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Published: March 31st 2006
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Since we last wrote, we've travelled from Akaroa (east side of South Island) to Te Anau via Mount Cook and Queenstown. Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin ...
Sunday 19/2 Drove for almost six hours, stopping at Lake Tekapo to soak up the turquoise waters, historic church and coachloads of tourists (last bit was unintentional). Managed to find a quiet spot for a picnic lunch before continuing on our way to Mount Cook.
The last hour of the journey passed in a dream as eyes were locked on the mountain (and sometimes the road). Stunning. Drove up to Mount Cook Village for a walk around and much needed break before heading for Glentanner Campsite, some 20kms away. Another cracking view from the 'bedroom' window so we settled down with bottle of the local fizz (Lindauer - also available at Sainsbury's/Waitrose). Niice... until our 'neighbours' arrived. (Nationality of neighbours withheld since xenophobia is not to be encouraged, but would it help if I said they probably would have their towels on the pool chairs first if we had (a) a pool and (b) chairs?) Despite having over 20 empty double-pitches to choose from, they opted to park right next
Mount Cook Village
This was as far as we climbed ... to us. Tcha. Did we show disdain? Apparently, since the wife of said camper driver came over and asked if we were annoyed. In true English style we retorted "erm, no, that's fine!" but I do believe Kate's face said it all. Said wife consoled us by pointing out we could still see the view if we stood at the front of our van. Pah. Tourists!
Monday 20/2 Our 'roommates' had left by the time we got back from our morning constitutional so we were able to enjoy the views over breakfast before heading to Queenstown. Tis just like everyone says, adventure capital but oh so touristy. We were camped outside of town in another picturesque spot (are there any others?) Better still, we were right on the lake front so nowhere to park in front unless in a boat ...
Opted to give the legendary Shotover Jet a go. 85kph jet boating through a canyon on a riverbed some 10cm deep in places. 360 degree spins (no, I wasn't driving) under mammoth rock faces. Lots-of-fun and certainly got the adrenalin pumping. Kate also had the pleasure of getting soaked - she was unlucky enough to be sat
Room with a View
Note absence of neighbours at this stage ... behind a staff member on her last day/ride - so shared in the driver's 'special treat'.
Tuesday 21/2 Left the campsite to head back into Q'town for another gondola trip plus a ride on the luge track. In our excitement, we forgot to unplug the power cable so were the prize eejits of the camp - trailing the cable along the park road. Too ashamed to go back and check for damage ... Emptying the 'grey water' was another new and fun experience. Suffice to say the ducks got a new mini lake before we hotfooted it from the campsite. Ahem ... Fortunately, our driving is going much better than the housekeeping.
The gondola was good but the luge track surpassed it by far. Yayyy. Signed up for five go's and jumped on the chairlift. Forget 2012, am now training for 2010 Winter Olympics. Kate insisted I went in front the first couple of times but competitive spirit kicked in and she accepted the challenge of a race on the final two. Excuse #1 on Race #1: "There were people taking photos in the way". Excuse #2 on Race #2: "My luge wasn't as easy to steer as
Queenstown
The quieter side of town ... the last one" ... Hmmmmm.
Oh yeh, forgot to mention the kettle incident. Had a 'niiice cuppa tea' before we left this morning. Unfortunately didn't go back for a second - nor bother to empty or move the kettle. No worries! It does it all by itself when you start driving - giving the cushions a good soaking. Talk about a 3-for-1 in the donut stakes.
After the excitement of Q'town drove 175km south to Te Anau for 2 nights. Another perfect setting and prime spot on the camp (see OC does pay off).
Did some obligatory people watching over local beers (Speights - very nice) before retiring early in readiness for our 6am start. We're off on a kayak and cruise trip around Doubtful Sound tomorrow. On the way home Kate thought she'd uncovered a NZ phenomena "Broad Bean Connection in all rooms". On closer inspection, she accepted that the sign ACTUALLY said "Broad Band Connection in all rooms". Note to self: shandies for Kate from now on.
Ok, Ok, we've rambled enough for today. Will close by adding some pictures (sorry Ade, totally forgot the 'nine' principle). Hope to find another internet cafe tomorrow
Lovers of Luge
No this isn't either of us - we were going waaaay too fast for the naked eye. to tell you all about our drip, I mean trip to DS.
Hope y'all well and the sun is shining on you too.
Love N&K xx
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Stuart & Carmen
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Wow!
Stunning views, it all looks and sounds wonderful. But consider getting a warning sticker for the van to 'discourage' fellow tourists; maybe light a bonfire with an old tyre of an evening? Turn up the stereo? Just a thought.