Here in Wanaka, I can see mountains everywhere I look. To my left is a tree speckled rockface, Mounts Maude and Burke rise jagged in the distance straight ahead and Lindis Peak erupts East. I’d come chasing mountains, and here they were in glorious surround sound.

It’s dusty here, and the sun – strong - is beating down hot. I scuff at the floor, eyes darting to a shaded spot just a few long paces away. Gaze up, I pull my cap down and take a short sip of rationed water.

Day 1 – or 3? Or 2? Jetlag disorientation has officially set in.