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Day 15 Fox Glacier to Lake Hawea

It absolutely teamed rain all night.  We really thought we would be flooded in.  So glad we made it to the Fox Glacier the evening before for today was definitely out of the question. Departed early to make our way to another new adventure for the day.  Today was going to be difficult and quite long.

The fog and rain were so hard to deal with and was trying to stay positive.  To think we were going to traverse one of the most beautiful places, not to be able to even see an outline of the mountain ranges.  We never managed to see Bruce Bay, known for all the coloured stones, nor go to the Salmon Farm.  It was teaming down and fog thicker than ever.  The Haast Pass was not bad to drive on and I was expecting it to be far worse.  So all in all it was a good day’s drive.  Just so sad we never actually saw any of it.  We knew that through all that thick low cloud, rain and/or fog there were superb views of the most magical mountain ranges. We felt so sorry for the many bike riders struggling to take this long journey of theirs.  It was freezing and they all looked more than miserable.

We missed the turn off to our Farmstay at Lake Hawea, so made our way to Wanaka.  Do some banking and found a superb Chinese Restaurant.  Had an excellent lunch and even ordered a take-a-way dinner for us lazy travellers.

Returned to find our abode for the next 2 nights.  What a treasure this is.  And wow, what a view.  The rain finally stopped and we even had a chance to walk to the Lake’s water edge.  We are looking at all these amazing mountain ranges.  Some are covered with fresh snow from today.  And as evening approaches, the colours are just a dream.  We can actually see how much snow is on Mount Cook in the distance.  It is now well after 9pm and we still have twilight.  It does not really go dark until 10pm.  We cannot wait to see this view with sunrise. Weather report is promising with a great day promised.

 

 

Day 16 Lake Hawea – Wanaka

What a lazy but fantastic day we had.  Woke early to see the most amazing early morning light over Lake Hawea.  Breath taking beautiful. Then after breakfast Jerry the host of Glen Dene Station took us on a farm tour showing us the cattle, the sheep, the deers and the in and outs of this working farm.  He sure is one hard working man.  Of course we had some fun with antlers, checking out prized shorn wool and looked inside and around the sheds.

We then had a few hours to ourselves on the property before heading into Wanaka to meet up with Deb & Nic.  We went for a great River walk and later on made our way into Wanaka itself.  Had delicious Gelato icecream and went for a great Garden walk.  I have never seen such huge pine trees in my life and flowers are in abundance, just like all over New Zealand right now.  After a most delicious evening meal we farewelled Deb & Nic.  We really had a blast with them today. Tomorrow we are off the Queenstown for 2 days.  Weather is not looking too promising again, but we have to take what comes our way and make the best of it.

 

Day 17 Lake Hawea/Wanaka to Queenstown

The usual slow departure in the morning with another sad farewell to two new founded friends at Glen Dene Station.  Meandering about and decided to have some fun at the www.puzzlingworld.com  before we headed out of Wanaka.  Definitely one thing to experience, though we did not attempt the maze due to lack of time, it was hilarious.  Took so many photographs of adults having sheer kid fun.  Guess we never really grow up and the inner child needs nurturing sometimes.

Made our way to Cardrona Hotel and had a look at lots of memorabilia. Scenery changing dramatically.  Not as lush and quite dry on the mountain ranges.  We were blessed that the bad weather forecast did not come to fruition.

Made our way over an incredibly high mountain range and the downhill run was scary as hell.  When I have my maps to hand I will note the range it was.  Made it to Arrow Town.  Totally full of tourists and no parking available.  It sure is very pretty though with quaint gorgeous cottages, gardens and atmosphere.  Would love to see it without tourists and just have the luxury of just walking through some of the streets.

Were at our hotel in Queenstown before we knew it.  Everything is really so close.  We are staying at the Kawarau Village on Lake Wakatipu.  The original room was not to our satisfaction, so managed to change it to one on the 4th floor with views to the mountains and part of the lake.  Much better.  Rooms are small, with a small TV/Lounge, Small Kitchenette, lovely large king bed and nice bathroom.  So all in all, we should be comfy here.  Definitely a change from our open space we enjoyed so thoroughly at Glen Dene Station.  Never mind, changes are good and gives us much diversity.

Had a lovely stroll by the lake this afternoon, of course some more photography and generally enjoying the mild coolness and surrounds.

Tomorrow we will endeavour to go to Glenorchy.  Please…weather hold out.

 

Day 18 Queenstown to Glenorchy

Had a wonderful sleep-in, of course due to a giant king comfy bed.  The day promised to be a glorious one.  Not what the weather predictions were.  Yeh!  So we decided to make our way to Glenorchy for the day.  Each turn and bend promised to be another breath taking scenery that simply HAD to be photographed.  So the normal 45 minute drive, took us quite a few hours instead.  Met some great people en-route who were equally as enthused as us with their photography.

Many of the mountains still had snow, some had a new dusting, but the remainder of the mountain ranges were starting to have green growth.  Promising that their summer was on its way. Just wish we knew all the names of these huge mountains.

Had a so so lunch at Glenorchy, then made our way nearly to Paradise.  The scenery more gorgeous than ever and many parts of this area were used for Lord of the Rings movies.    As we drove, we noted that there is another movie in progress.  Of course, all under strict closure to the public with security guards blocking parts of this countryside.

When we returned to Queenstown, the town was buzzing.  Lordie…talk about thousands of tourists everywhere.  So, of course, we headed out of town then find a super market for some provisions & back to hotel.  Tomorrow we will make our way to Te Anau.  Looking forward to 3 days there. Cannot wait to be on a property again with our own little cottage.  We are such country bumpkins.

Day 19 Queenstown to Te Anau

We made the effort to check out early and make our way back to Arrowtown to take some photographs of this great little historical place (without the tourists and multitude of cars).  It was lovely, as you will see in the photographs.

Then we made our way towards our next destination Te Anau, and as usual with a little detour – today we went via Lumsden.  We had a relative short drive with much varied countryside.  Yes, more sheep to be seen this way Shirley-Ann!  Also goats, cattle and many deer farms.  Weather still holding out for us, but the wind is unbelievable.  Terry had a hard time driving with gale force gusts and it is not abating as we sit in our lovely cottage. I am certain there are snow clouds in the distance. So we will do a self drive to Milford Sound tomorrow and an actual tour to Doubtful Sound on Sunday.  Hopefully this front would have passed by then.

We stopped in the township of  Te Anau and had beautiful Venison pies for lunch.  Then we took ourselves off to see the “Fiordland On Film” with sipping a lovely coffee whilst viewing this promo.  It was a spectacular film of the Fiordland World Heritage Wilderness, though a bit dark in sections and the music, though dramatic in parts, I felt did it no justice.  The film was captured from helicopters during various seasons, climate and terrain.  So this sure has whetted our appetite to view the Fiords now.  A remarkable place and it is unbelievable what New Zealand has to offer.  No wonder the tourists are flocking here.

Our new abode is just lovely.  Jane greeted us and we had a great little chat.  The sheep are just outside our window and of course the most spectacular view over Te Anau lake and lightly snow clad mountains – check it out   http://www.thecroft.co.nz/ Our ‘Blue Cottage’ is super, with great views from every single window.  It will be grand 3 days for us.  Sure beats staying in a Hotel!