TRIP 1 LOWER SOUTH ISLAND Coronet Peak chair lift © Coronet Peak
TRIP 1
On the road to
162 | M U S T D O ’ S • L O W E R S OUTH IS LA N D
Wanaka
Queenstown to Arrowtown via Crown Range 22min, 20.2km Queenstown to Kawarau Gorge via SH 6 44min, 53.5km Cromwell to Wanaka via SH 6 40min, 53.5km
SIDE TRIP
B
ase yourself in Queenstown, where you can embark on several exciting trips. The first one, to Arrowtown and Wanaka, has two options. The route via the Crown Range which lies to the east of the Wakatipu Basin follows a technical alpine road with glorious views. Take full advantage of the dedicated lookout points. This is the shorter of the two routes to Wanaka and is impressive with the range’s rugged and romantic landscape, plus you pass one of New Zealand’s most iconic hotels – Cardrona Hotel with its famous vintage Chrysler sitting out front and a gorgeous beer garden in the back. Longer but less challenging is the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell route, attractive for other reasons. The celebrated hallmarks of this highway include wineries, gold-mining sites and a bungy jumping bridge. You can also check out charming Cromwell on this route.
Wanaka to Lake Hāwea via SH84, SH6 & Capel Ave 17min, 17.1km
