Today started out looking like a repeat of previous days during out trip. We walked downtown and grabbed a quick breakfast at Starbucks (the first time this trip) , and ate it with the ducks at a little park close by. We then went in search of Internet access to post our belated entry from yesterday. We found a couple of places, but had to wait about 20 minutes before they opened. Once we posted our updates, we walked back to the Skyline Gondola and rode it up to the top. We then sped down both of the Luge tracks that they have (just like in Rotorua). I liked Rotorua better, but the advanced course here in Queenstown was much faster.
After we rode the Gondola back down, we went back into town and did a little souvenir shopping for everyone. We finished up in enough time to grab a little snack (Chicken flavored potato chips.....blah) and head back to the hotel to wait for our pickup.
Around 12:30, the bus for the Queenstown wine trail picked us up and whisked us away to Gibbston's winery and cheesery. We learned a little bit about how they grow the grapes, tasted a few wines in the "wine caves", and then went next door to sample some cheeses. After that, we went to the restaurant for lunch. Tami had the "smoked meats" platter and we both tried all of them. I'm not 100% sure what we were eating all of the time, but we're probably better off not knowing.
After that, we went to another winery, and then it was back into town for today's main attraction..... Jet boating! Imagine flying through the river at 85 kph (if you want to know how many mph that is, go out and look at your speedometer... I have no idea) with rain stinging your face, buzzing the trees and rocks on the bank of the river, and suddenly the boat spins in a complete 360 degree turn. That's what I call fun. The whole trip lasted about 60 minutes and we got quite wet. It's a good thing that we were going so fast because it dried us out a lot. Janeen, Tami wants to know why Stewart didn't try those stunts when he took us out on his boat. He needs to practice for the next time we're down.
After Jetboating was over, we grabbed some coffee and then some sushi at a little Japanese place that had great food and horrible service. Now, we're heading back to the room for some real excitement...... laundry.
Tomorrow, we catch an early bus out to Milford Sound which is part of the Fiordlands National Park.
Greg
7 comments:
The Jets sounded like a lot of fun. I lost my stomach when I was reading about the 360 degree turn. The chesse sounded good. Your Uncle David could live on cheese. Have a great day. We love you both, Aunt Mary Ann & Uncle David
We wondered if you would do the jet boating - We watched a Travel Channel show the week before you left that showed it so thought you might give it a try. Sounds like a wonderful trip so far.
Take care and have fun.
Love You - Mom & Dad
Well, you 2 will never want to come home. Sounds like you are having the time of your life. But remember to slow down so you can soak in some of the excitement.......oh, wait, that's what pictures are for, right?! (Haha) This website was a wonderful idea. Keep the stories and pictures coming. Be careful and enjoy. Miss and love you both, Dad and Gail
Are these the same Ice Caves & Jet Boating we watched on TV? Can't wait to see you if really do go bridge walking. Glad you got to relax & get the laundry done (I bet the locals are also glad you did laundry).
LUB
M.
Greg and Tami go hard and enjoy your traveling while you are young. As you get older the mind is still willing but the body isn't. As for doing 360's in Stewart's boat there is a power to weight ratio issue that need to be over come along with the mind and body thing. But I'm sure we can arrange for either Mikey or Jack to take you for a blast in the rubber duck......... just watch the waves come over the sides and get your bum wet.
Ray
...wineries, smoked meats and then jetboating - that's an interesting mix! Have you tried the 'canyon swing' - I think you swing upside down on a bunjy cord over a canyon!!www.canyonswing.co.nz Take care (seriously!) Janeen
Sorry I didn't get to post anything yesterday. We were gone all day long. Sounds like everything is going great! The Jets sound like a lot of fun. Have a great time.
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