where for art thou Wanaka?

well its travel feature friday time...and i can hear you all breathe a sigh of relief! probably not so much about the travel feature, but more about the fact that its friday!!

today i'm going to take you to one of my favourite places in the whole world (not that i've been to every single country in the world, but i'm working on it!). now despite being an Aussie, i am probably one of the few that will admit, i really do love New Zealand! it is just so breath-taking, especially the South Island. i have been on 2 snowboarding trips to the south island, and would go back every winter if i could! its cheaper, has better snow and oh the views!just an hour or so drive from Queenstown is the little town, Wanaka on the shores of Lake Wanaka. such a cute little town with gorgeous houses and little stores (just for my shopping fix), surrounded by amazing snow capped mountains in the wintertime... it just makes me so excited thinking about my time there!

Wanaka is where most of the ski bunnies stay during the snow season, especially because the great ski resorts of Cardrona, Snow Park and my favourite, Treble Cone, being just a short drive away. if you don't like the crowds, i'm sure Wanaka in the summertime is where you can retreat for some nice rest and relaxation by the still waters of the lake or visit the regions famed vineyards.

when i was there, i stayed at the Wanaka Hotel which gave me more for my buck. it's in the centre of town near great places to eat (fantastic kebabs right down the street) and is really worth it if your on a budget and are just there to ski some really amazing powder.

now if you want to go, spend some big bucks and really feel spoilt, i suggest Villa South Pacific where you can stay in your own private villa - self catering or with your very own personal chef! its mediterrainean decore helps make you feel at home, with the villas windows working as frames for the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. quite worth it if you bring a few people and all chip in for the price, but i'm sure it would be worth it if it was just two people too (if you know what i mean wink wink)!
i know i have not put in much effort to try to convince you to visit this beautiful place, but i'm sure you will trust me on how wonderul this little place is in the middle of new zealand. for more info check out Lake Wanaka's website...