March 11, 2024

Wanaka to Haast to Lake Paringa

Today we are heading to the west coast. We are driving along Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka.

This is the first time that the scenery is truly reminding me of Switzerland., specifically the views around Lake Lucerne.

The scenery dramatically changes when start climbing the Haast Pass. We are in the rain forest. The clouds are hanging low.

Until today we have not seen too many sandflies. But the closer we get to Haast the more sandflies there are. When we open the doors during our lunch break, a whole bunch come into our camper. We close our doors quickly.

We are staying overnight on Lake Paringa. As soon as we are settled in the back of the camper, we no longer open the doors. We try to kill all of those little beasts. However, we do not realize that they are able to squeeze in thru small openings. In short, I have a few more bites the next day and these will itch for the next few days.