Franz Josef to Queenstown

Wasn't looking forward to the long drive to Queenstown (6 - 7 hours) but ......
I managed to grab the seat up front with Sue which gets the best views and ha the most space - and the scenery on route wasn't disappointing!

Left at 8am and 1st stop was :ake Matheson to pick up to pick up Vicky and Catrina who had been for an early morning skydive. We took a short walk to see the lake which has Mount Cook and Mount Tasman as a backdrop. The morning was perfect and the reflection of the mountains on the still lake can't be described - we have been so lucky with the weather and the special moments a good day brings.

On a bit further and we stop at a couple of viewpoints high up which overlook the west coast and on a clear day you can see the Oz coast.

Lunch was at a place called Pleasant Flats - we made our sandwiches at a picnic area and ate them while sat on a bench looking at Mount Hooker and the Haast river - it's so tough being a tourist!!

Thunder Creek Falls was the next stop and again what words can I find to give you a picture of this 30 metre waterfall - fantastic - stunning - who can tell?

As we crossed a few bridges (which only have room for one vehicle) Sue slowed so we could see the beauty of the rivers flowing underneath.
Continued our journey following the shoreline of Lake Wanaka which is 3 largest lake in New Zealand. The colour of this lake is stunning but as we came over the brow of a hill my breath was taken away by an even more amazing view of Lake Hawea. The colours, the snow capped mountains, the green hills and white sand - just picture postcard stuff.
We stopped at the small town of Wanaka for coffee and to stretch our legs. The SOuth Island is nice because it's so spread out between townships, there are very few vehicles on the roads and just lots of small communities which are still relatively untouched by tourism.
From Wanaka we drove through the Kanawa Gorge for several miles and it reminded me of 'Jason and the Argonauts' movie set - Deep canyons with rocky winding sides and the blue river flowing through.
I know I try and take photos which will give you a flavour of what I see but sometimes you can miss the moment of what you're looking at.
Someone once told Sue that:-

You should - Take a picture with your eyes
Process it in your mind
Frame it in your heart
and hang it in the gallery of your soul

Anyway finally arrived at Queenstown and we have a unit all to ourselves which it so great. More privacy and don't have to share the kitchen shower TV and lounge with anyone else except the group.
We have it for 4 nights too so no unpacking and packing again for a while - I know the simple pleasures are the best.

Went to the Pig and WHistle last night and had lamb hotpot and a few bicardis as we didn't have to get up early this morning. Nice just to relax.
We were going to go on the gondolas up the mountain today but it snowed overnight so may have to wait a day or so.
Again - so bizarre to have sunshine yesterday and snow and rain today.

Ovcr and out for now

Love Sue.xxxx