After flying in to Queenstown Airport, we loaded up the Rav rental with our ski gear, and drove to Wanaka.
After a slow start to the ski season, there is now plenty of snow and a settled forecast. Looking forward to catching up with old school friend Cameron Rodgers, and his wife Maria Schulcz. We have purchased season passes to Cardrona ski field.
On Captains chair. 
Cameron, Blair and Maria. 
The troops at Captains cafe.
Looking down Whitestar 
White star 
Bluebird!
It was a pleasant surprise to catch up with old Pharmacy friends Steve Walker and Julie Earwaker, plus Noel and Di Waterson.
In need of a skiing rest, Sue and I decided on our “day off” to climb up a hill adjacent to Wanaka township called Mt Iron.It provides great views over the town, lake, mountains and the Cardrona valley.
Wanaka township and lake 
Knocked the bugger off! 
Looking towards Treble Cone
Tempting! 
Town and lake 
Wanaka War Memorial
After several very successful days skiing at Cardrona we decided upon two things. Firstly, an apres-ski drink at the iconic Cardrona Hotel, and secondly, a visit to the Snow Farm for a crack at cross country skiing.
Cardrona hotel garden 
Cameron and Maria 
Blair,Sue and Cameron
Snow Farm 
Cross Country skiing 
More of the same
After a lesson with instructor Herb, we got the hang of it. Quite different to down hill skiing, and quite tiring. Definitely keen to do it again, and the boots are soft and comfortable!
After a few days of continual skiing, the legs once again needed a rest. We decided to head to Bannockburn, just beyond Cromwell, and lunch at Mt Difficulty winery. This proved to be superb, with great food, wine tasting and purchasing.
Mt Difficulty restaurant 
Pinot Noir grapes 
Transport
We had 12 days in Wanaka, 8 of which we skied. The weather and snow were both excellent. We have been visiting Wanaka and skiing the area for many years now, and have never been disappointed. Wanaka township has grown and is continuing to grow, but in our opinions, is far nicer than Queenstown. There are plenty of dining options, with The Cow, Speights Ale House and Amigos some of our favourites. We have had a great time holidaying with Cameron and Maria. Great company, on and off the piste!
Lakefront 
Iconic tree in the lake 
Sue
With Wanaka done and dusted for another year, it was time to pack up the Rav and drive to Christchurch. It is one of the great scenic drives .. the Lindis Pass, Omarama, Tekapo, Fairlie, Geraldine, Rakaia Gorge, Darfield and Christchurch. It will be nice to meet up with Scott and Eva, and catch up with their news over food and drink.
Scott and Eva in the Greenhouse at the Gardens 
Great for breakfast 
Little High eatery
And eat well we did. Although Christchurch is still very much in the recovery and rebuild phase, there are plenty of central city dining options.
Saturday night we visited the Permit Room. This is an Indian restaurant on the corner of Colombo and Armagh streets. It is in one of the surviving heritage buildings, wedged between the new Convention Centre. The food and ambiance were great. The next night was casual dining at the Dux Central, and our final night was Little High food court. It was Monday night, but it was packed! Eight different dining options at very reasonable prices. The latter two were in the “Salt” district of Christchurch. This is an area between St Asaph, Tuam and Litchfield Streets. A number of the older buildings survived the earthquakes, and have been transformed into hospitality areas.
As always, we enjoyed our stay in Christchurch, and look forward to returning in November to see Lloyd Cole in concert.