"The Land of the Long White Cloud": Part V

After leaving Fox Glacier, we drove South through the Mt. Aspiring National Forest to the small alpine town of Wanaka. Sitting on the shore of Lake Wanaka, the town of Wanaka, like much of New Zealand, is a destination for adventure enthusiasts. From skiing to fly fishing to sky diving, Wanaka is a beautiful town that reminded us of a resort community in the Rocky Mountains. We, however, did not have any high adventure plans for Wanaka. Instead, we spent our time walking around the lake, enjoying the town, and making new friends. We stayed in a small bed and breakfast called Maple Lodge, which is an appropriate name for such an establishment given the beautiful maple trees that grace the grounds. Run by a very nice couple who fled from England (I sympathize), Maple Lodge primarily caters to skiers during the winter. But, given that it was fall and a slow part of the travel season, we had the place to ourselves. 

 
Wanaka is home to the "Festival of Colours," an annual autumnal gathering to celebrate the arrival of fall in New Zealand. The poplars, oaks and maples were all turning and the countryside was absolutely spectacular. From the fall colors to the crisp breeze, it was like fall at home, and though we only had one day in Wanaka, it was well worth the time. The next day we were off to Doubtful Sound and the Fjordland National Park.