Haast Pass

Misty morning as we leave Haast.

We followed this wide river bed for much of the morning.

Walk through the rainforest.

Found a hollow tree.

Wide river bed...

...not much river left now, but it's very blue.  That's Roaring Billy Falls in the background.

Riverbank.

Many waterfalls as we pass through the mountains.  This is Thunder Creek Falls.

Rock jumping.

This is Fantail Falls.

Through the mountain pass, and on our way to the southern lakes.

Oh right, one more stop.  This is Blue Pools.  The water is so clear you can see right to the bottom.  Lots of trout swimming.

Not sure why they call this place Blue Pools.  One of lifes mysteries.  ;)

More rainforest. 

Wiggly tree.

Big rockslide covering the road.  There were road crews clearing the way.  At other points along the way, the didn't bother clearing the landslide... they'd just build a new road instead.

Our first views of Lake Wanaka.  This is the northern part.  Later we'll see the southern end.

Crossing inland to Lake Hawea.

Clear sunny day...

...made for great reflections on the lake.

Town of Wanaka.  Loved it.

Lake Wanaka... southern end.

Wanaka delivery truck.

Arriving at our hosts in Cromwell.  They have guest quarters to the right... and a Swiss exchange student staying with them now.

Chris enjoying the view from our balcony.

I'll be enjoying the view from here later.