Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024
Day 22-Drive to Queenstown-5/2/2024
We are leaving Te Ana after breakfast and we are headed to Queenstown. The drive took us about two hours to get to Queenstown.
We are now driving away from Te Anau Lake
Te Anau Lake view as we are driving away.
On the drive from Te Anau to Queenstown, stopping in Mossburn gives you a glimpse of why this area is often called the “deer capital” of New Zealand, but it’s also full of sheep farms stretching across the rolling green hills. Seeing so many sheep clustered behind the electric fences is part of the charm of Fiordland and Southland’s rural scenery.
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The flocks move together almost like waves across the paddocks, their white woolly coats standing out against the lush green grass. It’s a reminder of how central sheep farming has been to New Zealand’s history for much of the 20th century, there were more than 20 sheep for every person in the country.
Pausing to take photos there, with the backdrop of wide open fields and distant mountains, really captures the heart of New Zealand’s landscape: peaceful, pastoral, and beautifully simple.
The flocks seemed endless, scattered across the slopes and valleys, sometimes gathering in clusters, other times spread out like little white specks against the vivid green grass.
As we continued on from Mossburn, the road wound through rolling green hills, each one dotted with countless sheep grazing peacefully.
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This sheep is really curious and he was looking at me very intensely.
Hay bundles wrapped in plastic are very common in New Zealand’s farming regions, and they’re not just hay, but often silage bales. Silage is grass (or sometimes other crops like clover or lucerne) that farmers cut, compress, and wrap in airtight plastic. This method is especially useful in areas like Southland and Otago, where winters can be cold and grass growth slows down significantly.
The wrapping process allows the grass to ferment naturally, preserving it as nutritious feed for livestock, especially sheep and cattle, during the winter months when fresh pasture is scarce. The plastic wrap (usually white, green, or black) keeps out air and moisture, preventing spoilage and locking in nutrients. Farmers jokingly call them “marshmallows” because of how they look scattered across the fields.
Basically, what we are seeing are essentially winter food reserves, a lifeline for the many sheep and cattle that rely on steady feed year-round.
More sheeps along the way...
As we drove along State Highway 6 near Kingston, the golden autumn trees framed the road, while ahead the huge mountain rose sharply. Its peak soared high, but the lower slopes were wrapped in a thick blanket of cloud. The mist at the mountain’s feet gave it a mystical, almost floating appearance.
As we paused by Lake Wakatipu, the scene unfolded like a perfect painting. The water was so still it became a flawless mirror, reflecting the mountains and sky with crystal clarity.
A long string of clouds stretched across the upper slopes, softening the rugged outline, yet the jagged summits still broke free above, standing proud against the sky. The calmness of the lake contrasted with the grandeur of the mountains, creating a moment of pure serenity. Standing there, with the quiet air and the reflections shimmering on the surface, it felt as though time had slowed down just for you to take in the beauty of this landscape.
As the road curved along the edge of the lake, the Cliffside dropped steeply down toward the water. A line of white posts stood as dividers, guiding the way and marking the narrow boundary between the winding highway and the sheer drop below. With the lake glittering far beneath and the mountains towering above, those simple posts seemed like guardians of the road, keeping travelers safe as they followed the dramatic curves carved into the landscape.
Standing at the curve of the road, we are greeted by a breathtaking view of a majestic mountain rising boldly above Lake Wakatipu, its slopes dark and commanding against the soft light. Wisps of cloud drift and dance around its midsection, sometimes clinging to the ridges, sometimes parting to reveal more of its rugged form. Below, the lake lies still and silent, mirroring the drama above with a glass-like surface. T
Lake Wakatipu is huge, it’s the third-largest lake in New Zealand. Length: about 50 miles long, making it the country’s longest lake.
Width: around 3 miles at its widest point, with and Area of about 112 square miles. The Depth is about 1,247 ft., above sea level and it sit at about 1,2030 feet above sea level.
It’s also famous for its unusual “heartbeat” rise and fall, the water level naturally rises and falls about 10 cm every 25 minutes, a phenomenon caused by a seiche (a standing wave).
