Barbara's travels continue 2018

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 fr...

Where have the past months disappeared to. I have been super busy with Airbnb with lots of very interesting guests from mny countries.mweather has been amazing, very hot at times and then an occasional overnight change from 32 degrees the day before to 10 the next morning and snow on the Alps. Have played loads of tennis, enjoyed great movies and plays and concerts in the Gardens. It has been fantastic, and exhausting. Luckily we have the serene River Avon flowing through the city, cool on the hottest  days. The city continues to take shape with new buildings primarily of glass next to some of the few remaining okder buildings - being made of wood helped this pub to survivw the quakes of 8 years ago.  So, it was time to pack my bags and head away for a break, to see David and my friends down south. The trip to Wanaka was a hot, dry affair, but absolutely gorgeous as always. It is rare to see Mount Cook without clouds. Actually, I love this lake more with clouds, and they make ...