Panorama taken from beside the 6 Highway at Markarora at the northern end of Lake Wanaka. This picture, taken late on a sunny afternoon, shows the surrounding mountains. The the west is Mount Aspiring National Park.

Makarora Valley - Wanaka visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Makarora Valley' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Otago.

The Makarora River ends it's journey down a wide glacial valley flowing into the northern end of Lake Wanaka beside Markarora in Central Otago. The river forms the eastern boundary of Mount Aspiring National Park and these alluvial plains are used for grazing. When driving north, Markarora is the last notable settlement between here and Haast at the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. On the way the road winds over Haast Pass, famous for the dramatic mountain views.

At Markarora is the Makarora Homestead, which offers holiday accommodation. A local tourism company offers scenic plane flights and jetboating tours on the Makarora River.

Car: Makarora is on Highway 6 some 63km north of Wanaka. The road to Wanaka travels down the eastern side of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. The 6 Highway continues north over the Haast Pass to Hasst, nearly 80km away.
Flight: Wanaka Airport