Te Waipounamu - Queenstown - Queen Vic incognito!

One of the best ways to see and experience Queenstown is on the water. There are numerous options -the water craft ranging from jet boats to steam boats to a "Shark" - The "Shark" is a jet ski modified with an enclosed canopy. It is highly maneuverable in the water and can be launched into the air and also submerges for a few seconds.
The romantic choice would be the TSS Earnslaw - the steam ship which celebrated its centenary in 2012. We decided on the catamaran cruise which was a slightly longer cruise and included more scenic viewpoints. We were not disappointed, rewarded with fantastic views of Mt Earnslaw when we docked at Mt Nicholas Station. Highly recommended.

 

Wharf in foreground, Bob's Peak in background. Zipline is in the forest to the left of the summit.

After lunching at a cafe on the wharf, our afternoon plans were put into action.
No trip to Queenstown would be complete without a Gondola ride to the lookout on Bob's Peak.
We were astounded to see hoards of mountain bikers using the Gondola to hitch a ride up to the top where there are numerous bike trails, varying in difficulty and length all over and down the mountain.
The Gondolas have modified bike racks to carry the bikes.
The Gondola ride itself takes only 5 minutes ascending through a gap in the pine forest, found everywhere on the mountain slopes in many areas around Southland.
The picture postcard views from the observation deck are spectacular - fit for a Queen - though because I left my tiara back at the hotel, I kept a low profile and remained anonymous. 
We sat for an hour, soaking up the panoramic scenery.

There are several ways you can choose to part with some dollars at the summit. We watched para-gliders ($200 per person) take off for a 12 minute descent, and others testing their skills on the two luge tracks on offer.
We booked on to a Zipline tour and spent the next 90 mins conquering our fear of heights on 4 different lines. I decided to take on all of the challenges set by the crew and ended up flying through the air, upside down with no hands attached on the last 2 runs - what a rush! Great fun!
Ended the day at Pub on the Wharf, where we continued our NZ Bourbon and Cider tasting challenge - after all, you have to wash the lamb shanks down with something!

 

 Bat-girl!

Still making friends with the locals!

Te Waipounamu - Queenstown - Frisbee and Feasting!

Opted to walk into town along the bike/walk trail conveniently located right outside our hotel. The path takes you past the Botanical Gardens where we detoured and took the track which loops around the lake. Easy 60 min stroll into the town centre.
After brunch we checked out some retail and gallery stores. Purchased our "Backcountry Cuisine" meals for the tramp and a frisbee at one of the outdoor stores.

We headed back to the Queenstown Gardens to the frisbee golf course. The course is spread over most of the Gardens so it is a great way to tour around while having some free fun (a rarity in Queenstown)!!
I had bought a small 114g frisbee as a souvenir for our granddaughter which posed a bit of a challenge in the windy conditions. However, I still enjoyed the golf round and when accounting for my usual handicap of -20, I carted a respectable score of 76!

The caddy and I then spent the rest of the afternoon eating and drinking and then eating and drinking a bit more with some serious people watching around the wharf precinct.
Queenstown has a good vibe to it, tourists tending to be in the younger demographic compared to other places we have visited - and most appearing to be fitter and healthier that the average tourist!
Plans were hatched to spend the next two days sampling just a few adventurous activities - after all, Queenstown is known as one of the great adventure towns on the planet!

The caddy enjoying his bourbon tasting tour of NZ

The Land of the Long White Cloud

Another Queenstown local!

Te Waipounamu - Day 1 - Melbourne to Queenstown

"I cannot rest from travel, I will drink life to the lees"......let the odyssey begin!

Smooth flight. Watched an incredible movie  - The Book Thief - one of the best movies I have seen.
Not often I give a movie 5 stars

My nose was pressed against the aircraft window as we flew over the Southern Alps and Fiordland and descended into Queenstown. Magnificent mountain ranges!

Our base in Queenstown for the next 4 nights - Oaks Club Resort located on the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu. A little bit of luxury to compensate for the Routeburn tramping in 5 days time.
One bedroom apartment with balcony - fab views of the lake and the Remarkables.

Spent the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring the town and hatching plans for the next few days in Adventure Town!

Sherpa in Training!

Meeting the locals!