The Wanaka/Queenstown Dispute

Queenstown is definitely the gateway to the Southern Alps. It's a beautiful place (see post here), and it has just about every adventure you could want, with plenty of restaurants and hotels, and even two casinos. And it is rapidly exploding in population, giving it a vibrant feel. But there's the rub. Many locals prefer Wanaka, just under an hour to the north, which boasts nearly as many activities (though fewer vendors) and a more laid-back feel. So there's a friendly rivalry between the two towns.

I don't know which to choose. But in our 9-day trip, as we arrived for 48 hours in Wanaka on the second night, Julie and I thought that the best overall experience was Wanaka, including the surrounding hiking--see the Rob Roy Glacier hike in the next posts. If you want a more peaceful visit, go to Wanaka. If you want a more lively visit, go to Queenstown. You can't go wrong in either place.

One thing is for certain: Wanaka has the best ($7 night/person) car-camping spots I've ever seen. By far. Just look at what our tent and chairs looked out at--the mountains, the river. Just gorgeous. Julie is rightly enjoying herself in the one pic. (For those on the lookout, the campground is in Albert Town, just outside Wanaka as you cross the one-lane bridge.)

The top picture is Lake Wanaka, the view from dab-smack in the middle of town; the next two are from our campsite, and the last from a nearby trail (or "track" as they're called here).

I just realized it's now officially the 25th here, so Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah to everyone!