Mammoth drive down to Queenstown, poor girls have been doing all the driving, I suppose I could if someone could operate the pedals for me! Passed through Timaru, Oamaru, Palmerston. Stopped at Shag Point (ahem) to see the seals. They were cool, lying round on the rocks below us. On the way to Queenstown we passed through loads of Scottish sounding places like Clyde, Cromwell, Lauder and Bannockburn. Scots settled in the Otago area hence the names. Land goes on for miles, it's neverending! Finally reach Queenstown, staying at Thomas's Hotel for 1 night, thank goodness - it's a hovel with the moodiest receptionist ever! Booked into the Crowne Plaza the following day, only place we could get as the Rugby Sevens are on here so all the hostels fully booked out. Our room is fab, luxury!
Queenstown is beautiful, with a backdrop of scenic mountains. They filmed most of Lord of the Rings here, so everyone has a story to tell about the film.. someone they know appeared in it, etc. Had lunch at the Wharf in the sunshine then went on the Shotover Jetboat in the afternoon. Fantastic! Had a great time and got drenched, started raining when we were on and it felt like hailstones on your face. Exhilarating! Kept doing 360 degree turns which was brill. At night we went to Minus 5 ice bar. Got kitted out with parkas and gloves and enjoyed a vodka cocktail from frozen ice glasses - smashed them at the end! Went for Japanese afterwards.
Sunday we took the bus trip to Millford Sound in Fjordland. Got picked at 6.40 so an early start! Stopped at Te Anau on way, 4 hours to get there. There were beautiful waterfalls and snow capped mountains on the way. Weather wasn't too great while on the boat. Took some pics, they look very atmospheric! Glad we did it though.
Leaving Queenstown and our lovely hotel room :-( heading up to the glaciers next. Woolies at the ready girls!
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