Exploring the South Island: A Week of Scenic Wonders.

Kia ora from the breathtaking South Island of New Zealand!

Central Otago never fails to impress, and my recent trip was no exception. After an unforgettable week of exploring this land of dramatic landscapes and charming towns, I’m bursting to share my adventures with you. As a fellow traveler in my (ahem) prime, I can attest that this corner of the world offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of moments to savor the scenery and local delights.

Arrival in Queenstown & the Drive to Cromwell

Landing in Queenstown, I picked up my rental car and hit the road towards Cromwell, a town known for its rich gold mining history and incredible vineyards.

My journey began in the adventure capital, Queenstown. After picking up my rental car, I embarked on a scenic drive towards Cromwell, nestled amidst vineyards and orchards. This historic town boasts a beautifully preserved historic precinct, a delightful step back in time with its charming stone buildings and stories of the gold rush era. I highly recommend a leisurely stroll here, perhaps with a coffee in hand, soaking in the atmosphere. The precinct was relocated in the 1980s due to the construction of the Clyde Dam, and many of its buildings were carefully preserved and rebuilt.

Horse and Cart at Cromwell Heritage Precinct

A view of a gravel path alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan in the Cromwell Historic Precinct, with historic buildings on the left and a grassy area with people and trees on the right, under a sunny sky.

Anna, a travel blogger in sunglasses and a striped shirt, stands on a gravel path at a vineyard with rows of grapevines, cypress trees, and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

A highlight of my time in Cromwell was a visit to the Domaine-Thomson Wines Cellar Door. The region is renowned for its Pinot Noir, and the tasting experience here was top-notch. The knowledgeable staff shared insights into the winemaking process, making it both educational and delicious.

Trivia Time: Did you know that Central Otago, the region encompassing Cromwell, is the world’s southernmost commercial wine-growing region? Cheers to that!

The evening ended with a peaceful walk along Lake Dunstan, where visitors can also try kayaking, paddleboarding, or even cycling the scenic Lake Dunstan Trail.

Lakeside canal in Cromwell, New Zealand with moored boats, willow trees, and modern houses reflected in the still water, under a clear blue sky.

Three cyclists ride along a lakeside path beneath willow and poplar trees near Lake Dunstan, with mountains in the background.

Willow trees along the edge of Lake Dunstan, New Zealand, reflected in calm water under a blue sky with morning light.

Alexandra & the Mighty Clutha River

The next morning, I set off for Alexandra, where the Clutha River carves a striking path through the landscape. The drive was peaceful, and the scenery—rolling hills and orchards—was simply stunning. Alexandra is also famous for its fruit-growing industry, particularly cherries and apricots, so if you visit in summer, be sure to stop at one of the many roadside stalls. The town itself had a quiet charm, and I took some time to soak in the views of the Clutha River, one of New Zealand’s most powerful waterways.

For those who love the outdoors, Alexandra offers fantastic cycling opportunities on the Otago Central Rail Trail, an iconic route that passes through tunnels, viaducts, and breathtaking landscapes.

A delightful detour brought me to the historic town of Clyde, a place brimming with character and echoes of the gold rush era. Wandering through its well-preserved streets felt like stepping back in time. The highlight of my stop in Clyde was undoubtedly a delicious lunch at Olivers Restaurant. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the ambiance was as captivating as the food. Savoring fresh, locally sourced cuisine in such a setting was a true treat, offering a perfect blend of history and culinary pleasure.

Hooker Valley Track in Mt Cook National Park

A view of several historic buildings, including the "BANK OF NEW ZEALAND," along Sunderland Street in Clyde, with bicycles parked on the curb and dry hills in the background under a clear sky.

Hooker Lake and Mt Cook summit in the background.

Travel Tip for the Middle-Aged Explorer: Don’t underestimate the joy of a well-placed bench! Cromwell’s lakeside walks offered plenty of opportunities to pause, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the shimmering water. It’s all about enjoying the journey, not just the destination.

The journey to Twizel next morning took an unexpected turn when a road closure due to an accident forced me to stop in Tarras. What could have been frustrating turned into a delightful discovery. This tiny settlement is known for its merino wool and Shrek the Sheep, a merino sheep who evaded shearing for six years and became a national icon! The local cafe was a haven of warmth and delicious treats – a testament to Kiwi hospitality. Sometimes, the unexpected turns lead to the most pleasant surprises.

