Journey with Christina

As we headed further South the drives got longer and more rugged and the weather got colder but the scenery was just spectacular. As we drove we stopped at various viewpoints and short walks each more stunning than the next.

Jon guzzling the most famous waterfall which by the way tasted ice cold and spring fresh and views of the Southern Alps.

I was excited about our overnight stay at Lake Wanaka not because it was stunning but because there was a winery specializing in Pinot Noir a 40-minute walk from town on the lake. A couple of the girls and I headed for our free tasting (thank god because the bottles were not cheap). After we purchased a bottle of their cheapest wine ($22), an Osteiner which is only produced in this area, which also happened to be my favorite from the tasting. A plate of cheese and the gorgeous backdrop rounded out my favorite afternoon of the trip so far. I can’t imagine ever going to a more stunning winery.

View of the girls with the vineyard and mountains behind us. And yes, it is real and way better in person!

View of the town of Wanaka.

Where we stayed night 13, Base Wanaka, we had a 6-bed tiny dorm with cages for our back-packs for about $25 a night ($50 total) with a shared bathroom across the hall. There was a kitchen for guest use with a deck and the most gorgeous views of the lake and mountain. Plus, next door there were food trucks with scrumptious pizza, tacos and crepes.