As soon as we returned from the Routeburn track, we immediately headed for the famous "Fergburger" for a huge burger, fries and a beer...or two...After dehydrated foods for three days you tend to dream about what you're going to eat first. Had not had a burger in a long time...but let me tell you...NZ is the place to have it.
We also returned to the "hype" of Queenstown. Disneyland if you will. The town was starting to wear us down. It was where we needed to stay...the gateway to the Routeburn track and Milford Sound...but yikes. It is all "sell, sell, sell." You can book a "tour' (Bungy jump! Jet Boat! Sky Dive! Horse trek!) ANYWHERE. Everyone makes a commission. We first noted it on the taxi ride in. Our driver told us all about this amazing jet boat ride....after going on and on...we finally said "hmm...sounds like fun" and he immediately pulled out a voucher for us. We ended up doing further research, and picked a different company to go with. We learned that you really could not trust any advice given....thank goodness for the travel guide and other tourists.
Speaking of tourists..we ended up doing the ultimate tourist tour. Took the TSS Earnslaw (old steamboat) across the lake to a farm. Had afternoon tea and got to see the different animals at work and at play.
Me, smooching a Scottish Highland bull.
A working dog bringing the sheep in. The poor sheep know the drill well....they started heading for the woods as soon as the tourists start lining up....
Sheep shearing....the sheep did look pretty relaxed, but I kind of doubt she was "happy to have all her fur removed" as the shearer put it. Having worn a merino wool shirt on this trip...they are amazing at keeping you both warm and cool when needed. A naked sheep just looks forlorn.....
Self photo of Dean after I laughed at his hair. This does not do it justice...as the back of his head was the part that was misbehaving.
Photo on the way in to the Sound. The scenery really is spectacular...but we were a little spoiled after our Routeburn track.
Got on a boat and headed for the Tasman Sea....the best time to see the sound is during rain, as the entire thing turns into a waterfall. Our bus driver said it was like something out of Jurassic Park. Unfortunately it was cloudy but dry the day we went.
I swore no photo's, but then realized that I always look this way....ponytail and hiking clothes....
Some gorgeous waterfalls...and back on the bus for another 5 hours of bus driver comedy...and
perhaps a nap.
We also returned to the "hype" of Queenstown. Disneyland if you will. The town was starting to wear us down. It was where we needed to stay...the gateway to the Routeburn track and Milford Sound...but yikes. It is all "sell, sell, sell." You can book a "tour' (Bungy jump! Jet Boat! Sky Dive! Horse trek!) ANYWHERE. Everyone makes a commission. We first noted it on the taxi ride in. Our driver told us all about this amazing jet boat ride....after going on and on...we finally said "hmm...sounds like fun" and he immediately pulled out a voucher for us. We ended up doing further research, and picked a different company to go with. We learned that you really could not trust any advice given....thank goodness for the travel guide and other tourists.
Speaking of tourists..we ended up doing the ultimate tourist tour. Took the TSS Earnslaw (old steamboat) across the lake to a farm. Had afternoon tea and got to see the different animals at work and at play.
Me, smooching a Scottish Highland bull.
A working dog bringing the sheep in. The poor sheep know the drill well....they started heading for the woods as soon as the tourists start lining up....
Sheep shearing....the sheep did look pretty relaxed, but I kind of doubt she was "happy to have all her fur removed" as the shearer put it. Having worn a merino wool shirt on this trip...they are amazing at keeping you both warm and cool when needed. A naked sheep just looks forlorn.....
The next morning, bright and early, was our trip out to Milford Sound. No easy way to get there. It is a 5 hour bus ride there....2 hour boat ride on the Sound..and then 5 hours back. Ugh. Oh, and it helps if you get ON the bus. Dean set the alarm on his cell phone for 0530...and it decided not to bother us. So I bolted awake at 0650....bus was there for pick up at 0630. Talk about a rude awakening. No refund...and no way to catch the bus according to the company. So I started calling every bus tour in town. Finally found one that was "down the street." They asked if we were ready "now"...I convincingly said "yes" while sitting in my PJ's with my hair disheveled. Did manage to grab a toothbrush on the way out the door.
Self photo of Dean after I laughed at his hair. This does not do it justice...as the back of his head was the part that was misbehaving.
Photo on the way in to the Sound. The scenery really is spectacular...but we were a little spoiled after our Routeburn track.
Got on a boat and headed for the Tasman Sea....the best time to see the sound is during rain, as the entire thing turns into a waterfall. Our bus driver said it was like something out of Jurassic Park. Unfortunately it was cloudy but dry the day we went.
I swore no photo's, but then realized that I always look this way....ponytail and hiking clothes....
Some gorgeous waterfalls...and back on the bus for another 5 hours of bus driver comedy...and
perhaps a nap.
On to Wanaka the "little" Queenstown.
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