Canterbury Trails · Private Queenstown tours
Wanaka Loop
A grand circle through the best of the Southern Lakes.
The experience
One day, one grand circle, and the full breadth of the Southern Lakes.
This is the complete scenic loop, a day that climbs the Crown Range, drops through the wine country of Gibbston and Cromwell, lingers at the lovely lakeside town of Wanaka, and returns through the historic Cardrona Valley. It is the best way to take in the range of the region in a single, unhurried day, shaped by your guide around what you most want to see.
The climb
Over the highest road
The morning climbs the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand, with stops on the way up for the long views back over the Wakatipu Basin. Down the far side lies the wine country, historic Arrowtown and the original Kawarau bungy bridge, and the orchards of the Cromwell Basin.
The lake
Wanaka, and the way home
By midday you reach Wanaka and its lakefront, where the lone willow known as That Wanaka Tree stands in the shallows, with time to stop for lunch by the water. The afternoon returns over the range through the Cardrona Valley, with a pause at the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of the oldest in the country, before the easy run back to Queenstown.
What to expect
Flexible, from start to finish
The day is entirely private and endlessly flexible: a premium vehicle and one dedicated guide, door-to-door from Queenstown, and a route shaped around your interests. Wine tastings can be folded into the day on request, with notice. The Crown Range is at its most dramatic under winter snow, and we travel it safely whatever the season.
Private full-day journeys from NZD $425 per person.A full day from Queenstown, the grand circle of the Southern Lakes.
What our guests say
“A fantastic guide, the exact combination of informative, entertaining and patient.”Nick H, April 2026
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google & TripAdvisor
Good to know
A few questions answered
How long is the day, and where do you collect from?
A full day, with private door-to-door collection and return from your Queenstown accommodation.
Is lunch included?
Not included. There is time for a relaxed lakeside lunch in Wanaka, and bottled water is provided.
Can we add wine tastings?
Yes. With a little notice we can fold tastings in the Gibbston or Cromwell wine country into the day.
Is the Crown Range open in winter?
Yes. We travel it safely year round, and it is at its most dramatic under snow.
Plan your journey
Travel the Southern Lakes in style
Tell us your dates and your party, and we will shape the day around you.
Email info@trails.co.nz · Phone +64 3 384 6148
