Queenstown
31 January 2023 - 04 February 2023
Julie, Anthony and JJ (our guide) on the Dart River Jetboat/Funyak Adventure
We got to Queenstown on Tuesday. Once we checked in, we went into town for dinner. Queenstown reminds us of a ski town, rustic, pine trees, mountains.. but its not. That was just the look they were going for. Oh, and the lake, a huge lake that is just gorgeous.
Sunset view of Lake Wakatipu from the beach in Queenstown.
On Wednesday, we had a zip lining adventure. We were originally signed up for a 6 zip adventure, but we were late (parking and other issues) so we ended up going on a 4 zip line adventure. Which turned out better, we think, because we remained on the mountain (the 6 zip would have taken us to the base). Anthony took to zip lining like a pro, going upside down and hands free, etc. Julie held on as if her life depended on it, but enjoyed every minute of it.
Below: Views from the mountain overlooking Q-town.
View from the hotel room
Dart River Jet Boat and Funyak Tour
On Thursday, we had a Jet Boat ride up the Dart River (one of the lakes that feed Lake Wakatipu), followed by a funyaking back down. They geared us up! A wet suit and boots, a fleece jacket, a waterproof jacket and a life preserver. Good thing it was cloudy and a little chilly, or we’d have been burning up. The boat went by LOTR site of Isengard, which is also where we ended up with the funyaks.
Anthony in front of Fangorn Forest (one of many Fangorn Forests)
After lunch, our guide took us into the really cool chasm. Unfortunately, Anthony hit a side, causing Julie to fall onto her back. With all the gear, she was like a turtle, and could not get herself righted. So the pictures below were taken by Anthony while he was also trying to steer the funyak.
Anthony and Julie did really well funyakking. We kept relatively straight, were not always the last ones, and DID NOT FIGHT!! We were really proud of us.
Gandalf fought the Balrog on this mountain.
Anthony and Julie, in their gear, in the Dart River, still talking to each other
This is supposedly some famous, well photographed shed that Anthony needed a picture of. We caught the Jet Boat in Glenorchy.
TSS Earhshaw, we were racing it back to town
Anthony saw a rainbow on his morning run, Frankton Recreation Reserve.
Anthony bungy Jumped from the Kawarau Bridge.
Julie recorded the jump, with a very nice family providing commentary
Rescue boat, under the bridge.
A victorious Anthony showing off his wet shirt
The bridge that Anthony jumped from
After the jump, Anthony and Julie went hunting LOTR locations. Our first stop was Arrowtown, where there were a few locations.
Julie stands near where the Nazgul rode towards Arwen
Near where Isildur ran from the Orcs, and lost the ring
The Argonauth The Pillars of the Kings Imagine the statues
More Lake Wakatipu We are driving south.
