Queenstown's quieter neighbour: a lake town under big mountains, reached over the country's highest main road, with a lone willow standing in the water.
The road to Wanaka climbs out of the Wakatipu basin in tight switchbacks over the Crown Range, at 1,076 metres the highest sealed main road in New Zealand, with a huge view back over Queenstown from the top.
On the far side it drops through the Cardrona valley past the Cardrona Hotel, a pub from the gold-rush days, and down to Lake Wanaka.
The town is smaller and slower than Queenstown, strung along the lakeshore. Just offshore stands That Wanaka Tree, a willow growing out of the water, probably the most photographed tree in the country.
Wanaka is also the base for Roys Peak, the vineyards on the lakeshore, and the valleys of Mount Aspiring National Park beyond.
Or stay the night and catch the tree at dawn.
Pull in at the lookout on the zigzags for the view over the Wakatipu basin.
Stop for coffee at the historic Cardrona Hotel and its famous old frontage.
Walk along the lakefront to the willow. Dawn, with still water and pink light, is the classic time.
Taste wine at one of the vineyards above the lake, with mountains across the water.
Return via the Kawarau gorge and Gibbston for a loop, with a stop at a cellar door.
Drive the Crown Range Road, about an hour, or take a shuttle bus. The longer route via Cromwell avoids the pass in bad weather.
The Crown Range is steep and winding; in winter it can be icy and chains may be required. Check before you go.
Roys Peak is a long, steep climb; start early and carry water. It has its own page below.
Queenstown practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
