Arrowtown, Queenstown, NZ

Next we moved to a B&B in Arrowtown, sort of a NZ version of Vail, CO, and originally a gold rush encampment. This morning we shared breakfast with couples from England, Netherlands, and Australia.  It creates quite a diverse conversation. We gained information on local attractions as well as information in preparation for our visit to Australia.  We have electric bicycles reserved for a day and jet boat river canyon ride reservations for later in the week.  Today we did a five-mile hike, toured a gold camp preservation, and bought groceries. Generally when traveling, we have a good B&B breakfast and have one grocery store meal (bread, luncheon meat, fruit) and one restaurant meal during the afternoon/ evening.

Lake Hayes, near Arrowtown.  A walk around the lake takes a solid two hours and includes great scenery.

Looking north, from a mountain road to the Remarkables ski area, to Lake Hayes and Arrowtown NE of the lake.  In winter, the ski slopes begin only a few thousand feet above the lake level.

We rented bikes and rode trails down the Arrow River; this is Dawn crossing a pedestrian bridge.

  Unhooking a bungy jumper.  We could have watched all day as people, tourists from all over the world, continuously stepped over the edge of the bridge.  This "sport" is not cheap, but also attracts a large crowd of spectators (which is free).  Restaurant and bathrooms available.

Coming from Arrowtown towards Queenstown (about ten miles apart); the Coronet Peak Skifield is just behind us.

Our B&B in Arrowtown is the perfect location. Easy walking distance to stores, restaurants, attractions, and the river.  Lake Hayes is on the edge of Arrowtown; we hiked around the lake enjoying the early Fall scenery while getting some exercise. Yesterday we rented e-bikes and rode for six hours following a scenic river valley.  We stopped at the famous bungy-jumping bridge on the Arrow River and watched for a while.  Seemed like many more females than males jumped, also watched a couple jump together. Then we rode on down the valley, past a series of wineries, until we stopped at a small restaurant, converted from a church, for an outdoor meal.  At times the bike trail followed near the edge of the deep river canyon: no time to get distracted and make a wrong turn. The e-bike assist came in handy when returning uphill and against the wind.

 Jet boating on the Shotover River.  Another expensive pastime which takes no talent but is fun.  These boats have 700 hp and can go over 50 mph.  They have almost a flat bottom and can maneuver quickly including a 360 degree spin.  Yes, we participated.

Jet boating on the Shotover River was very exciting, a true thrill ride, but also an expensive form of entertainment.  I prefer activities that require at least some skill and effort; like the biking and hiking we do.  Bungy jumping is also one of those activities that can be completed successfully by a sack of potatoes; they only need to weigh you to hook you up safely.  But can you do it?  Do you trust them?

Looking across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown.  A very scenic area; the water really is that blue.

Looking west, past the airport at Frankton, toward Queenstown on the lake shore.  It was raining hard when we flew out later, and you had to walk to the airplane, even the ramp and luggage had no rain cover.  How ridiculous!

We ventured into Queenstown today: not a parking spot in sight and congested sidewalks. We drove right through and found a hiking spot along the lake.  We do have one night booked in Queenstown; rather expensive on the west end of town; it should be nice and include parking.  New Zealand in general is fairly expensive; more so than we have experienced in Europe. Perhaps it only seems that way because the US dollar has declined 10% in value since last Fall. Every outdoor activity can be experienced from Queenstown, but area is highly commercial, and you will need an ample budget for activities beyond hiking the tracks.

A telephoto view of Fjordland National Park as seen from north of Glenorchy.  It is said that many scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed in this area.

Dawn wanted to get a picture of sheep with the mountains in the background, but the sheep refused to cooperate and moved away as she approached.  Perhaps if she paid them......