NZ South Island - Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound

[kpc]

About to book another trip to Zqn (my 4th trip there) late Feb next year will check Rob Roy Glacier out!

 

[Julesmac]

Beautiful photos! I've been twice and loved it, have friends parents who live in Wanaka so interesting to see those pics. I have been astonished at the number of Aussies who have never visited NZ - and it's closer than Perth! Lovely scenery, good food and wine, and the Kiwis themselves are warm and hospitable.

 

[ALH]

Great TR. I go twice a year. One of my favourite places on earth. Christchurch still has a lot to offer despite the devastation. Usually fly into CHC, and work our way South over a few days and fly home from ZQN or often via AKL for a couple of days. I also cannot believe how many Aussies have not visited NZ

 

[PaulST]

Awesome pictures and a great report of that part of the world. We were there late last year. The big question... did you eat at Fergberger??

haha I went there but gave up after seeing the queues. Maybe next time!

 

[coriander]

Agreed - awesome pictures. I was there is 1978 when Morris Minors ruled the roads !

Good excuse to link one of my very favourite youtube videos: "This is why we fly" - https://youtu.be/7mxmFCw-Dig

 

[Major]

Fantastic photos. We spent a few days in Wanaka early this year. It's a photographer's dream

 

[SeatBackForward]

It really is a postcard around every corner, sadly the last time I drove from Christchurch to Queenstown, was in darkness thanks to a five hr delay by Jetstar..and coming back from Queenstown the airport was closed for three days due to snow. Took a taxi to Dunedin.

 

[Mattg]

Loving this trip report! Seriously pumped now for my next trip to NZ (tomorrow).

 

[Andyzx]

Great TR, brought back a lot of good memories for an ex k1w1, yes I had a 2 door Morris Minor sports coup

on the way back to Wanaka, I stopped at this beautiful lake (unsure of the name sorry) just north of the town.

the lake was probably Lake Hawea, great fishing for Trout (Mud Fush). I am glad many people go there or intend to helps the economy of a small pacific island nation. Suggest Feb early March are the best times as the weather is generally fine and warmer, unless you are into snow. Milford is better in the rain thousands of waterfalls but i guess the pics are better in the sun.
Strongly recommend the Sth Island (mainland) area from Invercargill (oysters) to Picton (ferry to the other island) and every winery in between, both East and West coasts. Christchurch is rebuilding now so not as bad as it was.
@ Juddles - are you serious - do you know how cold that lake is....:mrgreen:
cheers
Andy

 

[PaulST]

It really is a postcard around every corner, sadly the last time I drove from Christchurch to Queenstown, was in darkness thanks to a five hr delay by Jetstar..and coming back from Queenstown the airport was closed for three days due to snow. Took a taxi to Dunedin.

Exactly, so when you plan your drive, especially if you enjoy photography, double the time you need as you'll be sure to stop quite frequently. That, and the fact that everyone drives at 80km/h in 100 zones.

 

[Sickman]

Visited Wanaka a few years ago with family - my wife wants us to live there one day - awesome place

My partner thought the same thing.
You can join the rest of the flock of semi retired Australians who now call Wanaka their home.
Cannot blame them on doing that, why wouldn't you if you can.
So have purchased a house in Wanaka myself and we will be calling it home ourselves in a years time.

 

[Sickman]

The photo of beautiful lake quoted to be just north of Wanaka looks is a picture of Lake Wanaka on the drive back to Wanaka township (lake probably technically more W-NW of Wanaka). Lake Hawea is another beautiful lake which is north of Wanaka but you have to drive through Wanaka to get to it from Rob Roy.

 

[love_the_life]

Fantastic photos. Last time I was there we were lucky to get out as the weather closed in. Daughter DrLtL did the 5 (?) walk from Queenstown to Milford Sound a couple of years back. When she remembered to take photos they were not nearly as good as yours.

Thanks.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Brought back good memories from 2 years ago. We've stayed in Queenstown a few times and last time did the drive to Milford Sound, staying overnight at a B&B in Te Anau. Apart from the stunning scenery our best memories are of the food (even in Te Anau), so many interesting restaurants! Thanks for the report.

 

[kermatu]

Great pics. I did a very similar trip in January 2013 and was fortunate to have similar weather but perhaps a touch warmer. And I took a helicopter in and out of Milford Sound which was amazing. Keen to explore more of the South Island. I go to Auckland a fair bit but rarely have the chance to see much else on North let alone get to the South.