The West Coast Region Tour via Queenstown (Part I)

From Queenstown head north to Lake Wanaka. Take a short walk beside the lake and enjoy  a great scenery or have a pinic and relax at the lakefront. If you want something unique or quirky, head over to the Puzzling World. Have a funny picture taken with the Leaning Tower of Wanaka or get lost in a labyrinth known as The Great Maze.  If youre traveling in winter, Lake Wanaka boasts of its world class ski and snowboarding areas.

Upon arrival head over to Visitor Centre to check for weather  update & local information on visiting the glacier. Save your glacier adventure for next day and instead take a break after a long drive by heading over to Lake Matheson. You can do a short walking track around the lake or have a nice meal at Matheson cafe and enjoy a good view of Mount Cook & Mt. Tasman in the background.

Take a tour of  Franz Josef Glacier. We recommend joining a guided tour for a more safer exploration on the glaciers. Choose from range of glacier tours available for all ages. Then end your day with a relaxing hot pool and massage at the Glacier Hot Pool, conveniently located at Franz Josef Township.

Head for the National Kiwi Centre and meet New Zealand's national icon as well as the tuataras and long-finned eels. Admire the blue water in Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve. Thrill seekers can get an adrenaline rush from kayaking down the rougher waters.

Upon arrival make sure to visit the Visitor Centre to check for local and weather advisories in the area then plan a day hike depending on the weather condition. There are many walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park, from a quick 10 minute trek up to Avalanche Creek Waterfall to a more challenging tramping routes up to Mt. Bealey. One of the most popular track is the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall. Recommended activities for families includes the Arthur's Pass Village Historic Walk and the Millennium Walk that will take you over to a bridge where you can see the iconic Avalanche Creek Waterfalls.