Te Anau to Queenstown - don't miss
Trip Start
Oct 20, 2003
1
25
29
Trip End
Ongoing
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Te Anau,
New Zealand
Friday, July 27, 2007
You are about to undertake one of the most exciting and dramatic drives in New Zealand.
There are so many sights you will want to constantly stop and take photos of. Remember
there are a lot of tourist buses coming and going so pay strict attention on the narrow
roads. Homer Tunnel is now lighted so it isn't as daunting as it once was but you will still
feel rather close to passing vehicles during the drive through. What a scene when you get
through. Be sure to stop and look back and try to capture a photo of the next winding bit
of road below you going on to Milford.
You have to take a boat ride out into the Sounds. It is then you really get the true
perspective of the area in size and dimension. When you get outside the Sounds in the
ocean and look back you have to admire Capt Cook in his sailing ship and wonder how he
was able to find the entrance and then have the audacity to go in.
The town of Te Anau provides some fine pubs and restaurants and shopping. A walk
along the lake makes for time well spent. Several possibilities are available for boating or
even seaplane flights.
Queenstown -
From Te Anau take Route 94 to Lumsden (77kms) and turn north on Route 6 toward
Queenstown. Stop at Fairlight(61kms) and Kingston(18kms more) to have a look or
perhaps a ride on the Kingston Flyer train. The town of Kingston is where they keep the
train at the end of the road. Recommended holiday park in the area to stay is the Kingston
Holidao Park at www.holidayparks.co.nz/kingston. A good place to stop before tackling
the road around the lake abd the activity of Queenstown.
From Kingston to Queenstown it is a beautiful ride along the lake. Lots of pull off areas
along the way. Be ready for a twisting and turning road in the mountains. Fabulous scenic
drive!
Going toward town on Route 6 from the south you cross the Kawarau River on a one-way
bridge. On the right at the top of the hill there is a turn-off toward the airport and the large
shopping centre. This is the easiest place to go for what you may need when driving a
camper or bus. Queenstown is not camper van/bus friendly in street sizes and/or parking.
When getting in to downtown Queenstown you will be on Frankton Road (6A) from the
circle on Route Six at Frankton. Close into town turn right on Stanley Street and on the
right you will see a parking lot. Go past to the circle and turn right on Ballarat Street for
access on the right. We very seldom ever cannot find space there except in the heart of the
season. Three hours for two dollars and easy walking all over the Queenstown downtown
area. Other than that go on through town on the road to Glenorchy and try to find a park.
Don't miss the drive along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy.(45kms) It is a must! A visit to
Moke Lake on the right along the way if you got the time. It is one of the most beautiful
DoC camps in the country.
Queenstown is considered by many the ultimate in destinations. If adventure is your
desire there is no question. Jetboating, paragliding, and the home of bungy jumping is just
the beginning plus what a place to fulfill your retail needs and no question about the
fabulous restaurants and cafes. A bustling and busy place by New Zealand small town
standards with the bars and nightclubs going full tilt in the evening hours after the
adrenaline junkies finish assault on their adventure pleasures. Lots of great walks and the
lake is ideal for boating and water sports.
Be sure to go out to Glenorchy. What a spectacular drive! One of our most enjoyable as
we tour the country plus several places to stay for campers. We try to go out to the DOC
camp at Moko Lake. The turnoff is on the right a short time after leaving Queenstown on
the Glenorchy road. Several kilometres from the main road on a picturesque isolated lake
perfect for swimming, fishing and kayaking. Usually plenty of room to park overnight.
There are also plenty of activities for families also. A ride up the gondola and perhaps a
luge ride , take a farm visit across the lake on the Earnslaw, ride in a monster truck,
go-karts, 10pin bowling and more. A great holiday spot for anyone.
