Despite setting early alarms, we slightly overslept and then hit the road to Wānaka. It was a 2 hour drive from Mt. Cook, and overcast with a slight drizzle. Obviously açaí bowls were on a must upon arrival. Drippin’ Bowls was a local food truck turned permanent establishment that had some pretty solid options – we opted for an açaí bowl and chicken buddha bowl. The fresh food options were a welcome change up from the limited options at Mt. Cook. Given the rain, we changed our plans in favor of the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain hike. Luckily, this Rocky Mountain was not exactly what some of the 14ers have to offer in Colorado, but still ended up being a little over 5 miles. I think our legs appreciated the break!

After the hike, we grabbed a few essential grocery items before checking into the AriBnB. Due to unfortunate/fortunate booking circumstances, the original studio we were supposed to stay in was double booked – but the hosts offered their entire house as an alternative and at a discount due to any inconvenience! It was a sweet place and also had a washer/dryer of which we took full advantage.

Early dinner was a phenomenal burrito from a food truck called Burrito Craft. Qdoba and Chipotle have got to up their game. We rounded out the evening with a sunset walk along the south end of Lake Wanaka. There were 1×1 foot square tiles along the walk, starting in the year 1200 through present. Each had a short snippet history that was notable for Wānaka and Upper Clutha, Aotearoa (the Māori-language name for New Zealand), Kai Tahu (the principal Māori tribe of the South Island), or the World. After that, it was early to bed for the 3:30 AM wake up call!