Stunning scenery along lake journey

Distance: 160km.
Estimated time without stops: Approx. 2 hours.

A jet-boating adventure up the Dart River with my dad provided a chance to log a summer drive between Wanaka and Glenorchy.

While being on the water at a designated time ruled out a casual start to the trip, my recommendation for those with more time is a stop-off at Cafe Fe on the way out of town.

After taking the Cardrona Rd turn-off to Queenstown, it is only a few kilometres out of Wanaka and has a great courtyard for the coffee fix or brunch to set you up for the day.

Enjoy the cruise through the Cardrona Valley and perhaps join other passersby and patrons stopping to take photos of the historic Cardrona Hotel, before the climb up through the Crown Range.

The summit pull-out on the left affords an impressive view down over the Gibbston valley, Lake Wakatipu, Frankton and on to Queenstown.

If you intend to make Glenorchy your overnight destination, I would suggest a detour into quaint Arrowtown by taking the right-hand turn-off about 400m after you have turned right on to the Gibbston Highway.

Or, if it's a scorcher, there's a great swimming spot just down the hill to the left from the Lake Hayes Showgrounds pavilion.

It has a rope swing that will be popular with both the kids and the kids-at-heart.

Even though I have often driven past the Remarkables, the sun hitting the range and its neighbouring Cecil and Walter Peaks is still a breath-taker from Frankton Rd.

Meander through Queenstown and, if you are lucky enough to find a park on the Lake Esplanade, pull over and take a stroll along the pathway to stretch your legs and anticipate the stunning next section of driving.

The Glenorchy Queenstown Rd rises up off the lakefront affording snapshots of bush-covered bays.

Perhaps the loveliest and best-recognised point is located about 25km from Queenstown.

It is at the hilltop starting down towards Bennetts Bluff, where you get the first view beyond the head of Lake Wakatipu and three islands become visible.

These are Tree Island (the tiny one on the left), then Pig Island and Pigeon Island.

When approaching the destination, an entrance sign proclaims "Welcome to Glenorchy - Gateway to Paradise".

It's an apt play on the heavenly named destination a further 20km northwest.

Glenorchy bears almost no resemblance to the tourist bustle of Queenstown and a peaceful feeling accompanies the smell of newly mown grass.

Lakefront options for the day traveller include a skateboard bowl for the teens, a stone-walled barbecue and a walkway on which to take an after-lunch promenade.