NZ BLOG 10 - THE WEDDING (build up) Part 1

Pre Hen Party

The Wedding of the Year was set for Sunday 12th February in Wanaka. But as part of the build up, I set off to join Becky, Hamish and Sienna on Monday 6th, in nearby Queenstown.

The last time I visited Queenstown was 1989, and I don’t remember too much except the incredulous unforgettable lake and mountain backdrop. The “Remarkables” are still rightly named, a classic alpine extended ridge of sharp pinnacles and promontories. But it’s unfair to exclusively select just that one range, the whole 360 degree vista is simply stunning, even with the high bar set by NZ standards.🙌

Contrasting beautifully with the dramatics of that Alpine frame, is the azure blue of Lake Wakatipu. The 3rd largest in NZ, with five rivers flowing in but only one out…subsequently there can be dramatic flooding. Also, the water is adjudged to be 99.9% pure, by scientists, better than bottled water!

In 1989 Queenstown did have a selection of adrenaline rushing activities, but now in 2023, the choice is almost limitless, it is tagged “The Adventure Capital of the World”….where you can launch yourself out of plane; jump off a bridge; zipline or luge down a mountain; jet boat down a narrow gorge…the list is endless! Leap, lunge or luge!

Arriving in the centre, this was a rare NZ experience. It was hectically busy, there were traffic queues in and out of the centre, the bars and restaurants were heaving…but still, this didn’t distract from the cinematic setting….in fact it gave vitality and excitement.

Our apartments were just out of town towards Frankston, with a lakeside location and views to die (pay) for! 😳

Very soon after arriving, the international visitors were due at the local airport…first Becky’s long term friend from Sheffield, Tash….followed shortly after by Jamie, Katie and Linda. Lovely hugs and greetings from all, even from Linda to me, but I’m afraid to say, that’s as good as it got…the less said the better! 🤷‍♂️🙄 The star of the show though was Sienna, with a lovely welcoming message on her “walker” and a little rucksack, bringing smiles from many other peeps awaiting their arrivees.

Hamish set me a cycle route the following day, a great 70k loop which initially sent me down Gorge Road to Arthur’s (he got around!) Point where the jet boats operated in the Shotover Canyon. I stopped on the lofty suspension bridge to observe, watching the boats, and hearing the adrenaline filled screams of joy….I flagged it for the bucket list!

Continuing with stunning countryside and backdrops, all administering joy and interest, and the next scheduled stop was Arrowtown. Sprung up in the 1860s following the discovery of gold in the Arrow River, there are still more than 60 of the original buildings remaining, giving it an exceedingly quaint appeal. I attempted to find a cafe, but there seemed to be a disproportionate number of bars, I decided to roll on!

Soon I sped down an extended arm of the Queenstown trail, I had a quick return 10k diversion I really wanted to include, a nostalgia trip: 

In 1989, admittedly due to excess beer, and peer pressure the night before, I did a regrettable bungy jump off the site at the historic 1880 Kawarau Bridge - devised by the legendary AJ Hackett, the very first bungy site in the World, opened in 1988, I clearly was an early test pilot!

And there it was! The memory of my all day headache came rushing back, but I had no ambition whatsoever in doing one again, irrespective of alcohol or peer pressure, I’ll leave that to the youngsters! Really great to see, and nostalgic…looking down into the 43m drop into the gorge, a lot of water really has passed since 1989 both literally and metaphorically!

I was soon flying down the trail to the side of the Kawarau river, heading back to base…it was simply jaw dropping! A great ride, thank you once again Hamish.

The following day the ladies headed out on Becky’s hen party, so a quality father and son day out was in store for the “boys”….and where to first! Of course, Shotover Canyon, jet boat….and what a ride it was too….really exhilarating and yes, the adrenaline did rush….at nearly 100kph down the narrowest of passages with protruding rocks flying past with what seemed like inches to spare, several 360 degree spins too…25 mins really was long enough, for this old boy! 

We popped up to see the views from the ski resort at The Coronet, and then stopped in Arrowtown for a beer, a final visit of the day to show Jamie the bungee jumping, but the last jump had been completed, so a return also with the girls perhaps later….and maybe, just maybe they may be tempted….watch this space!

A great day all round, finished off with an excellent curry in the rather frenetic downtown! 

The girls all arrived back in one piece, and apparently all had a great time, with no casualties, but more importantly Becky was fighting fit, for her big day….

And so Wanaka here we come, as we all got excited, and I’m sure some became a little positively apprehensive looking towards Sunday…..I cannot wait…..