Ramble
Quest - Wanaka.
The InterCity bus ride to Wanaka stops at some overlooks and waterfalls. I may not have mentioned previously that some of these InterCity bus drivers give some interesting commentary about the places they drive past. A good driver can make it just like a tour bus.
After settling in at the YHA (don't stay here) I still have some unexpected late afternoon sun. I feel like eating or checking email, but I know better than to take the weather for granted here. So, I scramble up Mt. Iron where my effort (and it isn't much effort) is well rewarded. The superb 360 degree views at the top are far better than I would have imagined from such a small mountain. With gorgeous mountains and lakes in every direction, I feel like twirling around while humming "The Sound of Music." As a bonus, you get a bird's eye view of the people trapped like rats in the Puzzling World maze.
Next morning I correctly figure on half a day of good weather. I start hitching towards a track near Diamond Lake. But then I have a rare change of mind, in mid-stream so to speak. I've been hiking a lot lately and have some long treks planned. While I'm sure this Diamond Lake trail is great, I suddenly feel like biking.
So, I head back to town and rent a bike. I have a wonderful time riding up around Beacon Point and over to the outlet of the "mighty" Clutha River. Many trails branch out from here. This was a great choice for me.
My bad luck with buses in the South Island continues when I have a very long delay getting into Queenstown. This is likely to be the last time I use InterCity, although I was very happy with them for the most part.