Wanaka New Zealand 11-22-08

The ride to Wanaka, staying at a stone guest house: We took Nikki's advice and headed west to a place called Wanaka about 50 kilometers north of Queenstown. Nikki recommended it over the more popular destination. The guide books call it the new version of old Queenstown - smaller and less congested with access to all that the other has to offer.
It was like driving in southern Colorado - the roads were flat and there was farming. This is totally different from the north island, which is more fern jungle and lush.
The ride over took about 6.5 hours - not short. When we arrived as is our custom we went to the "I" center to find accommodation.
Kathy asked for the usual motel but at this point I had it with motels so I said we were looking for more intimate accommodations’ where we could meet our hosts. The lady went to the wall with all of the brochures and came back with several. We chose one a two unit set up for 4 nights. Turns out it was a great choice. We are staying in a stone guest house on the edge of Lake Wanaka with a New Zealand couple about our age that built the place and like to drink red wine and tell stories. This is the kind of thing you look and hope for on the road - people who are local who can guide you during your visit.


The weather continues to be a bit blustery - cloudy and cool. We will see what the day brings, maybe some bike riding or a hike.



Later