The tourists in town today were out taking photos of Lake Wanaka and out to Treble Cone. It was magnificent to say the least. While the town is not that busy its great being able to park anywhere at any time of the day. By the looks of the snow around us Cardrona, Snow Farm and Treble Cone ski fields should all open on schedule. We have some heavy frosts so I can’t see the snow disappearing at all. Season passes at Treble Cone are on sale online until May 31^st so you need to be in now.

Recently we took a drive up the west coast on State Highway 6 to Haast, Jacksons Bay and a bit further north to Knights Lookout. What a pity we had eaten our lunch before we got to Jacksons Bay as there was a caravan serving fish and chip lunches! The scenery is amazing as you can see from these photos and its only 2 hours or less from home. Amazing how quickly it all changes once you get north of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.

Next week we are taking a trip to the North Island to stay in some lodges and meet with tour operators so we’re looking forward to that. I imagine we won’t need all our layers of merino up there. Chase is going on holiday to our sons in Arrowtown where he will be ruined and I will have to get him back under control when we come home and we will be back in plenty of time to welcome our winter guests.

Until next time…….Karen J

Our winter package went online recently and we also have very good rates for groups wanting to book the lodge for themselves. This works well for families or for those who want a spacious but relaxed place to holiday with all the comforts of home – and more. Breakfast, afternoon tea, per dinner drinks and nibbles are inclusive, and dinner can be provided by arrangement. If you would like to use the kitchen this is available too.

We offer courtesy transport to and from Wanaka airport and also to the centre of town. Those keen heli-skiers, who wish to be picked up from the lodge by helicopter, can do so (check with your booking agent).

Within 40 minutes of Wanaka you can be up the mountain and parked at Treble Cone, Cardrona, the Snow Park or Snow Farm. If you don’t wish to drive there is other transport options.

Lake Wanaka looked a picture again yesterday. Our Auckland guests were out fishing on the lake for the morning and returned with three good sized trout. We’re looking forward to smoking one for dinner.

Over the last couple of days a light dusting of snow has fallen on the mountains around us. On Treble Cone the snow had come down so far as to make out the ski runs and through the Cardrona valley quite a bit of snow fell too with the southerly front. Today we have clear blue sky and sunshine with an overnight frost. Not what the duck shooters want! Chase is away for the weekend on a duck shooting expedition in Southland. Many of the ponds are dry this year after such a dry summer and autumn so the ducks may be the winners this opening weekend.