Queenstown

My word, it's great to be back in Queenstown! This and the surrounding regions of Fijordland and Otago were my favourite destinations of last trip, and I was relieved to determine not much has changed in 4 years. Well, if you brush over the fact that the population has now doubled to 7,000 lucky inhabitants and there is now a Louis Vuitton shop for all those chavvy ski-types. Winter-time (that's July/August ) attracts hords of snow-seekers for boarding and skiing whereas in the summer time (about now) it's just as busy with crazy kids looking to jump out of planes and off platforms attached to a bungy. The original AJ Hackett bungy jump is a short distance outside of Queenstown and is basically a platform extended from the Kawarau bridge. You tentatively hop to the edge of the platform with an elastic bungy strapped round both ankles as you pluck up the courage to jump over the edge as the Shotover River cascades below. Last time I was here, my mate Paul was brave enough to have a bash, but opted out of the one where they give you a slightly longer bungy, meaning you get dunked in the water aswell. Sensible bloke.

Not fancying any slipped discs or retinal detatchments, we opted out, but it's very entertaining watching other people go through the experience. One bloke was giving them loads of grief, and generally not taking the safety advice being offered about ensuring his arms broke the impact of the water, rather than his face, so they dunked him right in upto the waist - twice. He was so angry, but the blokes and all his mates were all loving it. The alternative, much more terrifying option, is to jump the canyon option. this doesn't provide you with the psychological reassurrance of jumping over water. Oh no, this one is straight over rock. Oh, and it's 134 metres high, compared to 43 metres, resulting in over 8 seconds of freefall!!!

The best and most accessible view of Queenstown is gained by hopping on the gondola (that's a cable car to the rest of us), swinging about over the pine trees and jumping off at the top. Then you get a nice crash helmet and you sit on the ski lift, giving you plenty of time to waffle a load of nonsense to detract from Andy's acrophobia (film).
















The view (film) over the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu is utterly stunning. Paragliding seems to have taken off in a big way which is a new development, but much more affordable passtime is the Luge. This is where you get to wear a crash helmet and play Super Mario Carts down a winding track in a go-cart, either absorbing the wonderous view or just trying to get down in one piece. Of course once is never enough and we had four goes each, using the advanced track each time as the scenic one was closed. You can really wang it down and I seemed to reach the bottom first every time. Andy's excuse was that he was taking photos but I think he could have been a teensy bit scared.

A fun-filled first day was topped off withe the delights of a pizza at Winnies (it used to be called Winnebagoes), which is a Queenstown institution and watching the new Bond film. I must say, I'm struggling to understand everbody's obsession with Daniel Craig. I think he looks more like a Gingerbreadman with muscles and a pout (always pouting). Just as I struggled to fancy Colin Farrel who, quite frankly, looks like Kevin Webster with attitude. It will always be Johnny Depp for me (after Andy, of course). I digress. Beer of the moment is Tui, a sort of beer/lager hybrid which is very tasty in a Christmas-cake kind of way.

To top it all off, we're staying in the best campsite ever. It's one of the Top 10 chain which Jess & Joe stayed in for most of their time in NZ and it's very cool indeed. It's got a lovely bungalow with a massive kitchen, bathrooms and a sitting room which you can use and pretend that you have a house of your own rather than a rented camper.

Glenorchy is a tiny village near Queenstown which is extremely pretty but with nothing much to do (apart from Funyak down the Dart river, but look what happened last time). In fact, it has all the beauty of Queenstown and shares the majesty of The Remarkables, but with none of the crowds. I did meet this rather lovely sheep. I talked to him about my new love of knitting and was about to get my needles to that overgrown coat, when he turned around to show me his bottom and it became apparent why nobody wanted his three-bags-full.
Baaa!!!! Suze and I are on a joint crusade to keep the WI arts alive in the 21st century. While she does the preserves and the cakes, I do more cakes and knit like it's going outta fashion (oh, apparently it did).
















Many more days were spent in Queenstown, chilling out and preparing for our next adventure. In the meantime though, we needed something to get the adrenalin pumping. The Shotover Jet (film) is a bit of a must-do when you're here. With the help of a powerful engine and a mental driver, you are zipped through the Shotover Canyon at great speed, turning at the last possible moment to avoid the canyon walls. Dressed attractivley in a lifejacket and waterproof Harry Potter cape, we prepared to be terrified. It was pretty good, but not actually that frightening... until the back of the boat (where we were perched) made a terrible noise and I turned just in time to see a piece of boat fly off into the water. Luckily it didnt hit anyone and didn't seem to be an integral part as we kept on going. Several 360 degree spins were demonstrated and we all got a bit wet. NZ$200 for 25 minutes of moderate anxiety - money just flies through your hands in this country.

Some of the things I have most treasured about travelling are the lessons you learn along the way. Sometimes, complete strangers can instill you with a nugget of wisdon which will serve you for life. Take this unassuming girl for example. Not one word passed between us, but the lesson was loud and clear: Just because you can get it on, it doesn't mean it fits you. I mean, didn't she feel a breeze? What not to wear in NZ - now I'm sure I could knit her a decent pair of pants...






Film of the century : The World's Fastest Indian

Totally magnificent. You will cry the whole way through and want to marry Burt Munro... 10/10 - Mazza was right.




Currently Listening to : Lali puna - Tridecoder




Project of the week: Keeping wool alive.