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Trip Start Nov 14, 2010
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Trip End Nov 13, 2011


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Flag of New Zealand  , South Island,
Saturday, June 25, 2011

It was a long drive today through the Southern alps with such a varied landscape of misty mountains, rainforest, coastline, lakes and rivers. It was stunning. We stopped at a rest stop called Knights point where through Dad’s binoculars you could see seals relaxing on the beach below. We stopped off in Haast for a fish and chip lunch and then it was my turn to take the wheel! It was a little scary at first, driving such a massive vehicle but once you get used to it, it is brilliant. We stopped and walked to a place called the Blue Pools which were amazing. The water, from glacial melt water, was so blue and crystal clear. From the bridge you could see a trout swimming in the water. We practiced skimming stones and I managed to do it for the first time ever so I was quite proud of myself! Rob and I built a little stone tower to accompany the others next to the river. On the way to Queenstown we passed the beautiful lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. The mountains are perfectly reflected in the still water
Marianne and Rob
Marianne and Rob
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As we approached Queenstown it was getting dark but we found the campsite and set up shop. The campsite, Lakeview holiday park, was really expensive and can you believe it, charged for the showers! It took as ages to find a supermarket and when we did the girl who was packing our bags turned out to be from Waterford and Rob recognised her. Everyone we heard around town seemed to be English or Irish.  We ended up having a great night meeting up with Marianne, who Rob has known for years and her boyfriend Andy. Strangely enough, we were walking into town to get some credit to ring Marianne to tell her where we were going to meet and as we were crossing the road we heard a beep and there she was sitting her car waiting for us to cross! We went to a bar called Surreal and the girl serving was Irish, the guy at the bar was from Waterford and then later on a girl who Rob knew from school came in and sat at another table. It was like mini Waterford! It was great to see Marianne and to meet Andy. We went to another bar called Monteiths and had a mulled Cider which was amazing! Definitely going to try that at home for Christmas.
The following morning we decided to get a good look at Queenstown and headed up the Gondola to the top of Bob’s peak. A 790m climb. The views are fantastic from up there with views of lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Rob and I took the cable car higher and had a couple of luge runs. Great fun but absolutely freezing! After a cup of tea and cake we came back down and after a 2 hour drive, most of which I spent asleep, we arrived in Te Anau.
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