We took another tiki tour to get from the south edge of the island to Wanaka on February 25th. 🚙
While we were in the Catlins, we stopped at the Edge of the World art show where Lori saw paintings by Mel McKenzie. She reviewed more of her work online and purchased this lovely piece called That Wanaka Cafe. She reached out to the artist and learned that she lived on the route we were taking to Wanaka. Mel invited us to stop by and see her studio. 🎨
Mel was so gracious as she shared her space and story with us. She met her partner at uni in Christchurch and then moved to his family's 4 generation farm waaaaaaaay down south. They and their 4 children run the farm (with help from the grandparents who couldn't seem to stay away from it). They built her a proper studio with a gallery last year. It seemed like the perfect place to create art and then show it. 📸
We also got to to meet Somerset, her sweet farm and studio doggie. 🐾
We stopped for lunch in Gore and saw this heritage cereal factory. 🥣
The drive into Central Otago was gorgeous. 📸 This area had cold winters and hot, dry summers. Since the 19th century, most of the area's economic activity was centered on sheep, stone fruit, and tourism. In recent years, deer farms and vineyards had increased the region's economic diversification.
We stopped in Roxburgh for a coffee and to stretch our legs. ☕️
Beautiful succulent wall garden on the main street. 🪴
A quick stop just outside Clyde to take in the spectacular view of dazzling Lake Dunstan. 😎
Cromwell was famous for fruit so Lori had another taste of real fruit ice cream. 🍦
We made it to Wanaka and were bowled over by the view of Lake Wanaka from our accommodation. 🤩
