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JB had a well earned rest today as we sampled just a few of the thrills and spills that Queenstown has to offer.
The day started warm and sunny. Requiring something other than coffee to wake us up, we booked ourselves on the original jet boat ride, celebrating 50 years this year, the Shotover Jet Boat. This involved a thrilling 25 minute ride shooting at speed through the Shotover Canyon, getting extremely close to the sides and many 360° spins. Fantastic!
We also learnt a bit about the history of the area. The river, named after the Shotover Estate in Oxfordshire, was the site of a major goldrush, and there are many connections with Ballarat in Australia, where I started this escapade (though technically it started at Heathrow! )
We then headed for the Skyline Gondola, a cable car which climbs up Ben Lomond, behind Queenstown. At the top are remarkable views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, famous skiing venue.
As we were at the top, it would have been rude to ignore the opportunity of a luge ride. This involved first a chairlift then a ride down the slow course, which was fun but not enough. So it was back on the chairlift for a ride down the fast course which was much more satisfying.
While still at the top, I had hoped to descend on the Zip Trek, which involved 6 zip wires, but the last tour was booked just as I got there. Oh well, I shouldn't have had the delicious cookies and cream ice cream in the canteen first!
Instead we descended in the cable car and decided to wander around the town and harbour, which is full of lots of eateries etc.
Talking of which, we dined at Blue Kanu, a fusion restaurant with Polynesian influences. I had a very tasty duck with rice and Bro a lamb curry.
Driving distance today: 0km
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