Queenstown Travel Forum

Is there anything to stop/see between QT & Te Anau?

2) We check out of our accomo at noon at Methven. We want to proceed to QT. Is it better to drive thru to QT (6 hrs), or do a sleepover in between? Where is a good sleepover point between QT & Methven?

Thanks!

IN case you are interested, there is an old steam train at Kingston, on this route between Qtown and Te Anau. http://www.kingstonflyer.co.nz/
Also near Te Anau you can take a short walk into the last part of the Kepler track to the Moturoa Hut, which has the finest views of mountains and lakes that I can think of. A really nice easy walk, if you take a picnic, sit on the beach by the hut and enjoy. But you need time, maybe half a day to do this. I highly recommend it .

Between Qtwn and Methven you drive through one of my favourite places, the MacKenzie basin. One night is not enough in my opinion. But places to stay are:
Tekapo, nice views of lake.
Wanaka, lovely views of lake and mountains, bit touristy but for a reason!
Mt Cook, naturally for the mountains, you need to detour a little way but it is really worth the effort. Mt Cook is our tallest mountain, and is lovely to get close to.

You will drive through the Lindis Pass on this route and this is a very special place too.
The MacKenzie basin is elevated and very barren. No bush. but it's a whole different ecosystem to the rest of the country.
Omarama is a cute little town, where you can take a glider ride if you wish to, and into the mountains is fairly exciting! Beats the noisy options of helicopters and power aircraft.

Thanks Kiwi for the tips. I will be visiting Wanaka on another day, on my return drive from Milford Sounds to the Glacier.

Oh, is there any supermarket/shops along the way where I can stock up on food/drink from CC airport to Methven? We intend to embark on Inland Scenic Route 72 straight from CC airport.

Nothing to add to Kiwis suggestions as you have limited time.

Ref to supermarket: There is no supermarket around Chch airport, as it is at the outskirts. You would need to drive some kms into the city. If you can "survive" the day without stocking up before Methven you could do your supermarket shopping in Geraldine, that is the next place with supermarket and other nice shops like Barker's (everything you can imagine made of fruit, incl. mustard ;-)