On the open road
Trip Start
Feb 13, 2008
1
6
19
Trip End
Apr 05, 2008
Queenstown,
New Zealand
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
We have now commenced our gypsy lifestyle having collected the Backpacker Coaster van from Christchurch. We drove to Akaroa, a very pretty little town first settled by the English and then four days later by the French, and it still retains a very French influence. It was raining when we arrived, but was sunny the next morning and we enjoyed wandering arount the town and harbour. We then set off for Twizel, but decided to stay on the shores of Lake Tekapu, it was raining there as well! However, attached to the site was an ise rink (ready for skating in six weeks) and three glacial spring pools heated from 36 to 40 degrees. Chris tried all three, but I stayed in the lovely 40 degrees. Although it was raining, it was lovely to soak in the hot water. The views would have been magnificent as we discovered the next morning, after a very cold night. We then made our way to Arrowtown, near Queenstown, where we have stayed for three nights. There was frost on the ground when we got up yesterday and we are glad we have some warmer clothing with us. Arrowtown is very pretty too, an old mining town from 1860 and a great many of the miners' houses are still standing and inhabited. The main street houses have been turned into shops.
We have now met up with my old banking friend, Pauline and her husband, Graham and we spent a very pleasant day with them yesterday. We met them at their hotel and then walked into Queenstown, where we decided to go on the Kawaru Jet Boat. I was a bit nervous and insisted on sitting in the middle - I'm not daft, I knew that those on the outside would get a soaking, and they did. It was great fun and we all enjoyed it.
After that, Graham and Chris decided they would like to dangle in mid air held up by a parachute and be pulled along at great speed by a jet boat. They went a long way out on Lake Wakapitu and rose over 600 feet in the air and then almost dipped their toes on the water! They said it was "awesome" but Pauline and I were quite happy to watch and take the photographs. We all had dinner together in the evening.
Today, Graham and Chris were intending toWhite Water Raft but it was rather cold and started to rain so they called it off. Instead we all went up the mountain in a gondola and had terrific views of the wonderful scenery from the top. After that, there was a short open chairlift to where the luge run started. It felt and sounded just like it does when we go ski-ing, but not quite so cold.
The scenery in NZ is absolutely stunning and there are beautiful panoramas at every turn. Camper vanning is good fun in the sun, when you can stop and have a brew up or cook your dinner by the lakeside, as we did this evening but I must admit that when it is raining and cold, as it has been quite a bit so far, I would far rather be in a hotel room!
I don't know how much longer this will go on for, so I had better stop as Chris says, keep it short, as people get bored. Sorry if you are.
Personal message - Happy Birthday Christopher. Love from us Both. Sorry for typing errors.
