I have always had a sneaking suspicion that my soul lives in New Zealand.  With its proximity to alpine wilderness, mountain biking, ocean sailing, lake sailing, snow skiing in the winter, wine and dairy products (I am a cheeseaholic, I love cheeseahol), I just knew I would like it here.  As we have traveled around NZ, I find it all very beautiful.  But Wanaka seems to be the epicenter of everything Leslie.  

First, Dean’s Bank.  This little 7 mile loop is our favorite mountain bike ride so far.  Just long enough to be fun, just short enough that you can easily do it before lunch and again after dinner.  Perfect single track, carved through the most beautiful scenery it invites you to pedal faster!  A better name for this trail would be Goldilock’s preference.  Not to long, not to short, not to steep, not too flat…it is just right.

Next, Wanaka township itself.  A cute little spot nestled against a beautiful lake.  The Millennial Trail takes you eleven miles out and back, proving this would be a perfect lake for a little day sailor.

Tasty New Zealand food throughout town can satisfy any craving.

Vineyards are built all around selling some very tasty wine.  New Zealand’s Pinot Noir country, Central Otago.

And most importantly, I found the World’s #1, Most Delicious Chocolate Ice Cream ever at Patagonia Chocolate Shop.  

*remember that post about Gluttony?  This guy was hard to hold up he was so big!

Wanaka is also just an hour or two’s beautiful drive to Queenstown - the Adventure Apex of the Adventure Capital of the World.  Snow Skiing in the winter, a downhill mountain bike park for which I need to purchase body armor and bungee jumping was invented here. This crazy person jumped off a perfectly good bridge.  Not me, though.  The line was way too long.

The Queen’s Rose Garden is also a big attraction.  So, to celebrate Valentines Day Andrew challenged me to find the best smeller.  

What is best, I could fine tune my Lawn Bowling skills with these lads as my coach.