Haast Pass and Wanaka

Haast Pass

This will possibly be one of the most mind blowing experiences you will have on your NZ expedition. There's an excellent picnic spot at Ship Creek about 15 km north of Haast. You've probably heard of it before, 'up ship creek?' Be warned though the sand flies are enormous! They once flew off with a ladies Chihuahua!!

Ensure you have time to stop and check out this pristine alpine wilderness. Highway 6 winds its way through an imposing mountain backdrop blanketed by dense temperate rainforest, bare, weather worn granite alpine peaks, crystal clear mountain pools, rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. Must sees on the kodak moment list are Thunder Creek Falls, The Gates of Haast, Fantail falls and the Blue pool. The Blue pool is about 15 minutes walk from the car park and crosses a rather precarious swing bridge. The other stops are only a matter of minutes walk from the car parks and are all well sign posted.

Makarora

From the alpine village of Makarora, scenic flights are available over the Mt Aspiring National Park. They also offer the unique Siberia experience. This particular expedition involves being flown by fixed wing aircraft, landing on an alpine air strip, a walk of an hour or so down to the valley where a waiting jet boat will whisk you back to your starting point on an exciting 30 min ride.

Wanaka

Wanaka is only 60 km from Makarora but allow plenty of time particularly during the winter months. There are some striking images across lakes Wanaka and Hawea, plenty of kodak moments.

Wanaka, for many years, was one of New Zealand's best kept secrets, content to sit in the shadow of the touristy bustle of near by Queenstown, a haven for Kiwi adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts that really like to get away. Today Wanaka is giving Queenstown a run for it's money in terms of it's adventure activities, nightlife and facilities. Wanaka has long been a refuge for kiwi's on a budget, happy to use it's moderate facilities and enjoy the best of the Alps on a shoe string, perhaps it was just our way of keeping it to ourselves! Nothing good stays secret for long and soon people from all corners of the globe were flocking to it's lake side shore.

Alpine Resort

Today the facilities have improved to match those of any alpine resort in the world. What hasn't changed is the relaxed kiwi attitude, where people genuinely care, and having a great time is still important. Accommodation is at a premium in Wanaka in both winter and summer. In summer the lake is a haven for fishers and water sports enthusiasts. In winter it transforms in to a prodigious ski village. Being located only 40 mins from Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields and 1 hour from Queenstown, Wanaka is an excellent winter alternative.

Did you know?

Wanaka is also widely regarded as being one the top spots in the world to skydive. Take in the spectra of the massive mountain hulks and ancient peaks of the crown ranges, Harris mountains and Mt Aspiring National Park, the silver shimmer of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, dwarfed by the honed peaks watching over them. Add to that a mix of royal blue skies, snow capped summits and a handful of golden rays. Take a deep breath, enjoy the amazing wonderland of the southern Alps, then throw yourself out of the plane and hurtle towards it at around 200km hour! If the flight doesn't take your breath away, the rush of 40 seconds of free fall certainly will!