New Zealand Tour. 19th September 2011, Dunedin to Wanaka.

For the third time in 2 weeks we hit Highway 8, heading first to Balclutha, driving South on part of The Southern Scenic Route out of Dunedin. This took us from Dunedin City through the sleepy seaside towns of Ocean View, Brighton and Taieri Mouth where we rejoined Highway 1. Then we continued on what was becoming a familiar route for us, up through Lawrence, Roxburgh and Alexandra. At the town of Cromwell, named after Oliver Cromwell and located on the shore of Lake Dunstan.There is a display of a giant fruit salad, an Apple, Peach and Nectarine (I think), please enlighten me as to why they are there? We turned left towards the town of Wanaka. Passing the Puzzling World attraction, with its giant 3-D Maze and The New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum and its display of war aircraft on the way.
Once again we were surrounded by spectacular Alpine scenery, and although quieter and more laid back than Queenstown, the town was busy, full of skiers and snowboarders relaxing in the late afternoon sun. Wanaka is close to the Cardrona ski fields. The Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers, there is cross country skiing at Snow Farm as well, if it’s your thing. Wanaka was beautiful, with its crystal clear lake and snow-capped mountains, my camera was on overtime and the photos don’t do the place justice. The atmosphere is almost beach like and in the summer the lakefront beaches are busy with people swimming and relaxing. It was cold but sunny today, ideal for walking, so that’s what we did.
We checked in at Aspiring Campervan Park, this was a 5 minute drive from the main town of Wanaka, it had grassy sites and a good view of the lake. This was a really good campsite, with under floor heating in the bathrooms. A spa and sauna. The large log burner in the lounge / kitchen facility made it very homely. It also had free Wi-Fi, always a bonus.

Wanaka is a lovely, laid back, relaxing place and I would like to visit again in the summer and get to know it properly.

Comments

  1. Lake Wanaka is a beautiful place to visit, I'm planning a Luxury New Zealand holiday for next winter as it's a great winter sports destination.

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  2. Your comment is very interesting? as throughout my 8 week tour of New Zealand the term 'luxury' did not really apply! I found all the accommodation, be it Motels, Hotels or camp sites offered very clean, very comfortable accommodation, that was of a Moderate quality. For example, Motel rooms would sleep 4 to 6 with a small kitchen area, bathroom with just a shower...not a bath, with rather dated, almost 70s style decor. All the places I stayed in were good value for money not basic backpacker low budget, nor top of the range Luxury as Europeans would define it. I stayed in 3 private rental homes: in Queenstown, Lake Tarpo and then Makatana and found the standard of these to be far better than the Hotels and Motels used at other times. I would suggest reader check through Trip Advisor ect, any accommodation you recommend.

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  3. New Zealand Tour very papural visit place in the world

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