The idea was born during the Covid pandemic, to link the premiere South Island tourist towns of Queenstown and Wanaka, via a backcountry route. The idea is simple enough, touch Lake Wakatipu, run to Lake Wanaka, touch that, then run back to Lake Wakatipu. The recently created Mahu Whenua Covenant has opened up the wilderness of the Harris Mountains to public access, and makes a natural ridgeline connection between Lakes Wakatipu and Wanaka. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The route starts at the waterfront in Queenstown, and heads to the ski field of Coronet Peak, the one road section of the route. The route then heads to Treble Cone ski field through the backbone of the Harris Mountains. As this is wilderness, and there are no formed tracks, this part will vary in distance and specifics according to snow and rock conditions. Once at Treble Cone (you'll need to register with the ski field on their website if passing through out of hours), run the road section to Glendhu Bay and touch the lake. Return leg is via the Motatapu Track to Arrowtown, the start of which is signposted from Glendhu Bay. The track was built by Shania Twain and her then husband Mutt Lange as part of their purchase agreement of Motatapu Station. This is also part of the Te Araroa Trail that travels the length of the country. The track is seeped in gold mining history, and passes through the historic settlement of Macetown. Once in Arrowtown, runners need to make their way back to the starting point either via Bush Creek/Coronet Peak, or via the road. Both routes are approximately the same distance.
Due to the cancellation of events last Summer, an unofficial event was held over the route in March. 'Competitors' logged their times and posted their results to a Facebook page, Lake To Lake To Lake. There were categories for Unsupported, self supported and supported.