Queenstown
We are now at the parking lot in Frankton, the gateway into Queenstown. This area is surrounded by Remarkables range (mountain range that rise sharply to create a remarkable backdropo), dominates the skyline, creating a striking backdrop that reminds you that you’re in the heart of New Zealand’s alpine country.
Across the street is the town’s modern shopping and services are located. The area has grown into a bustling hub with large retail stores, supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants, making it a convenient stop for both locals and travelers. We grabbed something really quick for lunch and we are ready to explore Queenstown.
Queenstown Gardens often called Park is one of the town’s loveliest spots for a stroll. Tucked right between the lakefront and Park Street, it feels like a green oasis surrounded by mountain views.
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We walked along the tree-lined paths that give the park a peaceful, almost European feel.
We are on the Te Araroa Trail in the Park leading to the shore of Lake Wakatipu
We are now at the shore of the Lake Wakatipu, the longest lake in New Zealand, stretching like a lightning-shaped ribbon through the heart of the Southern Alps. At the far end, the mountains rise sharply with clouds resting gently on the ridges. The combination of the lake’s stillness, the lively hues of the homes, and the towering alpine scenery creates a picture-perfect panorama that feels almost unreal.
As we came down from the Te Araroa trail and approach its shore, the view opens up dramatically, the deep blue water framed by rugged peaks.
Panoramic view of the Lake.
The Bathhouse Café on the Queenstown lakefront has a fascinating history. It was originally built in 1911 as a public bathhouse, when swimming in Lake Wakatipu was seen as too cold and inconvenient for many locals. The building offered hot saltwater baths and changing facilities, and it quickly became a popular social spot for both residents and visitors. Over the years, as swimming habits changed and Queenstown evolved into a tourist destination, the bathhouse was transformed. Rather than being demolished, it was preserved for its heritage value and adapted into a café and restaurant, keeping much of its original charm. Today, people can sit outside the historic building, enjoying food and drinks with the same sweeping lake and mountain views that have made this spot special for more than a century.
The floating platform you see on Lake Wakatipu is most often used as a swimming and diving pontoon.
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In the warmer months, locals and visitors swim out to it, sunbathe, or jump off into the clear water. The ladder makes it easy for swimmers to climb back up after a dip.
Wild ducks resting on the shore of the Lake.
I assume they are enjoying the warmth of the sun too.
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Walking on the shore of Lake Wakatipu.
Ahead, the shoreline curves toward a cluster of houses, their colors catching the sunlight and standing out against the deep greens of the trees and the dark slopes of the mountains. The autumn sun casts a warm glow, making the golden leaves shimmer and reflecting soft light across the water. It feels calm and peaceful, one of those perfect fall days where the lake, the mountains, and the little town seem to blend into a single, picture-perfect scene.
View of the shoreline on the opposite side.
As you continue your walk along Lake Wakatipu, the path brings you under towering trees with golden autumn leaves, their branches stretching wide and offering cool shade right along the shore.
Beneath these trees, people pause on benches or stroll leisurely, enjoying the mix of crisp air and warm sun. The trees feel almost like guardians of the lakefront.
This area is called Marine Parade consisting of the idyllic Queenstown Beach, the famous Bathhouse Café, and a memorial to Queenstown soldiers who fought in the World Wars. We will be heading there a bit later.
Seawall overlook Queenstown Bay.
Entrance of Queenstown Bay, the main beach, and focal point, of downtown Queenstown.
There are plenty of seats on the seawall for people to enjoy the view of the beach.
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It was a gorgeous fall day and we really enjoyed sitting here.
There are not a lot of people swimming because we are in the Fall but I am sure this place must be really crowded in the summer months.
The water is what impresses me the most, the contrasting blues look inviting and the water is very clear, and straight ahead the view of the rising mountains are so impressive.
Panoramic view of Queenstown Bay.
We are now at the end of Queenstown bay.
Main Town Pier is a breathtaking tourist attraction located in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand. The majestic Remarkables mountain range serves as a dramatic backdrop, creating a picturesque setting that is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Wakatipu, this iconic pier offers visitors a stunning vantage point to soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
NEXT... Exploring Queenstown