Mount Cook & Wanaka ! 🇳🇿
South Island, New Zealand Part 2
We explored Days 3 and 4 mostly at Mount Cook & Wanaka.
Must-visit places!
📍Mt Cook Alpine Salmon🍣
📍Hooker Valley / Sealy Tarns Track
📍Clay Cliffs
📍Lindis Pass
📍Wanka (Burrito Craft & Black Peak)
📍Arrowtown
If you are visiting Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop, do bring and prepare some cooked rice to go with the delicious fresh salmon! It went so well with it.
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: 5/5
Hooker Valley track wasn’t open during our visit so we attempted the Sealy Tarns Track (also known as “Stairway to Heaven”). It was a demanding 2h hike up and 1h hike down, revealing around 2200 steps of well-maintained steps. The alpine views got more breathtaking as you climbed higher, and the snow capped Mountain Views of Mt Cook were just right next to you as you climbed. A pond would be waiting for you at the top once you summit. After the hike, consider stopping by Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for some pies (we tried the yummy Venison Pie) and souvenirs!
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: 4/5
We stayed in a small town of Twizel (near Lake Pukaki) that night. To save cost for dinner, we brought XL ramen from home to accompany some steak and onion rings that we bought from the supermarket.
We were supposed to rush off to Clay Cliffs on day 4 morning since it closes at 3.30pm. We saw there was an entrance fee of 10 NZD with payment-based-on-honesty. However, it was closed when we got there (Google Maps didn’t mention). We made our way to Lindis Pass viewpoint for 360 views of the stunning barren landscape from the observation deck. It felt like you’re on Mars! The observation deck was only about 100-200m away from the carpark so worth a stop!
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: 4/5
The famous Wanaka Tree was 1h away. It’s unusual to see a tree growing in the lake, and there was lots of tourists along the beach enjoying the view. We ate lunch at Burrito Craft. Would recommend the tasty and crispy monkfish there! You guys gotta try the gorgeous Hokey Pokey flavored ice cream at Black Peak too! Hokey Pokey is NZ’s most iconic and must-try classic ice cream flavour. It is New Zealanders’ term for honeycomb toffee, where vanilla is mixed with crunch bits of honeycomb toffee.
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: 5/5
We made a quick stop by Arrowtown, which looked like a “cowboy town” straight out of a Western film in the 1800s. The town had historic one-story heritage buildings and rustic shops. I really liked the pharmacy, which retained a quaint and grand facade.
Those were our stops en route to magical Queenstown!
Visiting Mount Cook and Wanaka offers an incredible mix of nature, adventure, and local flavor that truly captures the essence of New Zealand’s South Island. One of the highlights is definitely the Sealy Tarns Track, often called the 'Stairway to Heaven'—climbing its 2200 well-maintained steps is demanding but rewarding with spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine terrain. The sight of Mt Cook looming nearby while ascending is simply breathtaking. If you’re a food enthusiast, don’t miss the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop, where fresh salmon pairs perfectly with cooked rice, making for a simple yet delicious meal after a day of hiking. Nearby towns like Twizel provide a great base with budget-friendly dining options, such as combining ramen with local steak and onion rings for a hearty dinner. Although Clay Cliffs was closed during the visit, nearby Lindis Pass offers a fascinating landscape likened to a Martian environment, with a convenient observation deck delivering 360-degree views of the barren but striking scenery. It’s a worthwhile stop if you appreciate dramatic geological formations. Wanaka’s iconic lone tree growing out of the lake is a sight to see, attracting visitors who enjoy its photogenic charm. Foodies should also sample the unique Hokey Pokey ice cream at Black Peak, a quintessential New Zealand treat featuring crunchy honeycomb toffee bits mixed into creamy vanilla—a real local favorite. A stop in Arrowtown adds a cultural and historic touch to the itinerary, with its charming heritage buildings giving a glimpse into 1800s frontier life. The old pharmacy’s grand facade especially stands out, adding character to the visit. Overall, this journey combines exhilarating hikes, memorable culinary experiences, and scenic wonders, creating lasting memories on your route to the vibrant Queenstown. For anyone planning a South Island trip, making time for these places not only lets you explore nature’s beauty but also immerse yourself in local culture and flavors.
