With the reopening of domestic travel at Level 2, many of us will now be thinking about our next New Zealand travel adventure. For anyone who has never been to the South Island, this is a great time to plan a trip (and support the local economy of regions that are heavily reliant on tourism). First on our South Island list is Wanaka. A picturesque town an hour from Queenstown, Wanaka is surrounded by some of the best sight-seeing and hikes in the country. Today we’re giving you the run down on what to do during a week in Wanaka.
Mt Aspiring Road
Mt Aspiring Rd is one of the best touring routes in the South Island, with exceptional scenery, especially once there’s snow on the mountains. Keep a watch out for Glendhu Bay, rock climbing before the Diamond Lake car park, and the two waterfalls coming off the side of Treble Cone. You can freedom camp at the end of the road or hike into the park.
To get to Mt Aspiring Rd, simply take the main road out of Wanaka around the west side of the lake, heading towards Treble Cone. The road is sealed until the Treble Cone access road, and then becomes a metal road until Mt Aspiring National Park. Take care – while any car should do the job, the road is narrow in places with several shallow fords to cross.
Mt Aspiring Track
This track starts at the end of Mt Aspiring Rd and it takes about two hours to reach the Aspiring Hut, where you can stay overnight – just book in advance. The walk is moderately easy (and can also be cycled) and takes you past views of alpine meadows, a glacier, waterfalls and the Matukituki River. You can also extend the walk into a more challenging mountain tramp by venturing either up the side of Mt Aspiring itself or over the Cascade Saddle.
Minaret Burn Track
The Minaret Track takes you around the west side of Lake Wanaka, crossing through native forest and streams and winding past the edge of the lake. It’s also less popular than most of the other Wanaka hikes, so a great choice if you want to escape the crowds.
Start at Homestead Bay where there is a small DOC camping ground. From there it takes about two and a half hours to get to Colquhouns Beach, or you can continue on to Minaret Burn, making the track 45km return. This track is also rated level 5 for mountain bikers.
Treble Cone
Here at Trip Ideas, it’s our (very) biased opinion that Treble Cone is the best ski field in the country. Even if you aren’t into snow sports, the view and keas that hang out at the cafe make it a worthwhile trip, and you can buy a single ride up the chair lift to see the sights from the top.
Mt Roy and Isthmus Peak
Best day hike near Wanaka, you ask? It’s a real competition between Mt Roy and Isthmus Peak. Incredible to believe now, but hardly anyone bothered with either hike until people started posting their photos on Instagram. Personally, Isthmus Peak is my preference – there are lakes on either side and it’s generally less crowded.
Mt Roy is impossible to miss – you’ll see the large car park as you leave Wanaka on Mt Aspiring Rd. The Isthmus Track, on the other hand, is one to keep your eyes open for – it’s on the west side of the Hawea to Haast highway before you get to the start of the Hawea-Wanaka isthmus.
Thanks to onsenvadrouiller for the awesome Isthmus Peak photos and owhatwetravel for Mt Roy!