Wanaka

Lake Wanaka by moonlight

Arriving in Wanaka, I could immediately see why Jon loved this place. The views around the lake were stunning and it just had a really chilled atmosphere...

I stayed three nights instead of one. I enjoyed puzzle world (big maze on which I have to say I cheated at the end on as well as other 'puzzling' attractions) Cinema Paradiso (yes Jon, the local beer and fresh baked cookies are delicious) which I loved - very much my sort of cinema with sofas, great food and even a beetle car to sit in if you so desired and I also did a three hour tramp up the Rob Roy Glacier track. I can't begin to describe how visually spectacular the views were - it just doesn't do them justice. I will say that pick-nicking in front of a glacier that towers above you is something else - especially as snow and ice break off and literally 'thunder' down the glacier.

Rob Roy Glacier

In the cinema

I would have gladly stayed longer, but alas, time was getting the better of me and it was off to Queenstown - 'Adventure Capital of the World'. Hmmm...