New Zealand 2009

Arrived Queenstown, picked up another Toyota SUV, drove into town. Checked in to The Spire hotel. Small boutique hotel with 10 very nice rooms. Balcony looked over small church. Walked around a bit, had a tapas snack at Brazzy Bar. Took the gondola up to the top where we rode the luge track twice with amazing views. Then back to hotel to change. Had tasty dinner in the hotel. Rick confused the waiter when he ordered venison after saying no red meat.

Weather by the coast postponed our planned helicopter flight until Monday. Had breakfast at the hotel. Went down to the activities center and booked a Shotover Jet Boat trip as well as a Dart River Jet Boat Safari. Hopped in the car and drove out to the Shotover River. Jet boat ride was like a roller coaster on water with lots of tight turns and spins. Drove back through town, grabbed sandwiches, then drove 45 minutes to Glenorchy.

Stopped along the way at a scenic vista to have lunch. In Glenorchy we were driven through the countryside for a bit, then walked through the forest for another bit.

Jet boat picked us up along the river, then went upstream a ways. Turned around and sped all the way back to Glenorchy. Drove back into town, booked a Doubtful Sound tour for Sunday, then had dinner at Botswana Butchery. Very tasty meal and excellent after dinner drinks. Back in the room we downloaded Lost and watched it, Rick was very excited.