Wanaka before lockdown NZ

Leaving Kaka point we stopped at a lovely beach area with typical old 'cribs' (holiday homes) on the other side of the road. Old and derelict looking, but still inhabited.

What a beautiful trip through to Wanaka, with some new territory and gorgeous scenery including this lake in the midst of swamp land.

A stop at the little historical town of Milton, Mill town, meant a chance to enjoy local date scones (simply amazing) and to dream about a cup of tea this big!

Wanaka- my favourite home from home. Despite the very gloomy Coronavirus news, all was as lovely as ever as I looked out over the ponds of Edgewater, with the magnificent Lake Wanaka in the background. It is idyllic here. The peace is interrupted only by the calls of the paradise ducks and the sound of the wind whistling through the poplars.

Amazingly, 'that Wanaka tree', usually surrounded by tourists and cameras, was alone and as splendid in its solitude as ever! No wonder that this solitary tree in the lake has become such an icon of this spectacular scenery.

Empty lake shores, not due to the virus but to the huge Agricultural show on in town. It was fantastic to walk almost alone along the beach into town and to the show.

It was so good to see David again and the next day to retrace our steps from Glendhu Bay to Damper Bay. This is undoubtedly the highlight of every trip to Wanaka, and the start of autumn colours and the crystal clear views of Mount Aspiring in the distance further enhanced the wonderful walk.

To me, this walk has it all, from autumn leaves to beaches with splendid stones of so many colours, and all so tranquil and so unspoiilt.

As the sun set, That Wanaka tree tempted us out once again to enjoy the pastel colours in the evening skies. What breathtaking scenery! How lucky we are to be a part of this!

Not only are the lakes fantastic, the riverside walks along the banks of the Mighty Clutha are just sensational.

The golden leaves of autumn are just beginning. In the next weeks this area will be turned to gold!

Trip home was simply wonderful, with perfect weather, little traffic and spectacular scenery. Mount Cook looked so lovely with its collar of puffy clouds.

You certainly could not wish for a more undisturbed and beautiful lunch spot, looking over Lake Tekapo.

Home again to find my Monarch caterpillars had doubled in size

Whilst some plants had virtually disappeared, munched away by the caterpillars!

Now I have time to sort out and get some order in my home again, but with marvelous memories of our short trip away!