Tis the season :: South Island Wine and Food Festival

I'm not sure what I'm more excited about. The fact that Christmas is only two weeks away or that summer is upon us holding the expectation of another fabulous festival season! Wait... I just reread that last sentence, paused and then totally laughed out loud to myself... What a beautiful contradiction for a girl from the Northwest corner of the United States to ponder... I really don't think I'll ever get use to living in the opposite season as the calendar I was raised on says it is....

Anyway, the impending season was oh so evident on Saturday at the South Island Wine and Food Festival. The weather could not have been any more gorgeous bringing with it a mob of sunshine seekers keen to soak in its rays. I was so distracted by all the great sundresses and cute, strappy sandals that it has me itching to do some serious summertime dress shopping!

It felt so good being out in the sunshine enjoying some of the south island's finest fare, entertainment and sharing the day with so many great people. For the first time since moving here, Drew and I found ourselves toggling between multiple groups of friends from different circles all out for a good time. It finally feels like our network is growing and I had such a great time meeting new faces and getting to know a few of Drew's workmates a little better.

This season is already off to a great start and I'm eagerly looking forward to all that is in store!

The Southern Lake District :: Arrowtown to Queenstown

If you're anything like me (a newbie photographer) you may find more often than not you get so excited on fresh outings and soaking in the beauty around you that you get a little snap-happy and take waaay more photos than anyone cares to endure as you give the play by play of your recent adventure...

This happens to me. Often. For those who know me well also know that I am quite skilled at over-complicating just about anything... I'm about the details, which can leave me down in the weeds on many occasion, requiring the hand of another to help me come up for air and perspective after a fresh survey of the land.  Basically, what I am trying to say is that I took way too many pictures on our outing to Queenstown and have had much trouble picking just a handful to share with you...

Queenstown was fabulous. Let me start there. I won't bore you with all the details, but I will say that this is one city I am excited to visit again in a few months when my parents come to town. And Queenstown is definitely an adrenalin junkies dream. Just a quick Google search will overwhelm the faint of heart by the plethora of options available to anyone intending to open their pocket book and take part in the hype. Perhaps next time I will. However, Shannon, Royal, and I took a more laid back approach to our outing. And it was fabulous!  Meandering the sun-soaked streets, checking out the little boutiques, and a wonderful lakeside lunch in the park complete with the locally famous Fergburger - A must try for the burger enthusiest! I ordered the lamb burger with mint jelly, garlic aoli, red onion and tomato relish. Delish! While Shannon went the more traditional route with beef, cheddar and the classic toppings.

Only 35 miles, but about a 60 minute drive from Wanaka, the landscape along this route is stunning! (again you are encouraged to Google!) We stopped for a number of scenic shots along the drive and sure enough one after the other, breathtaking views of vast alpine ranges and the deep green valleys below... If you're curious why it takes 60 minutes to only travel about 35 miles, its because just before you drop into Arrowtown the switchbacks become fierce as you decend into the valley and you must slow waaay down to avoid sailing off the cliffs Thelma and Louise style.

On our way to Queenstown we made a quick stop in Arrowtown. An adorable, teeny town trapped in the days of yesteryear, celebrating the Chinese settlets who migrated there in hopes of striking it rich during the gold rush. Honestly, I didn't realize gold was a commodity sought after in New Zealand, but this little town provides proof that at least at one point in history it was. There are many cute shops and cafes to checkout and I believe is definitely worth your time while on your way to Queenstown for that whitewater rafting trip, bungy escapade or hanggliding adventure.

The Southern Lake District :: Wanaka

I mentioned the other day that I was out of town last week. And, oh my, was it a treat! My friend Shannon invited me to join her with her son, Royal, on holiday in Wanaka for a few days, and goodness, am I glad I did!

This place instantly had my heart! From the moment I stepped off the bus I decided this was a town where I could put my stake in the ground.  Perhaps it was the dramatic juxtiposition of scenery I experienced, leaving behind a city of construction noise and still in many places resemblant of a war zone for stop-in-your-tracks breathtaking, postcard picturesque views of pristine, and in many places, untouched environment.. Or perhaps it was the seven hour bus ride that had me overwhelmed with joy to be rejoined with fresh air and solid ground... regardless, it was love at first sight!

The three of us spent our little getaway soaking in the sunshine, eating great food, sharing a few bottles of local wine (well, girls only), taking in a little tramp and exploring our surroundings. We even took a little day trip through Arrowtown into Queenstown for a little added site-seeing. I'll post more on our Queenstown excursion tomorrow. It was such a delight spending this time together, enjoying each others company by the lake.

In fact, I had such a wonderful time that when I got home I couldn't stop talking about it and actually convinced Mr. Robinson to change our upcoming holiday plans. Instead of traveling back up to Wellington again this year for our anniversary and New Years I convinced him that instead we must head south to the Lake District! We're currently looking for a place to stay and plan to spend New Years at Rhythm & Alps, a music festival set amongst the gorgeous landscape of Cardrona Valley... more on that later if our plans pan out... Meanwhile, I'll continue to basque in the memories of these photos 'til we can get back out there.

Thank you Shannon and Royal for inviting me to join you last week. I had such a wonderful time exploring and getting to know both of you a little better. Hope we get to plan another trip soon! Xx