Lake Matheson to Wanaka
There is a lake seen nearly as frequently in photographs as Mt. Cook and is almost as famous for the crystal clear reflections of the mountain it produces. Lake Matheson is its name and, though the clouds were obscuring our view of New Zealand’s highest peak, the walk around the lake and the reflections of light filtering through those clouds were a good enough excuse to get up at dawn.
The circus came to town.
Our morning meander ended and we all piled in for another leg of driving. After one of the most scenic drives my mother of 50+ (though she still looks early forties) and I reckon we’ve ever done, we landed in Wanaka. It is nestled at the end of two very large twin lakes. The best way to describe this town is it’s the better-looking younger sister of Queenstown. Where Queenstown is touristy and flashy and yes, full of expensive adventure, Wanaka is personal, down to earth, and full of people who love the outdoors enough to keep it cheap. And they do want to keep it that way, so go to Queenstown and keep your touristy hands off Wanaka! Haha, I’m just messin’. If you get a chance, Wanaka is beautiful and the people are so friendly. The nearby hikes lead to breathtaking views and the town even boasts some of the best pizza, ice cream and even cinema in New Zealand. I sat with my family on our own couch next to other people on their own couches and a couple in a VW bug eating delicious pizza and home baked cookies in a one screen theatre. It was the most comfortable theatre experience I’ve ever had. I guess it’s fitting that it’s called the Paradisio.
Wanaka!
Mom went kayaking while we climbed Mt. Iron (view from top above). This is her throwback to Evergreen :)
The Paradisio. The couple in front of us doesn't look too happy about the paparazzi.
But this couple had no idea.
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