The commute through the city was a zoo, especially past the zoo, and took an extra half hour. Jetstar self serve kiosks were down for 20 minutes, then the baggage belts were stopped for 5 minutes, then the gate lounge was changed, and finally the flight departure was delayed by an hour. No not a third world airport,
But now we’re in the air and have gobbled up the crackers, cheese (apparently bitey?) and the disgusting noodles we only eat when there’s really nothing else to eat. No movies unless you hire an iPad? Who loves economy air travel? Not me, but agreed, these are first world problems.
After a few bumps (nothing like the bone-shakingly rough ride we had last winter) we touched down in Queenstown to a balmy afternoon. The walk out onto the tarmac was short as was the wait for passport control.
Apparently married women are not allowed to go through Customs unaccompanied: I was trying to make up some of the lost time by getting my hiking shoes vetted for foreign matter, while Tony waited for our suitcase. I was politely told I had to wait for my luggage. And my husband. Do women vote in this country or what???
We experienced peak time traffic as it took 20 minutes to go 500m to the turn off towards our AirBnB accommodation. Apparently we are in the Adventure Capital of the world, and the world definitely wants to turn right onto the Gibbston Highway. On the plane were Danes, French, Germans and even a Lithuanian. Even Aussies.
Our accommodation is in a vineyard that seems to be part of a co-op that leases its grapes to the winery across the road. A great way to live in a nice environment, but not have all the trouble and effort of looking after it all.
Tony exploring our options and testing out the bed.
the view from one window
Dinner at the Gibbston Tavern was overpriced but the surroundings were interesting, and they had a mini croquet course which we had to play. 1 loss and 1 draw. Not a bad outcome, if we’d played again I would have won. Surely. The venue was made up of several old buildings: an old stables, now the Remarkables Winery tasting shed, a brewery and the tavern itself was built from three containers clad in timber for a very rustic look.
click go the shears no more
A drive further took us to the Kawarau Bridge built in 1880 over a magnificent gorge, which became the home of AJHackett’s Bungy in the 1980s. Not for me, although there was a zip line too, which I would be tempted to ride if it crossed the river. Luckily it doesn’t.
people come in bus loads to drop the 43m to dip into the river…crazy people
at NZ$195 a drop! Definitely crazy.
FrenchicHasTheTravelBugBlog 