Day 12 - Still in Queenstown, a 4WD trip

Saturday 16 Apr

Probably just as well we set the alarm because we were dead to the world when it told us it was 6-00

Down to breakfast and then back to get organised for our 4 wheel drive trek.

Part of me was somewhat reluctant to leave the room, as an email from friend Christine had informed me that after reading my articles on John Cleal/Clayhill in the genealogy mags I lend her, she had done a little research and found his death - here in NZ! She also found him on a shipping list for the Ida Zeigler in 1865, with both sons and their wives. Suddenly I'm in full genealogy mode!

At 8-30 three black 4 wheel drive landrovers arrived. All had number plates using characters from the Lord of the Rings. Ours was Bilbo and our driver was a sassy young lass called Alix. She was great fun to be with, cracking jokes constantly but a very smart driver as well. The other jeeps, driven by Jo and Hannah were called Smaug & Frodo. 16 from our tour, plus an English couple from Oxfordshire.

We set off up around the top of the lake to give us a view of the Lake and mountains and she pointed out where various scenes were shot accompanying this with photos of the actual scene in the movies.

Then we were off to Skipper’s Canyon. Incredibly steep, very narrow metal road and magnificent scenery. We did not traverse the whole track but stopped about half way down for a photo op and for Alix to address the whole tour about the history.

Then we were off to Arrowtown – yes, we had been there yesterday but this was just for a comfort stop before we were away and driving down the Arrow River - in the river. Incredibly bouncy and great fun. 

We stopped for morning tea about one km further down and then the drivers organised bowls and we all tried our hands at panning for gold. Great fun but no one struck it rich.

Morning tea on the table

Panning for gold in the Arrow River

Autumn colours over Arrowtown

The deal was that we played musical chairs in the vehicles, two in the “boot” the tray at the rear. Three in the back seat and one in the front.

Next we moved on to the Kawarau Gorge where we left the main highway and climbed up the route of the original road to Queenstown. Great photo at the entrance to the road, and not too far wrong!

We stopped at the top which overlooked the Hackett Bungy operation and watched folk part with $195.00 per person to leap off a bridge. Copies of photos & videos cost a further $80. One rope will last for 10,000+ jumps, so they are destroyed after 6,000.

More Lord of the Rings stuff, we were above another site which had been used in the movie.

Our intrepid drivers, Hannah, Jo & Alix 

Looking just about ready to fall, in my humble opinion!

Finally it was time to head off  for a last photo stop at Lake Hayes, then home to our Hotel, and a quiet afternoon doing laundry, blog etc.