Time flies when you are having fun! We succeeded in finding another camp site for a second night in Queenstown, one known as Creeksyde where we have stayed before.
A cycle ride was in order but parking around Queenstown is impossible so we drove along the lake a mile or so to a newly built, and almost empty, car park which had spaces big enough for a motor home.
We had a lovely cycle ride around Lake Whakatipu along the Frankton Arm but the LLW was not pleased when we arrived at our favourite coffee stop, the Boat Shed, to find it totally packed and with a 40 minute queue. We decided to move on and the LLW has removed them from her Christmas card list!
Creeksyde is a very nice, compact campsite but each site has a good amount of space and feels quite private. The camp site has the benefit of being opposite, what previously was called Mediterranean Mart (now Raeward Fresh), which is a very upmarket deli/supermarket and had become a favourite of the LLW on previous visits. We enjoyed dinner outside our motor home and prepared to leave fairly early in the morning to drive to Wanaka.
The next morning was sunny and clear again and we set off for Wanaka, stopping outside Queenstown to refuel, having already driven 600km.
Ray had decided to drive over the Crown Range which involves a very steep climb with seemingly endless tight, horseshoe bends and then a long stretch with precipitous drops! However, all was navigated safely and we were soon on the easy stretch leading to Wanaka. We passed what was clearly a mini Glastonbury festival with thousands of cars, campers and tents. All was quiet as we drove past but the revellers were probably sleeping off the effects of a heavy night. We made a mental note to check when the festival ends since we do not want to be on that road when all of those vehicles emerge.
We settled into our Top Ten camp site at Wanaka and Ray went for a short ride along the lake side before we meet up with the Dixon clan.
Wanaka is very definitely one of our favourite places but I think we must stop saying that as it is becoming as busy as Queenstown. Today being New Year’s eve and having perfect weather, the beaches around Lake Wanaka were busy and so were the restaurants and bars.
We met at Bremner Bay, with Hilton & Anne, David & Jess, Isla & Ollie plus several friends of the younger Dixons. Non stop excitement for the children and such a lovely, safe environment for them to play.
Back to the house on Aubrey Road that is being rented for the period over New Year and, of course, a BBQ in the garden was next on the list. A veritable feast of meats, salads and potatoes was served, in typical Kiwi style. We recall that this year it is 47 years since Rosemary and I met at a New Years party in Barney’s, SW London.
After the feast we were treated to a “production” by Isla and her friend Willa, who had discovered that the round window in the house provided a perfect frame for their dancing.
New Year’s Day was another glorious day and we went for a cycle ride along the lake side. Wanaka in the sunshine is fabulous. In the afternoon, it was back to the beach with the Dixons and we were joined by Helen, Rich, Rosie and Albi from Ngungaru on the North Island. Ray was persuaded to join in the fun with a swim and a game of water rugby with Ollie.
We were booked into a restaurant called Kiki for an early evening meal and this is regarded as the best restaurant in Wanaka. Very Kiwi style with sharing platters of cured fish, fried chicken, lamb shoulder and many others, accompanied by excellent Mount Edward Pinot Noir. All excellent
We were booked into a restaurant called Kiki for an early evening meal and this is regarded as the best restaurant in Wanaka. Very Kiwi style with sharing platters of cured fish, fried chicken, lamb shoulder and many others, accompanied by excellent Mount Edward Pinot Noir. All excellent
No comments:
Post a Comment