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Published: January 23rd 2010
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So after doing a skydive last Friday night (one of the best bits of the trip so far!) we left Franz Josef early on Saturday morning to make our way down to Wanaka. First, we stopped at Lake Matherson and saw a beautiful mirror reflection of the mountains and the forest in the lake. The water was so still and there were clear blue skies which made the photos and the whole experience even better. We then took our last drive down along the West Coast going past Ship Creek and a lookout headland that had some amazing views of the coastline. We then said goodbye to the ocean and headed through to Haast where we went up through the river valley where we entered the Mount Aspiring National Park. We were so lucky to have a beautiful summer day to travel on (compared to the weather we had traveling down from Westport!) After we had entered Otago (this region of NZ) we drove past Lake Hawae and Lake Wanaka. Two massive lakes that are up to 400m in depth at some places. Lake Hawae is used from hydro-electric power but Lake Wanaka is still totally recreational. We arrived in Wanaka to see the end of the Wanaka Challenge race (a demanding all day event including running, cycling and I think...paddling of some sort?) The whole town was very lively and there were competitors from all over the world. I couldn't resit jumping in the lake so I went for it...just to find out it was pretty cold even though it is the summer here! I have actually made a point to jump in the lake everyday...even when it is raining. Staying at the Base backpackers we chilled out for a couple of days. played a lot of rugby on the field by the lake and I went for a few runs in and around the town. On Sunday night we headed out to Albert Town, just a few kms out of Wanaka to see Emma and Shannon and their two baby boys, George and Harvey. (Emma was my old next door neighbour in Budleigh). We had a big BBQ and a proper catch up with then, as well as her parents, James and Wendy. Monday night was cinema time and we went to see Sherlock Holmes in Paradisio (I think that is how you spell it) cinema and it was so cool! There were no proper seats, it was all sofas, arm chairs, cushions and even a car! brilliant experience and brilliant film as well. The last few nights we have been staying up in Albert Town with James and Wendy (big thank you to them, and Emma and Shannon for helping us out this week). it is a really good area up here and we have been swimming, playing tennis, running but most of the time, hanging out with the two little lads who are lively to say the least! Wednesday afternoon the wind had picked up over the lake so we hired a catamaran out for an hour and it was awesome fun. Fully reminded me of the Whitsundays sailing (just on a slightly smaller scale!) It was brilliant to get properly hands on the boat and sail. We perfected turning into and away from the wind (tack and jibe) and got a lot of speed up when the winds were strong enough to the point where we were practically racing across the lake. Well worth it. On Thursday we all took a drive over to Arrowtown (historic town where the first gold rush in NZ took place) and there were still remains of old Chinese settlements. We drove over the Crown Range Road and had a brilliant view down the valley looking out over Queenstown. We had a picnic down by the river and the had a walk through the small (almost wild west style) town. We then headed out towards Queenstwon because the kids wanted to go bowling! But when we got there they had both fallen asleep so....us adults went anyway! The big kids turn to play! They did however wake up and have a go just before we left. We drove back past Cardona ski resort and I can imagine that in the winter it must be awesome fun up there. Friday was a busy day...tennis, a run, more sailing (slightly less wind this time), checking back into the hostel, a haircut and a last BBQ dinner! All good and a perfect way to end a brilliant week. A big thank you must go to James, Wendy, Emma and Shannon for looking after us this week and showing us a really good time. This morning we went to Puzzling World...a cool little and rather crazy place with illusion rooms all playing games with your mind and a big maze to work through as well. Lots of work by the artist Escher was on display...all paintings with mathematical patterns and pictures on them. We have now made it down to Queenstown. I could see another ski resort on the way in and the massive lake has some of the clearest water I've seen in NZ. A few days here should be fun as there is so much to do (depending on the money situation of course!)
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