8 Days a Week in Queenstown

Well, we are only in Queenstown for 5 days, but we packed in enough to make it feel like it was 8 days. Our flight into the airport was magical, as the plane flew in low over Lake Wakatipu and it felt like the wings of the aircraft would touch the sides of the mountains. We got to our hotel, the Heritage, late in the evening, so it was just enough time to have a drink in the bar next to the open fire before retiring to our room, that overlooked the lake. The next morning, we awoke to the sight of the mountains that fringed the wonderful lake. It was like a picture postcard. We catch the public bus for the 5 minute journey into town. The place is not that big, but quite busy, mainly with backpackers and those looking to ski. The majority are younger than 40, so the town has a lively feel about it. The 4 day Winter Festival starts today and we join in the fun, from having a glass of mulled wine to getting a picture taken of us sitting on an 'alpine' seat in front of a snowy mountain backdrop. The main event is a torchlight procession and we watch as about 100 people of all ages walk through town. We stay to listen to the live music before walking along the beach shore to have a quick bite to eat in a great restaurant, Eichardt's Bar, near the gardens and that overlooks the lake. The weather is lovely with a warm sun and such fresh clean air. Then it's the bus back to the hotel and we sit in front of the flames of the open fire again, that proves to be our evening home for the duration of our stay here!