From Queenstown to Paradise

An early start today for a beautiful scenic drive through Mackenzie Country, with its acres of tussock grass fields, huge flocks of merino sheep and almost as many dairy cows. The irregation systems are mind blowing, with some almost too long to see from end to end and all remote controlled from the farm house!

Queenstown is the Adventure Capital of New Zealand and the options for bungee jumping, white water rafting, canyoning etc etc are all there to lure you to an early grave:-). Not for us, thank you!

The city lies on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, yet another stunning lake in the region and this is my main blip. We decided to do one of the optional tours this afternoon, so we’d no sooner booked into our lakeside hotel than we were off on a safari in a 4 x 4 along the northern shore of the lake to a little town called Glenorchy.

This is Lord of the Rings territory and our guide had photos of all the locations used in the trilogy and great stories about each one, so it was very entertaining as well as being so stunning. The Remarkables, the mountain range that skirts the lake for miles were awe inspiring, especially with the last of the snow on the tops.

We thought Glenorchy was the end of the trip, but then we went to Paradise:-). Honestly - we really did (see extra)!!! Very aptly named and we didn’t want to leave, but another experience was calling - afternoon tea in the woods, dressed as characters from the films:-). Quite surreal, but great fun!

As soon as we returned to Queenstown we were taken to the start of the Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car ride down under for a buffet dinner at the Stratosphere Restaurant. Fabulous selection of food and we’re now lolling on the bed in the hotel having eaten more than was good for us:-)

A very early start tomorrow for one of our longest days and a really exciting adventure too! Stay tuned:-)