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Published: December 26th 2017
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Christmas day continued
So my Christmas day post was a tad short (and not terribly well thought out) I hit the 'end of my journey with a bump' and needed to sleep so badly I couldn't even think let alone type. Suffice to say, I did wake up and, open presents with Victoria and, catch up and, eat cheese n biscuits and watched Paddington on TV. Which was a nice change from the high body count film watching I had done on my journey here - Atomic Blonde, the Mummy 2017 and Logan each have a pretty high body count not to mention the book I am reading which by the mid point was up to about 8 deaths - maybe I should watch Rom-Coms or Sci-Fi on the way home?
The flight into Queenstown was quiet spectacular - firstly you fly over the NZ coastline with its white beaches hugging the coast, then onto the NZ alpes which are snow covered, jagged and ominous, and then finally between great big mountains that look very close to the plane and appear to be covered in sage green crushed velvet. A very pretty, if slightly bumpy, entrance to the country.
Boxing day shenanigans
My Christmas present from Victoria was to go zip lining at
Kawarau Bridge the original site of the first commercial 'bungy jump'. #AJHackettBungyNewZealand It was great fun.
We chose to lie on our tummies and be harnessed up in the 'superman positon'. I laughed and I loved it. So much so I MAY have convinced myself to go on a bungy jump - I know I am afraid of heights but I am supposed to be here challenging myself on this trip. Although as my friend GoNads knows, all too well, when I say "lets do this !!! it will be good to challenge ourselves" (as I did aka the treetop walk in centre parks) it can all end in tears, and the need for gin and a hot-tub all to myself !!! So maybe not.
The water at the
Shotover River is a stunning turquoise and the views from the Kawarau Bridge are breath-taking as you look at the rapids rushing through Skippers Canyons rocks and greenery; it is really beautiful.
I do have to say that luckily we waited for breakfast till after the zip and ate at AJ Hacketts - I am also pleased to say you can have Soya, Coconut and Almond milk coffees almost everywhere. Although I did think it a tad strange to be asked if I wanted salad with my fried egg and mushrooms on toast.
So fed and buzzing we went to
Arrowtown which is a little traditional mining village with all low level buildings which reminds you of old wild west films from the 30's and 40's (clearly I am talking about the re-runs on the TV). We went round the shops and the local museum and went to the Chinese village. It surprised me that a large number of their immigrant workers in the 1800's were from China and that NZ had a gold rush all of its own just like the United States.
From there we went to
Akarua wines and kitchen by Artisan and met Victoria's boss for a late lunch. What a pretty little place just off of the main road - it looks nothing from the street but when you get inside they have made a beautiful garden with bean bag chairs and low tables along side formal sitting areas and beautifully prepared foods - we shared a cheese board with each other and many many cute little birds who stole our cheese (when we let them) and ate the bread we offered them from our hands. After a lovely few hours with Paul we headed off into Queenstown.
Firstly, we parked up in the suburbs (seeing quiet how far away Victoria lives from
Queenstown is I may need to review my options for NYE - it is certainly a lot further away then the 10 min drive she mentioned !!!), Then we walked through Queenstown gardens to the water front/lake side. But more of that when we explore Queenstown properly. We had more coffee and I saw/walked past the world renowned furgburger (but I will not queue for a burger anywhere in the world !!!! so looked at it is all we did, or will do, as apparently there is always a queue).
Then we headed to the airport to pick up Victoria's flat mate and headed home. By this time I was hitting another 'end of journey bump' and went for a lie down on the bed at 8pm and ended up sleeping through to 8am - oops - I have had enough of these 'end of journey bumps' now I am on NZ time and raring to go :-) I wonder what today has in store for me (and what time Victoria will surface?)?
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Steve
non-member comment
I hope there is video of your zip wire