Day 8: Wanaka - Queenstown
The day started with me accepting an invitation for an early morning flight over Wanaka and the surrounding area. The views were fabulous.
By mid day, I was back in Gollum and crossing the 45th parallel which means I am now closer to the South Pole than the Equator. We made stops at Mrs. Jones fruit and veggie stand, which I’d heard good things about from some other backpackers, and then Kawarau Bridge (43m), the birth place of bungee jumping. Next stop…Queenstown, knows as the “adventure capital of the world.” Personally I think it tries a bit too hard to market to the adrenaline junkie in you. The beauty of the location, the many choices of great cafes and bars, the nearby vineyards…all deserve equal billing.
I decided to stay at the new Jucy Snooze, located in the heart of downtown Queenstown, it opened its doors in April 2018. It is a backpackers hostel and a hotel with private ensuite rooms, and has a great rooftop pizzeria & bar called Miss Lucy’s. I highly recommend it as a great place to stay with something for everyone.
Queenstown is located on crystal clear Lake Wakatipu surrounded by gorgeous mountain ranges including one called The Remarkables. Best name for a mountain range ever!
