They are very close, as the proverbial crow flies – if the proverbial crow chose to cross New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Equally beautiful, but quite unlike: the stark contrast between coastal side and inland side is reminiscent of Patagonia.
The featured image shows primary rainforest at Okarito Lagoon in Westland.
The photo below was taken about an hour’s drive from Wanaka, in Otago, late this afternoon.
(both photos taken in March 2019, copyright Doug Spencer)
Much more of Westland and of Otago to come, eventually, on Pelican Yoga…
Hi Doug & Kathy, You may already be on the wrong side of the South Island, but if you are anywhere near the Gibbston River not far from Queenstown and you appreciate fine wine, you might enjoy a visit to Brennan’s winery … http://www.brennanwines.com/ … a very modest but very tasty producer in a beautiful setting. Chard Farm is another winery worth the trip along the river.