Sunshine to wake up to this morning and after packing up we went down to the Shotover River to see the jet boats operating in a narrow canyon. Looked very exciting but just as well we didn't book to go here yesterday as it was closed because the river was in flood after the previous nights rainfall. We then fuelled up, diesel a bit more expensive than in the north island, and then headed onto Arrowtown, a former gold mining town where many of the original buildings remained from the gold mining era along the very pretty Main Street. The road was shut off today for the annual Arrowtown 'Long Lunch' with tables being set by the local restaurants along the length of the Main Street. Unfortunately all places had been sold some time ago - looked like it was going to be really special. The sun was shining the brollies were up and the tables were decorated with flowers, food menu's and Christmas baubles. People were arriving in their summer dresses and straw hats!!!!! After a delicious coffee at The Postmaster and a wander around the village we were back on the road again to Wanaka and enjoyed a fabulous drive through the Crown Range of mountains with hair pin.bends following one another in rapid succession on the way up and then a more gentle descent through Cardrona Valley before hitting the shores of alarm Wanaka just outside of the town another picture postcard setting to have our lunch. After a long lunch break!!! Barry read his kindle and Sue a Christmas magazine we had a quick stop in Wanaka to see what it had to offer - not much except for the amazing scenery. We then headed north along the banks of Lake Hawea looking for an overnight stop Sioux finding anywhere suitable but the road returned along the shores of Lake Wanaka where we found a lovely spot just off the road overlooking the lake with snow capped mountains the other side. It was out with the table and chairs to soak up the warm sun and crack a bottle of bubbly before supper. Perfect!!!!!!
Distance travelled - 127 Km