Wanaka & Aoraki Mount Cook -
Southern Alps Beauty of New Zealand

Before moving to our last alpine destination, Mount Cook, we stopped by Wanaka for a night via the Crown Range road.

Make sure you are a competent driver (or be extra alert!) if you are taking this drive on your rental car in New Zealand.

The roads are narrow and winding but you will be rewarded with spectacular views that would take your breath away!

Often overlooked, Wanaka is a charming little town and gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Area.

It is definitely less busy than Queenstown and I find it a great place to sit back and relax, especially after so many days of adventure and moving around..

Wanaka is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy quality time with family and friends.

The natural beauty of Wanaka is outstanding in its own way.

It is different.

All we did during our short time here was to stroll along Lake Wanaka, took a drive around its surrounding area and the foot of Treble Cone, a popular skiing place during winter.

Lake Wanaka is one popular spot for water adventures.

There is nothing better than to hang around the lake, marvel at the alpine scenery or relax in a couple of local cafes.

Do book well ahead if you are coming here between Nov and March. Wanaka is a popular destination among the locals and overseas visitors.

Be sure to have a coffee or do lunch perhaps in ‘Kai Whaka Pai Café and Bar’.





It is the most popular casual cafes in Wanaka. The staff greets you with smiles and the food is yummy! The prices – great value!

The homemade muffins are a must-try! I ate one and bagged two more for breakfast the next day!

Another nice place for lunch or coffee would be Gusto. It's hard to miss the warm inviting colours of this restaurant.

Gusto is well located with lovely views of the lake and the alps.

I notice quite a few lake edge accommodations, stylish lodges and quality bed and breakfasts in this area.

Though the choices are unlike Queenstown, you can still choose from budget beds to luxury new Zealand accommodation, depending our your budget.

We spent our night at the Oakridge Spa and Pool Resort at the Cardrona Valley.

We were attracted by the cosy and friendly atmosphere in this place.

Most of all, the scenery surrounding the resort is astounding!

You will read more about Oakridge and its highlights in the Hotels/Apartments page.

We had a home cooked dinner in our comfortable and cosy apartment that night. We were too tired to go anywhere for dinner after a long day on the road.

We set out early the next day for our drive to Mount Cook.

The Majesty of Aoraki Mount Cook

It was one of our most memorable drives in the South Island.

I will never forget the light jade-green waters of Lake Pukaki! I have never seen anything like this before!

We chatted with few locals and understood that the lovely colour in the lake is the silt formed by the melting glaciers.

The lake is so, so beautiful. It is so calm and you can see reflections of Mount Cook and the alps mirrored in the waters.

You will enjoy this beauty for miles and miles until you approach the grandeur of Aoraki Mount Cook.

We were too awestruck by the snowy alps right before our eyes.

This experience will far exceed those who do not have a rental car in New Zealand – true!

This is a picture photographed while driving
towards the majestic alps!

Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain.

This alpine village is surrounded with such dazzling backdrop, a favourite with trampers and international visitors. You should stay here long enough for a walk or hike, there are many different levels of walks/hikes to choose from. This is a fantastic way to get close to the majestic alps.

And if your budget allows, a scenice flight, some includes glacier landings, will promise an unforgettable ‘once a lifetime’ experience.

We did a walk with Clayton on his pram at the Hooker Valley – it was challenging on those unpaved roads – we could only make it to the first bridge!

Despite that, we had a lovely time and the views were awesome, more superior than just viewing it from the hotel room.

We can never be more thankful for the clear skies and perfect weather that very day.

The grandeur of Aoraki-Mount Cook on a clear day at Hooker Valley.

Mount Cook village has limited choices when it comes to accommodations. Nevertheless, there are still options to suit every traveler, from budget dorm beds, affordable chalets and motels and New Zealand luxury travel.

Dining is limited to the Old Mountaineer’s Café and Bar or the restaurant in The Hermitage Hotel.

If you plan to do your own cooking in the motel or chalet, make sure you stock up your groceries in Wanaka or nearby Lake Tekapo.

If you still prefer to stay in a bed and breakfast, a luxury villa or a quality lodge, take a look at what Lake Tekapo has to offer.

We did a brief stop at this quaint lakeside town after saying goodbye to the pristine alpine beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook.

Before that, we visited Mount Cook Salmon Farm, the first fresh water salmon farm in New Zealand. This is ‘de’ place to savour fresh raw/smoked salmon. And the salmon are free from chemicals!

Mmm... the raw salmon at its freshest!

Another stop for amazing views of Mount Cook and the jade-green lake is the Lake Pukaki visitor centre.

A "must-stop" for some photo moments with majestic Mount Cook as the dramatic backdrop.

Nearby, you will also spot the bronze statue of a sheepdog standing tall.

After capturing our last few magic moments of the emotive landscape of the lakes and glaciers, it's time to bid farewell to the alpine scenery in the South Island.

We head for Christchurch, our final destination in the South Island, before boarding our flight with Air New Zealand to Auckland.

Back to the top of Wanaka/Aoraki=Mount Cook

Take me back to South Island