A Walk or Two... Wanaka, New Zealand 2013

Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very fast.
-Thomas Jefferson-

One of the best ways of appreciating Mother Nature's startling diverse landscape is exploring it by foot. Walking to experience this vast and wonderful world of ours  is one of the reasons I enjoy the Wanaka region so much. I'm a keen walker.

Every Sunday, Bob and I take a long walk/hike/tramp after having breakfast at our favorite Wanaka restaurant. 

 The local Outdoor Pursuits Brochure lists 30 walks/hikes/tramps. 

The Brochure defines them as:

1. Short Walk--- a well-formed track for easy walking, suitable for most ages and fitness levels

2. Walking Track--- a defined, formed track, suitable for most ages and abilities

3. Tramping track--- limited track formation, often with steep grades. 'boot standard', suitable for fit, properly equipped groups

Here are pictures and descriptions of the last 3 walks we've done in the area:

The Minaret Burn Track is a well-formed track about a 15 min. drive from our flat. It follows Wanaka Lake's western shore. It's a gentle undulating track.

Firstly,  cross the Matukituki River on a typical New Zealand one lane bridge.

Always close the gate behind you and remember... you are treading on private land. In this case, we were on the West Wanaka Station where sheep and cattle live as well.

Meander off the track a bit to view the flats of the Matukituki River.

Ramble along the track to view of Mou Tapu Island --one of only 4 islands on Lake Wanaka.

Hiking on private property always means stepping on a stile or 2 along the track.

The Rock Peak Track is about 40 min. from our flat. It's off of the Crown Range Rd. which is New Zealand's highest paved road. It's the road we take when we go to Arrowtown or Queenstown. We were on our way to Queenstown for the day and decided to stroll uphill for an hour to gain the peak for quick access to great views of The Remarkable Mountains and the Southern end of the Pisa Range.

That's about 4,872 ft. above sea level--- not too high.

Scrambling over the pancake-like rocks at the top.

Mary and The Remarkables Mountain Range. 

Bob's comment... "When's lunch?"

The Fern Burn tramp took us four hours. It began with an easy traverse along the Fern Burn and then the track passed through steeper country as the burn cascaded through remnant beech forest. This was a hard hike with ups and downs. Sections of wash-outs kept us mindful of our steps. Good balance and hiking poles helped us navigate.

First, we had to navigate through a herd of cows. Bob clanked his poles together, but that caused them to turn and stare. Finally, we yelled at them while we keep striding along the path and they eventually move off the track.

The private property that this crosses belongs to Shania Twain, the country singer.

It was nice rambling along on a warm sunny day with the coolness of the Motatapu River and the protection of the beech forest.

We moseyed near the Motatapu River for the entire tramp.

This was the end of the hike for us... we ate our lunch and began our return trek.

Mountain clouds and mountain peaks entertained us as we started the walk back.

Rocks and trees and washed out sections kept us alert!

Wet slippery sections gave us ample reason to bend!

The rock-lover had to scramble up this nice big rock. Glad that I wasn't there when it came tumbling down.

I'm a tree-hugger and a rock-hugger too!

Hope that you enjoyed our forays into the wilds of New Zealand.
Thanks to Mother Nature for her abundant beauty.
Cheers,
Mary and Bob (the keen golfer who happily joins me each and every Sunday for a hike on the wild side!)