After rescheduling the trip so many times, we finally took the flight to New Zealand November last year. It’s been more than four months since we left the Land of the Long White Cloud, but I still remember the fairy tale-like landscapes—glaciers, snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, green hills, vast vineyards, beds of lupins and of course herds of sheep and cows along the way.
Queenstown
Queenstown had captured my attention even before we landed. The sight of a town sandwiched by mountains on the shores of Lake Wakatipu should be enough reason for you to secure a window seat.
Queenstown regards itself as the adrenaline capital of New Zealand for obvious reasons. Bungee jumping, sky diving, abseiling, skiing, snowboarding, canyon swinging, jetboating and other extreme sports can be experienced here.
If you’re not into that, then maybe riding a goldola is for you. The Skyline Restaurant is a perfect spot to eat or just chill at 400 meters above the town. As you enjoy the meal, the view from the windows will leave you in awe. Truly a surreal treat for both soul and eyes.
Or, even a better choice, take a cruise on board of the TSS Earnslaw Steamship, the only remaining commercial passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the southern hemisphere.
If you want to explore Queenstown’s surroundings, take a trip to Glenorchy, only 30 minutes drive from Queenstown. While Glenorchy is best visited in winter and summer, Arrowtown—20 minutes drive from Queenstown—is best to visit in autumn. It used to be a gold mining town and now is a nice touristic town to stroll.
We were there in the late of spring but for some reasons it snowed, making the views even more dramatic. We stayed at the Aspen Hotel Queenstown with the views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped mountain range in the backyard.
Lake Tekapo and Pukaki
In the three hours drive from Queenstown to Tekapo, we stopped at several places like the Lindis Pass and Mrs. Jones Fruit Orchard that stocks fresh and dried fruits, nuts, honey, wine and vegetables. Beside the vast fruit gardens, the owner’s beautiful flowers garden is also open all year round for visitors.
Tekapo is a small town located on the shore of a turquoise lake of the same name in the heart of the Mackenzie country. Lake Tekapo is a perfect location for those who are into astronomy and night photography. In 2012, the area was declared as Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the southern hemisphere’s sole dark sky reserve. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eyes during mid November until the start of the new year. Check these two pictures below for references (source: Pinterest).
Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd was built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. It’s a photogenic little chapel where you can regularly find marriage proposals, weddings and professional photographers.
Luckily we visited just in time when Lupin flowers started blooming. The beautiful shade of pink and purple of the flowers can be found from the shoreline of Lake Tekapo and along the roadside to Mount Cook.
Its neighbor, Lake Pukaki is just as brightly turquoise. Just like Lake Tekapo, it’s a glacier lake fed by the Tasman Glacier. There are many picnic areas and lookouts where you can stop and admire the view of the snow-capped Southern Alps.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains (3,754 m) and the longest glacier (27 km), no wonder it attracts climbers, hikers, photographers and scenery fanatics from all over the world. I mean, when has nature ever ceased to amaze?
Ski plane and helicopter rides over Tasman Glacier and a boat cruise at the blue glacial lakes are also very popular.
We took a flight with the INFLITE Experiences, and not to be dramatic, it’s one of the best 30 minutes of my life. The pilot was guiding us during the flight and at the glacier. It’s definitely worth every penny for an investment in unforgettable memories. Another reason for you to visit the glaciers sometime soon is because they are quickly retreating due to global warming.
Don’t worry if you don’t get the chance to do it, though. There are numerous activities that also offer the splendid alpine views for free. You’ll regularly find yourself stopping in the middle of nowhere for some sick views.
The accommodation in Mount Cook village is usually booked out in high seasons so make a reservation long before the D-day to avoid disappointments.
Christchurch
Christchurch was our last stop in the South Island. This city was destroyed by a massive earthquake in 2011 and is still recovering now. The impacts can still be seen from the ruined buildings lying in the city, like Christchurch’s famous cathedral.
Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch is home to more than 700 parks. My favorite were Christchurch Botanical Garden, Mona Vale and Cashmere Hill.
Though Christchurch is the third most-populous city after Auckland and Wellington, it’s not overwhelming at all. Meeting friendly Kiwis and enjoying the tranquility are surely the best way to end the journey in this Middle Earth.
Disoriented Traveller 