Finally, I reached Mount Cook National Park, and oh boy, was it worth the wait! The weather gods smiled upon me as I embarked on the iconic Hooker Valley Track. The views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, were simply majestic, bathed in glorious light perfect for capturing those postcard-worthy photos. The well-maintained track is achievable for most fitness levels and offers incredible vistas at every turn.

Fun Fact: Aoraki/Mount Cook is often referred to as “the cloud piercer” in Māori legend. Standing in its presence, you can certainly see why!

A wide, slightly elevated view of a suspension bridge stretching across a green valley on the Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with snow-covered mountains in the distance and a hiker on a path to the right.

Anna, a travel blogger wearing a yellow shirt, hat, and sunglasses with a camera, stands on a suspension bridge with a wooden walkway and wire sides, overlooking a green valley with mountains in the background under a blue sky.

A wide shot of a milky turquoise glacial river winding through a rocky valley in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with snow-capped mountains and scattered clouds in the background.

A wide shot of a milky turquoise glacial river flowing through a rocky valley in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with snow-capped mountains and scattered clouds in the background.

A group of hikers, with one in the foreground, walking along a wooden boardwalk through a field of golden tussock grass on the Hooker Valley Track, with Mount Cook visible in the distance.

A perspective view from the entrance of a long suspension bridge with a wooden walkway and metal railings, stretching over a milky turquoise river in a rocky valley with steep mountains on either side.

A wide view of Hooker Lake, a milky turquoise glacial lake, surrounded by rocky terrain and towering mountains, with the snow-capped Mount Cook visible in the center against a blue sky with some clouds.

Anna stands on the rocky shore of Hooker Lake, with the milky turquoise water and Mount Cook in the background under a clear blue sky.

Male hiker with a backpack, viewed from behind, stepping onto the first swing bridge on the Hooker Valley Track in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Landscape view of the Hooker Valley Track with the first swing bridge and silhouettes of hikers in the distance on a sunny day in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

A wide view of a rocky riverbed with milky turquoise water flowing through it in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with the snow-capped Mount Cook visible in the distance against a blue sky. Photo copyright Anna Jackowska.

Lake Tekapo & the Stars Above

The next morning, I made my way to Lake Tekapo, home to the famous Mount John Observatory, one of the best stargazing locations in the world. Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning the night sky here is incredibly clear. If you’re staying overnight, I highly recommend a stargazing tour, where you can use powerful telescopes to observe distant galaxies. A stop at Astro Café for coffee with a view was a must.

A wide view of the Mount John University Observatory with its silver dome on a hilltop overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the distant Southern Alps under a partly cloudy blue sky.

After that, I visited NZ Alpine lavender farm—while the peak bloom had passed, I still managed to enjoy the scent of the fields and, of course, a delicious lavender ice cream.

Returning to Mount Cook Village, I took on the Tasman Glacier View Track, a short but rewarding walk that led to jaw-dropping glacier views. You can also take a boat tour on the Tasman Lake, where you’ll get up close to icebergs that have broken off from the glacier.

Anna, a travel blogger in a striped shirt with sunglasses on her head, holds a cup of lavender ice cream at the NZ Alpine Lavender farm, with rows of lavender, picnic tables with purple umbrellas, and vintage farm equipment in the background under a cloudy sky.

Anna Jackowska, wearing sunglasses and a striped shirt, sits in a large wooden chair surrounded by rows of blooming purple lavender plants at a farm near Lake Tekapo, under an overcast sky.

A view of Tasman Lake with several white and grey icebergs floating on its milky turquoise surface, set against a backdrop of tall, rugged mountains under a cloudy sky in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

A view of a rocky path along a ridge overlooking Tasman Lake, with snow-capped mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Twizel to Lake Hāwea: Secret Saunas & Cold Plunges

Driving from Twizel towards Lake Hāwea was a feast for the eyes—endless mountain views and shimmering blue lakes. I had hoped to do the Blue Pools Track, but renovations had closed parts of it. However, if you’re visiting when it’s open, it’s a stunning short walk leading to crystal-clear glacial pools.

