Ep. 5 | Mount Cook → Wanaka → Queenstown | Lakeside Mornings & The Journey Home

@Inquietframes

The final chapter of our South Island journey unfolds at an unhurried pace — from an early morning departure at Mount Cook to the calm shores of Lake Wanaka, a quiet walk by the iconic Wanaka Tree, and a gentle transition into Queenstown.
This episode is about slowing down, reflecting on the journey, and finding beauty in the in-between moments — before returning home to Auckland.

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"Highlights"

Early morning at Mount Cook — soft light, quiet roads, alpine stillness

Scenic drive to Wanaka — winding roads, open landscapes, changing skies

Lake Wanaka — calm waters, lakeside pauses, gentle reflections

The Wanaka Tree — minimal, iconic, and quietly poetic

Drive to Queenstown — last South Island roads and evening light

Queenstown stay — winding down after days of travel

Morning return — Queenstown ✈️ Auckland

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ℹ️ Travel Info & Pro Tips

| Start Early: Morning drives offer softer light and empty roads. |
| Wanaka Tree: Visit early for fewer people and calmer reflections. |
| Pace: Leave space between destinations — the quiet moments matter. |
| Ending Tip: Plan a relaxed final day to ease the transition back home. |


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🌄 Scenic Stops & Moments (Mount Cook → Wanaka → Queenstown → Auckland)

Mount Cook Morning: Still air, alpine silence, first light

Road to Wanaka: Long stretches, gentle curves, open valleys

Lake Wanaka: Calm water, subtle movement, lakeside stillness

The Wanaka Tree: Solitary form, minimal beauty, quiet reflection

Queenstown Evening: Town lights, winding down, rest

Final Morning: Leaving the South Island, carrying the journey home


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🎥 Watch the Previous Episodes

Ep. 1 | Auckland ✈️ Queenstown → Te Anau | South Island, New Zealand Adventure Begins
Ep. 2 | Te Anau to Milford Sound | Waterfalls, Wildlife & Scenic Fjords
Ep. 3 | Queenstown → Cardrona → Lindis Pass → Lake Tekapo | Stargazing Adventure
Ep. 4 | Mount Cook & Hooker Valley | Glaciers, Valleys, and Rainy Trails


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🍽️ Food Stop

Bombay Palace, Wanaka
A comforting Indian dinner spot with rich flavours — perfect after a day of driving and exploring.


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#BombayPalaceWanaka
#WanakaFood
#WanakaEats
#IndianFoodNZ
#FoodStopsNZ
#TravelAndFood
#SouthIslandEats



#Wanaka #LakeWanaka #WanakaTree #Queenstown #SouthIslandNZ
#NewZealandJourney #NZRoadTrip #SlowTravel #QuietMoments
#TravelDiary #NatureSounds #InBetweenMoments #Inquietframes