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A solo traveller from Hamburg was on our cruise and we were sharing holiday stories when she announced she doesn’t like Bavaria or South Tyrol because it is so clean, and manicured with all those flowerboxes! .. I LOVE those flowerboxes and have photos of all the colour combinations I like .. so funny.
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Day 13: travel day to Te Anau
Wanaka to Te Anau drive https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0906b9f15.jpeg over the Crown Range, via Cardona, with our picnic lunch in Arrowtown (historic gold mining town) an hour away . https://newzealandwanderer.com/thing...-in-arrowtown/ It’s an interesting drive, through the golden tussock/ grassland hills, then down towards Queenstown with the lake and mountain landscape. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dbc51c38a.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c55e6a2e6.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7ef40a179.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1f4f4eacc.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...535c985c6.jpeg Arrowtown was really busy, so we skipped the main town to picnic in a quiet public park, with plans to visit later from our Queenstown base (go early, and not on a weekend, is my plan). It’s a very sweet town, we didn’t see the historic centre but the backstreets have a lot of charm, nice homes with nice gardens. Lots of trees and autumn colours are starting. Bypassed Queenstown and the lakeside road is stunning, couldn’t pull over so just snapped away from the car. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9501350b5.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9aaffe5a8.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a13a3cb90.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a7731bbcf.jpeg And the rest of the drive is very pretty, too. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...82ced80de.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...65b8fd651.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7a2452bb2.jpeg Arriving in Te Anau, struck by how nice it is, like Wanaka, to have no high rise along the shorefront. Really people friendly with great pedestrian / cycle pathway, and public park, lots of people walking, jogging, enjoying the sunshine. |
Day 14: Te Anau
Cloudy, then sunny in afternoon 19C We opted for this - a 10 min drive to Rainbow Reach (part of Kepler Track), parked at the Kepler Track Trail Head at Rainbow Reach bridge, and can walk from there in either direction. Can do this direction toward the huts https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-re...r-moturau-hut/ Or to Control Gates at Lake Te Anau 3.5 hours We started on the uphill walk to the huts, but the canopy thinned out and we returned to walk along the river side instead (Control Gates direction) as it was so lush and mossy, I loved it. We just wandered, then returned to picnic bench at the bridge and lunched there. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d6674fe0e.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...332704952.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2c0c571a3.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5fe07be30.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3affc0683.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cd2cb19c4.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...943c6f8e2.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...320d4f350.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4360b4f45.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...816ce59d0.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...43fe06d47.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7267f1369.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5ba980370.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f78da0fed.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...513277f86.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c56214cb2.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c9cc3cd4e.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dfc24a296.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fc3aedb2f.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...591f3ad4f.jpeg Time for a picnic. We then drove back to the Control Gates and walked a bit from that end, to meet up with 2 ladies we had crossed paths with earlier (only they had walked there and back 18 km) https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...72998f28b.jpeg I would have liked to do the Key Summit walk but it’s a bit harder than DHs knees (and likely mine) would be happy with - it is a 1 hr drive on the Milford Sound Rd to start of Key Summit walk (3 hours) https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-re...-summit-track/ (With driving this is a 5 hour day at least) This would also be a fabulous walk, beyond our fitness though: Lake Marian https://destinationlesstravel.com/lake-marian-track/ 3 hours- is uphill after waterfalls https://keepcalmandjastravel.wordpre...-marian-track/ Kepler Track / Routeburn Track and many bits of either, such as https://tripsandtramps.com/tales-fro...ack-day-walks/ https://myqueenstowndiary.com/things...u-new-zealand/ This is a lovely town, a great base for walks, there’s lots of accommodation (nice looking backpacker hostel near us on lakefront), good grocery shopping and restaurants. |
Ohhh, Adie, you've mentioned some of my favorite NZ treks. We last visited NZ in 2018, after visiting almost yearly, and I'm suddenly really missing it. Must get back down there before we're too old and feeble:)
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Milford Sound photo in our accommodation -
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f89dc2516.jpeg not my photo, lol https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3fb72c20d.jpeg Options using water taxi https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bac452662.jpeg Historic boat cruises https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6eaef1502.jpeg Our morning view https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...34a0720fc.jpeg Our view https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5a84dff0d.jpeg Huge trees, a lovely lakeside path |
Great trip report and fantastic photos. I live in New Zealand and sometimes think why do I bother going overseas when there are so many beautiful spots here. If you are in the USA make an effort to visit. It's a 12 hour flight from the West Coast, about 14 from Houston and 19 from New York but don't let that put you off!
