Driving Tours

En Route to Wanaka

The highway between Haast and Wanaka is magnificent, moss-covered, and often misty. It follows the course of the Haast River for much of the way. High peaks rise up on either side of the road. The route took 40 years to build and is 563m (1,847 ft.) above sea level. The Department of Conservation has created many walks along the way. Traveling nonstop, the trip to Wanaka should take 2 to 3 hours. Be prepared to make camera stops along the way of stunning waterfalls and river views.

En Route to Queenstown

Highway 6 is good traveling all the way to Wanaka. From there, the trip to Queenstown will take around 1 1/2 hours. You drive around the edge of Lake Dunstan, which was formed behind the Clyde Dam. Bypassing Cromwell township, you then travel through the stone fruit orchards of the Cromwell area. After passing through the Kawarau River Gorge, you come into Gibbston Valley and on into Queenstown.

If you're a competent driver, you could also go to Queenstown via the Crown Range. It's unsuitable for caravans and can be slippery and icy in winter, but the views from the top are stunning, and it's 30 minutes shorter than State Highway 6. If you are crossing the Crown Range in winter, it is now a legal requirement to carry chains. If you don't have them, expect a NZ$150 fine. They are available for hire from most gas stations in the Wanaka/Queenstown area.