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A reasonable day today, as we start by going north alongside the Southern Alps, passed Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and over the Crown Range to Wanaka. For those who already know one of the reasons we're in NZ, no, this is not for the airshow. That comes later, and is in a separate blog (Link here if I remember). This part of the trip is so we can get over to the even-more-scenic west coast and go further north.
No, we're not in an aircraft on approach to Queenstown, we're at a lookout (at the 'X' next picture).
Would you believe there's an instrument approach down this valley!
There will be more shots of Queenstown on our return! Meanwhile, to get from Queenstown to Wanaka, the more spectacular way is via the Crown Range road. As can be seen above, you get a great view back over the airport and town to Lake Wakatipu. The road climbs in a series of hairpin bends to the pass through to the old gold mining town of Cardrona and then Wanaka.
One of Wanaka's attractions is 'That Wanaka Tree', so popular it has its own Wikipedia entry. (Link here) It is featured on Instagram, and is also a favourite with photographers.
<Above> My effort of portraying the tree.
<Right> The 'Dog Stick Library' in the park behind the tree.
Before leaving Wanaka, we wanted to visit the National Transport and Toy Museum at the airport. We decided that a visit now would be a lot more peaceful than when the airshow was on. A really good decision!
<Above Left> 'Can I have one of these, please?' Personally, I'd rather have the red Mustang behind Sue.
<Above Right> Everything was going well until JarJar Binks turned up. The amount of Star Wars memorabilia in here was amazing.
<Left> This Antonov AN-2 was flown all the way from Lithuania to New Zealand!
After a quick overnight at Wanaka, we're off through the Haast Pass and the Southern Alps to the West Coast. It has a number of delightful waterfalls.
<Above> Lake Wanaka
<Left> Snow on the Alps. Keep in mind this is the end of Summer!
The idyllic scenery just keeps on coming.
The forest fairies have been busy at Fantail Falls
Fantail Falls. Insect repellent recommended!
Thunder Creek Falls - 28m (86') tall.
Haast is the most southerly town on the West Coast, and you can't really get through to anywhere else if you head further south as it's a dead end.
However... we were told of a fantastic little seafood cafe at Jackson Bay called 'The Craypot' that we should visit. That's it with the blue roof in the photo above. Very unassuming, but boy, do they have a reputation for great seafood. It was worth the trip down to coast. We decided against the 'Alfresco' seating, prefering to be inside, warm, and away from the West Coast's famous sand flies.
The West Coast beaches are strewn with driftwood and logs brought down by the many rivers and then stranded on the beaches during storms. We'll see more as we head further north.
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