Conquering the Southern Alps

 Guide to Scenic Drives and Mountain Passes

A South Island, New Zealand road trip offers a thrilling combination of challenging drives and breathtaking vistas, coupled with a wide array of activities. Here’s a breakdown of some highlights:

Challenging and Rewarding Drives:

• Arthur’s Pass:
  • This alpine pass cuts through the Southern Alps, offering dramatic mountain scenery. The winding roads and steep gradients demand careful driving, but the views are absolutely stunning.
  • Highlights include:
    • The Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall.
    • Avalanche Peak (for experienced hikers).
    • The views from the summit of the pass itself.
• Haast Pass:
  • Connecting the West Coast with Central Otago, the Haast Pass winds through lush rainforests, alongside glacial rivers, and past mirror-like lakes.
  • This drive presents varying road conditions and requires attention, but the ever-changing landscapes are incredibly rewarding.
  • Highlights include:
    • The Blue Pools.
• Crown Range Road:
  • Connecting Queenstown and Wanaka, this is New Zealand’s highest main road.
  • Its steep, winding nature makes it a challenging drive, especially in winter, but the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes are truly spectacular.
• Te Anau to Milford Sound:
  • This road takes you through Fiordland National Park, a region of stunning fjords, rainforests, and mountains.
  • The drive itself is an adventure, with winding roads and potential for adverse weather, but the approach to Milford Sound is unforgettable.

Activities to Explore:

• Glacier Experiences:
  • Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers offer opportunities for guided glacier hikes and helicopter tours.
• Fiordland National Park:
  • Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound offer breathtaking fjord cruises, kayaking, and hiking.
• Queenstown:
  • Adventure activities abound, including:
    • Bungy jumping.
    • Jet boating.
    • White-water rafting.
    • And scenic gondola rides.
• Wanaka:
  • Enjoy the beautiful lake, and surrounding mountains.
  • hiking to Roy’s Peak.
  • Visiting the Wanaka tree.
• West Coast:
  • Exploration of the pancake rocks, and blowholes at Punakaiki.
  • Visiting the towns of Hokitika and Greymouth.
• Mount Cook National Park:
  • Hiking in the shadow of New Zealand’s highest peak.
  • Tasman Glacier boat tours.
• Kaikoura:
  • Whale watching and dolphin encounters.

Important Considerations:

• Road conditions can vary, especially in mountainous areas, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast and road reports.
• Driving in New Zealand is on the left side of the road.
• Allow plenty of time for your road trip to fully appreciate the scenery and activities.