Autumn Drive Adventure: From Queenstown to Christchurch

Experience the vibrant autumn colors of New Zealand's South Island. This time, we embarked on a one-day road trip starting from Queenstown and heading back to Christchurch. Along the way, we enjoyed delicious breakfasts, coffee breaks, stunning views of ginkgo-lined streets and lakes, wine tastings, and more—perfect spots to soak in the autumn vibes! ☀️ Day Start｜Breakfast in Frankton 📍Boat Shed Bakery The day before, we had breakfast at the neighboring Boat Shed Cafe, so this time we decided to try the bakery. It was a relaxing way to start the morning. Taking your food to-go and enjoying it by the lakeside is also highly recommended. ☕️ Morning Coffee｜A Relaxing Break at Black Lab 📍Black Lab Coffee Roasters Queenstown (Located in Country Lane) Situated away from Queenstown's bustling center, this local roaster cafe offers a cozy atmosphere. Since the cafe was operated by a single staff member, it's best to visit with some extra time to spare. Enjoying coffee outdoors while feeling the breeze is a great option. The aroma of coffee enhances the travel mood even further. 🍂 Autumn Walk｜Discovering a Ginkgo Tunnel in Cromwell 📍Alpha Street (Along the highway, unofficial spot) During the long drive to Christchurch, we made a detour to the town of Cromwell. Here, we stumbled upon a hidden ginkgo spot not marked on maps. Located right next to Alpha Street on the highway side, the golden-lined path is perfect for photos! 🍷 Winery Stop｜Wine Tasting at Wooing Tree 📍Wooing Tree Cellar Door & Kitchen Close to the ginkgo-lined street, we stopped by a winery to experience wine tasting. The attached restaurant is also popular for lunch, and I’m looking forward to trying it next time. Cromwell is home to many other wineries, so if you have time, a wine-tasting tour would be delightful. 🥧 Roadside Snacks｜Sanga's Pies and Omarama's Pies 📍Sanga’s Pies (Closed on this day) 📍Four Square Omarama (Available at the supermarket) We originally planned to visit Cromwell’s pie shop "Sanga’s Pies," but unfortunately, it was closed. Instead, we picked up Sanga’s pies sold at the Four Square supermarket in Omarama. Though the selection was limited, these pies were perfect for a quick snack during the drive. The convenience of combining a restroom break with a snack stop was a bonus. 📸 Photo Spot｜Immerse in Autumn Scenery at Lake Ruataniwha 📍Lake Ruataniwha Towards the end of the drive, we made an impromptu stop at Lake Ruataniwha. The lakeside is adorned with colorful trees, offering picturesque views wherever you look. If time permits, it’s an ideal spot for a picnic 🧺🍂.