Wanaka Biking and Arrowtown Tapas

 6 Norfolk Road (Airbnb), Arrowtown (about 20 mins from Queenstown)

After The Shed, we had two nights in NZ by ourselves before returning back to Brisbane for a week.

The first night, after another stunning drive through lots of mountains, we arrived in Wanaka - a lovely quite touristy town on a lake. Our accommodation was a few k's out of the town at the base of some mountains. When booking, I splurged on a very expensive airbnb  - over $500 for the night - seduced by the view and the prospect of an outdoor bath "to watch the stars". The view and the bath were great, although the space was a bit small and smelly with extremely complex rules about the rubbish. So we were not convinced it was worth the cost, although we did appreciate the location.

Stopped enroute for lunch - can no longer remember the name of the place!

Interesting scenery - not sure what the black cut into the mountain is, perhaps some mining?

View from the airbnb

More views from the airbnb

After we arrived, we had a bit of a rest and then I persuaded Mark to go for a "quick walk up Mount Iron", which was meant to be about 20 mins each way. People must walk faster than we do as it took us over 1.5 hours to get to the summit and back, and we were quite knackered! However, at the top, it was truly stunning with mountains in every direction. One of the most fabulous views I have seen anywhere in the world.

Half way up

Panoramic views from the top of Mount Iron

Another panorama

We discovered as we were pulling in to Wanaka that there was a huge concert going on with Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, the Pogues, and other famous bands. But it was half over by the time we arrived so we did not attempt to go (in hindsight it might have explained our high fee for the airbnb).  Anyway, when we got to the top of the mountain we had a clear view of the concert down in the valley - Iggy Pop on the stage at that point!

Big concert happening in the valley.

Mark in full flight - going downhill at pace

After our hike, we went into Wanika to eat - but alas, at the same time, hundreds of people were streaming in from the concert with the same idea! At this point we were both starving. The first place we asked at was fully booked. So was the next. We panicked a bit and opted for an expensive steak house because it had seats - probably again not worth the cost, but we didnt starve.

Moon rising, view from the outdoor bath!

Another version of the view

After my bath, I had a great sleep (first decent one for a week). During the night. I found a great bike ride to do the next day... I just had to get Mark on board! 

In the morning, I pitched the idea to Mark and he agreed, persuaded by the bikes being electric. So  that morning, we were transported to a nearby town and dropped off and set up with bikes. Then we rode back along two different rivers to Wanaka. We went through pine forests, across plains, over suspension bridges, past the clearest bluest rivers you've ever seen, and along side lakes with families out picnicing, swimming and boating. All up, we did about 35Ks on our bikes which fortunately had  big thick tyres for running over bumps and rocks. It was perfect weather and a fun ride - a real highlight!

Raring to go

People "surfing" on the river

Such a beautiful ride!

Next we were off to Arrowtown - a small gold-rush town. The drive down the mountains to the town was amazing, with hair pin bend after hair pin bend. I would have been terrified if it had been icy (reminisent of our European campervan trip driving through the Italian alps). 

Views coming down into Arrowtown

More views

After settling into our final airbnb, we went out for a great dinner at The Rumblas, a Spanish restaurant. We had the Chef's choice - which was perfect. Lots of small exotic tapas dishes. 

Then it was movie, bed, packing, and on to Brisbane for a week of family and work. 

Why has it taken me so long to go to New Zealand? Its been terrific!

Art in a gallery, I might pinch this layering style for my glass

Another style I quite like