Summer days
February brought some lovely sunny hot weather and many people flocked to the lake to cool off or just hang out with friends and family. Once the children were back at school, the weekends and evenings became more popular for a swim and BBQ on the beach!
We welcomed many couples coming to stay with us, who stayed a bit longer to explore the area at a more leisurely pace. Some wanted to enjoy the hikes and bike trails that Wanaka has to offer, others took a day trip to Queenstown, and checked out wineries such as Mt Difficulty or Nanny Goat on their way.
Suzie and I took a trip to Christchurch to catch up with friends and then headed out to Akaroa to camp for a couple of nights. We did some hiking and exploring around the gorgeous Banks Peninsula. It was great to see the volcanic scenery which is so different to our Central Otago tussock with the huge mountains everywhere!
Mid February saw the installation of our new solar system from Solar Zero. We have 15 panels on the roof of Criffel Apartment and a large battery in a cabinet in the garage. It’s exciting to think we will be generating our own power and storing any excess energy. The new technology comes with an app to track usage and generation and we look forward to having the whole system switched on!
Caroline has been doing some good day hikes with an English friend, a long day’s tramp up and back along the East Matukituki Valley to Aspiring Flats to the incredible Kitchener Cirque was a highlight. Another highlight was a day trip to Aspiring Hut Followed by a steep climb up through the trees to emerge above the bushline at 1150m at viewpoint with the most incredible views of Mt Aspiring and the valley below. Wanaka and its surrounds offer so many stunning day hikes, even after living here for 17 years, there are still a few that we have not yet explored.
Take care
Caroline and Suzie
