Jet lag gone so I started the day in the gym - good to start getting my fitness back but exercising with my hand in plaster was interesting - however the cast's hand position made holding the handle bars easy!
After breakfast we decided to walk into the town - approximately 30 minutes away and downhill - with fabulous views of the mountains and lake. Enroute I stopped at the medical centre and made an appointment for next Monday - all being well I will finally be released from my plaster boxing glove!
Wanaka, apart from its magnificent scenery has a good range of small and medium sized shops - first stop was for short socks as with weather warm enough for shorts I wanted some walking socks without long tops. Although it was hot ( with a refreshingly cool breeze) and not conducive to jumper shopping we looked at merino/possum jackets - I think they will be a must have NZ souvenir as they are so light but lovely and warm - possums have hollow fibres which makes for the added warmth apparently! I did however buy some merino base layer/fitness gear as it is supposed to be good in hot or cold conditions and as it's a natural fibre it doesn't hold body odours - I will give it a try working out! Our last purchase was a small day rucksack as after a walk along the lake we decided we needed something easy, for John, to carry our bits and bobs in.
Besides the scenery our other highlight was the food - a light gruyere cheese soufflé with a salad for lunch. After advice from a sales assistant when we walked around the lake we stopped at the Edgewater complex for tea and a scone - which they cook to order - you have to wait 20 minutes but the views and wait are worth it. When we returned to town we went to the tourist information office to pick up a walks leaflet, but before heading back, up the hill, to Oakridge, we stopped off at Chocolate Patagonia for an ice cream - all homemade - and my mascarpone cream and fruits of the forest was really scrummy and gave me the energy boost to get back.
A relaxing evening watching NZ television - some familiar favourites - Miranda - but also Australia's Got Talent - excellent - and with 2 British judges - Gerri Helliwell and Dawn French doing a great job.