Wanaka

To the south is the historic Cardrona Valley, a preferred scenic alpine route to neighbouring Queenstown. Several operators supply guided cruises out to the islands on lake wanaka. Both Mou Waho and Stevenson’s island provide wildlife sanctuaries for birds. Mou Waho is a bigger island with a small lake which you’ll stroll as much as. Lake Wanaka itself is the third largest lake in New Zealand and has a maximum depth of over a 1000ft. There are seashores close by town which provide swimming and crusing or windsurfing, in addition to idyllic and virtually deserted beaches 5-10min drive from the township.

It took me 2.5 hours to get to the highest on a switchback three wheel drive observe which is fairly straightforward to stroll though it might possibly get a bit boring – I’ll add I was waaaaay out of shape once I did this and stopped a ton. I had the walk to myself and frolicked at the top for an hour or so within the sun before I was joined by a Canadian traveler and we walked out collectively. The downhill killed my knees – luckily he shared certainly one of his strolling poles with me for the final 30 minutes. It’s a predator-free island which means there are lots of cool New Zealand birds on the market you get to see.

Not to say the walk to the highest of the island provides you gorgeous views of the lake that’s on the island, as properly as the encircling mountains round Wanaka. It’s one of those very distant places the place you are feeling like you’ve discovered a brand new place. The Isthmus Peak Track is a 16km out-and-back hike to the summit of Isthmus Peak , where you get great views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.

This means that somewhat than displaying present data it shows the beach’s common water quality for that 12 months. Alternatively, as we did on one journey, you could drive up the centre of the island to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, both about 2.5 hours away. Beyond is Christchurch, a minimal of a 5-hour drive and the nearest main worldwide airport. Most folks visit Wanaka from Queenstown, which is a one-hour drive away and has the closest airport. It’s trendy and clean with a spacious open plan dwelling space and kitchen with sliding doors that open onto the garden. The house was comfortable and well-equipped and the host was friendly and useful.

In addition to ongoing sheep farming, the lake is now a preferred resort, and is way used in the summer for fishing, boating and swimming. The close by mountains and fast-flowing rivers allow for adventure tourism year-round, with jetboating and skiing amenities situated nearby. Check out the main points and undoubtedly plan your next vacation to New Zealand to enjoy an unique vacation. See the highlights of New Zealand’s scenic South Island on this 3-day semi-independent tour, round-trip from Christchurch. Listen to informative onboard commentary and enjoy two nights’ lodging as you explore the sights independently.