Wanaka – Diamond Lake

After leaving the town  of Wanaka we headed along the lake shore to the Matukituki River valley and Mount Aspiring National Park. We stopped at the Diamond Lake trailhead and took the trail up to the lake.

2016-04-26 Diamond Lake 1After a quick climb we arrived at the lake and admired the autumn colours that were perfectly reflected in the water. As we looked across at the cliffs on the far side of the lake we noticed a wooden viewing platform perched on the edge of the cliff.

2016-04-26 Diamond Lake 4

After skirting around the lake we found the track up to the viewing platform, which consisted more of a series of stairs and wooden walkways carved into and attached to the cliffs!

2016-04-26 Diamond Lake 3

From the lookout we took the path that lead out through some sheep pastures to look out towards Lake Wanaka. The afternoon had really cleared up and we were able to see all the way back to the town of Wanaka.

2016-04-26 Diamond Lake 2

We continued to skirt around the hill and were able to enjoys views of almost the entire lake in the evening sunshine.

2016-04-26 Diamond Lake 5

We eventually turned around and headed back to the campervan. We had found a beautiful spot for the night and were able to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and watch the sheep in the field next to us.