Southern Lakes

Set against the pristine backdrop of Mount Aspiring National Park and renowned for crystal clear lakes and rivers, Wanaka is home to some of the best terrain in Australasia.  Full of culture and great cuisine, this is a thriving community with a choice of ski areas, numerous heli-skiing and plenty of backcountry options. For the down days Wanaka has an abundance of great walking and biking trails around the lake and into the highlands.

For a breathtaking drive the Crown Range links Wanaka with Queenstown. The hour and a half journey takes you over the highest main road in New Zealand and into the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with a backdrop of the Southern Alps sits Queenstown. A lively town with amazing cafes, restaurants and bars and endless amounts of adventure activity options. Queenstown also has an international airport.

Treble Cone is just a 30 minute drive from Wanaka or 90 minutes from Queenstown. It's the largest ski area in the South Island. The unique mix of large groomed slopes, high capacity chairlifts, stunning views and legendary off-piste terrain makes TC, as it's commonly known, a favourite field for many.

Where to stay in Southern Lakes

Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Designer luxury in the heart of Queenstown, this boutique hotel offers personalised, warm, friendly hosting – enjoy drinks and canapes served in the lobby each evening. These stylish and contemporary rooms are self-contained with kitchenette and feature glass-walled bathrooms, all with subtle chandelier lighting. Rooms open to a courtyard or balcony with alpine views.

 

Ph: 03 441 8441
Web: queenstownparkhotel.co.nz
E: hotel@queenstownpark.co.nz
Address: 21 Robins Road

Wanaka Hotel

Wanaka Hotel is perfectly positioned just a minute’s walk from both the lake and the heart of town. Most rooms offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy two on-site restaurants, a café, and free parking — all just steps from the best of Wānaka.

P:03 443 7826
E: reservations@wanakahotel.co.nz
Web:  https://wanakahotel.co.nz/
Address: 71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Mt Aspiring Holiday Park

Mt Aspiring Holiday Park is quietly tucked into the hills just beyond the Lake Wānaka township, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by open space, stunning views, and crisp mountain air. Enjoy sun-soaked adventures in Otago's dry summers, world-class skiing in winter, and discover the crown jewel of the area — Mount Aspiring National Park.

P: 0508926252
E: info@mtaspiringholidaypark.co.nz
Web:  https://www.mtaspiringholidaypark.co.nz/
Address:217 Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road, Wanaka

Where to shop in Southern Lakes

Racers Edge

Racers Edge are specialists in Ski, Bike and Outdoor equipment. They are well known for great service, knowledge and expertise. Their professional team specialized in custom boot fitting, ski and snowboard tuning and snow rental. They have the largest dedicated ranges of skis, boots and outerwear at the best prices nationwide.

 

Ph: + 64 (3) 443 7882
Web: racersedge.co.nz
E: orders@racersedge.co.nz

Small Planet

Small Planet has earned a global reputation for its extensive selection of outdoor gear and a team of experts who live and breathe everything ski, mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and adventure. Whether you're just starting to explore the outdoors or you're a seasoned gear enthusiast, Small Planet has the equipment and expertise to help you reach the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.

P: 034425397
E: sales@smallplanetsports.com
Web:  https://smallplanetsports.com/
Address: 15-17 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300

Transport & services in Southern Lakes

Touchdown Car Rentals

Touchdown Car Rentals Queenstown offers the very latest model 4wd's. Premium car rentals available in both Queenstown and Christchurch.

 

NZ Free Phone: 0800 736 849
AUS Free Phone: 1800 628 357
Web: touchdowncarrental.co.nz

Secret Sauna

The Secret Sauna is a hidden oasis of calm, tucked away on the pristine shores of Lake Hāwea, right here at The Camp in Wānaka. Perched on one of our beloved lakefront beaches, this unique, wood-fired barrel sauna invites you to relax and recharge while soaking in breathtaking mountain views.

P:034431767
E: stay@thecamp.co.nz
Web: https://thecamp.co.nz/things-to-do/the-secret-sauna/
Address:State Highway 6, Lake Hawea