The Fox/Franz glaciers are one of only two places in the world where temperate rainforest and glaciers meet. The other place in somewhere in South America. |
Simply stunning. It’s incredible that there is a place on earth as spectacular as SW New Zealand. Glad you keep on hitting on high after another.
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What an amazing trip! Great to see that even on a cloudy day Milford Sound is still not to be missed. But of course, there is so much more....
Once again, thank you for all the info and all the links...very, very helpful. For restaurants, especially for dinner - did you need reservations? Did you make them in advance or just the day of, or the prior day? Thanks. |
Day 16: Te Anau
Wet, windy - today was a ‘read the papers, drink coffee’ kind of day. Considered doing the Kepler Track Control Gate to Dock Bay easy, flat, in sheltered forest 1 hour, but no. We stayed in and lounged. xyz99: On reservations for lunch/ dinner - we usually booked the day before. Te Anau is deceiving, it’s small and looks like there is no one around, then we walked to dinner and the restaurant was packed, and we could see the bus loads arriving back from Milford Sound with disgorged passengers now looking for a place to dine. We were glad to have booked. I did book Fiddlesticks weeks ahead, because I thought it was small and popular, not sure that far in advance was necessary. |
Day 17: Te Anau to Queenstown travel day
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6bb80146b.jpeg Cloudy, light rain. Forecast 3C to 9C - a lovely easy 2 hour drive - low cloud on the hilltops. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...35cd71e47.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...38048bc70.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5dc226dfd.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9fe6f274d.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b92e5b0f2.jpeg Stopped at the New World store by the Queenstown airport and did our grocery shopping, had some lunch, and by good fortune passed a bakery, Ma Boulangerie! Yes, please. Such good sourdough bread, and a few sweet items for later. Had the sourdough with dinner, really excellent. Walked to the botanic gardens - even though some flowerbeds fading, there’s a pond, some later flowering plants, some early autumn foliage and the trees are majestic. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8d3dde939.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a30eab40d.jpeg What a wonderful tree https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3a5ca1a38.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...038b1438d.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...de4673df7.jpeg This huge limb on the oak is being supported by a Māori carving https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...67724db51.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7c4604ecb.jpeg I love windflowers https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2ed66d6b8.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1722dfe9b.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...37b886b76.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cc0b93030.jpeg |
Your photos of your Milford Sound drive and cruise bring back such wonderful memories of our trip. We have photos of Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and Falls Creek, too. Love your sunrise photos. So gorgeous! We really enjoyed staying in Te Anau, and we stayed across from the lake, too, with beautiful views.
That's a good idea to include your maps so people who haven't been here can see your route. How do you highlight your route on the google map? Do you print it out, highlight the route, and then take a photo? |
Originally Posted by Adelaidean
(Post 17640819)
Day 16: Te Anau
Wet, windy - today was a ‘read the papers, drink coffee’ kind of day. Considered doing the Kepler Track Control Gate to Dock Bay easy, flat, in sheltered forest 1 hour, but no. We stayed in and lounged. xyz99: On reservations for lunch/ dinner - we usually booked the day before. Te Anau is deceiving, it’s small and looks like there is no one around, then we walked to dinner and the restaurant was packed, and we could see the bus loads arriving back from Milford Sound with disgorged passengers now looking for a place to dine. We were glad to have booked. I did book Fiddlesticks weeks ahead, because I thought it was small and popular, not sure that far in advance was necessary. |
Amazing report so far. Great photos. Gives lots of ideas for a future trip to the south island. I also like how you included the images of the map--helps to visualize it all in once place.
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Karen - I just use Google maps and take a screenshot of my route from ‘my location’ to the destination sought. Can ‘add stop’ as well.
