbert van Reenen

 

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Christchurch to Invercargill

 

Wanaka to Queenstown Nelson to Queenstown via West Coast Christchurch to Wanaka & Queenstown via Mt Cook
Queenstown to Milford Sound Dunedin to Queenstown via the Catlins Dunedin return via Oamaru, Queenstown and Catlins
Blenheim to Nelson   Back to South Island Itineraries

West Coast and Southern New Zealand

For those with more limited time but want to see the best the South Island has to offer then this 6 day itinerary covers all the places that you must see.

A drive to remember and some of the most beautiful places in the south to explore, including Arthurs Pass, the Franz and Fox Glaciers, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Invercargill.

Franz Josef Glacier
27, September 2011

Map - Christchurch to Invercargill
27, September 2011
 

 

Depart Christchurch for Greymouth - 4.5 hours, 258 km
  • Travel to the West Coast via New Zealand's most scenic railway line, the Tranz Alpine travelling over five viaducts, through 16 tunnels and taking in the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps.
  • Don't miss - Castle Hill rock formations - Arthurs Pass - Otira Gorge - Bushman's Centre at Pukekura - Lake Ianthe
  • Overnight in Greymouth
     
Depart Greymouth for Franz Josef or Fox Glacier - 2.15 hours, 177km
  • Don’t miss – jade factories at Hokitika - gold mining at Ross - Okarito Lagoon and White Heron Sanctuary – a walk or heli option to the glaciers - Lake Matheson at Fox Glacier
     
  • Overnight in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
Depart Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka - 5 hours, 287 km
  • Before leaving the glacier, take a walk to the terminal face of the glacier or head up to the Lookout.
  • Don't miss - Lake Matheson at Fox Glacier - Salmon farm at Lake Paringa - Knights Point Viewpoint - the beach at Ships Creek - Thunder Creek Falls - The Gates of Haast - Blue Pools at Makarora - Lake Hawea viewpoint.
  • Overnight in Wanaka
     
Lake Wanaka
Depart Lake Wanaka to Queenstown - 1 hour, 67 km
  • Drive over New Zealand's highest public highway, the Crown Range Road
  • Don't miss - a beer or coffee at Cardrona Hotel – the view from the top of the Crown Range Road – a bungy jump – a wine tasting at Amisfield - a trip up the Skyline Gondola - a ride in a jet – a trip on the steamship TSS Earnslaw
  • Overnight in Queenstown
     
Depart Queenstown to Milford Sound - 5 hours, 394 km
  • Don't miss - the Kingston Flyer - a coffee at Five Rivers Café – tussock country coming into Te Anau - Homer Tunnel - the Chasm - Mitre Peak.
  • Overnight in Milford Sound on a boat – an experience not to be missed!
     
Depart Milford Sound to Invercargill - 3.45 hours, 278 km
  • Don't miss – Manapouri – Tuatapere’s famous sausages – stunning beaches – Colac Bay – Riverton for a coffee and something to eat.
  • Watch the big match!
  • Overnight at Invercargill
     

 

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