Day 1: Aoraki/Mt Cook to Wanaka
Our bus didn’t leave until 2:30 PM so we had some time in the area after we checked out and dropped our bags at the office. We didn’t feel like a short hike so we went to The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center. After checking out the exhibits we got caught up in a mini-series about Hillary that was running on the TV so we sat down to watch it. The price of admission is high for what there is, but we enjoyed ourselves.
The mountains chose not to hide behind clouds as we drove out of the area.
Our drive to Wanaka took us near several lakes, all of which are interconnected in a hydroelectric scheme. The scenery along this stretch was more brown than green. Our bus was headed to Queenstown. They dropped us off at a rest stop where a taxi van was waiting to pick up those of us heading for Wanaka. (The bus was running later, our driver assured us the shuttle would wait.)
We got to Wanaka with enough time to walk into town for breakfast and booze before heading back out for our dinner reservation.
Day 2: Wanaka Lakeshore Walk
We did a relaxing walk along the lakeshore — officially the Waterfall Creek Track, though I don’t think we ever saw a sign — to That Wanaka Tree and beyond. That Wanaka Tree is a local landmark; the tree grows out of the lake.
It was a steep downhill into town from our hotel. We took the steeper more direct route down, and a less direct but more gentle climb going back up. It was difficult enough climbing hills after dinner. Even a disappointing dinner.
Day 3: Jet Boat Ride and Wilderness Walk
With all the water around we thought we should get out on the water, so we did a jet boat ride and wilderness walk. The boat ride was fun — we’d never been on a jet boat — and we got to see more scenery.
We had burgers and beer at Speights. It was nice sitting outside in the sun. We also got a nice view of a half moon.
Day 4: Mount Iron Track
Today we did the Mount Iron Track, a good workout with nice views right outside Wanaka. (We walked there.)
We had our last New Zealand pizza for dinner at Bambina.
Day 5: Wanaka to Queenstown
Our weather luck ran out today. It rained much of the day so after checking out, we walked downtown and wandered in and out of shops dodging raindrops. Our kind host volunteered to drive us down to the bus stop with our bags.
We didn’t have the best weather for viewing but we did go through a gorgeous (pun intended) pass on the way to Queenstown.
Essentials
Lodging
Our studio at the Archway Motel and Chalets was comfortable and the location just outside town was great. Well, except for a steep walk down to town! We enjoyed having a dedicated outdoor space and our host was friendly and helpful, even offered us a lift into town with our bags because it was raining. We had a studio lite at Quest Queenstown near the airport, since we were only there overnight before flying out the next morning. I wouldn’t stay there if you actually wanted to experience Queenstown.
Dining
We had reservations our first night at Francesca. I would recommend reservations; we saw many people turned away. We had interesting lamb pasta and pizza. A little more upscale than our usual. We went to WanaFusion for a disappointing birthday dinner. The service was terrible. We waited hours (literally) for a dish we saw neighbors who arrived after us get served. And when the bang bang chicken finally arrived it had not much bang or heat. The dumplings and pork fried rice with pineapple were better and timely. We also tried burgers and beer at Speights and had excellent prosciutto and rocket and pepperoni pizzas at Bambina. In Queenstown we had fish and chips at The Shelter Bar & Kitchen. There was actually a bit of a neighborhood out by the airport.
Transportation
We took the bus into Wanaka and then onto Queenstown. Both were actually part of day tours; we were able to find and book through InterCity buses. If you’re headed to the airport like we were you can get off at the Frankton Bus Interchange near the airport. We were able to walk everywhere in Wanaka and near the Queenstown airport. We even walked to the airport.