Scenes from Queenstown, Arrowtown & Wanaka
The Queenstown region is hard to beat any time of year, but in autumn, it is sublime. It didn’t hurt that it was our first (and practically only) sunny AND warm day in New Zealand. Well, maybe not warm to anyone but the Kiwis, who walk around in bare feet and (short) shorts all the time, but not cold. The yellow trees pop against the rugged mountains and blue skies, and who needs ocean when you’ve got long lakes in between mountains? In a country crazy about adventure, they’re craziest in Queenstown. Although we had no plans to do any adventure activities, we somehow found ourselves on a jetboat whizzing through the Shotover River canyon. It was fun, but not extreme; the thrill was equivalent to a roller coaster, which is much, much cheaper. We probably should have hurled ourselves off a bridge or out of a plane or something, but we were entertained just watching people bungy jump off the first bridge in the world where commercial bungy jumping occurred. The autumn splendor continued in Arrowtown and Wanaka; the perfect backdrop for lazy afternoons.
Our first hints of Queenstown's allure on the way into town.
The tail end of the Southern Scenic Route leading into Queenstown.
We had to ditch boring campervan food for a famous burger that weighs a ton. We declare the Fergberger worthy of its fame.
Other people on the Shotever Jetboat in the Shotover Canyon.
We were too cheap to spring for the photos.
The most exciting part was when the boat spun around 360 degrees. After transport in Asia, though, it takes a lot to scare us!
Karawau Bridge - the world's first commercial bungy jumping site.
Worth the plunge!
View from the mountain pass on the way to Wanaka
The river in historic Arrowtown
Gaining back all the weight I lost in Asia in a single afternoon. (But should you find yourself in Arrowtown, stop by Patagonia Chocolate. It's worth it.)
Wanaka's main drag (where you'll find the blackberry and chocolate muffins at Ritual Cafe).
Another beautiful lake on our way from Wanaka to the Haast Mountain Pass
Fergburger has the best burgers ever! When I was in Queenstown, we always headed over there at 3-6 am to have out late night dinner – early morning breakfast.
Man, I totally miss New Zealand. Your pictures are spectacular in this set and the ones for Milford Sound. So jealous that you’re there!