Day 6. Wed 12th November 2003
Lake Ohau - Queenstown

Woke up to the sound of rain on the camper roof but it stopped after breakfast and we set off south to Queenstown. Stopped on the way at a place called Cromwell, which had been flooded by the construction of a reservoir in 1990. Only some of the most interesting properties had been moved and saved, and turned into a sort of museum. It was a bit 'set' but nice all the same and again very quiet. Everyone keeps their garden well here, lawns are trimmed, and flower beds neat. I've also noticed a lot of classic old cars around, mainly American and European. Also seen a lot of "Speed Kills" bill boards as there's obviously a problem with drink-driving here. Talking of road deaths, tonnes of dead animals/possums on the roads, and for a place with so little traffic that's amazing. Jeff says they're the unluckiest animals in the world!

On the way into Queenstown we passed a gorge and saw some bungy-jumping at the original bungy spot (where it started). Had to have a look, took some pictures, strangely compelling!

Queenstown very nice, more of a tourist area though and quite busy in comparison to other places. Had a look around the town and visited the Kiwi Centre. Saw some real Kiwis—which are nocturnal birds, so you see them in darkened rooms—and they are really sweet. They've got really long beaks, which they use to forage for food—and for poking each other by the look of it. Saw some Keas and other native birds. Went on the gondola which goes up quite high and Jeff wasn't too happy with that. At the top there is another hideous looking bungy platform where death wishers can jump off into the woods and rocks below, nice—you could smile at the cable car riders on your way down. Went on the luge run at the top which was quite good and got up some good speed. Jeff was disappointed that we had to go on the "scenic run" as we were first timers, that was fast enough for me however.

Had a lovely dinner, probably the best of the whole trip, at a place called Britannia's (themed on an old galleon, surprisingly not as tacky as it sounds). Excellent food, really better than could have hoped for, and at a really good price including the wine—NZ of course. The best lamb I've ever tasted and it was beautifully presented, really special (UK restaurants could learn something from the Kiwis). My only disappointment was that I couldn't fit in a dessert. Just managed to tumble my way out of the door—too much NZ Chardonnay—and made it back to base.