Wanaka, Central Otago
I don't have much of a narrative for Wanaka, because we've spent the majority of our time here just gaping at the scenery, walking around town, hanging out with the awesome folks staying at our backpackers, watching movies with fifteen of us flopped all over the lounge every night, and even managed to fit in a couple job applications along the way. The company here has been very good. We've become particular friends with Paul and Kim, a British couple of the rock-climbing and hiking persuasion, who we shared a dorm with back in Franz Josef. They are driving on their own, but we recommended this hostel to them, and they showed up here the evening after us, and will be heading for Queenstown today like us, and may stay in the same backpackers again- it's fun to keep meeting up with the same people at every stop!
Because Wanaka is best told in photos, that's what the rest of this post will be. Some from walking around town two days ago, some from the four-hour hike we did around the lake yesterday. I can say with complete confidence that I have absolutely loved being in this breathtakingly beautiful and comfortable place.
(Click on Photos to Enlarge)
Matt snapped this with the zoom lens, from the viewpoint above town.
How cool is that?
Hiking along the south bank of Lake Wanaka yesterday afternoon.
Hiking back to town. Autumn is my favorite season, and I'm definitely getting my fix!
Massive thorns on a native plant called Matagouri. This was the stuff we battled through during the muster at Spray Point Station. I think gnarly is the appropriate adjective.
Sunrise above the mountains. This was the view from the deck of our hostel when I got up this morning.
Ruby Island, Wanaka, and Mt. Iron behind, from the far side of the lake.
Everywhere we go, there are rose bushes loaded with bright red rosehips, just adding to the beauty of the countryside here.
View from town yesterday morning. I want to remember this forever.
I hope I come back here someday.
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