20 December 2024 -New Zealand- South Island -Lake Wanaka

We woke at a reasonable time and had breakfast. We then went for a proper coffee and packed to leave. It was raining and a very different day and likely to stay wet.

We left around 10.00am and headed South which took us through the mountains and hills and along towards the coast at Haast where there was Bruce’s Bay. En route there were many rivers with blue snow/glacial water which produced fast flowing water and bridges which could only take one lane of traffic. It was a shame there was rain and cloud but it was still attractive scenery.

The route took us through the valleys and hills and was windy and quite slow as there were a lot of camper vans. We were not in a rush and we kept with the flow. We stopped for a snack lunch and then continued and eventually came to Lake Wanaka which looked quite dark and austere and the wind blew up white horses. We continued and went off left which meant we went over to Hawea Lake which seemed more attractive and calmer. We drove down the west side to the end and then the road headed back over to Lake Wanaka.  

We began to see more habitation and came to the town which was quite large. We drove to our hotel which was on the edge of the lake and we had a nice room overlooking the lake. Once we settled in we had a game of tennis and after some tea.

We had a nice supper overlooking the lake and then had a walk in the evening air.

The picture of the day is a view of the lake before we reached Wanaka.   

Stormbird

The Skipper went early to check the plotter again and I realised I had not told him the switch to turn it on. It worked.

The Skipper let the hydraulics man in to finish his job and the Skipper then hoovered up any water in the bilge. He will keep an eye on it whilst I am away.

Opportunity Year Two

In year two I will be going from New Zealand in early January 2025 across to Sydney and up the Eastern Australian Coast, Indonesia and then through Bali, Singapore and on to Thailand to end year two about the end of November 2025. I will need some more crew.

If there is any interest do email me at  hine.nick9@gmail.com  

The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com