Mount Aspiring National Park, drive to Wanaka

Another big trip was coming up, on the South Island you have to cover more distance from A to B.

The drive to Wanaka, back inland along the Haast River in Mount Aspiring National Park, was even more beautiful than the drive to the west coast. To the right and left were huge mountain ranges and the light blue river nestled along a light stone bank.

We made three stops, but I could have stopped many more times. We took a lunch break at the Roaring Billy Falls, where the beautiful river bank was what was actually worth seeing and the waterfall in the background was a plus. Then a quick stop at Thunder Creek Falls because it was swarming with sand flies, despite our insect spray. And a final snack stop for E at Lake Wanaka Lookout. The lake is really huge and a beautiful, bright dark blue.

When we arrived in Wanaka we drove straight to the Roys Peak Track and Benny made it to the summit in record time. The weather was perfect for it. I drove to the campsite with E and checked us in and checked out the playground with swings ;) My first short ride on the huge bus. Exciting, big and left-hand traffic - but it worked :) I was a passenger for a long time.

After dinner we picked up a completely exhausted but satisfied Benny. He then even had the viewpoint to himself for 15 minutes. The view was great - now I really have to walk it. We didn't want to run with E because of the heat and the steep, exposed mountain. Let's see when the weather is good, I easily need twice as much time as Benny.