Too good to be true- An ethereal experience!
Wanaka was always in my bucket list simply because I was curious to know as to why the Wanaka Tree had become a rage among photographers? The social media was always abuzz with people from all over the world, flocking around to capture this tree in different seasons, in different lighting, from different angles.
As a kid I was fascinated by travel shows and travel anchors and as a journalist got the opportunity to travel quite a bit. The travel bug stayed through ....so, there I jetted off with my better half and two daughters during our summer trip, to explore this beautiful country. From Auckland we headed to Wanaka, to a beautiful resort by the lakeside. The quietness, calmness of this small town and it's mesmerizing beauty enraptured us right from the word go!
Our stroll to Wanaka lake became a ritual for us every evening, which was right across the resort. And the Wanaka tree, yes, it was almost magical how it's hue changed through the day depending on the sunlight. I could just imagine how spectacular the tree would be, when in full bloom. No wonder the tree has become the 'darling' of photographers all over the globe, the reason I truly understand now!
Lavender park another must check-out, where young kids would love petting farm animals like sheep, alpacas, yaks, donkeys etc.
You’re allowed to feed them, though my kids are too scared to touch any animal. I being an animal lover, have always loved connecting with them, feeding them.
The best time is when lavenders are in full bloom. Though it was start of the winter season, with no flowers, yet it was still worth the visit! After a long walk you can unwind with a cup of tea or lavender chocolate amidst sweet lavender aromas in their café.
Our next experience was just out of the world that left us with memories of a lifetime. Though it doesn’t come cheap, we still decided to go ahead, as my older one always wished to see snow.
All of nine years she often said to me, “Mamma I’ve never seen snow in my life!” So there was nothing stopping me this time from giving her this experience. We took a helicopter ride from a place which was an hour-long drive from Wanaka.
It was a treat to talk to the pilot, who told us about all the glaciers and the popular snowcapped mountains for tourists. The Kiwi had stayed in India for a couple of years, working in Manali, so we developed a camaraderie immediately. After a brief on safety, we flew in the chopper to Mount Fog, a popular scenic mountain for pre-wedding shoots. I have no words to describe this ethereal moment, the pictures say it all.
Our weeklong stay at Wanaka went by in a jiffy and left us yearning for more. This is a holiday where we felt closest to nature. As someone has rightly said “The Earth has it’s music for those who will listen”, a music that will echo through a lifetime for us.
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