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Published: December 25th 2006
Above Lake Wakatipu
Us above Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, N.Z.We departed for Queenstown, NZ on the morning of December 16 when our luck was certainly with us. First, we knew we were way over on our luggage allowance for air New Zealand… that’s what happens when you’re returning from a year away and are restricted to a domestic luggage allowance. We were allowed 40 kg total and registered a massive 76 kg! We also needed to bring our didgeridoo with us (checked piece #5 with only 4 pieces allowed) as it would have been unbelievably expensive to ship it through the post or a courier. Our delightful Air New Zealand agent went out of her way to make sure the didge would be handled without incident… and… she didn’t charge us our overage fees! We saved $360! What a great way to start our last adventure.
When we arrived in Queenstown and claimed all 5 pieces of luggage, our didge attracted attention once again. This time, from the quarantine officer! He promptly took out his knife and cut open our many layers of brown paper and bubble wrap… and frowned at the base of the didge. Bark… not good… he would have to cut off the bottom quarter. :
Queenstown, N.Z.
Another bird's eye view of Queentown ( We pleaded our case and with a promise not to re-open the didge while we were in New Zealand, the nice officer let us through with the didge in one piece. Our luck held out again and we walked out of the airport with all of our belongings including the cursed didge (Tom had better learn to play it properly once we get it home!)
A short drive in from the airport and we were immediately struck by Queenstown's beauty. Situated on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by snow-capped peakes, we figure it is a cross between Banff and Jasper - taking the best of both Canadian cities. Somehow, Queenstown has that small town feel and isn’t entirely touristy though locals may see it another way.
On the morning of our second day we ventured up the Skyline Gondola to get a bird’s-eye view of the town, and had fun on their luge track as well. Go-karts on a concrete track going part way down the mountain… what fun! Later in the day we did a little shopping for our upcoming trek and loaded up on some warmer clothes and lightweight foods. After picking up
Skyline Luge
Sarah went down the scenic track twice. I paid extra and went down the speed track a few times. Tons of fun! Later I'll add some video of the run. our equipment, we were ready to pack our bags and head out! Stay tuned for our stories and photos from the Route Burn Track.
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Cornel
non-member comment
Wow! what an amazing story you are living. Congratulations on you adventurous spirit. Merry X-Mas and best wishes for the New Year. Cornel