From the longest drive to the shortest, the Wanaka to Lake Tekapo might have been the least driving time but it was one of the most picturesque. I made quite a few stops along the way, but the first was a visit to the Wanaka Airport area for a couple of museums.
National Transport & Toy Museum
Located at Wanaka Airport, this is a huge collection of cars, trucks, aircraft, and so many toys. $19 entry for adults. Give yourselves a few hours at least to explore everything.
Warbirds and Wheels
Smaller than the National Transport & Toy Museum, Warbirds and Wheels is at the airport proper and, as the name implies, focuses on fighter aircraft and classic cars.
Clay Cliffs
During the drive I spotted some interesting looking cliffs and wondered how you got to them. A bit further down the road I found a sign and turnoff for the Clay Cliffs and decided to have a look. The cliffs are on private land with access via a dusty dirt road. An honesty box asks $5 per car at the gate – worth the price.
I stopped for a break for some fantastic salmon and mountain views at Lake Pukaki.
Lake Tekapo
The weather was perfect at Lake Tekapo when I arrived, and after checking in at the hotel I headed over to the Dark Sky Project to see the Brashear Telescope – an over 100 year old telescope with a storied history in astronomy. Then it was down to the lakeside and across to the famous Church of the Good Shepherd.
