Jetting, cruizin...the way to see Queenstown!

Wow - Queenstown is absolutely gorgeous...and totally rammed with people...and sunshine. Of course, as a result, that means very few beds left for four little campers so we took the only available option available - and checked into the CROWNE PLAZA! Beauuuuuuuuuuutiful! Luxurious. Bliss in abundance. OK, so not exactly travellers accommodation (and a big change from bunk beds and shared bathrooms) but it was that or the car...honest. You see, the Seven's Rugby tournament is in town (and lots of gorgeous rugby players) so this place is packed to the rims.

It was difficult to tear ourselves away from the soft white beds and flat screen TV but with so much happening here we had too. So with a wander round town, a booking a minus 5 ice bar secured for Saturday night and some hayfever remedies rammed down, we headed to Shotover River and the most scariest boat ride yet. The jet boats to 360 degree spins, get so close to the rocks you're waiting to launch into oblivion and, as our luck would have it, the rain started when we set off...adding a very painful and soak drenching hammering of rain drops to the equation. Unbelievably brilliant...so much so we couldn't resist buying the photos to prove we'd survived.

Walking through the sunnier town soaked to the bones gave a few glances, but we knew we were heading back to the luxurious bathroom of our Plaza room. Quick showers, hair blasting and change and we were tucked in the fridge of the Ice Bar in our big jackets, booties and gloves. Everythings made of ice...including the glasses, which we soon drank dry (well as dry as you can!), ate and smashed the remainder before leaving for a japanese feast (well the plaza doesn't have a backpacker kitchen, so we had to eat out - ha!ha!). Also discovered a taste for sushi with cucumber bits. Hmmmm.

Next morning it was early doors - 6.30am to be precise, for the trip to Milford Sound, described as NZ's most beautiful place and the 8th wonder. But of course, it included a boat trip, which for us includes rain! (Honestly every boat trip we've taken we've been drenched at one point or another!). The coach journey down was cool, stopping at the Mirror Lake and Chasm's and bussing alongside the clud covered mountains from Lord of the Rings. The boat journey was also funny...especially trying to take videos and pictures of the waterfalls and seals with a crowd full of snap-happy tourists squashing you as soon as something came into sight. Ha! The rush...

While Milford Sound wasn't exactly beautiful in the rain and foggy clouds, we did get some good views and a good bus guide. And once back in Queenstown - and the sun - it was great to relax (fresh air tires you out doesn't it?!) and feed the ducks with leftover KFC & chips!

And now we're off to the Glaziers, layering up and heading out into the snow...Brrrrrrrrr!