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Day 18: Queenstown
2 sunny days forecast, so lucky! Crisp, clear morning 3C. Gorgeous. Today we drove to Glenorchy, a perfect day for this scenic lakeside drive. It’s a 45 min drive. Lake Wakatipu is 80 km long and thin, with surrounding mountains, so there’s drama at every turn. Little coves with pebbly beaches and clear water, high lookouts over steely blue deep water, and in shallower areas it is a stunning green. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ade6f3937.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f0ec33122.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c75189f41.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...af598c828.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ab1be0173.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6d648853c.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e1c122d97.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a5a69a781.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2cd13d275.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d8a711d81.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...14a8f8bee.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f40967cd2.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...12c415c02.jpeg picnic time https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e3a6c8232.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...843bfe0ff.jpeg Glenorchy walks: https://myqueenstowndiary.com/hikes-...y-new-zealand/ We stopped at Lake Moke on our return, it’s a partly gravel, curvy, narrow road and we weren’t quite sure what we were going to find there, but there’s a camping ground and a 6 km loop walk around the lake. It lies in the valley between Queenstown and Glenorchy but feels a million miles away. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-re...ke-loop-track/ So different to what we had just experienced. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a5c541f2f4.png https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9243d0ddc.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6a9d977c2.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...619e8da00.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...23a3f2a21.jpeg I did a Queenstown lakeside wander in the late afternoon https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3af143dad.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8eea1a542.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1ceff8694.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9d920f8a6.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...20c36f30e.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c3b3bcf4e.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...08ad31e8c.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...75e64a55a.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...808935ab8.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ef99bac4a.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7d640709e.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d3afefd55.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...566eaf573.jpeg There’s lots of other nearby walks that we didn’t do: From my notes : Routeburn Flats hut - a 30 minute drive from Glenorchy to the Routeburn Shelter, where the Great Walk starts, so it’s easy striking distance for day walks. (Not sure about the road) You can hike in to the first hut on the track and back in about three hours, or walk some of the shorter trails around the Routeburn Shelter, like the Nature trail loop 1 hour.. or do a bit of Routeburn Flats and return when ready and join the loop walk https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/listi...n-flats/10789/ Bob’s Cove had no parking left when we passed https://myqueenstowndiary.com/bobs-c...ck-queenstown/ Mt Crichton loop walk https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/listi...p-track/16153/ Currently storm damage repair work being undertaken From my notes: Mount Crichton Loop is about a 2.5-hour loop trail that had a lot of variety. It starts by following a beautiful forest stream, and includes bridges, a waterfall, a minor’s hut, tunnel, and views. We did the track clockwise, which I would recommend. It kept the uphill bits in the shade while the downhill portion was more exposed and had solid and even footing. Lake Sylvan - bridge yet to be repaired. …. a beautiful, varied day. |
Originally Posted by Adelaidean
(Post 17641049)
Karen - I just use Google maps and take a screenshot of my route from ‘my location’ to the destination sought. Can ‘add stop’ as well.
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We loved the drive along Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Glenorchy!! It was one of the highlights of our trip. More scenic than we were expecting. And we enjoyed the pretty walk around the Glenorchy Lagoon. We didn't know about Lake Moke. Wish we did. It looks so peaceful and pastoral. You had a perfect day!
Is that the TSS Earnslaw in your last photo? |
The NZ Tourism Board owes you, Ade! Your report is very convincing.
We would go there tomorrow but for the looooooooooong flight(s). We old. I am done. the jealous |
zebec, you can do it!:) We did, and we are in our 70's. Of course, we flew Premium Economy, which is the first time we've ever spent this amount of money on airline tickets!:) But it was worth it.
