Adventures in Queenstown

Trip Start Mar 12, 2009
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Trip End Sep 02, 2009


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Flag of New Zealand  , South Island,
Saturday, May 2, 2009

From Mt. Cook, I headed south to Queenstown, which has been likened to a Swiss village or even Aspen due to its surrounding mountains and numerous mountain/adventure sports as well as its laid back, small town feel and cleanliness. The city itself sits between a mountain, from which people paraglide after ascending a gondola to its peak, and a beautiful lake (Lake Wakatipu, the second largest lake in NZ, I believe). 

I spent a full two days and two nights in the town, enjoying touring the lake via steamship and the mountains via a tandem hang glide ride, as well as strolling the streets for a few souvenirs, good food (mussels, seafood, burgers and fish and "chups") and a tour of the Kiwi Bird Center at the base of the city's gondola (and practically across the street from my Holiday Park). 

A few more highlights included:

~Being frustrated that I arrived at the holiday park (an essential part of Kiwi travel which are found throughout NZ, and more or less a full-service campground with hook ups for campers, cabins, tent sites and a community kitchen, laundry, showers and TV room) in town 10 minutes after check-in closed, but then discovering an amazing and serene campground on Lake Wakatipu 15 mins up the road where I spent the night (someone up there is looking out for me!)

~Due to its being low season, getting a personal tour of the kiwi (bird) house and educated on the plight of this near extinct bird at the wildlife refuge center (which was created on top of a former rubbish dump) in town..   

~Listening to praise and worship songs on the local radio Sunday morning on the shores of Lake Wakatipu

~Taking my first tandem hang gliding flight off a mountain just outside of town - what a tranquil rush! I think I found my new favorite sport!
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