4 hours drive from Queenstown to Mount Cook and stopped to take another 'team' photo with Lake Pukaki as a back drop. The colour of this lake is unbelievable. Sue asked us what we wanted to do on arrival in Mount Cook - walks? (short/long) but I decided to take the easy option - Scenic flight. It was a last minute decision again and we arrived at 1 and I had to be ready to go by 2 but it was the flight of my life!!
I was so lucky too as No flights had gone for the last 3 days because of poor weather conditions. We took off in a ski plane with a couple called Sarah and Gareth from London.
We flew over the river bed where we could see glaciers in the water and as we climbed it looked as if we were heading directly at the mountain face but the views were breath-taking, awesome, magnificent and any other words I can find!.
After 2 attempts the pilor landed the plane on the Tasman glacier which is the longest glacier in NZ. The snow was untouched except for the tracks of our plane landing. The still of the mountains surrounding us was eerie as you heard a single crack of the ice on a mountain in the distance. I'm sure I will never experience anything so wonderful again - we were surrounded by snow and ice and yet it wasn't cold and the reflection on the snow from the sun can easily burn you.
We stayed 15 - 20 minutes on the glacier and threw snowballs, made snow angels and took photos. We took off again and flew right up close to Mount Cook and then back to the airfield.
A perfect end to this magnificent trip.
Had a nice cuppa when I got back and then took a slow walk up to the Edmund HIlary Alpine centre where I watched a video of his climb of Everest which took me back to my time in Nepal and the Everest flight.
Nice stroll back to the YHA in the warm sunshine and then I sat on a bench outside the YHA and just took in all of these awesome view - snow capped mountains, hills and the quiet of the valley is lovely - all you can hear is the call of the birds and an odd car or 2 in the distance. This spot is idyllic.
Bye for now
Love Sue. xx
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Queenstown - Lord of the Rings
I was going to have a relaxing day back in Queenstown but decided last minute to take the Lord of the Rings half day tour.
The 4 wheel drive picked me up at 8.15 and off we went towards Glenorchy where a number of scenes were shot. Our guide Nicky told us stories from a New Zealander perspective as we drove passed The Remarkables mountain range where the Dimdrill Dale scenes were filmed, you could also see Deer Park Heights which was used in the 2 towers film.
We passed Wakatipu lake and Nicky told us how the lake flooded in 1999 which meant filming would be halted. Peter Jackson paid for sandbags to be brought in and he and the crew helped in the clear up after the flood which really endeared them in the hearts of the locals.
Apparently around that time too she'd seen a house in Geary Lane which was situated high on a hill and took in the stunning views of The Remarkables. AFter some thought she and her husband put in an offer only to be told that it had been sold. She later discovered that Peter Jackson had bought it and still owns it today but it was the one place we couldn't go take a look at.
I learned that many of the Queenstown people became ORCS and people of the Rohan and the Hobbits used to frequent many of the hotels and pubs in the town. They used to also enjoy 'having fun' on the helicopters that took them to some of the remote locations - so much so that Sean Bean refused to travel in a helicopter and got up early on a shooting morning to travel by car to the nearest place and then walk the rest of the way to the shoot.
We saw the wetlands on which a number of the marsh scenes were based.
We saw the stables that provide the majority of the horses in the film and a number of the paddocks were used to store/house the film crew equipment and vehicles. Rumour has it that the stable owner was paid 3000 NZ dollars per day for the privelege.
We stopped at Dan's Paddock where Gandalf rode off to Isengard and we also drove throw the 'ORCS' wood and you could just imagine the dard figures coming out from the undergrowth.
The forest floor where Lothlorien was filmed was strewn with fallen beech leaves and Nicky told us that as this was a national park site that anything that was removed had to be replaced once the filming was complete. PJ wanted the golden brown beech leaves in his film so he arrived for a Chinese firm to make thousands of silk leaves which they blew into the forest. WHen filming was complete the leaves were hoovered up, the natural leaves separated from the silk and blown back onto the forest floor. Staggering!!
On the way back we stopped at the place where Frodo Sam and Smeagol lay on top of a hill and watched the Oliphants. There were other places along the Dart river for the Isengard and Amon Hen stuff.
I bought the locations guide book and realise there are already so many other places from the film that we've seen along this tour. I know I'll re-watch the film when I get back with a different viewpoint.
In the afternoon I went to the Kiwi Wildlife park and then took a gondola ride to the mountain top that overlooks Queenstown - magnificent views
All for now
Love Sue
xx
The 4 wheel drive picked me up at 8.15 and off we went towards Glenorchy where a number of scenes were shot. Our guide Nicky told us stories from a New Zealander perspective as we drove passed The Remarkables mountain range where the Dimdrill Dale scenes were filmed, you could also see Deer Park Heights which was used in the 2 towers film.
We passed Wakatipu lake and Nicky told us how the lake flooded in 1999 which meant filming would be halted. Peter Jackson paid for sandbags to be brought in and he and the crew helped in the clear up after the flood which really endeared them in the hearts of the locals.
