Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Driving Route : DHL Lions Series - Test Match Route

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Day 2 : Twizel to Wanaka

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

  Travel time Km (Miles)
Twizel - Omarama 0.5 hr 30 19
Omarama - Queenstown 2 hrs 164 103
Queenstown - Wanaka 1.25 hrs 103 64
Totals for Day 3.75 hrs 297 186

Twizel - Omarama

Twizel - Omarama

30 km (19 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

Twizel is a well-placed base for mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking and hiking. It's also a place to spy on the rarest wading bird in the world—the Black Stilt. If you don't have the time to catch your own salmon, the local salmon farm sells it—fresh or smoked.

The easy drive to Omarama takes you through picturesque sheep farming country fringed with mountain ranges. You'll have the chance to detour to the fascinating Paritea cliffs, which are constantly being exposed by the active Osler fault line.

You could also pause to cast a line into the Ahuriri River—famous for sizeable rainbow and brown trout.

You'll know you're in Omarama when you see the giant merino sheep statue. This area's unique geography has made it a magnet for gliding enthusiasts.

The northwesterly wind blows steadily to form the famous Northwest Arch, a thermal that can take the glider pilots to 10,000 metres. Scenic soaring can be arranged.

Omarama - Queenstown

Omarama - Queenstown

164 km (103 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

You'll know you're in Omarama when you see the giant merino sheep statue. This area's unique geography has made it a magnet for gliding enthusiasts.

The northwesterly wind blows steadily to form the famous Northwest Arch, a thermal that can take the glider pilots to 10,000 metres. Scenic soaring can be arranged.

Your trip to Queenstown begins with the beautiful Lindis Pass—just magic when there's snow around. Lake Dunstan is a fine place for a picnic before you explore the restored heart of Cromwell.

Take a detour to Bannockburn if you're interested in old gold workings. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are other interesting distractions.

The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic. It's the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including bungy, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing.

Queenstown is also a destination for luxury experiences—gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf.

Queenstown - Wanaka

Queenstown - Wanaka

103 km (64 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic. It's the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including bungy, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing. It's also a destination for luxury experiences—gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf.

The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It's a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you'll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots).

More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.

The lakeside resort town of Wanaka can provide you with an appealing mix of fine living, family fun and adventure.

It has a high concentration of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops. You'll also find some unique attractions, like the 3D maze and the ‘warbird’ air show, which is held every two years.

View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.

Directory Information

Twizel, Canterbury:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Visitor Information

Omarama, Otago:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours

Waitaki, Otago:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities

Queenstown:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Wanaka:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

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