Wanaka

Wanaka seemed like a miserable place to stay on my first night. It's the ski season, and for the first time since Darwin it was difficult to find a vacant dorm bed. I ended up at Base, an overcrowded mainstream hostel with very cramped rooms. I made a decision; the following morning I would find somewhere better.

After a little searching I eventually found a spot at Mountain View Backpackers. Wanaka now seems like a lovely little place. I did a short walk up Mount Iron and enjoyed the spectacular views of the lakes and mountains. This really sums up New Zealand; you can be just about anywhere and the views will always excel.

However, after more than seven months on the road, I'm always welcome to embrace something different or original. This was found in the shape of Puzzled World! With four perplexing illusion rooms, and a really enjoyable two tiered outdoor maze, it's a fun place to get lost in for a few hours.

Today I had my first lazy day for a while. Skiing would be nice, but ankles clearly take a long time to heal fully. I may just have to forfeit that activity - even in my next location; Queenstown.