Queenstown
The Haast pass crossing is just as lovely a drive as the Buller gorge, but the scenery only gets more beautiful on the other side. Lakes Wanaka and Hawea are gorgeous and apparently very popular with boaties, much like Lake Wakatipu next to Queenstown.
Queenstown itself is incredibly busy and touristy - the main summer attractions are adrenaline sports like bungy jumping, jetboating and paragliding. At the other end of the lake, Glenorchy is a tiny place where the activities are a little more sedate and more about enjoying the surroundings.
Highlights
Jetboating the Dart
Feels like a trip into the wilderness - past several Lord of the Rings film locations, through rare red beech forest, then back down the Dart river. All the usual high speed jetboat manoeuvres but also time to take in the views and appreciate why the jetboat was first invented, to get to really inaccessible places along shallow braided river systems.
Glenorchy
A peaceful unspoiled place at the moment, I could happily spend a week or two tramping or boating from here. Some of the most fantastic scenery ever.
Eating
Glenorchy
Everywhere we tried was good.
Queenstown
Has too many places to mention.
Sleeping
Little Paradise B&B
Halfway between Queenstown and Glenorchy is quiet, beautiful and very eccentric. Thomas is a great host and this is definitely one of the most interesting places to stay.
