Roadtrip: Queenstown to Wanaka

We flew into Queenstown to start our roadtrip to Picton in the South Island of New Zealand.

The most beautiful, and enjoyable with a two year old, was the drive from Queenstown to Wanaka.

Below is the itinerary and stops.

Comment if you have any questions or want more suggestions.

Arrowtown
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre (before Gibbston)
Kinross winery near Gibbston
Cromwell – stopped at Jackson’s fruit stand for fresh fruit and vegetables. Most importantly we bought the natural, organic Ice Cream. Must Do!
More wineries towards Wanaka if you want (we did not do)
Toy and Transport Museum
Lavender Farm (Nov-Feb season)
Wanaka downtown

Queenstown downtown was bustling with many shops and tourists.

We first went to ‘king made noodle’ and had delicious Chinese noodles that were made from scratch. See video for quality. There was no room inside so we walked to the water and ate on the ledge.

Next we played by the large, kids playground and walked around the water front and other retail shops.

Waking worked up our appetite and headed to Fergs burgers. It may have a long wait but is delicious. Fergs also owns the bakery and bar next on left and right.

Tip: while waiting in line purchase a meat pie. We got the venison meat pie with carmelized onions instead of the venison burger. It was half the price and delicious.

The burger itself is large and juicy. Must get. If thirsty buy a draft pint. It isn’t on the menu but you can see at the register.

Arrowtown is a beautiful historic and rustic. Western-type high Main Street with quaint bakery, restaurant, pub, and retail stores. Gold rush town from the 1890’s. Historic recreation of Chinese immigrants who partook. Lovely trails perfect for families along a creek and river. One of the trails towards the river was a filming location for The Lord of the Rings scene.

The Bungy centre was very close to Queenstown and has a colorful history. The lore is the first bungy jumper was a woman fleeing her abusive partner and tricking him to fall to his death. There were many people and some riding the zip lines. They have a full bar to fill up on liquid courage.

Kinross Winery had a great selection of wines, food, and most important for us a great sand box and play house for kids. This includes many diggers, dinosaurs, and coloring paper. There are rooms available too for overnight stays. The sparkling was fantastic – crisp and bubbly.

Wanaka Toy and Transport Museum is by far the most encompassing and comprehensive vehicle collection I have ever seen. It is well worth the small entrance fee: There are 3 immense hangars full of cars, motorcycles, limousines, some water craft, large farming and emergency vehicles, and planes. Two other larger buildings contain toys ranging from legos to play mobile. Collectors will love the toys especially the wall to wall of Star Wars original Hasbro from 80’s.

The lavender farm outside Wanaka was a spur of the moment decision but worth the price. It is the largest we have seen driving through the South Island. In the main building you can buy scones, muffins, coffee, and a picnic. There is seating and honey to taste. Lavender products are also for sale like soap. Outside there are two main areas for lavender with a large flower garden in the middle. On the outskirts are pigs, ponies, sheep, cows, and alpaca.

Wanaka is a beautiful little town. There are retail and restaurants lined up near the lakeshore. Directly on the lakeshore is a large playground. Must try Ground Up Brewing beer – at their local brewery or in the grocery store. Most of the bars have it on draught too.