Our itinerary for the fourth day (Monday 7 May) included the Glaciers Region – Haast – Wanaka – Queenstown.
We left early in the morning as we had another full day of driving. Our destination was Queenstown but we stopped at many places. We stopped first at Lake Matheson which was not far from the motel to look at the magnificent view of the lake and Fox Glacier from afar. However, one of our companions suggested that we should take a helicopter ride and, yes, it would be a shame if we did not take that suggestion. It took us all morning remaining at the Fox Glacier region, and then we continued on to Haast for lunch before heading to Queenstown and having a quick look at Wanaka on our way.
It was raining in the morning and the sun was trying to break through at Lake Matheson.
It took about 20 minutes walking in the bush from the car to the Lake and back to the car.
We could see the great Fox Glacier at the top of the mountain.
We decided to go on the helicopter ride to have the better view of Fox Glacier as the day was clearing up.
Breathtaking views of Fox Glacier taken on the helicopter, another collection for my desktop wallpapers. It was named after Sir William Fox, an early prime minister of New Zealand.
We were then heading toward Haast for lunch, having the sea coast on our right along the state highway 6.
Coming down the mountain and WOW, had to stop for a photo.
We crossed the Haast River which was also named after Sir Julius von Haast.
Heading toward Haast Pass on state highway 6, there was a massive waterfall along the way.
As we came out from the Haast Pass, Lake Wanaka looked like an inland sea.
According to the map, Lake Hawea is larger than Lake Wanaka and we could see the scenery straight from the road.
We reached Puzzling World at Wanaka, about 5.00 pm. so it was closed, sigh. Wanaka also was the filming location of Lothlorian (the Golden Leaf Forest) in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. We stopped for only a short time in Wanaka area but we will remember how pretty it was with the golden autumn colour.
Passing through Cromwell, the orchard town, and there was an orchard shop still open for a Japanese tour group. We were lucky then.
We reached our motel at Frankton, Queenstown, after nightfall and rested for the night. It was really cold then in Queenstown.
We'll explore Queenstown and its tourist attractions tomorrow.
To read about the first day of travel by this group go to part 1.
Photos for this article were supplied by Cholatis Sanchaypiengpen.
