Today, my agenda included a visit to the majestic Lake Wanaka, but before that, there was something else I needed to attend to. As the clock struck 9 am, I stirred from my slumber to the lively symphony of the girls bustling about, packing and chattering away. The air was filled with an excited energy, a precursor to the day’s adventures. It wasn’t until 9:45 am that I managed to peel myself from the coziness of my bed, eagerly anticipating my turn in the bustling bathroom. After a refreshing tooth-brushing session, I descended to the lobby and gracefully bid farewell as I checked out, ready to embrace the day’s journey.
A Cinematic Drive: Lord of the Rings Discovery
Returning to the familiar haven of Four Square, my first mission of the day unfolded as I sought a delightful lunch. The selection was an eclectic mix of refreshing fruit juice, tantalizing dried peaches, and scrumptious sandwiches. With provisions in hand, my compass pointed westward, a 10-kilometer drive beckoning me towards a captivating Lord of the Rings site at the camping ground named Twelve Mile Delta. The decision to explore this gem was a stroke of brilliance, and the ensuing discovery left me brimming with satisfaction.
Embarking on the scenic journey toward the enchanting Lord of the Rings locale was a visual feast, prompting me to capture the beauty on my way back with a series of photographs. Upon parking the car near a charming camping site, my excitement surged. Armed with my camera and a selection of snacks, I set out on foot, the landscape unfolding before me in familiar splendor. The nearby river beckoned, guiding me towards its tranquil embrace, and in that moment, I laid eyes on the majestic cliff I had eagerly sought. The thrill of discovery was instantaneous—I had found the very essence I was searching for.
Cliff Revelations: Frodo’s View at Ithilien Lookout
In this charming spot, it felt like stepping into the Ithilien Lookout scene. The scene where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum quietly witnessed the passage of Elephants and a formidable army. Soon after, their journey took an unexpected turn as they found themselves captured by Faramir. The quiet beauty of the location added a touch of magic to the connection with this iconic moment from their fictional adventure.
The surrounding landscape was truly breathtaking, and I couldn’t resist the urge to explore a bit. Eager to soak in more of the natural beauty, I embarked on a leisurely stroll. As I wandered, my curiosity led me to a quest: finding a way to cross the river without subjecting my shoes to an unintended aquatic adventure.
Under the warm embrace of the sun, I strolled leisurely, feeling incredibly fortunate for the splendid weather that graced my explorations. Basking in the beauty of the film location, I couldn’t help but appreciate the decision to venture out today. Reflecting on my brief respite in the hostel yesterday, I realized it was a necessary pause to recover from a bout of sickness. In hindsight, I acknowledged that I was faring better than the average backpacker. Having observed many idling in hostels during my time in Australia, I recognized the privilege of having my trusty car – a true game-changer in these vast and captivating landscapes.
The Unexpected Joy of a Fire Pit
My joy at discovering the cliff was already considerable, but as I continued my stroll, an unexpected delight awaited – a fire pit nestled within the landscape. Unsure if it was the one featured in the movie, I recalled the notion that film locations often reverted to their original states. Despite the uncertainty, I decided to capture various shots of the pit, planning to cross-reference them with the movie later.
To my pleasant surprise, it turned out to be the exact spot. It dawned on me that this was the scene preceding the memorable encounter with elephants, where Sam and Gollum engaged in a comical debate about coneys and tato’s. The geographical proximity, with the cliff merely 50-100 meters away from this very fire pit, added an intriguing layer to the cinematic connection.
Descending to the riverbank, I stumbled upon a group of people engaged in the fascinating pursuit of gold hunting. A friendly girl shared her excitement, revealing that she had uncovered a few small pieces. Intrigued by their endeavor, I continued my riverside journey, eventually striking up a conversation with a Dutch couple. Amusedly, they offered me the Lord of the Rings travel guide for 30 dollars. Politely declining, I chuckled to myself, reassured by the convenience of Google as my trusty guide.
Returning to my car, I bid farewell to the enchanting spot. The main road, positioned higher than the terrain I had recently explored on foot, offered a new perspective. Along the journey, I couldn’t resist pausing to capture more snapshots of the captivating landscape I had just experienced. The beauty of the area continued to amaze me, and each photograph served as a cherished memento of the day’s adventures.
Bench with a View and Mail Chores
Heading back in the direction of Queenstown, a mere 10 kilometers away, I relished the drive. En route, I couldn’t resist capturing the scenic moments, periodically pulling over to freeze the beauty through my lens. The freedom that comes with being behind the wheel resonated with me – a stark contrast to the constraints imposed by tour companies. In a moment of lighthearted rebellion, I chuckled to myself, reaffirming the liberating essence of navigating my own journey. Cheers to the road, and a playful nod to the notion: cars are indeed synonymous with freedom!
The bench with its breathtaking view was just 50 meters from my parked car. Continuing my journey back to Queenstown, I briefly recalibrated my navigation in town, targeting a large supermarket 3 kilometers beyond the center. Despite earlier shopping, the temptation of cans of coke led me to bigger supermarkets like New World. In around 10 minutes, I stocked up on coke and treated myself to a few more snacks.
In my quest for a post office or mailbox, I found none. Undeterred, I decided to take a moment to sit down and craft postcards. One for my aunt, uncle, and cousin; another for my grandpa; and a thoughtful note for my colleagues. Amidst the hustle of the day, these quiet moments of connection through handwritten sentiments added a personal touch to my journey.
