On Friday, we checked out of our hotel and took a walk along the lake in Wanaka to see “The Wanaka Tree,” aka “That Wanaka Willow.” As the name suggests, it is a willow tree. It grows out of the lake. It’s not particularly beautiful or interesting, but it has somehow become an instragram darling. It has its own parking lot. In a place filled with stunning scenery, it is an odd iconic spot, but it was, in fact, swamped with tourists.

We took the walking path from the tree along the lake and came upon this tree:

I guess that’s the Other Wanaka Tree? The walk was lovely, until the wind suddenly picked up and the dark clouds rolled in.

We left Wanaka and took a very scenic drive to Aoraki, aka Mount Cook, which is the tallest mountain in New Zealand at 12,218 feet. It is a 2.5 hour drive without stops; it took us about four hours, including a grocery stop.

As we approached Aoraki, it got darker and foggier and rainier.

We checked into our hotel and are relaxing until dinner with a great view of the mountain, even in the rain.

On last note: Max has launched a botanical-themed leather shop online. Check it out–he does awesome work!! https://www.instagram.com/p/De7-EZyG8kW/