2. Go skiing or boarding. Wanaka has two amazing fields. Cardrona and Treble Cone. After ten years out with a few injuries, I thought it was time to dust off the board and hit the slopes. Our day was full of hilarity. Hamish couldn't work Dads ten-year-old bindings; my goggles foam had rotted and Ham's pants split! An excellent lesson for everyone (you can thank us later!) to check your gear before you go! Despite the hiccups, it was a stunning day.
Left: The view to Queenstown on Cardrona | Right: Split pants
If you're a bit of a gun or like more of a challenge (wasn't us) you can go heliskiing. An amazing adventure available in Wanaka.
Southern Lakes Heliski and
Alpine Helicopters. Photo taken in the Minarets Lake Wanaka. Photo credit: James Hamilton
3. Kika restaurant just opened a couple of months ago. After living in Melbourne for many years, I miss the wide variety and abundance of amazing restaurants. But this night I was blown away. We chose the 'feed me' experience. Nice and easy as the menu is decided for you. It is Italian, but not the typical type; it's more about share plates with plenty of flavour. You won't go home hungry.
Left: Dinner at
Kika with friends | Right: Lamb shoulder (delicious) Photo credit to Kika facebook (sorry my phone was not on form, but it did look this good!)
4. Golf is a frustrating sport for me. But I enjoy a walk with a view. Wanaka Golf Course is stunning, overlooking the lake. So I was the caddy without having to take the clubs, win-win. I do enjoy the odd whack, so I did manage a hole or two with a wager of lunch. I paid.
5. Rubys Cinema is a delightful, cosy, old school picture theatre with great ambience. You can have drinks and snacks, before, during or after the movie. We watched Suicide Squad in 3D with wine and cheese. A perfect accompaniment to Will Smith & Margot Robbie.
6. Bike riding is probably best in the Summer in Wanaka. But I needed to loosen the legs after boarding. I thought I'd go for a casual ride down to the Clutha River Inlet and back. I somehow found myself on an intermediate mountain bike track called Hikuwai Loop. Not having any track knowledge, no water and a hybrid bike (not made for mountain biking!) you could say I was a little hesitant. But it was a loop, not made for turning back so I continued on. It ended up being rather enjoyable, except for my small fall, mud galore and a few hairy parts of the track I would definitely go back, but more prepared. After my ride, I did my due diligence (the incorrect order I know!). Turns out this track is not recommended in Winter as the frosts turn the track to mud - whoops!
There is so much to do and see in Wanaka, this is only a taste. If you had all day I could continue on and on. If you're considering Wanaka as a holiday, do it!
Left: Beautiful view up towards Treble Cone | Right: Sophie wearing
Quay Chrisspy X Jetlag
I'm now back to the retail world. Auckland for two days this week seeing Winter 17 Loobies Story, Verge and a new label called Fray. Oh and all our new Spring Arrivals are looking amazing. It's so exciting to see all the colour.
Sophie xxx
SHOP NEW ARRIVALS HERE