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Day 19: Queenstown
He had an early booking for the Shotover boat ride, while I went walking. Found the Morningstar beach, a nice sandy spot on the river with rocks, a driftwood shelter and pleasant forest. Really pretty. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d60bb88a9.jpeg House high up on hillside, what a location https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...eaaa1fdea.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...008911331.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3c348eb76.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b05787dde.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...86cde0e0b.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ab2c4c1a0.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c90d37693.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ad135c384.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e24c42de2.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4c8ac0029.jpeg Couldn’t find a way to cross to the gorge on other side of the bridge. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...79ec128f0.jpeg We then took the Gorge Road to Arrowtown, it’s a beautiful valley drive to this lovely town. The autumnal colour will really pop by mid April. This blog shows the hills alive with colour https://newzealandwanderer.com/autumn-in-arrowtown/ Arrowtown was a gold mining town, and the historic buildings of the gold rush era have been preserved, the cottages and stores on the main street, and the Chinese settlement is interesting with information panels explaining their life and the hardship. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c4f856a12.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1cfed0ee3.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...63554c1a0.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7074dd204.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d9a37eeb6.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7b64213eb.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...36ad9d361.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cbd61eaa8.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2158866fc.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...811e85732.jpeg Trying his hand at gold panning https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7ffd1338f.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f69858a50.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ad21b052d.jpeg The Chinese store at the settlement https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c1c8437f0.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...87fb61b48.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f63899846.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6c26e2811.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...83077edc3.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ba4934c41.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3a3ec4f69.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...95f8ba97f.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f73c71725.jpeg Tiny hut https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...931e52241.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...09ea42e4a.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...df65dc43c.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b7d7a32f6.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d0944fb86.jpeg Huge trees line the streets, nice parks, the Arrow River trail, cafes and shops, walking trails, golf, it’s very popular and an easy visit from Queenstown, but go early and avoid weekends. One potential Arrowtown walk - https://www.arrowtown.com/trails/sawpit-gully-trail/ Lake Hayes is nearby so we stopped there for a wander, can do the loop of the lake, it’s about 8 km. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-re...hayes-walkway/ A nice place to picnic, lots of grass and shady trees. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7ba5fd13a.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cb7f5c45d.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...986614753.jpeg Finz Seafood and Grill was our splurge dinner : https://www.finzseafoodandgrill.co.nz Booked the evening before online https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...afbaec142.jpeg Scallops https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ee8aeb942.jpeg Salmon https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ad7915a45.jpeg Spaghetti marinara It was a balmy evening, and such a great walk back - the pier and lakefront beach was buzzing and there was a great busker with an appreciative audience, a nice vibe. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6851bb907.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b6a06a86b.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...128fbfb60.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3fc45bcc3.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...23804b846.jpeg Lovely music https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...78902712f.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...89636f042.jpeg I don’t know how accurate step counters are, but mine showed 12 km today. While we were in Arrowtown, DH was impressed by his steps and suggested we needed to stop for coffee and cake, until I reminded him I was carrying his phone while he was on the boat, lol. |
Karen, yes, that is the Earnslaw. I read your report (several times) and thought we might include it, but somehow never did get around to it.
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Did your husband enjoy the Shotover boat ride? Is that the jet boat? I know we considered a jet boat ride somewhere near Queenstown but then thought it might be too adventurous for us!
It's nice to see the photos of Arrowtown because we didn't go there. We thought about it but there never is enough time. The food from Finz Seafood and Grill looks delicious! The photo of the Queenstown Pier with the umbrella tables - I think we had a drink there when we were waiting for the TSS Earnslaw. |
Adelaidean a wonderful trip report bringing back many memories of our past trips down South. You did miss out the Nelson area though and the Abel Tasman National Park, maybe next time.
We are heading down to Stewart Island in a couple of weeks with the caravan, still debating whetner we go down via the West Coast or not. I loved the scenery on that route. Arrowtown will be a picture by the time we are there. Looking forward to the rest of your report. |
Arrowtown looks wonderful, such an interesting place, and our itinerary does not include it (nor Queenstown). The current plan is to stay for several days each in Wanaka and Te Anau, with a 1-night only in Glenorchy in between. I wonder if we should change that?
