It’s by the Haast Pass Road that we will reach the Otago region from the West Coast with for first objective visiting the city of Wanaka. However, before arriving in town we will stop twice on the pass to enjoy two beautiful places.

Haast pass

A small climb of 30 minutes that allows to reach a point of view on both sides of the pass but will welcome us, unfortunately, under the clouds. We did, however, have a brief overview of the spectacle that it’s possible to contemplate there, during few minutes before the rain drives us away. Cool to stretch your legs but nothing inescapable.

Blue Pools

Another spot which is, this time, unmissable, is the stop on a new beauty of the nature. A walk of about thirty minutes leading to suspended bridges above natural pools of pure blue iced and limpid water.

A magnificent view where some people don’t hesitate to dive so much  the decor is dazzling.

However, a scourge is rampant there, one you can’t escape on the South Island, sand flies are very present. Also don’t stop there without a repellent bomb on you. Apart from this detail don’t miss this spectacle.

Wanaka

After crossing the pass and driving along the Hawea Lake we finally reach the small town of Wanaka and its lake. Let’s be honest, if we had to choose between Queenstown or Wanaka, there would be, so to speak, no question about it. Indeed, the discovery of Wanaka and its surroundings was a real crush. Much smaller, then so much less busy than Queenstown, the environment is a bit less spectacular but just as pleasant.

Roys peak

Certainly the most famous hike of Wanaka, the ascent of Roys Peak is however not easy. Not content to be stiff enough, especially on the last part leading to the antenna, it’s also a walk of approximately 6 hours in an almost non evolutive landscape, which may discourage some. Nevertheless, the point of view at the summit is well worth the effort, and by summit we talk about  the antenna of the peak, not the “tourists” lookout a little lower.

No regrets for this one, the sight is a reward at the height of the ascent.

The lonely tree

After a great hiking day on the Roys Peak, it was with undisguised comfort that we enjoyed a refreshing swim in Wanaka Lake. As a result, we also went to meet the city’s iconic tree.

A rather curious tree as it grows in the lake at the edge of the bank on a small elevation, it seems to be placed directly on the water which makes all his charm and singularity.

 Rob Roy Glacier

Our unexpected and welcome discovery was the hike to Rob Roy Glacier. It takes not less than 25 km of gravel road and 9 dreaded fords to get to the start of the hike, a journey that took us a good hour and a half but nothing that our little van can’t triumphed about. From there a path goes into the woods along a gorge with turquoise water to climb up to two viewpoints on the glacier.

The highest point of view lengthens the ride of 30 minutes but it worth it.

We discover there cliffs covered with few waterfalls and a breathtaking view of the glacier front.

It’s finally this glacier that we will have preferred to those from the west coast, much more calm and impressive. A real nice surprise.

Arrowtown

We have chosen to join Queenstown by the charming Cardrona Road, which runs between the mountains along a flowery stream, and reveals a point of view quite remarkable. This didn’t prevent us from taking a detour to contemplate the Roaring Meg falls a turquoise blue water through the gray stones gorges.
We also took the time of a walk in Arrowtown to go back in the past and discover the living conditions of the Chinese miners who came to the gold quest in the 1800s.

Queenstown

We are finally and probably in the most famous city of New Zealand, so the place is also the busiest we have seen so far, excluding big cities like Auckland and Wellington. Of course we went there in the Christmas period and therefore, inevitably, at the height of the tourist season.

Remarkables

We will begin by gaining height by taking the ascension of the mountains overlooking the city, and more specifically by hiking on the remarkables resort ski slopes. We will also go off-piste to reach one of the peaks without real trail, between screes and precipices.

A little thrill and adventure to reach the radio facilities and discover a magnificent view on Queenstown and its lake.

It’s also from here that we became aware of the immense expansion of the city and all the future constructions. The discovery of Alta Lake on the way, and the point of view  from the peak top are, also, beautiful finds.

City-center

Let’s talk about the city itself, besides the industrial area and the booming residential areas, the small town center on the lake edges is really super nice. Almost all the center is for pedestrian use which allows you to enjoy the place with serenity.
A perfect excuse for a shopping break and / or gourmet, discovering the city from the inside to finish on the shores of the lake or push to the botanical garden. A nice little change.

Hill Time walkway

If there was only one walk to recommend on Queenstown, we would probably recommend this one. Less demanding than other nearby hikes and easily accessible, the trail leads to the top of Queenstown Hill to get a view of the lake, the city and the Remarkables.

A nice view to discover for less effort and walking time.

Bob’s cove

Another walk that this time puts the lake in the spotlight, easy and short it just need to take the loop leading to the top of a peninsula to enjoy a nice view of the lake and the bay. A nice little stop but without much interest.

Glenorchy

The road from Queenstown to Glenorchy is a little gem, bordering the lake and sinking into the mountains there is something to take your breath off. You can find a multitude of small stops to picnic or sleep quietly along the way, enough to escape the frivolities of Queenstown. Glenorchy itself is a very quiet place to see, so to speak, almost dead, there are two small walks and the departure for the trails leading to much longer hikes on mountains, lakes, glaciers and rivers. Although the environment is superb, we were not really conquered.

In conclusion, this part of the Otago region is a must of New Zealand’s South Island. The environment is really special, the atmosphere worthy of the best summer holidays, and  activities are numerous and varied. We have fully enjoyed some of the different hikes that the place hosts and hope to be still amazed by our next stop, the Fiordland National Park.