Returning to my car, still without luck in finding a mailbox, I couldn’t resist the allure of the beautiful surroundings. The scenery beckoned me to capture its essence, prompting me to grab my camera and seize the moment. With a series of photographs now preserving the charm of the area, I resumed my journey north, grateful for the unplanned detours that added a touch of serendipity to my adventure.
Fuel Station Dilemma: A Tale of Lost Vouchers and Sympathy
0Excitement buzzed through me as I anticipated the day unfolding before me. Around 11:30 am, I set out for the gas station to fill up my car. However, my enthusiasm hit a snag when I realized I had misplaced my fuel discount voucher. In a hopeful attempt, I showed the cashier my grocery bill, explaining my predicament.
“I thought I had it in my pocket! It must be somewhere in the car; I just had it a minute ago. Look, here’s my bill, I paid over 40 dollars, but lost the voucher,” I lamented.
The sympathetic cashier, a kind soul, expressed her sympathy. “I can try this one, maybe it works,” she said. Grabbing a voucher from her desk, she scanned it, and just like that, my discount was reinstated. Relief washed over me as I left the gas station, grateful for the kind gesture that turned my momentary setback into a win.
Choosing Adventure over the Highway
Heading northward, I bid farewell to the captivating days spent in Queenstown. The town left a lasting impression, a place that felt like home with its abundance of restaurants, a stunning lake, a scenic hill, and countless wonders in the surrounding area. My next destination was Lake Wanaka, and this time, I opted for a different route. Faced with a choice between the longer highway or a more adventurous mountain pass, the allure of the latter won me over. Off I went, embracing the winding roads and anticipating the scenic surprises that lay ahead.
Beautiful Vistas on the Route to Lake Wakanda
After covering approximately 15 kilometers, I took the turn at Arrow Junction, towards Lake Wanaka. A lookout, named Arrow Junction Lookout Point, perched atop a hill caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist capturing the panoramic views of the area. From this vantage point, the recently traversed lake lay in the distance, prompting me to contemplate additional snapshots. However, the bustling traffic both behind and ahead of me on the road prevented me from seizing that particular photo opportunity.
Continuing my journey post-lookout, the roads twisted and turned, offering sharp bends that added an adventurous flair to the drive. About ten minutes later, I found myself compelled to stop at another lookout, craving a bite to eat. As I savored my food, I immersed myself in the picturesque surroundings, even spotting Queenstown in the distance from this elevated vantage point.
The landscape stirred memories of the Rohan area near Poolburn Dam, yet it possessed its own unique charm. Pressing on towards Lake Wanaka, about 45 minutes away, I couldn’t resist capturing the beauty whenever the road felt empty and safe. New Zealand’s undercover police kept me cautious; I had witnessed their operations twice already. Eventually, I managed to snap a photo of the ubiquitous sheep that dotted the countryside, a testament to the thousands that roam freely in this picturesque land. Credit for this thriving sheep population goes to none other than James Cook!
Capturing Lake Wanaka’s Beauty and Reflections
Arriving at Lake Wanaka without a set plan, I opted to join the others by the lake, soaking in the serene atmosphere. The moment was perfect as I indulged in a coke, a snack, and my Game of Thrones book. Making some headway in the story, I reveled in the fantastic weather, finding pure relaxation in lying by the lake. This, to me, embodied the essence of a holiday—reading a book against the backdrop of a beautiful lake.
After spending approximately two hours by the lake, I rose and impulsively opted for a leisurely walk around the town. My aim was to capture some pictures and see where the stroll would lead. Despite it being a Saturday, I noticed that many shops were closed—an aspect of New Zealand and Australia that still puzzled me. In the mall, I came across a video store and browsed through the titles. Although tempted, I resisted renting a movie, as my plan was to press on and spend the night at a camping site further north.
A stop at the Lookout and an Unexpected Car Concern
Concluding my thirty-minute walk, I marveled at the scenic beauty and captured vibrant images of the colorful trees. Returning to my car near the lake, I made a quick stop at the public toilets before hitting the road again. With late afternoon setting in, my goal was to reach the camping site 30 kilometers north of Lake Wanaka in good time. En route, I took a brief pause at Lake Hawea, snapping a few swift pictures before resuming my journey.
Shortly after, I stopped for another view of Lake Wanaka, now 30 kilometers north of the town. The vastness of the lake became apparent, completely obscuring the town from this vantage point. The size of the lake left me in awe of its sheer magnitude.
Stopping at the lookout for Lake Wanaka (the first picture above is still Lake Hawea), I took a moment to inspect my car. A sudden wave of concern hit me when I noticed cracks in the hubcaps. My lack of car knowledge intensified my anxiety, and the absence of signal prevented me from googling the issue. Fears of the wheel flying off crossed my mind, but fortunately, it seemed fine. Later, I discovered that the plastic hubcaps could be easily replaced, with minimal repair costs. The worst-case scenario would be them flying off the car, given they were attached to the rim with a piece of plastic. Determined to address the issue, I planned to check the internet for solutions as soon as possible the next day.
Nightfall at the Camping Site: Tranquil Serenity
Continuing my journey, I arrived at the camping site after 15 minutes, the darkness slowly settling in. After paying the six dollars and securing the receipt in a small bag, I completed the necessary paperwork. Placing the slip in front of my window, signaling to the ranger that I had paid, I settled in for the night. Engaging in some series watching, I relished in the tranquility of the campground. It had been a long and beautiful day. With rain forecasted for the next day, a typical occurrence on the West Coast, my goal was set on reaching Fox Glacier and exploring the area.
