How can you come to Wanaka and NOT take a shot of the infamous tree. I must admit that I didn't spend too much time here as it was crawling with tourists and it was raining! The story is that it started out as a fence post about 80 years ago, and sprouted into a photogenically crooked tree that, depending on the lake level, can be walked out to or is surrounded by water. With a backdrop of the mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park, and in the foreground the clear blue waters of the lake, it's an irresistible focal point for any snapper eager to capture some of that outstanding natural beauty. https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/98168632/world-famous-in-new-zealand-that-wanaka-tree-wanaka
The Remarkables in all their glory in mist and rain. The Remarkables are a mountain range and skifield in Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. ... The mountains were named The Remarkables by Alexander Garvie in 1857-58, allegedly because they are one of only two mountain ranges in the world which run directly north to south.
Te Anau took me by surprise . From what I had read its just a stopover before you head to Milford sound and that there isn't much there but I just loved it. Yes its only small but it has the prettiest lake and some really nice restaurants. We stayed 8 km's outside of Te Anau at a place called Sou'West cottages. The people who own can not do enough to help you so if you are ever looking for a spot to stay I would recommend this little gem.
