Trips to Wanaka early 2022

The first of two early 2022 visits to Wanaka was in February, the tail end of summer and yet already there was early snow on the foothills as I started my journey south. Despite the overcast skies, the colours were unbelievably vibrant

Central Otago is frequently much warmer and drier, and this time was no exception. I had four fantastic days, a pleasant surprise after some rather depressing forecasts for the area and floods elsewhere in New Zealand.

What a marvelous day I had in Queenstown. My decision to take the little shuttle bus from Wanaka to Queenstown was great. It was so relaxing to be a passenger, as we wound our way round the twists and turns of the Kawerau Gorge. 

I opted to take The Million Dollar Cruise, so named because the area we visited on the Frankton Arm has some of the most magnificent and expensive properties in Queenstown, not to mention the million dollar views! 

Having taken the cruise in the morning, it was perfect, if not rather hot, to then walk from Queenstown back to Frankton, once more enjoying more distant views of the millionaires' properties with their backdrop of those stunning peaks of The Rematkables.

In early March it was time to head south once again, leaving Mike to guard my very successful and productive veggie garden, with some larger than normal produce.

There were already hints of  autumn in the magnificent poplars all around Lake Wanaka. Even in March the colours are so rich and the contrast with the  blue skies magnificent.

Never have I seen the lake so calm for so many consecutive days, so they were perfect conditions to go for an early morning paddle. The first couple of days before David arrived, I was totally alone on the lake and nobody was even on the lakeshore. What a magical feeling it is being out on Lake Wanaka with such breathtaking scenery. The power of the mountains is truly awesome.

Whether heading towards Mount Iron and Wanaka Township or paddling towards Mount Aspiring, it is a simply unforgettable and moving experience.

I finally fulfilled one of my bucket list dreams of going to Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu. I particularly wanted to go before the borders open, not only because the road is quite windong, and narrow in places, but because I wanted to visit this fantastic part of New Zealand without any crowds.

Well, dreams do come true and the day was stunning in every way - scenery, westher and the priviledge of being almost alone amongst such grandeur.

The famous seat looking out towards the glaciers afforded spectacular views, and peace and tranquility. What a lunchspot, and, not a soul around!

The boardwalk across the marsh by the lagoon is a good kilometre long and is absolutely fantastic. 

The lagoon, with its backdrop of mountains and its colourful willows surrounding it, was so beautiful. There I was alone amongst such splendour, apart from the many birds, ducks and geese, that is! I met three people just as I reached the end of the track. How lucky I had been to have this surreal place all to myself.

Back to Frankton to pick up David and to finish an already perfect day with yet more wonderful experiences. What better way than to enjoy a Thai takeaway with a view of Lake Wakatipu. What lucky people we are.

Wanaka has so much to offer, to suit all travellers.and is certainly my favourite place in the world! 

The lavender farm was still beautiful, despite some of the flowers having finished. The bees were certainly making the most of the final weeks of pollen collecting. The buzzing drowned out any noise from cars on the main road.

A new experience, and an absolutely delicious salmon pizza, undoubtedly the best pizza I have eaten outside Italy, thanks to the Italian chef at The Hook salmon farm. This place is a must-see and a visit to the lovely restaurant overlooking the salmon ponds is not to be missed.

It is such a beautiful venue, and in the evening it is fascinating watching the salmon jumping out of the water to catch insects.

Time to leave the piicturesque shores of Lake Wanaka.. I have never seen the water so low,

Just over five hours later, I was back home to Mike and my lush green garden. I am so fortunate.