Queenstown to Sydney

I didn't see much of Queenstown this visit as shingles makes you feel quite off colour and causes all sorts of odd aches. I developed a very sore muscle in my inner foot that made me hobble! Luckily I could just veg out and be fed at my lovely hosts place.

By yesterday the antivirals (one every 5 hours for 7 days!) were starting to kick in; the foot ache suddenly disappeared from one hour to the next and I was able to fly home. The gods must have been in my side as the connections home by train and bus were very quick - I just caught both with a minute to spare.

I am glad I have no activities planned. It's veg-out time.

Wellington to Queenstown

Wellington on a good day is glorious. Blue skies, deep turquoise water, houses dotted along the hills all looking freshly painted.

Tub of flowers in a Wellington

Yesterday I flew from Wellington to Queenstown. We all climbed on board but we're then informed that our flight was delayed because of some sort of leak (never quite explained). They found another plane the same size so we were reseated in that. I overheard a staff member say that these passengers were lucky because it would take hours before the defective plane was ready to take off.

The Southern Alps were much more spectacular than my phone camera could record

 On our way south, passengers (the plane was full) were offered free wine for the inconvenience and the servings were very generous. When we disembarked the passengers clapped in appreciation.

Otago peaks, flying into Queenstown

Coronet Peak through the Clemetis

Central Otago is stunningly beautiful. Blue hills, yellow broom and gorse, tan hills and emerald green waterways.

In the evening the hills turn from tan to dark blue to purple as the sky darkens.

Queenstown

A flying visit ...

Central Otago

Anzac weekend in Queenstown.

There is no snow on Coronet Peak yet but I suppose it wont be long.

Autumn colour in the garden.

The Shotover River.

Cromwell Dam Reflections.

Early autumn in Otago

Otago is crisp and clear and the autumn colours are just starting to show. This is just east of Frankton.

This picture of the Remarkables with cloud hanging over them was drawn from the Cafe at Frankton near Queenstown.The Shotover River. Gravel has been excavated from the river bed leaving pools with steep banks . In the distance is the old bridge across the river, rebuilt recently as a walking track.