2023 November - visiting Kiwi mates

During our recent 28 days Allies cycling tour in Europe we met with some wonderful people. Such a convivial group. We formed great friendships.

Over dinner one evening the subject of visiting new found mates from New Zealand was mooted. There may have been a few glasses of wine consumed and all thought it a "bloody good idea".

So, Theresa and yours truly, Thommo and Nicole gladly accepted an invitation from the Kiwi "ladies" - Justine, Julie and Cher.

It turned out far more than any of us expected. Here is the story!!!

Saturday - on the way to Wanaka - with an Uber from Hamish and Cher

Sunday - gorgeous hike up the River with a jet boat return

Monday - our first e-mountain bike ride

Tuesday - Helicopter adventure across the island to the West Coast

Wednesday - Oxbow Adventure

Thursday - hike

Friday - on the way to Queenstown

Queenstown Time Lapse Video (1.5minutes)

Which day was best?

Day 1: Saturday 18th Nov - on the way to Wanaka (New Zealand)

An early morning start, in fact so excited we think we didn't sleep at all. Very much looking forward to our trip to NZ. Sensational weather in Queenstown and our "chariot" arrived. WOW.

WOW a word that was uttered many times during our stay in NZ.

We knew that our "uber" to Wanaka was a helicopter but DID NOT expect the grand tour, the spectacular scenery, the landing on the mountain overlooking Wanaka nor the champagne.

And flying back across Lake Wanaka and following the Clutha River. WOW. Then the landing in front of the pool at Lloyd and Julie's house. What a start!

Pre-dinner drinks, dinner, wine, excited conversations.... WOW!!

Off to Justine's place which was to be our Wanaka home. WOW. LOL:}:}

The photos tell a better story. And the video.

And the video.

Day 2: Sunday 19th Nov - Hike with river return

Our second day started off with a breakfast spread at Julie's with a view overlooking the mountains. In fact, everywhere you look, it is a photo opportunity.

The plan for today is a hike along the Clutha River, to Lake Wanaka and then lunch on the lake. Only the photos can do justice to the spectacular landscape that is New Zealand. Pristine waterways. Snowcapped mountains ringing the valleys. Glaciers that have "planed" the landscape so it is remarkably flat. Simply outstanding.

Lunch alongside the lake provided a further introduction to NZ wines (we did our best at Julie's and Justine's homes the previous night). Then on departure met Lloyd.

Our return to Julie and Lloyd's home was via jet boat. Driven by one of Lloyd's mates: Quentin. Mad as a cut snake, drives a jet boat as though the devil is on his tail, but a fabulous bloke. Great guy.

Lloyd met us at the riverbank below their home and drove us around the property. Lloyd is madder than Quentin! Knows only two speeds:

flat out in turbo OR
stopped but NOT for long.

Truly enjoying our visit!

And the video (some sections video speed increased) shows this gorgeous walk and the jet boat ride across Lake Wanaka and down the Clutha River to the Oxbow.

WARNING: runs 15 minutes even with the sections speed increased.

Day 3: Monday 20th Nov - Wanaka Ride

Our first mountain e-bike ride but on flat bike paths down the Clutha River and beside Lake Dunstan. Then headed down to the first part of the Cromwell Gorge. Lunch at a local winery: Carrick. Definitely worth a return visit.

Then Julie's suggestion to return to their place for a "dirty beer and a slide into the pool". NO OPTION given so we all headed back. Lloyd has constructed the monster of all pool slides. Great fun.

Off to dinner at Justine's. A little cold so the ladies brought out the fur coats. And us gentlemen all layered up, albeit I think Thommo in his leopard skin shawl won "better dressed".

And the video.

WARNING: Those of weak constitution may choose NOT to watch the SLIDE ADVENTURE back at Lloyd and Julie's place for a "dirty beer". What a hoot! Enjoy.

Day 4: Tuesday 21st Nov - Exploring the West Coast via Helicopter

Hamish and Cher very kindly invited us onto another helicopter ride, and this time to the West Coast. Lifted off from Wanaka and headed west through the valleys and across snowcapped mountains. Words do not adequately describe the unsurpassed beauty.

The photos and video DO JUSTICE to this exploration.

A couple of photos that I think are spectacular.

And took my favorite to make a canvas comprised of the original photo, one in an Original Oil rendition, and the last in a Monet rendition. Will be in interesting to see the printed version on canvas.

And the video. Photos and videos just do NOT DO JUSTICE to the wonderful scenery. The Kiwis are truly blessed.

Day 5: Wednesday 22nd Nov - Oxbow

And now for a further adrenaline rush. Off to Oxbow owned by Lloyd and Julie. And adventure park just outside Queenstown having relocated from the "oxbow" on the river below their home in Wanaka.

They opened on the first day of COVID so that dampened visitor numbers somewhat. But has since taken off and no wonder given the extraordinary attractions.

Great fun.

And the video. What an adrenaline rush. T and I were keen to return to do another Off-Road and Jet boat ride but ran out of time in Queenstown. It's on our bucket list along with:

Zip lining
Para sailing off the ridge
The walks
Montain biking down the mountain
Revisit the Botswana Restaurant
PLUS, MORE
Then there's Milford Sound
And some "bods" in Wanaka we need to go visit to say "G'day"

Day 6: Thursday 23rd Nov - Day Something

Ah. A nice relaxing walk-up Mt Iron near Wanaka. And spectacular 360degree views.

Then the girls went shopping in Wanaka. Which resulted in a fashion parade at Justine's. In the afternoon we settled into a game of 5 Crowns. Great fun. We've bought a pack of cards, scoring sheets and an automatic card shuffler. No way we can out shuffle Justine who clearly was a croupier in earlier days!!!

Our last dinner at Justine's. Quintin popped in for a quick tipple on his Harley, what a beast. The bike I mean!

Our final Wanaka video from atop Mt Iron.