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southern lakes: general info
· city links
· history
· things to do
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MAKARORA
Calling Code: +64 3
At the northern tip of Lake Wanaka on the Haast Pass Highway lies
Makarora. Maori originally uses this route across the main divide on food-gathering
expeditions and in search of greenstone. Europeans discovered the route in the
1860s when seeking grazing land and possible routes to the West Coast, where potential
harbours may have facilitated the exporting of Central Otago gold to Australia.
In the 1800s, early European settlers established pastoral runs, small but thriving
timber and flax milling industries, and an early tourist trade that promoted the
area as a tourist destination for fishers and hunters. A road from Wanaka to Haast
was opened in 1960 (sealing of this road was completed in 1995).
Today, Makarora is a gateway to the Southern Lakes region and to Mount Aspiring National Park.
As well as longer walks within the park, there are many short walks off the highway
and excellent trout fishing in local rivers. Those who do not want to explore
the park by foot can jet boat up the majestic Wilkin Valley, or take a scenic
flight over the spectacular peaks and glaciers of the main divide.
Makarora also
has a Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, accommodation and two cafes/shops
(which also sell fuel).
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
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