Of a Road Trip - Part Five

So I want to start today with proof of my staying in an actual for-real Backpackers lodge in Franz Josef. I survived! Actually, I quite enjoyed the experience. I am probably the World's Softest Backpacker but I can live with that title.One of the things that caused momentary excitement was the sign in the Spa Pool suggesting that it was ‘dress optional’. I sat. I waited... Complete fail. Oh well.The weather was a bit rough but I managed to get out to the glacier. The rain came in hard  as I approached it. I got completely saturated, and was probably about to get hypothermia but it was totally worth it. Absolutely stunning scenery.I then drove South to Haast. The weather was atrocious. But the roads and the rainforest I drove through were magnificent.It was also at this time I discovered that Cycle Tourists are absolutely insane. I passed many lycra-clad nutjobs out in this weather. Complete looneytunes!!By the time I arrived in Haast you could see nothing. Well, to be fair, there is actually nothing in Haast, but you still couldn’t see it.The drive to Wanaka from Haast was amazing. The rain made waterfalls cascade down the mountain. The low cloud, the rain thrashing against the windscreen made for breathtaking views. Since I had already gotten myself soaked I wasn’t inclined to stop and take too many photos.And then... the sun came out. The first views of Lake Wanaka and then Lake Hawea.I arrived in Wanaka and immediately explored ‘Puzzling World’. Huge fun. I could see why a friend suffered greatly when he visited this place somewhat intoxicated. I was exploring the Maze when the weather I’d met earlier in the day decided to catch up. It bucketed down.I decided to stay at another Backpackers for the two nights I’m in Wanaka. I’m getting the hang of this. The first night shared with three English lasses. They were the messiest people on earth. They spread their crap everywhere!! They were nice people though.The next day I decided to do the loop: Cardrona, through to Arrowtown (via the Crown Range Road), Queenstown, Glenorchy, Cromwell and back.I took the compulsory photo of the Cardrona Hotel.I absolutely loved Arrowtown.I passed through Shotover. No jetboating for me this time.Then went up to Glenorchy. Simply because it was there. Enjoyed a cold Speights and some of the replay of the Crusaders Vs Sharks game with the local innkeeper.Glenorchy was stunning. Absolutely calm, beautiful.I then headed back and went through Queenstown on the way to Cromwell. I had decided to not stop off there. I’ll save that for a fun weekend away sometime.In Cromwell I made my pilgrimage. The Wooing Tree vineyard makes my favourite Pinot Noir. I indulged in a tasting. The owners also let me wander to the actual Wooing Tree. Definite win.Then back to Wanaka for my last night.Today was a good day. I am just loving the scenery.- Simon