Queenstown

It's Thursday morning here, and we spent yesterday traveling from Auckland to Queenstown by air. We had only 3 hours in a motel in Auckland 2:30 am - 5:30 am) before the on-going flights, therefore, we were exhausted but after an easy transfer to the Blue Peaks Lodge, we forged ahead to Bob's Peak to travel 1200 feet almost straight up on the cable car to the top. The views are magnificent of the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu below. Hang-glidders were sailing from top to bottom, and the sun peaked in and out makiing a dramatic display on the lake and mountainsides. It was spectacular. The lake is turquoise.

After lunch, we took the TSS Earnslaw steamer to the Walter Peak sheep farm. The steamer was built in 1911 and still has it's original coal fired engines. We watched a Welsh collie work the sheep to whistled commands, and then, most amazing of all, a big wooly sheep sheared of her wool in about 4 minutes. The tea was served in the lovely big house, and consisted of a generous supply of scons and little pancakes with whipped cream and jam. It was all provided very graciously and a beautiful setting. The roses, hydrangeas, agapanthes, and dahlias are in full bloom.

Jared and Neil, you would have loved the luge on Bob's Peak. It was so much fun, even for us two very cautious seniors. You could have gone down the advanced course - over an over. Also, you'd be here about two days and be hang glidding off the top. There's also para-sailing and bungy jumping. Something for everyone.

We have no luggage yet. NZ Air keeps promising to deliver, but so far, we have nothing but the clothes on our backs and a few basics like toothbrushes. We head for Amisfield winery and a couple of others when our car is delivered at 10:00 a.m. Then, this afternoon we go to Te Anau.
It's been a bit difficult so far with the flight delays, no sleep, and no clothes, but this is a gorgeous country and the people are just a friendly as reported. Everyone here is dressed casually, mostly in outdoors sorts of clothes. Our motel here, Blue Peaks Lodge, had a small kitchen and was very comfortable.

Hopefully, in my next posting, I'll be better dressed!