Last Tuesday we left Invercargill, in order to drive up to Lake Wanaka. The weather was overcast, with low clouds, not a promising day to drive through mountainous country. And then the clouds moved away and the sun came out. Just in time to see the beautiful mountains ahead of us.
We first travelled around the bottom part of Lake Wakatipu. Not a cloud in sight. The peaks were certainly at their best, without snow, that is.
The Devils Staircase. This used to be a treacherous piece of road, extremely narrow, tight bends and gravel covered. Then in the late 1950's it was widened and sealed, and now easily navigated, hopefully on the correct side of the road. Many tourists have had mishaps, due to forgetting to drive on the left. So these roads can still be treacherous. I will not mention the New Zealanders who drive very fast in their four wheeled vehicles, and get very impatient if you do not pull over and let them pass. But they are never at fault, of course.
Coronet Peak, the home of the original ski resort in the area. The peak does not always get the best snow, but is still a popular place to ski when the snow is good. I can remember travelling up to the ski resort, on very winding roads, in a bus that needed to reverse in order to negotiate some of the bends. I can also remember putting on skis which were strapped onto leather boots. I was so happy when plastic boots were invented. I never did cope with leather boots. Or rope ski tows. Not that my skiing improved with the modern equipment! But at least it was more comfortable.
We drove around the edge of Queenstown, past Frankston and through Arrowtown, without a pause, no coffee and no ice creams, until we came to the rapidly rising and winding road which leads to the Crown Range.
We stopped at the scenic stop, and were not disappointed with the view over the valley below,
and the view to distant Lake Wakatipu.
After driving up the continuing twisty and winding road, we reached the top, and then it was downhill all the way to the valley below. This was one road where it was important to keep two sets of eyes on the road. By the way there are plenty of arrows on the road to ensure that people to keep to the left. So no excuses really.
The Cardrona Hotel, full of mystique and some ghosts no doubt. Last time we saw the hotel, it was in torrential rain. Yes it does rain in Wanaka, Brian. A great place to stop though for some pretty good food and beer.
And finally we arrived in Wanaka, where we found the water levels in the lake had fallen even further than the year before. Most of New Zealand is badly in need of some good rain, and it certainly has affected this beautiful lake.
Walter, Susanne and Brian looking at the menu displayed in front of the new Speight's Ale House. All food was reasonably priced and delicious too. Walter introduced the chef to Affagato (espresso coffee poured over ice cream) which meant we could have our coffee and ice cream at the same time. Good thinking, Walter. The copper cladding on this building was made by David's sheetmetal company. Looks very smart too.
This old Catholic church is now a boutique move theatre/restaurant. The Catholic church is now beside the new school, all very modern and streamlined. Good use of an old church building though.
This was our final view of Lake Wanaka, as we left two mornings later. So serene and peaceful, and still sunny.
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