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Published: April 13th 2009
Queenstown bills itself as the adventure capital of the world. It certainly has a range of adrenalin fueled activities to impress any adrenalin junkie. It was a glorious sunny day so a small group of us decided on a few fun filled activities to keep us amused.
After a hearty breakfast we headed up the mountain in a cable car. The views over the town and out over the lake were tremendous. It felt like we were standing in a picture postcard. It was perfect weather. The complex at the top has restaurants, shops, bungy and luge (a fancy name for carts on a downhill track). The luge was such good fun. A little ski lift took us to the top and we sped back down on the windy track squealing with delight like a bunch of 5 year olds. We hurried back down to town on the cable car in enough time to be picked up for activity 2, the Shotover Jet boat. This was probably the most fun I’d had In New Zealand to date. The jet boat sped us through canyons almost grazing the rocks on the way past at 80kmph. Theme park rides play on your
fears taking you on tracks towards danger then turning at the last minute. Here there were no tracks, just our faith in the driver. It was such a thrill. Wind rushing through my hair as the boat skimmed the water at speed (it needs only 10cm of water to operate), 360° spins and icy water splashing my face. I had to remember to enjoy the view as I grinned from ear to ear.
When we arrived back in town I was just in time to be picked up by Onsen Spa Pools. Just out of town these private pools have open views over the river and beautiful facilities. I went myself for a private moment and a little birthday luxury. I relaxed the day away soaking in the natural spa tub gazing out at the mountains above and the river below. At just £16 it was the bargain of the century.
Ellie had organized dinner out. I was kinda worried how the night would turn out as most of the group felt that getting drunk was the best way to spend your birthday but I needn’t have worried. She’d organized a beautiful Italian restaurant, all white table cloths
and daily menus. I had olives to start, spaghetti with garlic, parsley and swordfish for main then before I could order desert a piece of chocolate cake arrived complete with candles. I was so touched as they sang Happy Birthday. We all scoffed the delicious cake then headed out for a few civilized drinks before bed. I had such a lovely day with such lovely people. A birthday to remember for sure.
(If you can check out the Shotover web site and play the video clip... http://www.shotoverjet.com/ )
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Shawn
non-member comment
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Lindsay! I found your blog randomly through travelblog, but i'm glad i did. I've read nearly every entry, and i must say, you are a great writer/blogger. I've loved following your adventures and explorations. You're a personal inspiration to me... and I hope to meet you one day while travelling. Please keep up the great work... and oh yeah... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Shawn from Toronto Canada.