Advertisement
Published: February 23rd 2008
Edit Blog Post
Glenorchy
Just another breathtakin scenic view Our first scheduled 'event' in the Queenstown area was a horse-trek in Glenorchy.
I booked our horseride with a company called High Country Horses. There were a few others to choose from, but we liked the sound of this particular one. I made the reservation back in April 2007 (for February 2008) and received an emailed confirmation a few weeks later.
About a month beforehand, I once again wrote an email to confirm the ride and on the actual morning of the booking, I called them on the phone to double confirm our 2pm ride that day. No-one actually answered, but I left a message with details of where we were staying in case there were any problems.
At 1.40pm - 20 minutes early - we showed up for our ride and were kitted out with hats and boots by the friendly guide and we were told that there would be five of us riding altogether.
Half an hour later their minibus showed up with another 6 people. There seemed to be a number of anxious phone calls made and then we were told that they were unable to accommodate Steph and I on the ride as there were insufficient
Neigh!
Some horses we never got to ride! guides available.
What had really happened, we gleaned, was that an extra family of four had showed up (unbooked) and because there were four of them and only two of us, then the 'greater profit' won the day. It didn't matter that we had arranged this trip almost a year ago; it didn't matter that we had wasted an entire day (when we could have rearranged an alternative trip had we known).
So, if you are looking for a good, dependable horse trekking company for a ride while you are in Queenstown I suggest you AVOID HIGH COUNTRY HORSES at all costs. Do not make the same mistake!!
Now having the afternoon to ourselves, we went up the Queenstown Gondola and had a spectacular view of the city. We then both had a go on the 'Luge' - a wheeled toboggan-like ride that snakes down the mountainside at reasonably high speeds. Great fun!
The following day we went on a 'Gourmet Wine Tour' of the Central Otago area. We must have tasted about 20 different wines - Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Reisling, Gerwurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Most were very good indeed, but sadly impractical for us
Queenstown
Seen from the mountain gondola to buy and cart around for the next 3 weeks.
A drive to Manapouri brought us to the 'Fiordland', where we boarded a boat for an overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound. This is an amazing place of spectacular scenery and lots of wildlife. In the early evening, we went kayaking around one of the bays and I really enjoyed this (although Steph wasn't quite as keen).
On the cruise, we saw shoals (schools?) of dolphins and a number of fur seals basking on the rocks. Good video fodder!
After the cruise, we drove (most of the day) to Otago Peninsular, where we were to send the best 2 days of our New Zealand trip - finishing the 9 days on a major high.
I had discovered a guest-house run by a couple called Robert and Christine Brown. What was so interesting about them was they they did a lot of work for the BBC (David Attenborough), Discovery Channel and National Geographic as very renowned wildlife filmmakers. The Otago Peninsular is noteworthy as being home to a number of rare species of animals and birds, so what better way to discover them than with a 'real-life' Natural Historian?
We
Cromwell
An old mining town near Queenstown arrived punctually, to be greeted by Robert and Christine - a delightful couple who instantly made us feel welcome. In fact, they had only just moved into this new house a few days ago, and we were their first guests in their newly-built home. It was beautiful - a wonderful view over the bay and exceptionally comfortable accommodations.
In the evening, we sat in the living room as they regaled us with tales of their global adventures. Steph and I could have listened to them for hours, they were so very interesting.
The following day, Robert took us out for a tour we would never forget. We started with a yellow-eyed penguin (the rarest penguin in the world) and then spotted a fur seal.
However, the most amazing thing was (after a 1-hour trek through deserted beaches and scrub) discovering a colony of sea-lions, again the rarest of the species. Not only did we witness them frolicking in their own environment, but one actually came over to 'play' with us. Trust me - you have GOT to see the video!
The rest of the day passed by in a blur, but we have memories that will last a
lifetime.
We said our fond farewells to Robert and Christine this morning (and their 2 great dogs, Kelly and Digby). They made us feel like friends rather than guests and we will definitely stay in touch with them... and hopefully return back someday. Such warm, wonderful people.
Oh, and one extra bonus of course, is that Robert gave me some fantastic tips for my video technique - I can now say that I have learned a little 'from the master'!!!
In summary, I would say that New Zealand is unmissable - for 2 main reasons:
1) The scenery is the most diverse and beautiful we have ever witnessed (and we've visited quite a few interesting places!)
2) The people are warm, friendly... and the most casual we have ever met!
Tourism is on the increase in NZ and it may only be a matter of time before many street corners are blighted by MacDonalds and Starbucks. However, at present it is still relatively unspoilt by any of this and so I would urge you to go visit one of the greatest places on Earth. If you do, you may (like us) find it very difficult to leave!!
Writing
Steph in a kayak
A rare sight... and probably never to be repeated!! this on the laptop on our flight back from New Zealand (Dunedin) to Australia (Brisbane). More to follow soon....
Advertisement
Tot: 0.175s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 6; qc: 44; dbt: 0.0711s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Jeff
non-member comment
Love the pics
Hi Gary, school or pod of dolpins is the correct term. You guys really got to explore and to think we were in this same area just a week before you. cheers Jeff