Plan Your Journey
Wānaka & Cromwell Scenic Loop – From Queenstown
This is an excellent Southern Lakes scenic loop, combining the alpine landscapes of the Crown Range with Wānaka and the orchards, vineyards and historic gold-mining landscapes around Cromwell.
The Crown Range is the most direct scenic route between Queenstown and Wānaka, while the return can be made through Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge.
Queenstown → Crown Range → Cardrona → Wānaka → Lake Wānaka → Cromwell → Lake Dunstan → Kawarau Gorge → Queenstown
Highlights
- Queenstown hotel pickup
- Scenic Crown Range Road
- Crown Range lookout
- Historic Cardrona Valley
- Historic Cardrona Hotel
- Wānaka township
- That Wānaka Tree
- Lake Wānaka waterfront
- Optional lakeside lunch
- Cromwell
- Lake Dunstan
- Old Cromwell Historic Precinct
- Central Otago orchards and vineyards
- Kawarau Gorge
- Scenic return to Queenstown
Wānaka is approximately an hour from Queenstown via the Crown Range, making it very suitable for a full-day private sightseeing loop.
Wānaka Experience
Spend time around Lake Wānaka and visit the famous That Wānaka Tree, with the Southern Alps providing a spectacular backdrop.
Guests can enjoy:
- Lakeside walk
- Photography
- Local cafés
- Shopping
- Optional lunch overlooking the lake
Cromwell Experience
Continue towards Cromwell, located on the shores of Lake Dunstan. Cromwell is known for its Central Otago landscapes, fruit-growing areas, vineyards and gold-mining history.
A stop at Old Cromwell offers a glimpse into the area’s historic past, while local farm stalls can be a great place to sample seasonal Central Otago fruit.
Optional Add-Ons
Depending on the group’s interests and available time, the tour can include:
- Central Otago wine tasting
- Local fruit tasting
- Historic gold-mining sites
- Additional photography stops
- Café or restaurant lunch
- Short scenic walks
Package Includes
- Private luxury vehicle
- Professional driver/guide
- Queenstown hotel pickup & drop-off
- Complimentary bottled water
- Flexible sightseeing stops
- Photography stops
- Luggage assistance
- Free Wi-Fi where available
Excludes
- Meals and refreshments
- Wine tasting fees
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Wānaka & Cromwell Scenic Loop – From Queenstown
Experience two of Central Otago’s most beautiful destinations in one unforgettable private day tour, travelling through alpine passes, lakes, historic towns, vineyards and spectacular mountain scenery.
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