Lindis Pass is a hilly scenic reserve and a winding inland route which should definitely be a part of your road trip itinerary when traveling through the South Island of New Zealand. This alpine area connects Mackenzie Basin of the Canterbury to Central Otago. Lindis Pass Scenic Reserve lies between the valley of the Lindis and the Ahuriri Rivers.
Lindis Pass Viewpoint
It was cold and raining. We were a family of 5 on a 1 month New Zealand road trip on board a rental SUV. No one wanted to get out of the car when we pulled over at the observation area. I risked the freezing temperature for a snapshot at an elevated deck. I found a marker for a trail that leads up to an even higher area and decided otherwise when the rain started pouring heavily. I ran towards the car and we continued our journey.
There are short walks and multi-day hiking trails offering amazing views of the snow tussock grasslands and smooth seemingly sculpted hill slopes covered in furry-looking yellow ochre colored grass.
It is considered one of the most dangerous roads due to unpredictable weather especially during winter when roads are prone to ice, heavy snow and avalanches. Check the conditions prior to crossing this impressive route.
How to Get There:
From Queenstown, on our trip towards Mount Cook National Park and Lake Pukaki, we took State Highway 8. We stopped in Cromwell for a short grocery shopping break before passing through this scenic route. Lindis Pass is in between Omarama and Wanaka. It was definitely worth the stop not only to stretch the legs but to take in the otherworldly landscape.
Passing through Lindis Pass triggers my active imagination. It's definitely a great setting for a movie.
Travel Resources for your trip to New Zealand
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Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to New Zealand.
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