Wanaka and Queenstown, scenery and school

This weekend I was down in Wanaka seeing David. The trip down yesterday was heavenly, despite being pretty long, 430 kms. The time seemed to go really quickly. An advantage of being alone in the car, and quite often on the road, was that I could sing along to my cds as loudly and badly as I wanted to. 

First stop Lake Tekapo. Its turquoise was just breathtakingly beautiful. What a fabulous lunch spot I had all to myself.

I just love this place, Wanaka. It doesn't matter how often I come, the first view over the lake takes my breath away, and last night was no exception. I just had to stop to savour those moments as the dark clouds provided such a dramatic backdrop to the shimmering silvery water of Lake Wanaka, my favourite lake. A warmish wind was blowing across the water, so it was very pleasant to 'stand and stare'.

A few minutes further along the lake shore, the lone tree, now surrounded by water, looked lovelier than ever.

I know people who only ever want to visit a place once. What a pity that would be when one sees this same tree the next morning with a totally different background. So gorgeous!

Of course, if this breathtaking scenery is not enough, what could be more surreal than a pianist playing so beautifully in this truly special place and environment!

I have thousands of shots of this lake at varying times of day, in different seasons and with different weather, but I just love the tranquility and serenity of this panorama photo.

Next day, David and I  drove back over the Crown Range, with its awesome landscape

To Frankton, where David's new school, Wakatipu College is situated. 

It was fascinating to look around this state- of-the-art building which is one of the few New Zealand schools to experiment with an open plan class system. It is working, although the other classes can be distracting.

I am not sure the noise would distract me as much as the breathtaking scenery and views of the Remarkables from David's classroom!

The furniture is particularly innovative, with desks which can be moved to suit the needs of the class

It is easy to see how necessary it is that children behave well and respect others in such open areas where two or three classes are working side by side. 

It was a brilliant visit.

After lunch at a lovely vineyard close to the beautiful Lake Hayes, David and I had a great walk around the lake, about 8 km. It reminded  me of the walk around the Lake of Pfaeffikon, which is just a little longer. 

What a fabulous place. I had never done that walk before, but will certainly visit again! On the other side of the lake were some incredible multi-million dollar properties and the lakeshore was like a pristine garden

What a wonderful view across to Coronet Peak, one of the main ski areas of this 'adventure capital of the world'.

And autumn is just around the corner! In a month this area will be even more magnificent!

Today was a perfect day too. David and I once again set off on a longish walk, this time around the shores of Lake Wanaka, from Glendhu Bay to Waterfall Creek. While half of the visiting population slogged up to Roy's peak, we enjoyed a walk with almost nobody on the track. It was fantastic and the scenery once again nothing short of breathtaking!

The weather was perfect, warm and yet not too hot, and a blue sky with the loveliest, ever- changing cloud formations. 

The track is really undulating, going up hill for spectacular views and descending to beautiful bays with white- sand beaches, generally littered with fabulous silvery driftwood, washed up during recent storms.

It was a very special walk and great to share those wonderful hours with David. Pity Mark couldn't be there too.

All good things have to come to an end and David headed back over the Crown Range and I was lucky enough to be invited out to dinner with friends from Invercargill and Akaroa, Rob and Jane and Brian and Liz. What an incredible gourmet meal of Stewart Island salmon and salad! Scrumptious! 

What a perfect sunrise I was treated to before I packed up

and then a quick stop in Wanaka before I left , where I was amused to see this huge dog sitting waiting for breakfast outside a busy cafe! I don't think anyone would have been willing to ask him if they could join it on the sofa!