New Zealand - the 2024 Tour - week 8 - Queenstown

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 very sedate 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 I had thermals on and they supplied a thick jacket suitable for Antarctica.

Looking down on Queeenstown

Starring Tonight

Dining at the Skyline

Arrowtown

One of Queenstown's near neighbours is Arrowtown, a pretty and well preserved village. With its wooden buildings and riverside location its an attractive place to visit. In Autumn the trees are a riot of colour.

A bit touristy perhaps but we had a pleasant stroll along the river and a decent lunch at the Fork and Tap.

Arrowtown

Baaah

Arrowtown

Queenstown to Arrowtown on a bike

SS Earnslaw

Brilliant to see that the SS Earnslaw is still steaming through the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. It was launched in 1912, the same year as the Titanic. Still going strong. It sails to a a Farm on the far end of the Lake every morning. Most passengers disembark and have Lunch. We opted to sail back to Queenstown and really loved the return journey without the crowds.