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Outlook > 2006 > November
Relax in South Island paradise
LAKE
Wanaka on the South Island is a place to take a deep breath and relax.
Protected from the outside world by the grandeur of the mountains,
you're enclosed in a hidden paradise.
Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of
the Southern Alps, which are home to winter ski fields and the
dramatically alpine Mount Aspiring National Park.
Lake Wanaka is New Zealand's fourth largest; its clean, blue waters are
an inland sea for sailors and jetboaters to explore. Walking tracks and
bridle trails wander the flats and foothills. In all seasons, outdoor
adventures beckon.
The region's fortunes have changed over the years. The discovery of
gold in the 1870s inspired a rush of interest in the area. As the gold
faded away, high country farming became the main source of employment.
Today, tourism is the new gold - an endeavour that requires the environment to stay picture perfect.
Lakes wherever you look
Centuries of glacial action crafted Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Discover
their scenic perfection by mountain biking the high trails, paragliding
over the hills, sightseeing by air or walking the myriad of tracks.
Get high on Mount Aspiring
The jewel of the region is its highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027
metres), which nestles comfortably in one of the country's largest
national parks. Delve inside the park's boundaries and discover a rare
world.
Winter sports wonderland
The Lake Wanaka region is a complete winter sports destination.
Cardrona and Treble Cone are classic downhill ski fields, heli skiing
happens high in the Harris Mountains and there's Nordic skiing at the
Snow Farm.
* Wanaka has a domestic airport with daily flights from Christchurch and link flights from neighbouring Queenstown airport.
* Several touring routes pass through Lake Wanaka, including State
Highway 6 which runs down the West Coast and through to Queenstown and
Fiordland.
* Lake Wanaka is a great base for South Island explorations. Drive to
Christchurch via Mt Cook or down to Dunedin and Southland.
* From Lake Wanaka you can follow the Southern Scenic Route, around the Catlins Coast, to either Invercargill or Te Anau. |