Arriving at Lake Hāwea, the wind was intense, but I was here for something special—The Secret Sauna experience! Sitting in a cozy lakeside sauna, then plunging into the ice-cold, 10-degree water was invigorating, to say the least, and a fantastic way to connect with the raw beauty of the environment.A true South Island experience! If you’re feeling adventurous, Lake Hāwea is also a fantastic spot for kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing.

A wide panoramic view of the deep blue waters of Lake Hāwea surrounded by dry, golden-brown hills and mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, as seen from a lookout point.

View from Lake Hāwea Lookout

Panoramic view of Lake Hāwea from a scenic lookout.

A wide panoramic view of Lake Wanaka's deep blue waters and distant mountain ranges under a partly cloudy sky, as seen from a lookout point with golden-brown hills and a curved shoreline in the foreground.

View from Lake Wanaka Lookout

Scenic view of Lake Wanaka and surrounding mountains from a lookout point.

A barrel-shaped wooden sauna and a dark green tent are located near the blue waters of Lake Hāwea, with rugged mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The Secret Sauna by Lake Hāwea

Relaxing at The Secret Sauna by the shores of Lake Hāwea.

Choppy turquoise waters of Lake Hāwea under a blue and white cloudy sky, with windy conditions affecting the tussock grass and shrubs on the foreground hillside and a sandy beach along the shore. Distant mountains are visible.

Windy Day at Lake Hāwea

Windy conditions on the shores of Lake Hāwea.

Rob Roy Glacier Track & Wanaka

My final adventure took me deep into Mount Aspiring National Park to tackle the Rob Roy Glacier Track. The weather was a little moody with some rain, but the dramatic glacier views made it worth every step. The track follows the Matukituki River and leads to stunning viewpoints of the Rob Roy Glacier, a hanging glacier with waterfalls cascading down its ice walls.

A view of a path with hikers in the distance, surrounded by golden tussock grass, along the Rob Roy's Glacier Track in Mt Aspiring National Park, with mountains partially obscured by clouds in the background.

A suspension bridge stretches across a milky turquoise river flowing through a valley covered in dense green vegetation, with steep mountains rising on either side under a cloudy sky, along the Rob Roy's Glacier Track.

Anna, a travel blogger, stands on a track in a valley with a river to the left and mountains on either side under a cloudy sky, on Rob Roy's Glacier Track in Mt Aspiring National Park.

A view of a glacier situated high on rugged mountains with multiple waterfalls flowing down, as seen from the Rob Roy's Glacier Track and lookout in Mt Aspiring National Park, under an overcast sky.

A landscape view with mossy rocks and tussock grass in the foreground, leading to steep mountains with a glacier and waterfalls visible in the distance under an overcast sky.

Back in Wanaka, I strolled around town, visited the famous Wanaka Tree, which was oddly not in the water due to low lake levels, and reflected on an amazing week of travel. If you have extra time in Wanaka, consider visiting Roys Peak Track for panoramic views or stopping by Puzzling World, a quirky attraction filled with optical illusions and mazes.

Middle-Aged Tourist Tip: Pace yourself! While the South Island offers incredible adventures, don’t try to cram too much into one trip. Allow time for rest and soaking in the scenery. And comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must!

A solitary tree stands in Lake Wanaka, surrounded by a visibly wider exposed lakebed due to low water levels, with mountains in the background under a blue sky, as observed in Summer 2025.

A solitary tree stands in Lake Wanaka, surrounded by a visibly wider exposed lakebed due to low water levels, with several people nearby and mountains in the background under a blue sky, as observed in Summer 2025.

A view of the rocky and sandy shoreline of Lake Wanaka, with calm blue water, various green trees lining the shore, and hazy mountains in the distance under a blue sky with a few clouds.

A wooden "Doggie Stick Library" with two shelves containing various sticks, labeled "Doggie Stick Library," "Classics," and a bottom section labeled "Chew Sticks," situated outdoors in a grassy area.

My week in the South Island was nothing short of amazing. From the serene lakes and charming towns to the majestic mountains and thrilling hikes, this region truly has something for everyone. The friendly locals, the stunning scenery, and the sense of adventure around every corner made for an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a destination that will rejuvenate your soul and leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur, the South Island of New Zealand should be at the top of your list. I can’t wait to return!