More Wanaka

Our next trip was across the Crown Range road, the highest main road in New Zealand. It can be tricky in winter (and is sometimes closed due to ice and snow) but no problems in summer. The views are spectacular. My photos can't do it justice, so I've taken these from dangerousroads.org.

We took this road to Arrowtown, a former gold-mining town built on the banks of the Arrow River. Lots of shopping, some great eating places and a great place for sitting in the sun!

The Arrow River

View down the main street

New Zealand has many wineries, and the Otago area is well-endowed. The Rippon Vineyard is only a short walk away from Wanaka on the Glendhu Bay Walking track  - or so I thought! That "short walk" includes a steep climb, no doubt to make one appreciate a drink when the destination is finally reached!

The scenery is truly magnificent, and, as befits the setting, the wine is delicious, especially the Jeunesse Pinot Noir, 2009. And although we both tend towards the reds, we found the Sauvignon Blanc, 2010 hard to beat!

We were lucky enough to meet up with a delightful group of fellow Aussies at the Wyndham resort where we were staying, and joined forces for a delightful barbecue one evening.

Another former gold-mining town is Cromwell, a short drive from Wanaka on the banks of Lake Dunstan (yes, another lake!) We spent some time exploring the old mining centre - exhibits, displays, tearooms, crafts.

On our way back to Wanaka, we were lucky enough to see some skydivers, giving tourists a bird's-eye view of the area.