Blogs from Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 129

Well the scenery just keeps getting better, with each journey requiring ever expanding superlatives which in the end cannot do it justice. I've picked some of the best photos of the hundreds taken of snow capped mountains and glacial lakes, but even they fail to give a true impression of the enormity of the landscape between Franz Joseph, Queenstown and Milford Sound. We took the coach from Franz Joseph to Queenstown on Sunday, which was more like a tourist sightseeing trip than public transport, with a running commentary and photo stops along the route. Queenstown felt like a return to Meribel, with clear frosty air, roaring log fires and lots of mulled wine. Unfortunately my plans to go riding were thwarted by a pulled quad muscle (from the glacier climb). But I was consoled by lots ... read more

Well, it's been a while since we last blogged back in S. America. We now find ourselves in a new country, New Zealand and another continent, although we're not entirely sure what it's actually called; is it Oceania, Australasia or something else? (Maybe someone can help...) We have a room with a view, we own a car (our first ever as it happens), we have pets, we own snowboards, we know how to snowboard (give or take), we've parachuted off a hill, we've done lots of tramping (I'll explain) and we've even done some paid work! Yes, it's safe to say we've settled down in a "home away from home". Firstly, our new abode... Well we live in Queenstown, adventure capital of New Zealand (maybe even the world), in the South Island. We have a room ... read more

So after a week in Queenstown, it's time to get out of this cold weather (it snowed overnight down to about 800m) and head for some warmth and sun in Hawaii. The funny thing is that right now I'm technically in both Queenstown and Hawaii at the same time thanks to the Date line ::) Anyway, Kim and I spent the last 2 days boarding at Cardrona which was great on saturday but yesterday there were big patches of ice amongst the powder which made it really difficult. It was also really windy and a snow storm hit at about 1pm so it wasn't the best day to be out but that's the way it goes :) Anyway, I can't wait to go check out the latest volcano eruptions in Hawaii which I saw on the ... read more

Now some of you with those quick eyes might be thinking "Queenstown? he said he was in milford sound next" yes you see the problem with that is i had to use a one use camera for milford and havent got it devloped yet so instead of making you wait and wait i thought ill skip it and go back when i can....yes i can do that because i said so alright!?! so where was i?? Right me and Lucy arrived in Queenstown, and my gosh what a squashed little town it is everything is so cramped into a small space all the shops. Thanks to Jen we had a free jet boat ride sorted out for us so that night we just chilled and did nothing. The next day we had the jet boat ride....my ... read more

Well, I'm starting to see some of the appeal of this place. After arriving in the South Island, and still feeling distinctly underwhelmed by Christchurch and Dunedin, I've come to Queenstown. Can't deny that the lakeside setting surrounded by snow capped peaks, is spectacular (though I can't help feeling that I'd be less impressed had I made it to Bariloche....)!! Went up the gondola (cable car), and then had a very pleasant walk back down. However, after my 2 nights there is when things really improved! I picked up my hire car, and headed on down to Milford Sound. By this time, the weather had improved from relentless drizzle (something I'd almost managed to forget existed in the last 7 or so months), to completely, stunningly clear. Loved the drive down, and checked into my hostel. ... read more