Queenstown, New Zealand Kia ora - Welcome to New Zealand Just landed in Queenstown, New Zealand (South Island) our last country and last leg of this amazing 26 day South Pacific trip. With our joint Australian birthdays behind us, we’re ready to take on THE Adventure Capital of New Zealand. First order of business - Queenstown Triathlon. Skyline Gondola / Luge Run / Tiki Trail Hike. High atop the Ben Lomond Mountain peak above Lake Wakatipu we enjoyed some fun and games. Glacier formed water basin. The fun was a self-powered Luge run down the mountain in small plastic go-cart (type) wheeled sleds. Sweet as! Our next adventure was a 1.3 mile hike (nearly 1400 ft elevation gain) Tiki Trail hike which we chose to do top to bottom which offered up some stunning views of the lake town below. Our reward? Lonely Planet’s chosen World’s Best Burger at Fergburger. Yum! When I asked Caitlyn where I queue up for another beer, she graciously brought me another Speight’s Gold Medal Ale ‘on the house’. Ta! What’s burgers without ice cream? Hokey Pokey ice cream at Patagonia. Choice! I’m in love! As Queenstown has a distinct Ski Town vibe with all the bars, shops and restaurants all packed tightly around the Remarkables (Mountains). Kinda has a Colorado ski town feel - for sure! After enjoying a stunning 9:30 pm (not a typo) sunset over Lake Wakatipu we bar-hopped to Pog Mahone’s (Irish pub) and Rhinos Ski Shack! Queenstown Night # 1 is in the books. Tomorrow, we explore Milford Sound! Big bucket list item. “Good as gold” here in Tahuna (original Māori) name of Queenstown ~ 15000 years ago. Next time we’re bringing the skis! Remember - Ferg loves you! Never settle! Dad & Daughter Having a “Remarkable” time! January 11, 2023 #thisisus3060#liveyourdash
