New Zealand-Queenstown and on.......

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(ah sorry-once again this post is backdated)



After completing the Otago Rail Trail, I took a bus from the pretty little town of Clyde, NZ to Queenstown, the 'fun' capitol of NZ, and one of the most beautifull locations for a city anywhere. Ive been there several times, always staying at the lakefront YHA hostel. As always I love Q-town, touristy-yes, but such a pretty setting and lots to do. Only there for a few days before heading to earthquake devastated Christchurch-in my next blog. Queenstown has been featured in many, many blogs so my pics are of the surrounding countryside and amazing views just outside the city-rather than the town itself. Several awesome day walks such as the Moonlight Track, where I walked 9 hours up in the mountains and never saw another soul. Easy access by bus or hitching to these trails-just ask in the Dept of Conservation office, they have excellent staff and maps.Even Better, unlike so many other things in Q-town, hiking is free! On to Christchurch......

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Photos

moonlight trail, NZ
High up on the moonlight track outside of Queenstown, enjoyin the cool wind after hours of hiking.

TS Earnslaw
this ship has been photographed probably a million times, but she still looks good cruising the lake -Queenstown NZ

from the bridge..
the South Island is rich in scenes like this, a postcard view around every corner or passing over a bridge like this one on the way from Queenstown.

wheres my bread???
A mallard drake expecting a handout along the Queenstown docks-he didnt get one from me-looks pretty well fed as it is!

takin a break
self portrait, along the Moonlight Track, near Queenstown NZ- I saw no one else for 9 hours on the hike.

into Fiordland..
high above Queenstown, Fiordland Nat Park lies on the horizon, some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth.

view from Ben Lomond
looking down on Queenstown from the Ben Lomond Track, on my way down...

amazing day!
Near the summit of Ben Lomond Mt., i took in the scenery, after walking 7 hours up-only took 2 to go back down!

braided river
one of many cold, glacial braided rivers on the South Island of New Zealand, even as the NZ Alps rise, they are eroding away.

Queestown airport
leaving Q-town on the Jetstar 737, 20$ Backpacker Fare, tailside seats -everyone on an exit row!

queenstown by 737
from my window seat, leaving Q-town for Christchurch.

Southern Alps
northbound over the Alps, on the way to Christchurch, great view from the left window seats!