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Day 20: Queenstown
Today’s plan was to head to Gibbston valley winery area and the Kawarau bridge/ gorge area, but, instead we walked around Queenstown lakefront, lunched at Bombay Palace, wandered the Botanic Gardens (I am needing some ‘time out’ as back to hectic work soon and increasing elder care on my return) Some photos of the changing light / cloud from our balcony: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3ed1d3cbf.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bf8d6471d.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...69fe5b566.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...443d24f33.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9f36fdc63.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...84194713d.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...36a6366d5.jpeg final day: https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...36579b581.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e04a19646.jpeg Love this cottage https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3df1618ca.jpeg Karen, yes, DH did the Shotover jet boat ride, he loved it. xyz99, it’s such a hard call, what to include, what to skip. I happen to like Queenstown, it’s small, it’s very attractive - for me a buzzing waterfront yet laidback vibe and slightly more urban spot was a good fit, even though I’m not interested in shopping, or adrenaline type activities. You will be passing through, going to Glenorchy, a quick visit to the lakefront/ wharf in or out would make for a nice hour or 2. It’s all you need, it’s quite small. You are heading south if I recall, I would like to visit further south, and further north, one day. nelsonian, enjoy your trip south to Stewart Island, hope you tell us about it. We skipped Abel Tasman, in favour of a slower trip, but I think it’d be on the list in future. As I’m getting older, I’m preferring to set up base for a bit longer and go a bit slower. Melnq8, I’m not a hiker, so ‘old and feeble’ Is relative.. my walks might be considered feeble, lol |
Day 21: Queenstown to Aoraki Mt. Cook travel day
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0f0297572.jpeg Picked up our essentials at Frankton New World and the French bakery, and headed for Mt Cook village. An interesting drive, through a diverse landscape. And interesting clouds all day. Stopped at a few viewpoints and did turn off the bitumen and drive the gravel road to the Omarama Clay Cliffs entrance (unmanned) but sign stated to leave $10 cash for entry (we had no cash) so we skipped it. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8ef7ecc2c.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8590b6ece.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1ad1b3ea8.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c2df2580f.jpeg Interesting clouds all day https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7c6d2593c.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6bb450613.jpeg Lindis pass lookout https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dff5a5f43.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b375c75f3.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9dbe3c5ae.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4e9866a60.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d26b4f0c5.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dbcc65726.jpeg After Twizel the road follows Lake Pukaki - stunning views of the mountains as you approach. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...459c0b753.jpeg Lake Pukaki https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f364b5a3a.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fad33d7a6.jpeg Mt Cook ‘village’ - this is a national park, no town, but a motel, hotel, hostel, cafe, no shops. Accommodation is limited, so book early. A few shots from after arrival, it’s a clear day and the next few are forecast cloudy/ rainy https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...66843b505.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...326738460.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e629d7526.jpeg Alpine memorial, so many young climbers https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8f4151f2e.jpeg The carpark at Hooker Valley Track! https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c36a4c4a7.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0315582ae.jpeg some useful stuff: Walks Mt Cook : https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets...ki-mt-cook.pdf Glacier boat tour https://www.hermitage.co.nz/experien...ier-explorers/ |
So awesome. Glad you are having largely good weather on your trip. Please continue to enjoy your last few days. It's been fun reliving some of my own memories through you.
