South Island, New Zealand｜Wanaka's slow pace of life｜Sharing the afternoon sun with the "Lonely Tree"

｜Itinerary｜ Starting from Queenstown, it takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Wanaka, which is a relay station to the ski resort. It is also suitable for a one-day lakeside trip. It is recommended to arrive before noon, have a picnic or take a walk by the lake, and walk slowly along the lake to the famous That Wanaka Tree in the afternoon. ｜Transportation｜ It is recommended to drive there. The picturesque Crown Range Road is one of the popular routes. There are many magnificent mountain views along the way where you can stop and take pictures. If you don’t drive yourself, you can take the InterCity bus or join a local day tour from Queenstown. ｜Recommendations｜ Wanaka doesn't have the dreamy blue of Tekapo, nor the vastness of Taupo, but it has a more approachable gentleness. The afternoon sun shines on the grass by the lake. Some people are reading, some are playing with their dogs. The whole town seems to have slowed down several beats. The "lonely tree" standing in the water is quiet but powerful, and the Southern Alps as the background make it even more stable. Recommended for those who want to temporarily escape from the crowds and slowly experience the beautiful scenery of New Zealand's lakes and mountains with their feet. #AprilGoodDestinations2025