We have just had some wonderful groups staying with us for a week or more and it has been so much fun. It certainly keeps me busy but so worth it meeting so many new faces.

Wanaka really turned on the weather and there were many trout caught on the Nevis, Hunter, Clutha and Ahururi Rivers. The fishing guides were here early in the morning not returning until the early evening and always with stories to tell as we all sat around the dinner table. For many of the fishermen they have fished all over the world and Wanaka was another destination to add to their list and I’m sure did not disappoint. For the non fishing people of the group they had wonderful days on the Siberian Experience, wine tasting, shopping in Wanaka and Old Cromwell Town, lunching at Mt Difficulty at Bannockburn, walking and having some R&R around the pool.

For the hunters, red stag, fallow deer, tahr and chamois were among some of the trophies caught. Most days the hunt was by helicopter which returned to the lodge just on dark each night. Southern Alps Safaris were the outfitters in action and had very successful hunts.

The success of the lodge is being able to cater for large groups and with 20 people for dinner for a week when the fishermen were here was no problem. It was wonderful to have the fishing guides here on the last night for a BBQ too taking our numbers to over 30 for dinner.

Today and tomorrow we welcome groups of 4 wheel drive people who have completed a 4WD trip down through the high country stations of the south Island. A fabulous day here again today so a BBQ seems to be what’s needed.