Queenstown

Posted byrkrontheroadPosted inAustralia/New Zealand, Photography, South Island, TravelTags:, , ,

Digging down into the bottom layer of my suitcase, I took out my few warmies, ready for the chill of a higher altitude, and headed up to the mountains. A serene scene welcomed me to my stop for the night by Lake Tekapo, a huge aquamarine lake backed by the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, about a three-hour drive from Christchurch.

Along the way: Rakaia, known for salmon
Lake Tekapo
View from hostel
Church of the Good Shepherd
Border collie, an important character in sheep country

Another three hours traversing the South Island brought me to Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. A backpacker haven, known as a center for extreme sports. It’s one of those towns so inundated with young travelers that it’s difficult to see a local community. Hang gliders floated down from a nearby mountainside. Not an adventure sports seeker, I didn’t stay long. My night at a hostel convinced me I was through with hostel stays—the noise, the crowds, the drinking. If I had planned a day here, I would enjoy taking one of those kayaks out on that peaceful lake.

Along the way: I didn’t take this flight.
Lake Wakatipu
Morning

The road to Milford Sound, my next destination, wove through the spectacular scenery of Fiordland National Park, an expanse in Southland of lush green and snaking waterways. Some views were backdrops to the Lord of the Rings trilogy movies.

The Cleddau River carved The Chasm, a splashing, tumbling, rushing series of narrow waterfalls, through hard and soft rock in Fiordland National Park, just a short nature walk from the highway.

And a glacier

New Zealand
North Island: Auckland, Rotorua, Hobbiton, Wellington
South Island: Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Otago, Oamaru, Moeraki

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Published by rkrontheroad

Writer, photographer, traveler

48 thoughts on “Queenstown”

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  8. Such beguiling scenery and magnificent snapshots of nature at its finest Ruth. I particularly like the low-hanging mist, the floor plant and the framing of the guy sat at the wooden table gazing out at the lake and mountains. The alert pose of the collie brought a smile to my face too.

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    1. Thanks so much, Leighton. The low clouds drifting through the valley caught the sun and just glowed. I’m sure the guy gazing out didn’t know I was behind him, gazing at him gazing out at the lake and mountains. He seemed to be well equipped for camping. A special moment.

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        1. Thanks for giving it a try! She supports local artisans. A friend from Japan stopped by to say hello for me once. In Japanese, they don’t have “R” or “th”, and they called me something that sounded like Luce (or I prefer Luz in Spanish). My Guatemalan friend couldn’t understand who she meant until she showed her my picture on Facebook! 😄 Enjoy your Guate journey.

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  10. So scenic and stunning! I’ve heard about Queenstown, but never visited (let alone New Zealand). Lovely natural landscapes all around, and I’m glad you got to experience the beauty of this country. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures!

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  12. Your pictures are spectacular and add credence to all I’ve heard about NZ being so stunning. I’m with you on the hostel situation. It works for some. It doesn’t work for me. Interesting and a bit sad to read about the tourists clouding a view of the locals. Lots of places are getting to be that way, it seems.

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    1. Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed them. I suspect part of my increasing lack of enjoyment of hostels may be due to getting older. When I was younger, it was a good way to meet other travelers and have a bit of social life while traveling alone.

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  16. One of my enduring memories of Queenstown: in the hostel (where we had a private room w/bathroom) walking down the stairs as some older people like us were walking up when one of them said “Oh look! More old people!” 😂 We were a rare species in that town, and like you only went there to get to Milford Sound. Gorgeous photos Ruth.
    Alison

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  17. For all of your spectacular photos of the natural scenery, I was most taken by the quaint looking Church of the Good Shepherd, and the border collie on the rock (who looked real until the very next photo). Actually, I’ll add the last photo as well. What a beautiful tree, and right there on the water!

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    1. It’s such an amazingly beautiful area. I typically stop and explore (and photograph) often while I’m driving, especially if I’m by myself. Always need to get some exercise. 😊

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  27. These are some of the most beautiful travel photos I’ve seen on the WordPress platform lately, Ruth! I am in awe of the scenery, the famous turquoise waters and the snow-capped mountains at Lake Tekapo – it is for sure one of the most scenic and beautiful iconic places to visit in South Island. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day. Aiva xx

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