Queenstown - thrills and spills

The journey to Queenstown was spectacular - there does not seem to be any area of New Zealand which falls into the 'boring category' - it is all mind blowing.










Our arrival at the campsite took us by surprise - it was full!! We had booked but this was the first time we encountered a busy site.....









The reality was that it was still really good, with a stream behind the van and excellent facilities.....the difference was that instead of being isolated like Mount Cook it was more like being in a semi-detached or terraced road....:o)

Queenstown is the playground of the Southern Hemisphere - its brilliant with many young people and so many nationalities. Here you can take part in any activity - bungy jumping, sky diving, white water rafting, jet boating etc etc





Arthur thought about bungy jumping but then saw the launch pad and changed his mind :o) -

I decided to go white water rafting - an experience of a lifetime. We were taken by minibus to a changing site and provided with wet suit, helmet, life jacket and then driven about 14km to the launch site on the Shotover River.

Now at this point I must tell you about the journey - it was horrific - off road along Skippers Canyon - apparently the most dangerous road in New Zealand. The road basically followed the route of the river gorge but was very high up and only wide enough for the minibus - with very steep bends. I can honestly say I could not look, the drop into the gorge was huge....the guys with us were clearly very used to it and very used to teasing all the pale looking visitors.

We finally arrived at the launch site and clambered off the bus very relieved to still be alive - we were then given a safety briefing and split into groups.At this point we were given the option to return by road rather than rafting - no way, I would have preferred to go over Niagara Falls than return along that road.

I was in a group with Tom - the boss or group leader!! He was great - once on the raft we had to learn several commands and movements which he would shout depending on the condition of the rapids - including all moving to one side of the boat to tip it on its side to go through narrow rock - we only needed this once.......















As you look at the photos I am in the middle on the right hand side.....and you can tell that there was no-way I was going to fall out of that raft......it was really exhilarating with a couple of Grade 4 rapids and several 2/3 including a tunnel...

the length of the journey was 14km and we also went in swimming twice - voluntarily.....


To celebrate Arthur took me out to dinner - would you believe for the first time since we arrived in New Zealand - what with hospitality and being remote we had not had the opportunity...made a great change.