Lake Wanaka - World's First Lifestyle Reserve

Christchurch to Wanaka or Queentown Self Drive

Route Overview – via Lindis Pass including Mt Cook From the South Island's largest city Christchurch to Lake Wanaka at the foot of the Southern Alps this route must rank as one of the most picturesque road trips in New Zealand. You will travel across the flat fertile Canterbury plains, through the arid dry MacKenzie Basin, past Mt Cook the highest mountain in New Zealand to your final destination in Wanaka. Spend time exploring this hidden gem of a town before heading over to Queenstown.

Mt Cook Aoraki 23, September 2011

Map Christchurch to Wanaka 22, September 2011

K. Christchurch to Geraldine - see times and km below:

• Christchurch to Geraldine (Via Darfield ( K-N) on the Inland Scenic Route) 120 minutes - 142km
• Christchurch to Geraldine (via Rakaia and Ashburton (K-N) on SH1) 95 minutes - 138km
• Leaving Christchurch, the garden city, you’ll cross the patchwork quilt of the Canterbury plains, back-dropped by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.
• Methven is the gateway town to Mt Hutt, the South Island’s biggest skifield.
• Cross the Rakaia Gorge on the Rakaia Bridge, the longest bridge in NZ at 1757 metres long.
• Stop for some famous Barker’s jam or chutney in Geraldine.
• Four Peaks Plaza, Geraldine - Explore the cafés, bakery, specialty cheeses and specialty
• gift shops.

N. Geraldine to Fairlie - 40 minutes, 46km:

• Fairlie is a small country town with a unique, vibrant community surrounded by stunning rural and mountain vistas.
• Whisk and Page Café, Fairlie - Enjoy the communal feel of sitting at the large table or browse the books.

C. Fairlie to Lake Tekapo - 35 minutes, 42km:

• Pass through rolling green hills and rich pastures until you reach Lake Tekapo, NZ’s highest altitude lake at 710 metres above sea level and NZ’s highest alpine village.
• Take a picture of the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo.
• Mackenzie Country is home to the Waitaki hydroelectric dam scheme, with Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo holding over 50% of NZ’s hydroelectric storage.
• The clear air and clarity of the night skies above Lake Tekapo make it a NZ night sky reserve. Walk up to the Mt John Observatory and research centre to stargaze or just enjoy the view.
• Run 77 Café and Delicatessen, Lake Tekapo - Offers a range of organic and fair trade produce.

D. Lake Tekapo to Twizel - 50 minutes, 58km:

• Explore the vast golden tundra and glacial blue lakes of Mackenzie Country.
• Admire the majesty of Aoraki Mt Cook, NZ’s highest mountain at 3754 metres.
• Twizel Bakery Café, Twizel - Offers free Wi-fi with every purchase.
• The first view of Aoraki Mt Cook across Lake Pukaki is breathtaking.

G. Twizel to Mt Cook (F) return - 120 minutes, 126 km:

• Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre in Mountain Cook Village to learn about NZ’s mountaineering history and pioneering spirit.
• See gigantic icebergs sheared off the Tasman Glacier floating on Lake Tasman.
• Sir Edmund Hillary Café & Bar, Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook Village - Soak up the view of Aoraki Mt Cook.

G. Twizel to Omarama 25 minutes, 27km:

• Take a detour on the Hydro Canal Road and stop for some fresh salmon at one of the salmon farms along the way.
• Pass through high country merino sheep stations, the backbone of the South Island.
• The unique wave air systems and thermals above Omarama are the reason the town is the glider capital of New Zealand.
• The Wrinkly Ram, Omarama - Watch the sheep shearing then dine on wholesome food served by friendly locals.

H. Omarama to Tarras - 58 minutes, 80km

• Drive by wildflowers blooming on the roadside as you cross the tussock covered saddle of the Lindis Pass.
• Tarras Country Coffee Shop, Tarras - Traditional country tearooms.
• Stop to buy merino products or have a coffee in the tiny village of Tarras.

I. Tarras - Wanaka (J) 30 minutes, 35km:

• Driving from Tarras to Wanaka you’ll cross the famous Clutha River, NZ’s largest river by volume.
• Follow the mighty Clutha River, NZ’s largest river by volume, to its source, Lake Wanaka – the gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park.

Quicklinks for Lake Wanaka

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