Apparently around that time too she'd seen a house in Geary Lane which was situated high on a hill and took in the stunning views of The Remarkables. AFter some thought she and her husband put in an offer only to be told that it had been sold. She later discovered that Peter Jackson had bought it and still owns it today but it was the one place we couldn't go take a look at.
I learned that many of the Queenstown people became ORCS and people of the Rohan and the Hobbits used to frequent many of the hotels and pubs in the town. They used to also enjoy 'having fun' on the helicopters that took them to some of the remote locations - so much so that Sean Bean refused to travel in a helicopter and got up early on a shooting morning to travel by car to the nearest place and then walk the rest of the way to the shoot.
We saw the wetlands on which a number of the marsh scenes were based.
We saw the stables that provide the majority of the horses in the film and a number of the paddocks were used to store/house the film crew equipment and vehicles. Rumour has it that the stable owner was paid 3000 NZ dollars per day for the privelege.
We stopped at Dan's Paddock where Gandalf rode off to Isengard and we also drove throw the 'ORCS' wood and you could just imagine the dard figures coming out from the undergrowth.
The forest floor where Lothlorien was filmed was strewn with fallen beech leaves and Nicky told us that as this was a national park site that anything that was removed had to be replaced once the filming was complete. PJ wanted the golden brown beech leaves in his film so he arrived for a Chinese firm to make thousands of silk leaves which they blew into the forest. WHen filming was complete the leaves were hoovered up, the natural leaves separated from the silk and blown back onto the forest floor. Staggering!!
On the way back we stopped at the place where Frodo Sam and Smeagol lay on top of a hill and watched the Oliphants. There were other places along the Dart river for the Isengard and Amon Hen stuff.
I bought the locations guide book and realise there are already so many other places from the film that we've seen along this tour. I know I'll re-watch the film when I get back with a different viewpoint.
In the afternoon I went to the Kiwi Wildlife park and then took a gondola ride to the mountain top that overlooks Queenstown - magnificent views
All for now
Love Sue
xx
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Wednesday/Thursday - Milford Sound
Trip is on even though there's been another fall of snow overnight. Our guide, Sue, can't drive us because the bus has to be 'snow chain' accreditted so we'll miss her.
The coach that picked us up is more luxurious but the driver has lots of interesting information but such a monotonous voice and I switched off after the 1st hour.
The views today have a whole different dimension with the fresh fallen snow on the mountains.
Stopped at the 'Kingston Flyer' for a coffee - it's an old railway station with a working steam train to take you for a ride up the track.
As well as sheep and cows in the fields, I've seen lots of deer today which the farmers apparently breed for German export - venison.
Further on into the journey the rain has turned to sleet and then to snow.
A quick stop for lunch at Te Anau which is on the side of the largest lake in New Zealand - no pics as it's pretty horrible weather.
On we go and the snow gets heavier. We get to a really long tunnel through the mountain which is only wide enough really for one vehicle and as we just about reach the end a camper van comes through so we get stuck for 10 minutes while each of us tries to manoeuvre out of the situation. Exit the tunnel and the roads are covered with snow and it's really thick on the hills. The snow ploughs are continually driving up and down clearing the roads. As we drop down into the valley the snow starts to clear. I've said it before - this weather is bizarre - 4 seasons in one day.
GOt to the boat at 4pm and after a safety briefing we sailed out of the harbour and into Milford Sound. It's still raining but still an awesome sight being a small vessel sailing through Fjords on both sides.
We stopped offshore of a small cove and people (not ME) went kayaking, or for a trip on the small boat and some MAD people even went swimming in the icy cold waters.
The crew cooked us lamb shank, herb mash and veg for dinner followed by peach crumble and icecream. It was delicious and you'll be impressed Yas - I ate the lot.
Had a few bicardis and played UNO and Cranium - such a laugh.
Early to bed though as we wanted to be up by 7.15 to see the wildlife and have a full english breakfast. Breakfast was great and I'm really impressed how the crew manage to cook for over 60 and they all piping hot.
Today we cruised out of the SOund - out to the Tasman sea - it's bitterly cold but our reward is to see seals and dolphins. The views today are so different to yesterday as the skies are blue and the sun is shining. This waterway is so magnificent today with the snow capped mountains, and fast flowing waterfalls.
I really can't give you the right picture of all I've seen - I just hope some of the photos will do that.
It's a long drive back to Queenstown but we have more stops on the way with equally spectacular views. We have lunch again at Te Anau but today is a completely different aspect on the lake.
Only 3 days left till I head for San Francisco.
Love Sue xxxxxxxxxxx
The coach that picked us up is more luxurious but the driver has lots of interesting information but such a monotonous voice and I switched off after the 1st hour.
The views today have a whole different dimension with the fresh fallen snow on the mountains.
Stopped at the 'Kingston Flyer' for a coffee - it's an old railway station with a working steam train to take you for a ride up the track.
As well as sheep and cows in the fields, I've seen lots of deer today which the farmers apparently breed for German export - venison.
Further on into the journey the rain has turned to sleet and then to snow.
