https://picasaweb.google.com/103620108216329120374/LakeWanakaQueenstownAndTeAnau?locked=true&noredirect=1
The Queenstown region of Southern New Zealand is one of favorites from the trip. It's a lot like the Colorado ski towns, but much more accessible and affordable. We were there in early summer, and it offered beautiful hiking and scenary.
The main part of Queenstown is filled with restaurants and bars, like you would find in any ski town. All of it was pretty new and modern. The backdrop of the city, whereever you look, is mountains and lakes.
There are hiking trails everywhere. You can easily find a hike near by that suits your schedule and ability. We picked a hike impromptu each day, and every one of them was beautiful. We didn't do anything challenging because we're saving our energy for the upcoming Milford Track.
Plus, if you're tired of hiking, there are just as many scenic drives. In fact, most of the roads we traveled on in New Zealand were beautiful, although this region wins for the best of New Zealand.
Look how gorgeous the backgroud is! Dave looks extra handsome in the foreground. I can't believe a place like this is so accessible. Wouldn't it be great if New York had this nearby?
Here we are making a roadside stop because it was just too gorgeous!
I would love to come back here for some skiing in the winter!
Finally, I'd like to share a few interesting observations about New Zealand so far:
- Each destination is only an hour or two from the next! The islands are compact and filled with sights. This is the opposite of Australia, where we had to fly to get places.
- New Zealand has the best residential real estate market ever. Most houses are big and modern, and even the ones with great views are supprisingly afforable.
- Despite most things modern about the country, New Zealand is one of the worst countries for Wifi. Free public wifi is extremely rare. Plus, Wifi hotspots often have a ridiculous 50mb usage limit.
No comments:
Post a Comment