Day 22: Wanaka to Te Anau: If Only we were a Bird

As we looked at the map to figure out our day, Nicholas had the simple question of why are we driving all the way around when it is so close on the map. If only the roads went the way we wanted them to, buddy.

Research had told us that the Crown Range drive was supposed to be very curvy and beautiful but slightly longer than the Cromwell route. Sounded like a route we needed to take.

Once we were loaded up, we promised the boys some more family soccer before hitting the road for the three hour drive. Once buckets were filled with laughter and exercise, we were on our way. I started out driving while he sorted out gas and lunch stops.

Today his stop picks were over the top amazing. First on the list was “That Wanaka Tree”. Rob found Wanaka Station Park, which is slightly closer to the tree and absolutely stunning. Nicholas wanted to play soccer here, but quickly switched once he saw the swings; it has been way too long since we have all swung. They even had a rose-lined pathway to access the lake. Once at the lake, we took our tree photos and enjoyed the view of the lake before working our way back to the car.

It felt like we hit the jackpot on the Crown Range drive. The lupine flowers were in full bloom all along the drive and were such a contrast to the brown mountains surrounding us. The curves weren’t nearly as bad as we had anticipated. I am so glad we went this way.

Up next was another super winner spot Rob picked for lunch: Frankton Beach, just outside Queenstown, on Lake Wakatipu. It was quite breezy, so we opted to eat lunch inside while enjoying the comforts of the car. Cooper found the bathroom and reported that it talks and has a 10-minute time limit.

Rob took over the driving from here, taking us past many hilly fields of sheep.

We arrived at our motel and were surprised how spacious it is. It is a one bedroom, but the central room is so large they have two twin beds at opposite corners. It is almost like they must have traveled with siblings before.

Town was just a 10 minute walk along the water. We saw seaplanes, helicopters, and tons of boats and people enjoying Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island.

Finally, we were able to get the boys their long-awaited ice creams.

Rob headed back a little earlier from town to start on dinner, and the boys and I followed shortly behind. It has been really nice to enjoy so many meals in our rooms vs. dining out, and it has given us so much more flexibility. Super star award goes to Rob for thinking of and cooking all of his creations in less than ideal tiny kitchens all around the country.

Thank you, New Zealand, for yet another excellent stop.