On a day free from flying, try venturing further afield: Lake Hawea is a 15 minute drive away, enroute to the frontier town of Makarora, the last stop before the West Coast Glacier region.
To the south-west is the historic Cardrona Valley, a popular scenic alpine route to neighbouring Queenstown. Here you can visit the popular Whiskey distillery. 30 minutes south past the Airport is Cromwell, situated at the southern end of a lake by the same name.
Cromwell and nearby Bannockburn host vinyards growing world reknown Pinot Noir, and other varietals.
Visit one of the excellent vineyard restaurants, or pick up some succulent sun-ripened stone fruit from a road-side stall.
You can make a round trip and travel home via the East side of the Lake to Tarras, a small village punching above it’s weight with an excellent café, merino wool shop with local designer garments, and a delightful vintageware shop, well known throughout New Zealand.
It is easy to fill in your day in this area.
Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now
