New Zealand Holiday - week 8 - Queenstown and Alexandra - 18th March to 25th March

Taking flight from Nelson.

Flying down to Queenstown.

Queenstown - the Adventure capital of NZ

We threw ourselves into this place. Well, I fed the ducks and TW patted a dog, oh and we caught a bus. The other tourist were jumping off bridges with only an elastic band to save them from a watery end. They were riding a Shark, a motorised monster that speeds around the Lake in leaps and bounds. Some were taking jet boats along the river followed by a death defying luge trip on Bob's Peak. For us, the new Gondola was a very sedate ride and more our style. It climbs up to the Skyline where on TW's birthday, we had a lovely Buffet Dinner. Probably the riskiest activity we undertook. I absolutely smashed the Buffet, piling up Giant Prawns, Sushi, Smoked  Salmon, Steak, Venison, Salad and more. I was more selective on the desert, just an Apple Crumble. The after Dinner Activity was star-gazing. we were so lucky to have a clear night as our guide took us on a tour of the Heavens. From the Southern Cross to the Milky Way and back. It wasn't too cold either. Mind you we had thermals on and they supplied a thick jacket suitable for Antarctica. We did not hire a car for our first few days in Queenstown. We survived the local buses but they are terribly slow. at least we had no parking problems.

Looking down on Queeenstown

Starring Tonight

Dining at the Skyline

Arrowtown

Arrowtown, a charming and well-preserved village, is one of Queenstown's nearby neighbors. Its wooden buildings and riverside setting make it a delightful destination. In autumn, the trees burst into a spectacle of color. While it may be a bit touristy, we enjoyed a leisurely walk by the river and had a tasty lunch at the Fork and Tap. TW bought a woolen shawl. Its a nice cycle ride from Queenstown.

Arrowtown

Baaah

Arrowtown

Queenstown to Arrowtown on a bike

TSS Earnslaw

The TSS Earnslaw was commissioned by New Zealand Railways to cater to the communities surrounding Lake Wakatipu. It's construction started in 1911, and after dismantling, the ship's hull plates were shipped from Dunedin to Kingston across the South Island. The Earnslaw was reconstructed and launched on February 24, 1912, and it embarked on its inaugural journey to Queenstown on August 18, 1912. Incredibly that's the the same year as the Titanic!

Brilliant to see that the Earnslaw is still steaming through the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. Still going strong. It steams to Walter Peak Farm, on the far end of the Lake' every morning. Most passengers disembark and have Lunch and return on a later sailing. We chose to sail straight back to Queenstown and were a bit envious of the diners as they disembarked. However, we really loved the return journey without the hordes of tourists. The Captain allowed me to climb up on the Bridge after we docked and he took a couple of snaps of yours truly in command. 

The Steamship Earnslaw


TSS Earnslaw Cruising on Lake Wakatipu

Taking the wheel

On the bridge

This lounge would have been packed on the outward voyage

Shadowy figures at the Skyline

A walk in the Park

Woofer - wouldn't fit in TW's suitcase.

The beach in Queenstown from the Park

Kelvin Heights

A pleasant ride around the Peninsula that is home to the Golf Course was on our agenda. We rented bikes at the Hilton for half a day. It was quite a peaceful area away form the bustle of Queenstown and it was an enjoyable ride. We dropped into the Golf Course for a drink in the Club House  and chatted with some friendly locals.

Kelvin Heights - around the Peninsula on our bikes

The monstrous mechanical Shark leaps out of the water

A walk in the Park