On this 5-day journey through Central Otago expect to be left awestruck by the sheer physical beauty of the region and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for fun and adventure wherever you turn. Take a leap into the unknown on the Kawarau Bridge Bungy or step back in time in the historic goldfields settlement of Arrowtown.
- Lake Wanaka and Lake Wakatipu
- Milford Sound
- Queenstown
- Gibbston Valley wine-growing district
- Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls
Start: Queenstown
Finish: Queenstown
Duration: 5 days
Day One - Queenstown to Wanaka
Pick up your Britz Campervan from the Britz branch located at the Queenstown airport. Get on the road and drive the 2 hours to Wanaka. On your way to Wanaka stop at the small picturesque town of Arrowtown. Once a bustling goldrush town, it is now a peaceful picturesque village featuring heritage buildings, a tree lined main street and a number of cafes and restaurants.
Head further north on SH89 to Wanaka. Wanaka is a fab tourist town situated on the edge of Lake Wanaka, which is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand. There are loads of places to eat and drink here. There is a long list of adrenaline inducing outdoor activites that makes this a favourite holiday spot for many travellers.
The Puzzling World is is where you will find the three dimensional ‘Great Maze’, where you must navigate 1.5km of passages to the towers at each corner and then back to the exit – its more difficult than you think!
Stay in Wanaka tonight
Day Two - Wanaka to Gore
Today travel south though Cromwell and onto Clyde to stop for a break. Clyde has shaken its recent hydro-town past and reverted to holidaysville with several places to eat and drink. After Clyde continue onto Alexandra and load your Britz campervan up with local fruit from the roadside stalls fruits.
Continue further south through Roxburgh and onto Gore.
Gore is a pleasant town on the banks of the Mataura River, well known for its brown trout fishing.
Overnight in Gore.
Day Three - Gore to Te Anau
Depart Gore and head north west on SH94. You will pass through Lumsden, stop here for some lunch.
Continue onto Te Anau. Te Anau is a very busy tourist center in the summer months. The Fiordland National Park visitor centre is located here, along with the Te Anau Wildlife Centre.
Stop in Te Anau for tonight.
Day Four - Te Anau to Milford Sound
Without stopping you can drive to Milford Sound in about 2 hours – but we recommend to take your time so you don’t miss anything! The first leg of this journey today is alongside Lake Te Anau.
When you arrive at Milford Sound you will see why this has been named as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots. Have some lunch at the Blue Duck Café and Bar in Milford Sound. While at Milford Sound you must take one of the Milford Sound Red Boat Cruises (www.redboats.co.nz). Cruise the clear, still waters of the Fiord and see the magnificent sights like Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls.
Either stay in Milford Sound tonight or head back to Te Anau for the night.
Day Five - Te Anau to Queenstown
Drive the 3 hours to Queenstown this morning. When you arrive in Queenstown head to the lake to get some lunch. After lunch, decide what do to next, as there are many options in Queenstown! Maybe head to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, or have a go on the Shotover Canyon Swing – the worlds highest rope wing above the Shotover River. One of Queenstowns must do is the Shotover Jet. The Shotover jet speeds through the towering, rocky canyons of the Shotover River.
Return your Britz Campervan to the Queenstown branch this afternoon.