The Insta-Spot

It seems I have been influenced, perhaps even subconsciously. However, I didn't purchase any menstrual cups, underwear, jewelry, or licenses for any AI applications (despite persistent advertising), but rather climbed a mountain. But one thing at a time...

On my last day in Queenstown, I pick up my new travel companion Taylor late in the morning. She’s a white Suzuki Swift, and after a brief adjustment period, we get along very well, even though she definitely lacks the dynamic sound of her namesake. Together, we drive through Arrowtown (a very cute little gold mining town) to Wānaka. In this small town, we only took an hour for lunch during the tour, which doesn’t do the place justice. It’s located by a lake, surrounded by mountains, a real hiker’s paradise, just the right spot for me. That’s also why I was so eager to return to the south: Because I wanted to climb Roy's Peak, which is advertised as a fantastic viewpoint on so many websites. And since I’ve been in New Zealand and occasionally open Instagram, I keep seeing reels of the breathtaking sunrise over Lake Wānaka from this viewpoint. So let's go! Despite a mediocre weather forecast, I set my alarm for 3 a.m. and set off with banana bread and coffee in my belly, tea in the thermos, all the long-sleeved clothes that are accompanying me on the trip in my backpack, and my headlamp on. Above me, stars twinkle, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, and I can see the lights of other hikers' flashlights who set off earlier. I encounter sheep and an opossum on my way and let many people overtake me, as I tend to be too fast and don't want to sit on the summit in the cold for hours. Just at the right time, I arrive at the top after about 3 hours; the sky is already turning a rosy pink and my hands are getting colder. Time for all the layers and some tea. And sometimes, I have to admit, Instagram is right. Right to say that the way is tedious, but the view is magnificent. Right to suggest doing this for the sunrise. And right to hint that there are probably even more beautiful hikes where you encounter fewer people.

The next day, I had planned to do such a different hike, but unfortunately, I’ve jinxed my health: I wake up with a sore throat and swollen tonsils as well as extreme fatigue. At least now I understand what my body is trying to tell me: Chill out, Katie. Okay. So on the second day, I only visit a few viewpoints and walk around Diamond Lake for about 20 minutes, with music and a podcast in my ears. The hostel cat comforts me by jumping onto my lap and snuggling up to me. That’s nice. And the famous Wānaka tree allows me to take the most beautiful photos both in the morning and in the evening.