Queenstown, NZ

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world and sits in an idyllic setting.   On the shore of  Lake Wakatipu, it has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains - Walter Peak, Queenstown Hill and my favorite "the Remarkables".  Queenstown reminded us quite a bit of Aspen - but with a lake!  

While there we mixed up adventure (jet boats, luge, hiking) with more tame activities (onsen hot pools, mini golf, kiwi bird feedings, and a big top circus show!).  

Allison and Carol went for a jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of  Shotover river

We also raced down the mountain on luges above town

Cameron and I spent an afternoon climbing up Queenstown Hill -  very steep.

These big, beautiful mushrooms were everywhere

View from the top

That is Queenstown nestled up against Lake Wakatipu. Wakatipu is 50 miles long and over 1,200 feet deep.

Photos around Queenstown:

One night the circus came to town - who knew?!

Queenstown and the bigtop behind

Allison was the audience volunteer for the clown act!

The greatest mini golf hole ever - the ball rides a chairlift to the top of the mountain!

Our apartment in Queenstown 

We spent an afternoon in Arrowtown, about 15 minutes from Queenstown.  If you go, don't miss the Lakes District Museum.

This is almost the whole town

Lunch with a view of Queenstown

And a view over the rainbow

So long New Zealand.  We'll be back!
Next stop - Melbourne, Australia...