A quick stop for lunch at Te Anau which is on the side of the largest lake in New Zealand - no pics as it's pretty horrible weather.
On we go and the snow gets heavier. We get to a really long tunnel through the mountain which is only wide enough really for one vehicle and as we just about reach the end a camper van comes through so we get stuck for 10 minutes while each of us tries to manoeuvre out of the situation. Exit the tunnel and the roads are covered with snow and it's really thick on the hills. The snow ploughs are continually driving up and down clearing the roads. As we drop down into the valley the snow starts to clear. I've said it before - this weather is bizarre - 4 seasons in one day.
GOt to the boat at 4pm and after a safety briefing we sailed out of the harbour and into Milford Sound. It's still raining but still an awesome sight being a small vessel sailing through Fjords on both sides.
We stopped offshore of a small cove and people (not ME) went kayaking, or for a trip on the small boat and some MAD people even went swimming in the icy cold waters.
The crew cooked us lamb shank, herb mash and veg for dinner followed by peach crumble and icecream. It was delicious and you'll be impressed Yas - I ate the lot.
Had a few bicardis and played UNO and Cranium - such a laugh.
Early to bed though as we wanted to be up by 7.15 to see the wildlife and have a full english breakfast. Breakfast was great and I'm really impressed how the crew manage to cook for over 60 and they all piping hot.
Today we cruised out of the SOund - out to the Tasman sea - it's bitterly cold but our reward is to see seals and dolphins. The views today are so different to yesterday as the skies are blue and the sun is shining. This waterway is so magnificent today with the snow capped mountains, and fast flowing waterfalls.
I really can't give you the right picture of all I've seen - I just hope some of the photos will do that.
It's a long drive back to Queenstown but we have more stops on the way with equally spectacular views. We have lunch again at Te Anau but today is a completely different aspect on the lake.
Only 3 days left till I head for San Francisco.
Love Sue xxxxxxxxxxx
Queenstown - Lazy day
Spent the morning wandering the shops and updating the blog as it was raining/snowing 1st thing.
After lunch I went to the city gardens for a stroll and did the Lake loop.
Nothing too exciting today and I'm reluctant to go shopping as I've no room in the rucksack to carry any more.
Wednesday we're supposed to be going on a Milford Sound cruise but the snow has closed the roads and we wont know until 8.15 in the morning as to whether it's on or not.
Sue. x
After lunch I went to the city gardens for a stroll and did the Lake loop.
Nothing too exciting today and I'm reluctant to go shopping as I've no room in the rucksack to carry any more.
Wednesday we're supposed to be going on a Milford Sound cruise but the snow has closed the roads and we wont know until 8.15 in the morning as to whether it's on or not.
Sue. x
Monday, 6 October 2008
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
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
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Sunday - Franz Josef
Today had a nice lie in which was good preparation for a half day hike on the Franz Josef Glacier.
Went for our briefing at 12.15 which gave everyone the opportunity to duck out. Then on to get our boots fitted and crampons. It was at this point that I thought 'What am I doing?' The boots were soggy from the previous climbers as it had been raining the day before and you also have to cross rivers/streams which can come up to ankle/knee high.!
When I tried to change them for may be a drier pair - I soon discovered that they were all the same. Next collected our crampons, waterproof jackets/trousers and hat and gloves if so desired.
Off we went in the bus to the lower valley where we could see the glacier in the distance - another awesome sight.
We walked through the forest, then crossed a few rivers where it was low and rocks were our path and our feet got even more wet until we reached the base of the glacier.
Our guide took us up steps cut into the ice and we only climbed to 340 metres which was enought as when we stood still my feet got really cold.
Had a quick snack and took some photos and then started the descent.
It took about 3 hours in totalbut I'm glad I did it.
My legs and ankles ached a bit as walking on crampons is an art in itself and climbing steps that are knee high was pretty challenging.
Jumped into a hot spa pool when we got back which was really soothing so a good end to the day
Love Sue.xx
Went for our briefing at 12.15 which gave everyone the opportunity to duck out. Then on to get our boots fitted and crampons. It was at this point that I thought 'What am I doing?' The boots were soggy from the previous climbers as it had been raining the day before and you also have to cross rivers/streams which can come up to ankle/knee high.!
When I tried to change them for may be a drier pair - I soon discovered that they were all the same. Next collected our crampons, waterproof jackets/trousers and hat and gloves if so desired.
Off we went in the bus to the lower valley where we could see the glacier in the distance - another awesome sight.
We walked through the forest, then crossed a few rivers where it was low and rocks were our path and our feet got even more wet until we reached the base of the glacier.
Our guide took us up steps cut into the ice and we only climbed to 340 metres which was enought as when we stood still my feet got really cold.
Had a quick snack and took some photos and then started the descent.
It took about 3 hours in totalbut I'm glad I did it.
My legs and ankles ached a bit as walking on crampons is an art in itself and climbing steps that are knee high was pretty challenging.
Jumped into a hot spa pool when we got back which was really soothing so a good end to the day
Love Sue.xx
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