NZ Winter Adventure – Part Six: Wanaka to Queenstown

On my final day in the South Island I drove from Wanaka to Queenstown, did some sightseeing and jumped on a plane to Auckland.

My day began at midnight where I stayed up until the clocked rolled over so I could change my flexi-time airfare to a later time in the day allowing me to see more during the day.

Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Hotel

I chose to drive from Wanaka to Queenstown via Cromwell as the previous day I had done the faster Crown Range route (via Cardrona). Along the route I stopped at Lake Dunstan to take in the amazing scenery.

Lake Dunstan
Lake Dunstan
Lake Dunstan
Lake Dunstan

I then continued through the Kawarau Gorge and stopped again at Arrowtown.

Arrowtown
Arrowtown
Arrowtown
Arrowtown

When I got to Queenstown it was very busy and it took quite a while to find a carpark. After walking around the town for a little bit I decided it was pretty boring and had enjoyed staying the few days in Wanaka which is much more authentic small town New Zealand.

Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu

In the early afternoon it was time to head to the airport for my flight to Auckland.

Old and New Air NZ Planes
Old and New Air NZ Planes

I was fortunate that my entire trip had great weather and the departure from Queenstown was no exception, the view was spectacular and reminded me of flying over parts of Europe.

Southern Alps from Above
Southern Alps from Above