Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 19-Drive to Wanaka-4/29/2024

Today we are leaving Mount Cook and we drove further south to Wanaka.  The drive is about 2 hours and a half.   We followed State Highway 80 and drove on Mount Cook Road which is quite scenic.

We stopped at Peter’s Lookout, a well-known viewpoint perched above the western shore of Lake Pukaki. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we were greeted with one of the most iconic views in New Zealand.

The view of Lake Pukaki opened up beside us, and it was absolutely mesmerizing.

The lake stretched out in vivid shades of turquoise, its color so intense it almost didn’t look real. Framed by grass covered hills and the snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps.

 The water gets its stunning blue hue from finely ground rock particles, or "glacial flour," carried down from the glaciers in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

The road hugged the shoreline, offering incredible views of the lake and the mountains behind us.

Spread out before us was the brilliant, milky-blue water of Lake Pukaki, stretching all the way toward the distant snow-covered peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The sky was wide and clear, and the Southern Alps stood proudly in the background.

As we continued our drive along the Twizel–Omarama Road, the landscape opened up into wide, open fields stretching in every direction. We passed by herds of cows and sheep peacefully grazing under the big sky, scattered across the rolling farmland. In the distance, green hills and low mountains framed the scene, their slopes covered in soft grass that seemed to glow in the afternoon light.

In the distance, green hills and low mountains framed the scene. The contrast between the open plains and the rising terrain made for a beautiful, pastoral view, quiet, calm, and quintessentially New Zealand.

Around 11:30 a.m., we reached the overpass in Twizel–Omarama stretch, where the road curved, and in front of us green mountains with jagged peaks.

We passed through the Huxley Range, which lies about 25 miles northwest of Twizel. Mount Huxley is a distinctive, steep mountain rising over 8,202 ft. and known for its dramatic north face.

Driving along the Omarama–Lindis Pass Road, we found ourselves surrounded by mountains on all sides.  The slopes rose steeply from the roadside, their shapes softened by grassy ridges and streaks of exposed rocks on the left.

The landscape felt vast and untouched, with the winding road drawing us deeper into the high country.

As we reached the Cromwell area, the landscape took on the full colors of autumn.

We drove by tall trees that are starting to change colors during autumn.

The rocky mountains around us stood in rugged contrast to the warm tones below with bushes, and tall grasses glowing in shades of gold and red.

Leaving Cromwell toward Tarras, the scenery softened into green, low hills surrounded by taller mountain ranges in the distance.

 In the open fields, animals grazed peacefully. Sheep dotted across the slopes and cattle resting in the grassy paddocks.

The gentle curves of the hills, framed by the protective ring of mountains, created a calm, pastoral scene. It was a quiet beauty, the kind that makes you slow down and appreciate the simple charm of the countryside.

On the road, we passed by green pastures neatly lined with rows of pine trees, their dark needles standing out against the bright grass. In the distance, green mountains rose gently, their slopes covered in a mix of forest and open meadow.

 On State Highway 8A, as we turned onto the Luggate–Tarras Road, the autumn light washed the landscape in a soft golden glow. Ahead, pine trees lined parts of the road and beyond them, mountains rose in the distance. The whole scene felt calm and unhurried, a perfect prelude to the final stretch of our journey.

On the Wanaka–Luggate Road, the drive felt peaceful and open. The landscape spread out in front of us, with fields and pockets of trees glowing under the autumn sun.

In the distance, the mountains framed the horizon, guiding us gently toward Wanaka. It was the final, serene leg of a journey filled with stunning views and changing landscapes.

It is so green in this area.

On the final stretch toward Wanaka, we crossed the Red Bridge, its steel frame standing out against the autumn landscape.

Beneath the bridge, the eep blue Clutha River flowed steadily.

Driving along the Wanaka–Luggate Highway, the landscape opened up to reveal snow-capped mountains rising in the distance.  We definitely know it is autumn as the leaves are bright red.

We are now very close to Wanaka.

The last 5 minutes before we reached Wanaka.

We are now in Wanaka and we checked in the Clearbrook Motel located just a block away from the main street of Wanaka.  The motel has 14 serviced apartments that are quite large and very comfortable.

Our room was located on the ground level and all rooms have private balcony and a courtyard with stunning mountain views.

A stream running through the courtyard.  There are tables and chairs on the lawn for people to enjoy the outdoor.

I love watching the stream and I also really enjoyed the sound of the flowing water.

NEXT... Lunch and Downtown Wanaka