Queenstown & Wanaka β
adventure with a serious backdrop
Queenstown brought a completely different energy to our New Zealand trip: Lake Wakatipu, mountains in every direction and adventure activities everywhere you look. Nearby Wanaka gave us more of that extraordinary South Island scenery at a gentler pace.
Queenstown β adventure everywhere
Queenstown is often billed as New Zealand's adventure capital, and it certainly felt that way to us. Bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, mountain biking and hiking all sit against the backdrop of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Even if you are not throwing yourself off anything, the setting alone makes Queenstown worth the stop. The lakefront, mountain views and sheer energy of the place give it a completely different feel from anywhere else on our New Zealand route.
Wanaka β a change of pace
Wanaka gave us similarly beautiful lake-and-mountain scenery with a more relaxed feel. It is an easy place to slow things down after Queenstown's energy and simply enjoy the South Island landscape.
The Crown Range Road
The road between Queenstown and Wanaka via the Crown Range is an experience in itself, with huge views across the mountains and valleys.
Take another drive around Queenstown
Want another look at Queenstown before you go? Drive From Home lets you virtually explore the city and get a feel for the destination from your screen.
Ready to explore Queenstown?
Queenstown was one of the high-energy stops on our New Zealand journey β and an ideal base for exploring some of the South Island's most spectacular scenery.
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