Our month on the South Island
Mar 20th, 2025 | 01:04 PM
#61
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 19
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.
House high up on hillside, what a location
Couldn’t find a way to cross to the gorge on other side of the bridge.
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.
Trying his hand at gold panning
The Chinese store at the settlement
Tiny hut
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.
Finz Seafood and Grill was our splurge dinner :
https://www.finzseafoodandgrill.co.nz
Booked the evening before online
Scallops
Salmon
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.
Lovely music
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.
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.
House high up on hillside, what a location
Couldn’t find a way to cross to the gorge on other side of the bridge.
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.
Trying his hand at gold panning
The Chinese store at the settlement
Tiny hut
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.
Finz Seafood and Grill was our splurge dinner :
https://www.finzseafoodandgrill.co.nz
Booked the evening before online
Scallops
Salmon
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.
Lovely music
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.
Mar 20th, 2025 | 03:33 PM
#63
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,238
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Mar 20th, 2025 | 08:04 PM
#64
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,344
Likes: 19
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.
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.
Mar 21st, 2025 | 04:55 AM
#65
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 0
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?
Mar 22nd, 2025 | 12:23 PM
#66
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 19
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:
final day:
Love this cottage
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
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:
final day:
Love this cottage
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
Mar 22nd, 2025 | 08:33 PM
#67
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 19
Day 21: Queenstown to Aoraki Mt. Cook travel day
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.
Interesting clouds all day
Lindis pass lookout
After Twizel the road follows Lake Pukaki - stunning views of the mountains as you approach.
Lake Pukaki
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
Alpine memorial, so many young climbers
The carpark at Hooker Valley Track!
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/
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.
Interesting clouds all day
Lindis pass lookout
After Twizel the road follows Lake Pukaki - stunning views of the mountains as you approach.
Lake Pukaki
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
Alpine memorial, so many young climbers
The carpark at Hooker Valley Track!
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/
Mar 23rd, 2025 | 07:18 PM
#69
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 19
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/
Raining in the afternoon, so just went to the nearby Governors Bushwalk for a forest canopy walk.
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/
Raining in the afternoon, so just went to the nearby Governors Bushwalk for a forest canopy walk.
Mar 23rd, 2025 | 07:31 PM
#70
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 19
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.
Then walked the Tasman Jetty track, and to a lookout, the clouds slowly dispersing, and the boats heading out.
(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.
Then walked the Tasman Jetty track, and to a lookout, the clouds slowly dispersing, and the boats heading out.
Mar 24th, 2025 | 01:54 AM
#72
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
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!!)
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!!)
Mar 24th, 2025 | 05:59 AM
#73
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,238
Likes: 0
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.
Mar 24th, 2025 | 10:35 PM
#74
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 19
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.
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.
Mar 24th, 2025 | 10:47 PM
#75
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 19
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.
The beginning of the track
The Mueller lake
Mueller lake
Mueller lake, first suspension bridge
Still some ice in the Hooker lake
The glacier
The ‘beach’
Swimming!
Return same way
Helicopter delivering maintenance equipment
Morning was cloudy, look at it now
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.
The beginning of the track
The Mueller lake
Mueller lake
Mueller lake, first suspension bridge
Still some ice in the Hooker lake
The glacier
The ‘beach’
Swimming!
Return same way
Helicopter delivering maintenance equipment
Morning was cloudy, look at it now
Mar 25th, 2025 | 03:36 AM
#77
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 0
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?
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?
Mar 25th, 2025 | 05:50 AM
#79
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,174
Likes: 83
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
This one?
https://www.locationscout.net/switze...see-sils-maria
Last edited by Melnq8; Mar 25th, 2025 at 06:03 AM.
Mar 25th, 2025 | 07:36 AM
#80
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
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.
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.
