Wanaka, Te Anau & Milford Sound
Our journey from New Zealand’s wild West Coast to Wanaka was unforgettable from the very start. The drive itself felt like an adventure — winding roads, dense rainforest, and waterfalls spilling down steep cliffs at Roaring Billy Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, and Fantail Falls. The rain tried its best to hide the mountain peaks, but even through the mist the scenery was incredible as we transitioned from lush rainforest into dramatic alpine landscapes.
When we arrived in Wanaka, it didn’t take long to see why so many people fall in love with this place. The town has such an easy, relaxed energy while still being surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Our days quickly fell into a rhythm of exploring and soaking it all in.
We spent time at Wanaka’s playgrounds, biked from downtown along the lake to lunch spots, and the boys loved scootering around the parks. We visited lavender fields in bloom, enjoyed a few winery afternoons, and took golden-hour swims in the lake. Of course, we had to stop and see the famous That Wanaka Tree, standing quietly out in the water — one of those simple but iconic sights that makes Wanaka so special.
One of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip was flying from Wanaka into Milford Sound. We had perfect blue skies that day, giving us incredible views of the mountains from above. Thanks to Nana, it was a truly special day and one we’ll always remember. Seeing Fiordland from the sky was breathtaking, and the boys were absolutely stoked about the whole experience.
Our week in Wanaka was filled with so many little moments that made it special — pump tracks and scooter laps, burgers by the lake, ice cream runs, relaxing massages, and settling into a new bedtime routine for the boys while Evan and I squeezed in a bit of late-night work. And just when we thought we’d experienced everything, we woke up in the middle of the night to an earthquake — definitely a memorable surprise!
After Wanaka, we made our way to Te Anau, the charming lakeside town that serves as the gateway to Fiordland. From there we drove back toward Milford Sound again, this time experiencing the stunning route through the national park by car.
Evan and I were also able to sneak away for a night — thanks to a great recommendation from a friend — and took an overnight cruise in Milford Sound. The weather had completely shifted, giving the whole place a moody, magical atmosphere. We kayaked in the rain, watched waterfalls thunder down sheer cliffs, swam in the fjord, and woke up to the most incredible breakfast view imaginable. It was one of those rare travel experiences that feels almost surreal in the moment and becomes an instant lifelong memory.
Back in Te Anau, we loved the slower pace of this little town. The boys found great playgrounds and swimming spots, and there were plenty of scooter adventures along the lake. It was such a sweet place to spend time together, especially with Nana.
Our time here was filled with adventure, beautiful scenery, and so many meaningful family moments. Next up on our South Island journey: the charm of Arrowtown and the energy of Queenstown.
Wanaka gave us the perfect mix of adventure and ease — and every stop along the way reminded us just how special New Zealand truly is. ✨