So Wanaka has certainly delivered, I think it has to go into the top 10 of fantastic scenery in New Zealand not sure where in the top 10 but it is in there. This is possibly helped by the fact we can actually see the scenery as the sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. We had originally planned on driving to Rob Roy Glacier today but that is an hours drive and we decided we would rather be out in the sun than sitting in the car so Chris managed to find a walk not far from the apartment which was described as steep but good so we decided to head off to see what it was like. We stopped at the concierge who told us where to park then set off to scale Mount Iron! It was a fantastic walk and a great way to see the whole countryside around here. We had views of snow capped mountains, two lakes as well as the town and various housing around the lake. It took just under a hour to get to the top where we sat and had a drink and a snack before heading back down again. The walk down was steeper but less of a stunning view so didn’t take quite as long but was a great walk all the same. We had taken a packed lunch with us but it was a little early even by the time we had walked back down so we drove back round to the apartment and had lunch sitting on the balcony overlooking the lake. We had two choices this afternoon, sit and watch the lake and relax in the sun or hire bikes and go for a cycle ride around the lake so with a little trepidation we set off on the bikes in search of the river that feeds the lake. I probably should have guessed when they gave us mountain bikes that it wasn’t going to be a ride on tarmac paths but it wasn’t too bad, there were a few bits over sand that were a little difficult but other than that the biggest problems were that I can’t look at the scenery and steer and cope with the wind! We seemed to be cycling into the wind in both directions which was a little strange and quite hard work. Most of the route was lined with what looked like yellow and purple lupin’s I am not sure if they were but the scent was fantastic it really was lovely as we rode along. We rode all the way round to where the lake and river meet then decided it was time to turn round and come back as we had only hired the bikes for the afternoon! It was a great ride but unfortunately by the time we got back to the apartment my backside was rather numb! Probably should have brought my extra soft saddle from the U.K. if we are going to do much of this! We got back about 4pm and decided to reward ourselves with a drink so we sat on the balcony watching the world go by enjoying the evening sunshine.
