Same departure scheme as yesterday. Wheels rolling at 7:30.
Today was pretty much a coach day as we traveled from Franz Josef to Queenstown. The dive started in darkness as could be expected. It probably was for the best since the highway had 124 curves , tuns, and switchbacks.
Because of NZ coach driver regulations, we do make frequent rest stops. Our first one was at the Salmon Cafe where we had a cup of tea and caught a glimpse of a white heron ruling the world.
The scenery is dramatic and breathtaking. It changes from snow capped mountains to rocks and then pastures. We stopped at a number of lookouts for photo ops. Here at Haast we had a view of the beach and some sea lions basking in the sun.
Lunch was in the tiny hamlet of Makarora. It was frigid in side where we had some vegetable soup and Earle had a chicken curry meat pie. I sat by the fireplace to get warm. The red deer in the field across the way seemed content in their grazing.
Back on the coach and the drive continued with some beautiful lake scenery. It is a shame that we cannot capture the beauty of it all. We reached The Neck where Lakes Hanewea and Wanaka almost connect.
As we drove on we saw more and more vineyards. Sauvignon Blanc is the wine of the region. Also seeing many of the Cabbage trees.
And more beautiful scenery.
Our afternoon stop was at Mrs. Jones’ Fruit Stand. We tasted a number of fruits and were amazed at the array and variety. So what did we buy? Cranky Popcorn and some Hokey Pokey, almost like Cadbury Crunchie.
We were going to pass the world’s original Bungy jumping enterprise and our tour director and 2 others in the group decided to take the plunge off the bridge.
After a long day’s drive we finally made it to Queenstown around 4:30. A drive around the city oriented us to the lay of the land. Checked into our hotel, the Novitel, and strategized as to how to utilize the space in the room. There were 2 double beds as well as a rollaway. In order to have room for luggage, we had them remove the rollaway.
Dinner was at 6:00 at The Rydges. It was an expansive buffet with an array of choices. If one likes buffets, it was a dream come true.
Back to the hotel where I worked on the blog and finally figured out a work around for the whitetext boxes.
Finally, bed after another glorious day!
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