When you first get to the town of Wanaka, you don’t expect to see much, but there are some lovely hidden beautiful spots.

Wanaka is on the south island of New Zealand:

On our where to Wanaka:

Climbing up over the hills we came across a view site. We needed to stretch our legs. So getting out our cars we walked up to the view site. Looking all around, both sides of us, this is what we saw:

Standing high up on the mountain top, its breath taking! You feel you don’t want to leave, but because it was cold, we got back in our cars.

This is what we also saw on our way to the town of Wanaka:

Arriving in Wanaka:

We first looked for our lodgings. And they were lovely and clean. Our chalets were container size, well-furnished and comfy.

Once unpacked, we ventured out, down by the lakeside.

The immense open view of the lake:

There was hardly anyone around and the lake was calm and peaceful. The panoramic view of the lake is so open and wide, it spreads 180 degrees before you.

But stitching so many photos together… the result was so disappointing. It doesn’t do it any justice. So sadly, I’m showing you only the furthest point (the centre part) of the lake’s view for you to see:

Our grandsons went off on their bikes to explore the left-hand side of the bay. And our menfolk went off for a walk in that direction too. What they saw, I don't know of cause, but they did say it was lovely along that trail.

My secret spot:

While in Wanaka we drove around to the right-hand side of the bay. You can go along Lakeside Road, up to and near Eely Point. And that is where we came across this most beautiful spot and view of the bay:

Walking away from the rest of the family, I turned into the trees and undergrowth, looking for something nice to photograph. And to my surprise I found this awesome leafy scene:

To me it was a special spot. A secret spot, away from the world, that I was overcome with its emotional impact. But I didn’t paint it because the scene is too leafy for a small composition. So I did this one instead, from a different angle:

But even so, it’s also leafy. So you may have to stand back to get it properly into focus!

And the next day, we were off again exploring:

…And spent the day out at an awesome lavender farm. And that I will tell you all about and display another of my oil paintings… in my next New Zealand blog.