It definitely feels like autumn down here with some lovely leaf colours about. Arrived in Queenstown a couple of days ago on a beautiful day so decided to do the scenic drive to Glenorchy, as the forecast was not looking so good for the next day. No sandflies here which is great because the females are bloodsucking terrors! A moment on a beach or by a lake can leave you suffering. We had a walk around the area. The river Dart which flows into Lake Wakatipu is sacred for the Maori as this is one of the places where you can find greenstone or nephrite jade. The stone was used by the first settlers for making tools, as a status symbol and for adornment and lots of myths and legends are associated with it. Lots of greenstone jewellery in the shops. Proud to say I have resisted, but was not so successful with the paua shell!
Big Scottish influence down here. The locals say "wee" a lot! (I know, first I can't spell, then I'm being rude!)
Then it was on to Wanaka, about an hour up and down some big hills. We would call them mountains! We hired bikes here as they have a lot of tracks for bikes and walkers, and headed around a promontory, admiring the views. Some posh houses here with beautiful outlooks. They have the best of both worlds here with a serious ski season too.
This morning we walked up Rocky Mountain. It was quite a hard slog, but had wonderful 360° degree views at the top. Very friendly English hostesses at our B&B here, with a big shared kitchen and lounge area, so we are spreading out and relaxing in it!
It's autumn!
View from Rocky Mountain
On the way to Glenorchy
View of "The Remarkables" from our apartment in Queenstown. Not bad eh?!
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