Invercargill to Arrowtown

Invercargill is noted for its botanical gardens (among the top 25 attractions rated in our atlas). Nonetheless, we didn’t stick around. As soon as we got up, we headed out for our next destination: Arrowtown. Why Arrowtown when the areas we wanted to explore over the next few days were Queenstown and Wanaka? Because we were warned against staying in Queenstown, and there were no vacancies in Wanaka for a moderately priced motel (and remember, we planned this weeks in advance). That left Arrowstown, which turned out to be serendipitous.

Another full day of driving ahead of us – with this kind of scenery, sheer pleasure. Rather than take the shortest route to Arrowtown, SH-1, we continued on the Scenic Southern Route to Te Anau – the jumping point for the Milford Sound. Not on our itinerary, even though it is on everyone else’s. Maybe next time – if so, recommend spending enough time not only to take the cruise on the Sound but also to do at least some of the track.

Arrive first at Lake Manapouri – very small town, very large lake, very few people. Talk a short walk along the lake front and then continue towards Te Anau – fantastic view of Lake Te Anau from Manapouri. Te Anau teeming with tourists, motels and eateries – and has a well stocked supermarket (not many of those en route!).

Lake Manapouri with ubiquitous cabbage tree in foreground

Wow – wow – wow! As we approach Frankston at the south-end of Lake Wakatipu, stop at each look-out to take in the breath-taking scenery – and skies. Then boom – we hit massive traffic even before reaching Queenstown proper. Crazy – cars parked everywhere.

Finally arrive at Arrowtown. OK – a tourist town but all done in the best possible taste! Buy a bottle of red wine at the local store – NZ wines not cheap in NZ! Cabernet Sauvignon, NZD 25. Store owner could also tell us that our motel is just down the street – “by the trees” … Three nights at Shades of Arrowtown, perfect: a little porch and a well-equipped kitchen, plus BBQ for guests. Unfortunately, the following two afternoons and evenings it just poured and poured. No BBQ – and worse, just a brief glimpse of the sights around Queenstown and Wanaka….