Hi all,
In the past week we have spent some quality time exploring the Queenstown-Wanaka region of New Zealand. Both are well known as year round resorts with plenty of adventure activites (bungy jumping, sky diving) and winter skiing on offer. It is quite evident that one could spend a fortune in these places, but we shunned this aspect of the towns and headed for the hills and the multitude of walks on offer - Ruff was especially pleased!
First up was the Queenstown Hill walk - a 3 hour round trek ascending 600 metres to a lovely vantage point with views over Lake Wakatipu (upon whose shores Queenstown resides), The Remarkables and other mountain ranges. The day prior to this had seen plenty of snow fall which made the climb a bit trickier but added significantly to the marvellous views.
The following day we set out on a more ambitious trek - a 1000 metre ascent of Ben Lomond saddle. The peak itself was off limits as, at 1700 metres, too much snow lay in our way. The day started out cloudy but cleared as we approached our destination giving magnificent alpine views in every single direction. As a reward for our efforts we allowed ourselves to dine out at one of Queenstown's many restaurants. A couple of beers, some wine, steak and lamb were devoured leaving us with a very satisfied feeling after a cracking day.
In the past week we have spent some quality time exploring the Queenstown-Wanaka region of New Zealand. Both are well known as year round resorts with plenty of adventure activites (bungy jumping, sky diving) and winter skiing on offer. It is quite evident that one could spend a fortune in these places, but we shunned this aspect of the towns and headed for the hills and the multitude of walks on offer - Ruff was especially pleased!
First up was the Queenstown Hill walk - a 3 hour round trek ascending 600 metres to a lovely vantage point with views over Lake Wakatipu (upon whose shores Queenstown resides), The Remarkables and other mountain ranges. The day prior to this had seen plenty of snow fall which made the climb a bit trickier but added significantly to the marvellous views.
The following day we set out on a more ambitious trek - a 1000 metre ascent of Ben Lomond saddle. The peak itself was off limits as, at 1700 metres, too much snow lay in our way. The day started out cloudy but cleared as we approached our destination giving magnificent alpine views in every single direction. As a reward for our efforts we allowed ourselves to dine out at one of Queenstown's many restaurants. A couple of beers, some wine, steak and lamb were devoured leaving us with a very satisfied feeling after a cracking day.
A little rest after the sharp ascent through deep snow!
From Queenstown we headed north to Wanaka. It is smaller than Queenstown and attracts a different crowd to Queenstown. Where the latter is besieged by English and Irish holidaymakers, Wanaka is home to a great many French who prefer the skiing and quieter atmosphere.
Once again we set our targets high and decided upon a trek up Mt Roy - a 1570 metre peak that would require 1100 metres+ of ascent (in just over 6 kilometers of distance). We hoped intently that the views would be worth it! In the end we need not have worried. Although the ascent was relentless the views were sublime. Not only did it feel great to reach the summit but we were witness to sun halos and iridescent clouds - quite the spectacle!
Once again we set our targets high and decided upon a trek up Mt Roy - a 1570 metre peak that would require 1100 metres+ of ascent (in just over 6 kilometers of distance). We hoped intently that the views would be worth it! In the end we need not have worried. Although the ascent was relentless the views were sublime. Not only did it feel great to reach the summit but we were witness to sun halos and iridescent clouds - quite the spectacle!
Laura and Ruff had to forge ahead to the summit as Niall had a sudden attack of nerves! But we were not going 1100m up to miss the last 10!
Asides from all the walking we have been to the cinema in Wanaka (big room with lots of comfy sofas making it a novel, but enjoyable experience). We watched Iron Man which isn't much to write home about but it did certainly allow for a good few chuckles. We also managed to watch the last few sets of the Federer v Nadal Wimbledon final - a cracker of a match that reminded us of the summer you must all be experiencing back home!
Bye for now,
Niall, Laura and Ruff
Bye for now,
Niall, Laura and Ruff
4 comments:
Niall you're a wuss!
Secondly finals day at Wimbledon was miserable, loads of rain breaks and clouds and wind. And since then it has been miserable. Yesterday a month's rain fell in a day. You want to be going back to LUx they've had all the sun.
All the best
Philip
P.S I start a full-time job on Monday
Wanaka is my favourite place on Earth (til I find another one)!!! Did you try the awesome cookies at the cinema?
Hi you three, another week well spend i would say. Respect that you're doing all that climbing in one weekend! Enjoy enjoy, because europe is quite boring after visiting tons of cool places...
Take care! XX
Eline
Congratulations, Philip on your job! Hope you enjoy it! Wimbledon rainbreaks are better when you watch the repeat version!
We missed out on cookies in Wanaka - but did sample the icecream!
Eline - travelling is not the same with a boy! :-( Miss you!
Post a Comment