A change in the weather over Lake Wanaka brought good fortune to the Wanaka Rodeo Club yesterday.
Fine, calm conditions on New Year's Day saw boaties take to the lake in large numbers, but a strong breeze yesterday made boating a less attractive option and 5000 people headed for the rodeo.
Club president Lyal Cocks said it was one of the biggest crowds at the 52-year-old event.
''There are a lot of people in town, a lot of visitors,'' he said. ''We promoted it quite a lot and also, with the wind up, it was not so good for boating.''
The only problem had been finding enough car parking space, he said.
While the wind did kick up the dust, most of the crowd was seated upwind.
Mr Cocks said the stock was in good condition, the competition had been ''pretty good'', there had been no serious injuries and the crowd ''looked pretty happy''.
''We're very pleased, and it's a great thing for Wanaka.''
