Giants, Glamping & Big Views: Aoraki to Wānaka

NZ Road Trip – South Island – Day 11, 12 & 13
Aoraki – Wanaka – Cromwell
Wednesday 4th – Friday 6th March

Leaving Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park was genuinely hard, nature here speaks for itself and its where I feel most comfortable. It had been such an incredible few days surrounded by these giant mountains.

But the road was calling and our next stop was Tasman Glacier before reaching the brilliant little town of Wānaka. And what a place that was!

The drive/views are just constantly insane

The Tasman Glacier (Haupapa) is New Zealands longest and largest glacier, located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, measuring over 23-27 km long, 4 km wide and 600 metres deep.

From here we headed to Wanaka and as part of Andy’s birthday surprise we stayed in a bell tent which was such a cool experience, cosy, a little bit different and the perfect base for exploring.

Wānaka instantly became one of our favourite places. It has such an outdoorsy vibe, the kind of place where everyone seems to be either heading off for an adventure or recovering from one.

And adventure we did…

We tackled the legendary Roy’s Peak mountain and wow… what a hike. Long, steep and definitely a bit of a leg burner, but the views over Lake Wānaka were absolutely unreal.

It was a relentless straight up the whole way

One of those climbs where you question your life choices halfway up…but forget all about it when you reach the top.

Our recovery day was much gentler, wandering along the lake, eating ice cream, drinking good coffee and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

View going good down just as good and just as steep!

Of course we couldn’t leave without visiting the very famous Wānaka Tree and honestly, it’s every bit as beautiful as the photos.

A single tree standing out in the water of Lake Wānaka… simple, peaceful and somehow still one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand.

Wānaka, you were pretty special.

Before hitting the bright lights and buzz of Queenstown, we made a stop in the charming little town of Cromwell to wander through the beautifully preserved Old Cromwell Town.

With its historic stone buildings, quiet little lanes and views over the lake, it felt like stepping back in time, easy to imagine what life must have been like here during the gold rush days. A peaceful wander through the old street was the perfect contrast to what was coming next.