Day Six – Iconic New Zealand Eats and Adventures in Queenstown

I made my way to the airport this morning… btw, I forgot to mention there is no security checkpoint when you fly domestic in New Zealand.  You literally walk into the airport, up to your gate, scan your boarding pass and get on the plane.  A nice little reminder of what flying was like before 9-11.

The view from my window seat on the right side of the plane on the hour flight to Queenstown was beautiful.  I stared at the snow capped mountain peaks of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.

As I made my way into town from the airport, I started to feel the energy of this city and could easily understand how people come to visit, get persuaded to hang around a little longer, find a job and next thing they know… their mailing address is Queenstown, New Zealand.

It was a beautiful day, so I decided to treat myself to a nice lunch on the waterfront.  I had read that when in New Zealand, you must taste the lamb.  I wouldn’t say I’m a fan, but I’m all about trying things that are a mainstay to get a better understanding of a country and it’s culture… So I had a rack of lamb.  Now that can be checked off the list.

After lunch, I decided to start my adrenaline filled activities in the adventure capital of the world with “the world’s most exciting jet boat ride”.  It’s an iconic New Zealand experience that whips and weaves you through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River.  It was definitely a fun experience and I got to test out the new GoPro!!

 

I was in the mood for a relaxing night, so I found a spot to watch the sun set over the lake with a glass of wine and enjoyed the ambience.  (I know, so adult… boring!!!)  I also realized I hadn’t had ice cream yet the entire six days I’ve been here and for all of you who know me… that’s ludicrous, lol.  Hokey Pokey, a lacy honey toffee candy, is a New Zealand favorite and so is the ice cream flavor of the same name.  So I got two big scoops and enjoyed this perk of traveling alone… when you can do what you want and no one you know is around to judge you (but I guess now that I told all of you, it defeats the purpose… whoops).  I didn’t care though, because the sunset was so pretty, it was all anyone was focusing on.

This blog entry was originally posted on www.KmayerAdventures.blogspot.com