Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
For once we struck lucky first time and with little stress found a studio apartment overlooking this beautiful lake ( the 35th use of this adjective for those who have been counting)
We took a series of leisurely strolls around the lake, taking in the magnificent scenery.One such walk took us past Rippon Vinery which occupies a site overlooking the lake with spectacular views to the mountains. (Trivia - a photo of this vinery is on the front cover of the top Wine Guide that was recently published in England). We sampled the wine and purchased a couple of bottles for later- we floated back to our apartment.
Another day we took the road towards Queenstown and travelled for much of the way down the Kawarau Gorge- an amazing place with deep turquiose water set within steep cliff sides. This place is now used by water enthusiasts as it provides white water rafting and jet boat trips. In addition people luge into the water and tarzan across the gorge. A very entertaining place to watch Homo Sapiens at play.
In a former time this was Gold Rush country and many people became seriously rich here during the 19th century( there will be a separate blog entry featuring Bertie's adventures in Goldland)
Further down the gorge there is a bridge where Bungy Jumping was invented- the organisers agreed to restore and maintain an old Victorian bridge in return for the right to bungy jump off it. It is now a thriving tourist spot with mad people jumping every few minutes to the click of Japanese and Korean cameras. Truly the place for adrenaline junkies.Obviousy, given the name by the first person to do it!
After several days we reluctantly left Wanaka- yet another place that we would love to revisit- and headed towards the glaciers on the west coast.The journey alongside 2 lakes and up the hillside towards Haast Pass was incredible and certainly one of the best of our stay in N.Z. The Pass itself is unspectacular but the gorge at the far end is unbelievable. The Gates of Haast are one giant and untamed torrent of water cascading across and through giant rock formations- one of the noisiest and wildest places that we have ever seen. The one way road bridge that crosses it gives the most incredible photo opportunities- we were so busy looking that we forgot to take any. By the time we remembered it was too late and as they say there was no turning back.
The rest of the journey took us through mountain woodland, alongside crystal clear lakes with occasional glimpses of the ocean as we crossed river valleys. Eventually we arrived at Fox Township- true to form we found it difficult to find somewhere to stay. Fortunately we stumbled upon a Homestay where you are a guest but live almost as one of the family.A luxurious way to live- not least because it looked out on the Cook and Sefton mountains. This time we were not so lucky and only caught short glimpses of them from our bedroom. However, within an hour of our arrival we found ourselves heading for an helicopter ride to the neighbouring glaciers- there just happened to be a helicopter company at the bottom of the garden! More about the ride in a minute.
You know how some days you don't quite say the right thing and when you realise your mistake, by continuing to talk you only make things worse you. Well today was one of those days! The Oscar for crass stupidity and tactlessness goes to Brian- the other contenders for the award could not match him in any way.
On arrival at the Homestay, the hostess excitedly and with some anxiety informed us that The Archbishop of Wales would be staying tonight- apparently he had given his name as David Morgan but somehow the truth had come out.
As I said earlier, we headed for the helicopter ride. We got there at the appointed time but were told that we had to wait as there were 2 more passengers to come. Eventually after a long wait 2 figures appeared in the distance from our Homestay- I was quite irritated by the lateness of their arrival and joked to Sandy that it looked like a woman and a man in drag! When they arrived it was obvious that one of them was a man and inappropriately dressed for flight to a glacier( bright red shorts and flip flops...) He was asked to go back and dress appropriately. While he was gone we started to chat to the woman who introduced herself as Hilary- a really nice lady with a pleasant Welsh accent. I said to her I thought that The Archbishop of Wales might be staying tonight ,but I was not certain because I thought that the hostess might be winding me up. I could not understand why Sandy had gone quiet and was looking at the scenery after digging me in the ribs. The previously eloquent lady had gone strangely quiet as well. My little brain was beginning to sense that something was wrong but that did not stop me and I kept on rabbiting about the religious visitor! Eventually she looked at me the way I used to look at children before giving them a major telling off, and said we like to travel under the name of Morgan because we find it easier that way. Sandy then resumed a normal conversation with her whilst I stood transfixed. When her husband returned, I smiled politely and stayed silent. ( The following day by chance we all ended up staying in the same hotel in Hokitiki and we shared a very pleasant meal with them. David and Hilary if you ever read this I hope that you have forgiven me!) After the helicopter ride I got a bad migraine- divine retribution or what?
Any way back to the helicopter ride. What can you say! It was incredible experience. We flew through a break in the clouds- straight in front of us were the mountains and underneath us were 2 amazing glaciers( Fox and Franz Joseph). We flew straight at Mt. Cook and then went around it before landing on top of Fox Glacier! We got out ,took photos and then played snow ball fighting- thousands of feet above sea level in brilliant warm sunshine. A trully awe inspiring trip. One of those things yoo will never ever forget! and which given half a chance will bore every one with stories of ! ( Hint, do not ask about the helicopter ride! --you could be detained for a very long time)
On arrival back at the Home Stay I went to bed with the migraine and Sandy thoroughly enjoyed herself having dinner with an interesting and motley collection of guests ( no David I am not talking about you!)
The next day we headed up the coast to Hokitika
- comments