Lake Wanaka - World's First Lifestyle Reserve

The drive from Wanaka to Haast Pass is one of contrast, from arid dry terrain through to rain forest. Head out of Wanaka past Mt Iron and across the mighty Clutha River at Albert Town, the original site of Wanaka (previously named Pembroke) and site of the of the old punt across the Clutha River. Continue on across the river terraces, alongside Lake Hawea, and through “the Neck”, a low saddle between Lakes Hawea and Wanaka - note the 65m difference in lake height! As your journey ventures closer to the Haast Pass, look across Lake Wanaka at pockets of beech forest, alpine mountains and permanent glaciers in the Mt Aspiring National Park. Makarora sits right on the edge of the park and the crystal clear Makarora River. There are numerous accessible walks and lookouts easily accessed from the roadside between Makarora and the Haast Pass. Return to Wanaka at your leisure.

Map Wanaka to Haast 22, September 2011

 A. Wanaka to Albert Town - 7 minutes,  6 km:

• Grab a coffe at one of the many cafes in Wanaka before setting off for the day Lake Wanaka is the 4th largest lake in NZ
• The Lake Wanaka outflow protected from modification under government legislation passed in 1973
• Clutha River is the largest river in NZ by volume
• Lake Wanaka has over 750 km of tracks and trails to enjoy the region on foot or bike
• The bottom of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea are up to 50m below sea level 

 B. Albert Town to Lake Hawea - 8 minutes, 10 km:

• Try to spot a trout in the clear waters of the Clutha River (NZ’s largest river by volume) in NZ. The famous Deans Bank fishing spot is just up the river

C. Lake Hawea to Makarora - 33 minutes, 43 km:

• Stop off at Lake Hawea for a top up at Sailz
• Pull into Lake Hawea Holiday Park for break down by lake
• Numerous photo opportunities – including the lookout, the neck (the narrow isthmus between Lakes Wanaka and Hawea – note the height difference of 65m)

D. Makarora to Haast Pass - 16 minutes, 24 km:

• Call by the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre in Makarora for information on the park.
• In Makarora there are two cafes to choose from: Makarora Country Cafe and Makarora Tourist Centre. These are the last chance you'll have to grab some caffeine and food before you start walking.
• Enjoy the beautiful 15 minute Nature Walk located nearby.
• Ten minutes up the road past Makarora is the Blue Pools walk through beech forest to beautiful crystal clear pools
• Stop at Cameron Flat campsite for great elevated views of valley and a nearby walk to the lookout
• At the Haast Pass, walk for 20 minutes to the lookout to enjoy big mountain views and beech forest
• From “the Neck” to Haast Pass note the marked change in terrain and vegetation – from arid and dry to rain forest.