We Arrive in Queenstown
Queenstown – 21-22.11.2005
We arrive in Queenstown finally. This is such a beautiful town/city too.
There is so much you can do here. They have truly catered for the tourist.
We are staying at the Rydges Hotel overlooking the magnificent Lake Wakatipu. The view again is breathtaking, especially with the snow capped Remarkables in the background. There was plenty of activity on the Lake for us to observe from our Hotel balcony.
There is so much you can do here. They have truly catered for the tourist.
We are staying at the Rydges Hotel overlooking the magnificent Lake Wakatipu. The view again is breathtaking, especially with the snow capped Remarkables in the background. There was plenty of activity on the Lake for us to observe from our Hotel balcony.
On arrival, we had time to wander around and check out the sites. Arthur had some fun with the Kiwi statue on the foreshore of the Lake.
We had to gather together later for yet another group photo, as we had others join our little group at Wellington and Auckland, we needed to update the group photo. Unfortunately, it was so cold and it began to rain again as we were posing for this photo session. We were very happy to reboard and get into the warm and dry coach.
The first night there we are treated to a ride on the Earnslaw to the other side of the Lake for a evening of fine food and entertainment at the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station.
Wow! is all I can say about the evening. The journey on the Earnslaw was so exciting. It was packed with another tour group as well as ours. In the centre of the steamer we could watch the crew at work as they were shovelling coal into the furnace and there is a an information board with all the statistics of the Steamer. It was very hot where we were seated as we were next to the engine and the furnaces.
We berthed at the Station on their own pier and walked to the homestead, passing through beautiful gardens.
The food offered was so yummy and lots of it. We had views of the Lake from the dining room. We were also treated to a magnificent rainbow during the night which turned into a double rainbow before it disappeared. I don’t think that was on the agenda for the night either. But a great bonus.
The food offered was so yummy and lots of it. We had views of the Lake from the dining room. We were also treated to a magnificent rainbow during the night which turned into a double rainbow before it disappeared. I don’t think that was on the agenda for the night either. But a great bonus.
After our meal, we were treated to another sheep shearing and information evening, including a sheep dog showing us his stuff. He was a very good and valuable working dog. There was a couple of little lambs there also that a couple of the ladies got to cuddle throughout the shearing display.
Before we knew it the steamer had return to collect us to take us back to the other side of the Lake. But that wasn’t the end of the nights entertainment.
On board the Steamer they had a piano and a player as well. We were then encouraged to join in the sing-along on the way home. This was such an added bonus after a long day. We were all handed songbooks so that we could sing along. They sang and played all the old songs that I remember my Mum singing as I was growing up, so it was indeed a very nostalgic night to remember.
Back at the Hotel, the next morning we took a lot of photos of the mountains again as fresh snow had fallen overnight.
That next day was a free day for us to join in the many activities offered in Queenstown.
We strolled through the town for awhile, bumping into Ann & Baron everywhere we went. We watched the fast powerboats for ages as Arthur couldn’t make up his mind whether to take a ride or not.
That next day was a free day for us to join in the many activities offered in Queenstown.
We strolled through the town for awhile, bumping into Ann & Baron everywhere we went. We watched the fast powerboats for ages as Arthur couldn’t make up his mind whether to take a ride or not.
Eventually, he left the decision too late and he didn’t get to go at all.
A lot of our group did and we have photos of them as they left and as they returned exhilarated after their ride.
We then decided to try out the Gondola here. It is a very hilly area and a hard walk to the entrance to the Skyline Gondola. This takes you up the very steep hill to the top of the Terminal. Wow! and Double Wow! To the view up there. It was certainly worth the effort to go. The views from up the top here were the best we had ever seen. At the top you overlook the Lake Wakatipu and the snow capped mountain range in the background. Awesome!
A lot of our group did and we have photos of them as they left and as they returned exhilarated after their ride.
We then decided to try out the Gondola here. It is a very hilly area and a hard walk to the entrance to the Skyline Gondola. This takes you up the very steep hill to the top of the Terminal. Wow! and Double Wow! To the view up there. It was certainly worth the effort to go. The views from up the top here were the best we had ever seen. At the top you overlook the Lake Wakatipu and the snow capped mountain range in the background. Awesome!
There is also a Luge here to ride on. I opted to let this one go, as it was such a warm day and I wanted to appreciate the scenery. You could walk up higher to the area where the para-gliders launch from. A few of the group did this too. There is an area beside the Gondola where bungi jumpers launch from as well.
We also were able to jump on the bus to the Shotover to sight-see the Jetboats, as they show go through their paces to provide thrills to their passengers. We were able to ride the bus for free and return when we were ready. We thought this was an opportunity too good to miss. More photos!
It was a great time at Queenstown and one we will not forget.
Hey Arthur
Sorry, have managed to lose your email address! Your blog is looking great – some lovely pictures up there and by the sounds of it you’re having a riot on your travels.
I finish up at Ford shortly so just wanted to give you my personal email address and hope that you keep in touch.
Hope this finds you well and happy.
Love and Best Wishes
Lisa x
Ah yes, Queenstown.
It leaves a memory you will never forget, I know.
I reckon God created Queenstown to show off his creative talents. LOL
BTW- that rainbow is the best of it’s kind that I have ever been privileged to see.