Home 28.3.23

We had an amazing trip away. I thought 4 weeks would be too long just for the South Island but I was wrong. Another 2 or 3 weeks would have been fantastic. 

Of the 3 big towns we stayed in Queenstown would have to be my favourite. 

We loved the bike ride on the Otago Rail Trail. Riding 201kms over 5 days on ebikes was fairly easy. 

All our walks that I recorded added up to a tad under 150kms.

We saw some spectacular scenery and our heli-hike was exceptionally good. 

The company on the first 3 weeks? What can I say? The love, the friendship, the laughter, the adventure we loved it all. Look forward to our next one.

Last but not least,

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO ANDREA AND I 🎂

Day 28 25.3.23 Qld

Early morning flight saw us at the airport at 3am to be told we couldn't check in until 3.30. Our flight had 2 x 20 minute delays due to no cleaning staff was available last night because the plane landed late.

After landing 40 minutes late it took almost an hour to get out of the Brisbane airport. Caught the shuttle bus to pick up our car then headed to Rachel and John's for a couple of days. 

I took 3 of the boys for a walk. We both had an early night as we were very tired. 

Day 27. 24.3.23 Christchurch

Today is our last full day in NZ. Headed off towards Christchurch by 8am. Temp is 6°. First stop was to do a final walk in Arthurs Pass.

So many steps.

Vertical pano

Back on the road.

Fresh snow near Castle Hill.  It wasn't there when we came through a couple of days ago. 

Stopped at Lake Lyndon as we didn't stop here on the way to the west coast. 

With a few hours before the car is due back we decided to go to Lyttleton for a look. It was too busy last week with the sailing Grand Prix on. 

One of a few rather large piles of logs waiting for transport. 

Took the scenic route back into Christchurch. 

Our view from the Novotel Hotel at the airport.

A last cheers to NZ,  what a beautiful country. 

Mark had local groper for dinner and I had a lovely steak, something I never order when out. We shared a beautiful chocolate mousse for dessert. 

Going to need to get back 'on ya bike' next week.

All up we drove around 1,000 kms going to the west coast and back. 

Today the temperature got to 17°

Day 26 23.3.23 Otira

We're packed up and ready to go hike a glacier by 7am. Forced ourselves to eat leftovers for breakfast as it's a few hours before we get back down. The temp is 7°.

All kitted out ready for a safety briefing. 

10 minute forest walk to get to the helicopter. 

We are off.

My view sitting behind the pilot. 

Marks view ↕️

One of the guides exploring.

Some steps on the way down made it a little easier. 

On the flight back down. 

What an absolutely amazing morning. I found the hike challenging but once the guide made me his co guide up the front where he gave me occasional helping hand my confidence grew and I enjoyed it even more. In true me fashion I waited until we were almost back at the car and I slipped on a rock and fell. Thankfully only Mark witnessed my ungracefulness!

After that adrenalin rush we had a quick lunch and headed off to Otira Stagecoach Hotel.

We had just one pit stop on the way at Hari Hari. Not great pictures. 

On the way to the glaciers we saw a very quirky cafe/pub we thought we'd stop at on the way back.  I didn't realise it was the same place we were staying the night until we got here. 

Our room has furniture from a French Chateau. 

Ladies room.

A very wide variety of stuff.

Todays temperature was 7-16° and we travelled 222kms & walked almost 5km.