Go deep into the Dart River wilderness without worrying about lugging all your own gear or the safety precautions involved when exploring unfamiliar territory. With a naturalist guide by your side and all equipment included, you’ll take a jet-boat ride, trek through the forest, and embark worry-free on an off-road backcountry tour through Mt. Aspiring National Park. Hotel pickup and drop-off adds extra gin your day in the wilderness with pickup at your hotel; bring only your necessities for the day and a water bottle. As you venture deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park, listen to engaging commentary from your naturalist guide as you travel. Enjoy the scenery (which has been featured in the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings films) while your guide takes care of driving and directions. Next, transfer to a jet-boat for a thrilling, high-speed ride on the Dart River. Then hike through an ancient forest, listening to your naturalist guide talk about the native animals and plants and its the area’s longtime native Maori inhabitants. #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

Absolutely beautiful day. There wasn’t a lot of lavender actually blooming yet – we were a little early in the season – but there was one corner completely in bloom and it was gorgeous. They had a lot of other flowers in bloom in different gardens as well as some farm animals, so we just roamed around and checked it all out. They had hairy pigs and hairy cows that were pretty cool, otherwise normal animals like mini ponies, sheep, goats, donkeys and llamas. We tried a small cup of the lavender honey ice cream at the end ($4.50 for a tiny cup) – was ok, but not a wow – and sat in their outdoor shaded garden which was beautiful. Their shop sold just about anything you could think of with lavender in it. With all the flowers, there were tons of bees around, so if you're allergic, be careful. We didn't have any issues with them, but just wanted to note it for others. #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

This lavender farm was just 5 minutes away from Wanaka. Easy drive and easy to find as there was sign at the roadside or you could easily find a cloud of purple lavenders in a farm. We visited Wanaka Lavender Farm many times and we would re-visit no matter how many times we explored the place. There were many species of lavenders, the kids could feed the animals and roamed around the lavenders. It was a nice place to take beautiful photos. It had a lavender gift shop stocked with plenty of lavender products such as bath bombs, bath salts, shower gels, lavender bulbs, lavender sachets, lavender oils and candles and etc. We loved the little tea room beside the gift shop where we had our cup of lavender tea, lavender ice cream served during the hot summer days. #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

A good mountain walk, easy access (farm track). The peak is at 1386m (from memory) so it is a 1000m climb from car park. At the top you can view both lakes as the mountain is named after the Greek word isthmus which is " a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land." We went in Winter so there was ice on some of the track which might make it hard for some. It is closed between November and December by the farmer. Popular track saw several other groups whilst up there. Bring water and warm clothes for at the top. Climbed isthmus peak as Roy's peak track closed. Good climb and great views along the way and at the top. But very steep solid climb on the way up. My 10 year old is a keen walker and did fine but it may be a challenge for the less enthusiastic younger ones or the less fit. At least 4 hours return allowing for breaks. #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

Due to the temporary closure of Roy's Peak, we decided to hike the Isthmus Peak during our stay in Wanaka, in November 2017. To be honest, it has been a bit harder than expected, especially the first two hours. It tooked us 3 hours to go up and two hours to go down and we are in regular fitness But hang on, once you reach the middle of the way up, you can already appreciate all the way you already hikked and enjoy the view. Once at the top, the 360° landcape in mind-blowing and you won't regret the effort, that's for sure. We decided to get at the top for the sunset to enjoy the golden hour and it was a beautiful as expected. We finally start to go down around 7:pm and walked the last 45 minutes we the headlamp as only light. Definitly one of the highlight of our NZ trip. Some locals advised us to hike this trail instead of Roy's Peak, even if this one would have be open because the view is similar and it's less crowded. We have spend 2 hours a the top and we didn't see anybody. Enjoy ;-) #themeparks#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

I had 2 nights in Wanaka, and 1 full day and due to recommendations from locals I chose to do Isthmus Peak Track instead of Roy’s to avoid crowds and for a more peaceful, quiet and relaxing hike with beyond amazing views of both Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. I must have only encountered about 10-12 people in total along this hike. It took me 5 hours total: 3 hrs up and 2 hours down (going down I found to be harder on my knees). Like others have said, the mountain incline is relentless with many switchbacks, but just stop at the end of each one, catch your breath and enjoy the views. I went at the end of september, so the terrain varies from rocky, muddy, grassy to a small bit of snow at the top during the transition from winter to spring. Just when you think you’re there, you still have a bit to go. When you see the metal/tin wall tiny fence, you’re about halfway and when you see the sign for isthmus track towards the top with info about 1300 meters it’s another 30 mins climb up. It challenged me, pushed me to my limits and I’m so glad I made it to the top! Bring layers, a rain jacket or windbreaker for the top when it gets colder and windier. I recommend bringing a good amount of water, snacks/energy bars to fuel your hike, sunscreen/sunglasses, and sunhat as there is a lot of sun exposure and uncovered areas going up. No bathrooms or facilities here. Start early to give yourself plenty of time to get back, preferably earlier in the morning. Also, there is a small car park across the start of the track so parking spots can fill up fast. If you see small gates, climb through them or climb over them. Just follow the path markers and signs and you’ll be fine! #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

I going to tell you a secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone. Most people who go to Wanaka wants a picture at Roy's Peak. While it's a beautiful hike, the lines can be overwhelming and if you don't start your hike early in the morning, you might be waiting in line for hours for that one Instagram shot. The Isthmus Peak Hike is just as spectacular as Roy's Peak, but none of the crowds. Its a moderate 6-hour return with an amazing view of both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Be aware, there are several "False Peaks" where you think you've reached the summit only to find the trail continuing off in the distance. Keep going, it's worth it for sure. In my opinion, this is the best half day hike in all of the South Island. #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

Wed drove through town and along the lakefront then decided to park up and walk. There is no parking at the yacht club continue walking on to Eely Point and then around into Bremner Bay then on to Beacon Point. The views are simply stunning and with the sun shining on the water and trees, Kayaks paddling up and down the occasional boat. A lovely walk but the track can be busy with cyclists who are sometimes going idiotically fast so be aware as some of them seem not to be. Dress for the weather, layers, sunscreen hats and all that, take water and advise the use of insect repellent. #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

We were fortunate to be staying in a private lodge named TITITEA which is outside the Mt ASpiring NP and they operated a minibus shuttle a few kms to Raspberry flats parking area. From here it’s about 2km to where the Rob Roy swing bridge crosses the river and you can take either the trail 4km up hill to Rob Roy or carry straight on 9km more to Aspiring DOC hut, so a 22km round trip walk. The track follows the west branch valley floor and river. It’s pretty easy going along the river valley and very scenic inside the park with snow capped mountains, towering craggy rock formations, glimpses of glaciers and waterfalls. The river valley is beautiful; wide with grassy paddocks and cattle, and there are lots of muddy patches and small streams to cross along the way. Its highly probable you’ll get wet feet! We had lunch at the Aspiring DOC hut, admiring the views of (cloud covered) Mt Aspiring and other Mountains. Toilets and water are available. Some walked further beyond the hut for about 45 minutes to Shovels Flat. The more adventuresome can climb up the Cullers Route for views but a reasonable degree of fitness is needed. All up it took about 6hrs to do the 22km return day tramp #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer