What a contrast to the West Coast! We crossed over the Haast Pass and the change in not only landscape but weather and lack of the dreaded sandflies is remarkable. We made our way over the pass – in the rain, just like old times! We made stops along the route at Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls; both of which looked nothing like they did the last time we were here in 2014 when there had been weeks of rain. They are both still great waterfalls but after a heap of rain – oh boy can you see the power of water.

As we were coming into Lake Wanaka, there was a beautiful rainbow stretching across the lake and we arrived at Lake Hawea in the dry. What a fantastic camp we stayed at. Very chilled and laid back. They have a place called The Secret Sauna https://www.thesecretsauna.nz/ which has the most amazing saunas with huge glass windows that look out over the lake. Well, we had to try – for the sake of research of course! The idea is that you have 15 mins in the sauna then cool off in the lake. You do this process three times. It is glorious! Well recommended.

After starting the day with extremely good flat whites at Mo’s in Hawea, we drove along to Lake Wanaka where we stayed at Glendhu Bay. We had a walk around Diamond Lake, couldn’t really see the lake that much but just amazing looking at the mountains all around. We did a short walk from #thatwanakatree – and yes, a tree really does have it’s own # – along to Rippon Vineyards. This is the iconic image of a New Zealand vineyard that is known worldwide. Of course, I had to take a photo of said tree. On our walk however, we saw an alternative to THAT Wanaka tree and so I am championing this tree as well – share the love and all that!