Breakfast consisted of an "Easter surprise" muffin... the surprise being chocolate. We packed up and drove to Manapouri Lake, hearing there were some nice places to walk there.
The Easter muffin was a version of a hot crossed bun. The "crossed" is actually a Christian cross, not just some piratey x-marks-the-spot type of decoration.
There were many lovely typical rainbows on the way, but this one was interesting in that it was hidden partially behind the mountain, almost like a rainbow sunrise.
We arrived in Manapouri and followed signs to the info center at Pearl Harbour. Unfortunately, it was actually just a tourist place... but they'd be happy to sell us $15 boat tickets to get to a trailhead. So we left and simply did a short walk around the lake on something called Old Coach Road Walk. We walked along the beach and through the forest a bit, hunting for colorful mushrooms. There was a light misting rain, but the sun was out so it wasn't too cold.
Looking back at Pearl Harbour
The forest...
One of New Zealand's invasive species
The shoreline...
When it's not cloudy, this lake is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped peaks. Perhaps I should just stick to buying the postcards.
Contemplating the next shot
As we headed out of town, we stopped for a quick view at Frasers Beach, another lovely spot apparently when the clouds aren't socking it in.
A beautiful gravel beach...
Ouch!
We then had a long drive, past Queenstown, up to Wanaka. While we didn't have too much time to waste, we did make a few short stops.... including a honey tasting.
Who wouldn't stop for free honey... and Pooh?? I bought some Manuka honey and Regan got some Beech Forest Honeydew (this is the stuff the bees make in winter when there are no flowers).
The Kingston Flyer
Again we followed the curvy highway up alongside Lake Wakatipu. Regan discovered a peach tree growing near the water. It was probably started by some tourist who tossed a pit out the car window when he was finished eating. Either way, the fruit was quite ripe and delicious so we had a few... and left the pits there just in case.
The lovely emerald water!
A wonderfully delicious wild peach... or two.
Not so sure how the rose bush got here though.
We had lunch in the car... walnut bread, apples, our newly purchased honey, sandflies (well, not intentionally, but there we so many of them!) We stopped in Queenstown for a few more groceries then continued on our way. Very shortly, we found ourselves climbing the highest paved road in New Zealand... the Crown Range Road.
The road was punctuated with many switchbacks and hairpin turns.
A view (toward Glenorchy) about halfway up
Still climbing
We finally reached the top! The view was lovely. Our poor car smelled quite strong, so we decided to go for a bit of a walk and give it a rest.
Here I am, pointing to my "est." For those who don't know, I have an "est" fetish... always seeking out the "lowest" or the "windiest" or the "deepest" of someplace. I suppose that extends to "most" as well... the "southernmost point of an island" or the "world's northernmost botanical garden"... which yes, I have been to as well.
Our "est" view
Not sure if these were showing "fall" colors or just dying.
Thistle was among the plants hardy enough to survive these harsh living conditions.
Single shoes and beer bottles. It clearly means something... right?
We endured the squeal of our brakes coming down the hill, passing through more lovely hills on our way to Wanaka.
Trying to catch a stray cow that somehow got on the wrong side of the fence
We checked into our room and then headed down to the lake for an evening stroll.
Cute logo!
We arrived at the lake, walked past the marina and continued along the shoreline to Eely Point. For most of the walk it was sunny and warm but with a cold breeze. At the point, strong winds whipped about, churning the water and driving us back to the safety of the trees.
Rain falls in the distance.
The sunlight lingers only on the tips of the hills.
The colors of fall
A very long pier
Regan can never resist a good rope swing!
Arriving at Eely Point
A shed exoskeleton
The leaves are slowly changing for the coming season.
Back in town, we stopped in one of the lakeside pubs, grabbing a yummy (but quite hoppy) local beer and some potato wedges. Things like ketchup and mustard aren't just sitting for free on the table. You get what you get, and if you want more then you have to buy more. These came with some chili sauce and sour cream... which were gone long before the fries.
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