Holiday in New Zealand

Caroline and I decided on an active holiday this year, so we searched for treks in New Zealand and eventually chose to walk the Milford Track. We flew from Melbourne to Queenstown and had a couple of days there before the walk started. I've only been to New Zealand once before, and that was to Auckland on what was essentially a business trip to validate a new visa. It was in the middle of winter, and Auckland was cold and wet and certainly not at its best. However we were still excited about heading to the South Island.

Queenstown

Sunset over Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown is a beautiful resort nestled on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's third largest lake. It is surrounded by mountains such as the Remarkables range, which reminded me of when I was Switzerland. Queenstown is a major snow sports resort in the winter and an adventure sports haven during the summer months. For the adrenalin rushed, activities such as bungy jumping, jetboating, paragliding, skydiving, canyon jumping, luge and much more can be attempted. For those of us who prefer things at a more leisurely pace, the natural beauty of the surroundings, including the botanical gardens is enough to take your breath away.

 Queenstown, nestled in the mountains

For the more sedate there are cruises on the lakes, cycling tours, views from Bob's Peak accessed by the gondola cable cars, and a fantastic nightlife with many good cafes, pubs and restaurants. Although we were only there for 2 days, we sampled some of this excellent fare. I can certainly recommend Speights Ale House which reminded me of an English Pub, something I've missed since my emigration to Australia. There are a number of haute couture establishments and one we found ourselves in was Les Alpes. This was a fabulous French cafe/restaurant with an excellent regional French menu. We went in for just a snack, and I had the best French onion soup I've ever had.

TSS Earnshaw

A charming cruise of Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnshaw was another outing we took. It is a one and a half hour round trip along the lake with excellent views back to Queenstown and of the mountain ranges which come directly to the lake's edge. The Earnshaw leaves from the Casino complex which has a number of high class restaurants and bars.

An oversized kiwi near the Casino complex

All in all, Queenstown is an excellent holiday destination. Whether you're looking for fun and adventure, or peace and beauty Queenstown is the place to be. The morning I left for the Milford Track walk I have to admit it was going through my head whether it wouldn't have been better just to stay and spread out around the town to see the environs fully. I was wondering whether the Milford track could top what I'd already experienced in Queenstown....

Caroline and I and a stunning sunset over Lake Wakatipu on our last night there.