The Southern Alps provide a pristine playground for New Zealanders and nowhere more
so than at Mt Hutt, an easy two-hour drive from Christchurch. Travelling south the
road hugs the foothills to the quintessential country towns of Geraldine and Fairlie,
before ascending into Mackenzie country where the turquoise-blue waters of Lake
Tekapo and Lake Pukaki contrast sharply with the dry, rocky hinterland. SH80 leads
to Mount Cook, NZ’s highest mountain, and to the rumbling Tasman Glacier, with its
lake embedded in a vast lunar-like landscape. Further south the popular lakeside
resorts of Wanaka and Queenstown, both situated beside sparkling lakes in a stunning
alpine setting, provide endless opportunities for adventure activities.
We take three days to explore the route from Christchurch to Queenstown and begin
the journey with an unexpected snowboard lesson at Mt Hutt. We buy new jumpers in
Geraldine, spend the evening with locals at a country cinema, enjoy a scenic flight
over Mt Cook, taste 500-year old ice from the Tasman Glacier, sunbathe in Wanaka,
explore Arrowtown and relax on the shores of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu wondering
where we should begin!
day one: christchurch to geraldine
Key
- Destinations
- Apex Locations
It’s 10 am at Mt Hutt, and Bob and I have miraculously caught the tail end of what
has been a wonderfully long ski season. Two and a half hours ago we left Christchurch
and now – quite unexpectedly – we’re in a snowboard class on the slopes of Mt Hutt.
We watch in awe as others sashay skilfully past, totally at ease with their boards.
We haven’t connected with ours in quite the same manner, but fortunately there are
several other beginners sharing the same dilemma. However the younger members of
our group are picking it up depressingly fast. Our instructor, James Harding, is
patient even though it’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks. “Focus on where you’re
going and your board will follow,” James tells Bob. It’s good advice, and when the
lesson ends we feel confident of the basics.
The mountain air and exercise has worked up an appetite and so we drive back across
the rushing Rakaia Gorge to the Terrace Downs High Country Resort, nestled in the
foothills of the Southern Alps by the Rakaia River. The championship 18-hole links
style golf course sports nine lakes and 70 bunkers but we’re not here for a round,
rather to enjoy lunch and après-ski in the clubhouse restaurant where everyone’s
welcome. Our table overlooks the course and mountains and after dining on rich venison
we head downstairs to the spa pools which feature massive bi-fold windows framing
views of the mountains – and nine holes of golf!
Refreshed we leave and drive to Geraldine, a pretty town nestled beside the Talbot
Forest on the banks of the Waihi River. Our first port of call after checking into
our accommodation is at the Giant Jersey, where made to measure garments are knitted
in fine Perendale, Mohair or Merino wool. After a cool morning on the slopes Bob
decides he needs a new jumper. Fortunately Michael and Gillian Linton’s shop boasts
around 1000 pre-made jerseys on its shelves, so there’s plenty from which to choose...
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Christchurch to Queenstown scenic drive, courtesy of apex car rentals
new zealand... the kiwi way
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south island scenic drives
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