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Day 22: Aoraki Mt Cook
Cloudy, drizzly, 19C We walked the Kea Point track from our accommodation (Mt Cook Lodge) so a 2 hour walk (it’s an hour from the campground carpark) A very pleasant walk, mostly flat, and on a clear day there are views of Mt Cook, but even in the mist, the view over Lake Mueller, the glacial moraine, the Huddleston glacier was impressive. And confronting. Glacial retreat : https://glacierchange.blog/2018/02/2...inus-collapse/ https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6afc1a577.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b920caecd.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...40680c983.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6b1c77853.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fd30d8afd.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...47dee19f6.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4c2648c04.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e85deb2ee.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e3b03a303.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d8146db1b.jpeg Raining in the afternoon, so just went to the nearby Governors Bushwalk for a forest canopy walk. |
Day 23: Aoraki Mt Cook
(The Hooker Valley Track is undergoing maintenance and closed weekday mornings until 10:30 am. Wise to check DOC websites for any closures, changes, dangers before heading out) Woke to thick cloud and rain. Slow start to the day seems sensible. Checked the hourly forecast and it was clearing after lunch, so ate at the Edmund Hillary Cafe at the Hermitage, and then headed to the Tasman Glacier carpark. Still low cloud but already improving. Started with the short, uphill (lots of steps) track to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. Wow. The Tasman glacier is the longest glacier in NZ. The glacial lake with surrounding moraines, and glacier, the mountains, the icebergs. Just extraordinary. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2589a906c.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...41df7ad1b.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...702dcfcf9.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ffafca4ff.jpeg Then walked the Tasman Jetty track, and to a lookout, the clouds slowly dispersing, and the boats heading out. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...13f5c2dbe.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...715d2eb62.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...04f74ed95.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...feb7ea321.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fae77bb12.jpeg |
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1ead320cf.jpeg
Iceberg and moraine https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e6b2fd4e2.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a1d5382f8.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f47ccf009.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c686cb3bd.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e19bc155f.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a1054f8ae.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3b84f4f84.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...524d6d7fe.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ee63492b4.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...260a893ee.jpeg Clearing clouds https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2b90b1c4e.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5266d69b5.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3ac9e3e1a.jpeg So many fascinating cloud formations https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...20306794c.jpeg This morning was just grey cloud from our mountain view room, now this |
Just playing "catch up" and loving all the photos... The "Wanaka Tree" reminds me of the tree at the lake in Sils Maria. You were there - what do you think?
from the photos NZ looks so green and lush and I have to keep reminding myself it is the end of summer there !!! (now back to more photos!!) |
Awesome photos! I love seeing the photos of your Kea Point hike and Tasman Glacier View. We planned on hiking those tracks but because we had a full day of pouring rain, we didn't have the time. And at our ages, with our aging bodies, it took us longer than the norm to hike the Hooker Valley Track, so by the time we finished, we were exhausted. Happy for you that you are having good weather for the most part.
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Hi Hambagahle, I don’t recall the tree at Sils Maria lake, and I walked it a few times on several trips, too much beauty to absorb!
Karen, the weather really can be unpleasant. We are not the ‘throw on a raincoat and trudge through a storm’ types. We have the luxury of time and chose our outings when it cleared, mostly. |
Day 24: Aoraki Mt Cook
Cool and cloudy 5-18C DH visited the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre NZ$25 https://www.hermitage.co.nz/experien...alpine-centre/ It warrants a few hours, displays, equipment, movie. In the afternoon we tackled the Hooker Valley Track (closed until mid morning and weather clearing in afternoon so that shaped our timing, afternoons have been very pleasant) This is a very popular walk, 10 km return (same way) to the Hooker Lake and crosses 3 suspension bridges. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...aa75c8f23.jpeg The beginning of the track https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5689d7038.jpeg The Mueller lake https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5a7593188.jpeg Mueller lake https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e706ed313.jpeg Mueller lake, first suspension bridge https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4cbc4cebb.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...999007369.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...108d3d6f4.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...20212c88c.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1414cda4e.jpeg Still some ice in the Hooker lake https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fc69aef6f.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...215dc0e35.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ec0cf2896.jpeg The glacier https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...02c3c0651.jpeg The ‘beach’ https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ba97d425c.jpeg Swimming! https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...970bc9968.jpeg Return same way https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2ffa0a731.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a35dc7b7c.jpeg Helicopter delivering maintenance equipment https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c57a2f2e3.jpeg Morning was cloudy, look at it now |
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The "swimming" photo is great for scale. I can't imagine swimming in that cold water, those are some brave souls.
Which app (or apps) did you use to get current/up to date info on the hikes' opening times? For example, how did you know that Hooker Valley Track was closed until mid morning? |
Wot XYZ said, Ade.
I am done. The call of the wild |
A Sils tree? Who knew? Will have to look at my photos to see if I can spot it.
This one? https://www.locationscout.net/switze...see-sils-maria |
Originally Posted by Adelaidean
(Post 17642496)
Hi Hambagahle, I don’t recall the tree at Sils Maria lake, and I walked it a few times on several trips, too much beauty to absorb!
Karen, the weather really can be unpleasant. We are not the ‘throw on a raincoat and trudge through a storm’ types. We have the luxury of time and chose our outings when it cleared, mostly. |
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