Back to Wanaka (or lessons in NZ friendship)

We decided to head back to Wanaka so as to be close for the expected flight tomorrow. Ray had looked at the map and suggested that we go via a promontory of the Queenstown lake, known as Kelvin Heights. This involved travelling over a rather rickety bridge, but then took us into a smart (but not grand) residential area where we round up progressively to an area which had wonderful views of the lake.
We decided to stop to take some photos (the parking by him indoors initially being somewhat suspect – i.e. on the grass!!) when a lady resident suggested we might like to come up onto her terrace to get a better photo.
She had been to England on a number of occasions and had lived in her house for some 40 odd years. She showed us the view from all angles, her sitting room having views over the lake from both sides. She was a keen gardener and we spent about 20 very pleasant minutes in her company.
Just up the road was the Kelvin Heights golf course which advertised coffee and all welcome so in we went. Stupendous views across the lake towards Queenstown and friendly people.
We then took the “low” road to Wanaka, which goes via the vineyards of Central Otago and Cromwell – surely not I hear you say!!
We called in to the picturesque Peregrine Vineyard where we sampled and bought (some is being sent to England, so readers may well sample it!). The young chap in the tasting area had been to England, as had a NZ couple who were also tasting so we entered into lively conversation. It is rare that people don’t ask where we are from and whether we are enjoying our holiday.
Our next stop was at Roaring Meg, a very fast flowing river, which apparently was named after a stroppy woman and a contrast to another river which we have not seen, Gentle Annie. Near Roaring Meg is Mount Difficulty, which is a fairly arid area but suitable for growing vines and we just happened to call into to the vineyard of that name where they have a charming restaurant. We sampled the meat and cheese platters and a glass of wine (rose for me and pinot noir for him indoors). The lady there was extremely interested in our trip and insisted that we went away with samples pens!
It was all such a pleasant experience and we felt very privileged to be in such a friendly country.
We then headed to Wanaka, picking up a basket of fresh fruit (plums, cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines) from a local grower and arrived at our site. Following a short trip out for a swim in Glendhu Bay , it was barbeque time again. NZ lamb and a glass or two to wash it down.