We had breakfast on board and a final cruise out to the Tasman Sea, hoping to spot some whales.
Tasman Sea
Unfortunately, as the water was quite rough, we had to head back into the sound.
Heading back in…
Although no whales was spotted, we were lucky to spot a few seals on the rock …
Seal Rock
… as well as being greeted by a school of dolphins.
Dolphins…
We also had the chance to get extremely close to one of the amazing waterfalls in the sound, Stirling Falls.
Stirling Falls
You are guaranteed to get wet even though you are standing a few metres away. It flows all year round, and it’s said that if you stand underneath them long enough, you will look 10 years younger!
Approaching the falls…
Arriving back to the wharf, we then hop back on the coach to travel through the picturesque former gold mining centre of Arrowtown.
Peaceful little town
After a quick stroll through the town, we arrived at our very first extreme activity for the tour. Those who needed an adrenalin boost was brought to the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge to jump off!
Jumping off the bridge
Kawarau Bridge
Also known as the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy, it is home to the original 43 metre bungy jump, started back in 1988.
AJ Hackett entrance
Great view of the Kawarau river
The bungy jumping bridge provides a hair-raising and gob-stopping adrenalin rush.
You can enjoy the view while you jump!!
After all the excitement, we checked into our accommodation for the next few nights at the Queenstown Lodge.
Queenstown Lodge
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. There are various apocryphal accounts of how the town was named, the most popular suggesting that a local gold digger exclaimed that the town was "fit for Queen Victoria". It is now known for its commerce-oriented tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism. It is popular with young international and New Zealand travellers alike.
Built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown has spectacular views of nearby mountains.
Spectacular views of nearby mountains
Lake Wakatipu is a long thin lake, shaped like a staggered lightning bolt. The Maori legends state that the giant Matau was burnt to death in his sleep after he abducted a chief's daughter, burning a massive hole in the ground and melting the ice and snow of the surrounding mountains, forming the lake. The lake is a large "S" shape, like a giant, curled up and sleeping on its side. Matau's head rested at Glenorchy, at the north of the lake, and his feet south in Kingston. Queenstown sits on Matau's knee.
NASA satellite image of Lake Wakatipu
One of Wakatipu's mysteries is the rise and fall of the lake by about 12cm every five minutes. Legend states that a Giant's heart is impossible to destroy, and causes this rise and fall, while science says that it is due to fluctuating atmospheric pressures.
Group photo at Lake Wakatipu
Tonight, we head up the Skyline Gondola, Restaurant and Luge complex to take in the spectacular, magnificent and awe-inspiring 220 degree panoramic view of the region.
Views from inside the Gondola
While admiring the views, …
Magnificient views of the region
… we also enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Skyline Restaurant.
Dinner at Skyline Restaurant
After dinner, we get to experience Queenstown’s nightlife as well as chill out at our lodge, overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
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