New Zealand - Magic Mountains

A slightly slower start after our night of mayhem & mirth. But we arrived at Base camp on Coronet Peak with plenty of time to get ready for our next lesson. Bett converted her last 2 lessons to private sessions so hit the slopes first. BB & I joined the same class again and this time our teacher was a girl from France. I think she thought she was teaching skiers for an event far and above what we were there for still we managed to learn to turn and this time were quite happy when the time was up.

As we arrived for lunch Bett was off again for lesson #2 of the day. As we wandered up for another run after lunch we saw her skiing down the slope like a pro. Peter M was wandering the slopes again in his role as candid camera-man. Marg & Pete O headed off up the chairlifts with Bill to check out his progress & ski the Blue slopes but with the weather deteriorating we decided that we would head home early and have an afternoon of rest. .

Bill & I headed off down to the waterfront and had a look around at Queenstown Wharf precinct. This is the hub of many water based activities in Queenstown. It is home to the wonderful old Steamboat 'The Earnslaw', Jetboat rides and the American Cup winner New Zealand. With the magnificent Remarkables mountain range as it's backdrop it is a spectacular place to wander around and take photo's. Also the home of William Rees, an Explorer. Runholder & First European Settler he founded Queenstown in 1861. The Kiwi & Moa sculptures also feature in the surrounding parklands. A nice interlude and after arriving back home we all met again for Margs yummy roast chicken for dinner. We relived the night before watching the rushes - how could we be so naughty? - we blamed the champagne & wine.

Friday morning's snow report did not sound too good so we decided to have a day off skiing (oh the joy - no boots) and do a bit of sightseeing. We headed off to Glenorchy, a very picturesque drive around Lake Wakatipu, though it did rain for most of the trip. Once there we drove out to the Routeburn track and found ourselves in a Sub Arctic Rainforest. It had stopped raining when we arrived but of course in the rainforest it was dripping all the time. It was absolutely beautiful no matter where you looked. Glimpses of snow capped mountains through the masses of trees and vines. Moss & Lichen and little waterfalls throughout the whole area. just magical. In fact it was one of the times I could see instantly why NZ was chosen to film Lord of the Rings. Where were the Hobbits hiding? The trip back was even more spectacular and there were many stops along the way for photo opportunities.

The afternoon saw Bett, BB, Bill & I continue with our sightseeing and head off out the other side of the lake to Kingston. Again a spectacular drive both ways. Kingston is a little town whose claim to fame is the Steam Engine 'The Kingston Flyer'. A quick look around, a coffee and it was back in the car for the trip home with many stops along the way for yet more photo's.

The day finished as usual with dinner, drinks and 'rushes' and a realisation that we had actually missed getting out amongst it on the mountain. Still were were going back the next day.

So until next time..........