Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Aotearoa, New Zealand -Queenstown - Day Trip Mt Cook - [Day 6]

Today our trip take us through some of the most evocative hill country in New Zealand.


The alpine village of Mount Cook, located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, provides a range of accommodation from an international style hotel to motels, backpackers and camping.
At 3754 metres, New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook is dazzling, yet there are 27 other mountains in this alpine backbone which peak at over 3050 metres, and hundreds of others not far short of that – all making up the famous Southern Alps.


The best way to appreciate the glaciers size and it's stunning features such as the blue ice crevasses would be by air. I had arranged for a helicopter to take us for a scenic flight over the spectacular scenery.



At midday we passed Lake Pukaki. The lake was an unusual shade of beautiful turquoise and was reflecting the surrounding mountains. We had some time here so we took a stroll along the lake's shores and returned to Queenstown before the evening.


Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Aotearoa, New Zealand - Rotorua - Domestic Flight - Queenstown [Day 5]

Took a morning flight from Rotorua to Queenstown. 

Queenstown, the town that sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and amongst dramatic ranges is one of New Zealand's top visitor destination. The lake and the mountain landscape makes Queenstown  perfectly suited to all kind of adventures and activities. 
Head out of Queenstown to Central Otago and if you're a Lord of the Rings fan, you'll recognize many of the locations of Middle-earth here.


What i had arranged for my colleagues and I was Queenstown's greatest jet boat adventures. This is said to be a Jet boat trip like no other and recognized as a best value product for a good reason.

I got an adrenaline rush from the moment the boat ride started. The boat raced at speed of 80km/h through the narrow river channels, skimmed over shallow river beds and going sideways, backwards and a 360 degree spin. I was holding on to the boat really tight and trying to look like The tour brought us into the Skipper Canyon and onto the 'Road of Riches' that was carved from rock walls and sheer cliffs by miners over 120 years ago.

Our next stop takes us to Arrowtown, an old gold mining town rich in history. When we were there, i panned for gold and went to the gold, jade and wool/fur shops there.



From there, you can choose to encounter or jump off the famous Kawarau Bungy Jumping exhibition . This is the world's first commercial bungy jump and Queenstown only tandem bungy. You can choose to bob over the water, touch it or get dunked!

As my greatest fear is the fear of heights i didnt do it but just watched a few brave ones jump off the bridge.


After all the adventure,we proceeded to check into our hotel, Azur Lodge. If you fancy waking up in bed with a knock-out view of New Zealand wilderness like i do, Azur Lodge will be perfect for you.

Set on a steep hillside two miles west of Queenstown, luxury boutique hotel Azur Lodge and its nine contemporary private villas command stunning, uninterrupted vistas of Lake Wakatipu, the majestic Remarkables range and Cecil and Walter Peaks



The bed is a sumptuous super king made up with luxurious 300 thread count Egyptian cotton linens
 The villa also has a wet bar area with sink, tea & coffee making facilities, mini bar & a combination safe for your valuables.

The freestanding stone and silver beechwood villas make the most of this alpine panorama with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors that open onto a spacious deck.


The en suite bathroom features a double person spa bath set into the picture window with bi folding windows, for the ultimate bathing pleasure & unobstructed views.

There are also luxurious towels, bathrobes, beautiful New Zealand made amenities by Linden Leaves and an aromatherapy oil burner with lavender essential oil.


Azur Lodge doesn’t have a restaurant but full breakfast is served at a time of your choice, either in our main dining room or in the comfort of your own private villa. The menu is flexible, let our team know what your preferences are and they will help you start the day off well.

Each day homemade afternoon tea is offered, featuring a selection of teas and coffee and freshly baked cakes & slices. Each evening pre-dinner drinks & canapés are served.


After checking in i had a good soak in the tub and was a little to tired to head out for dinner. I ordered in from local restaurant and headed to bed. Tomorrow we'll be going to Mt Cook.