A Jet Boat and a Museum

We woke on Day 12 to steady rain. It wasn’t cold but it was wet. An optional helicopter ride over the glaciers was scheduled for some of our group (we had opted out). However the weather put an end to that with visibility at about the lowest it could be apart from a snowstorm or blizzard. It also ended any chance we had of visiting the glacier because the access road was too dangerous for the coach in these conditions.

Breakfast at the Distinction Hotel was ok and we then departed for the Haast Pass and then along the Haast River for a Haast River Safari. This was on a jet boat up the River for around 33kms. The boat was not open topped, so unless the River was in flood, it was a goer. The mountains and the pass were in fairly rugged and winding terrain. Steep ravines, one lane bridges and hairpin bends were all encountered. Dave was very experienced in these conditions he assured us and at no stage, did I think we had any worries. It took

the best part of 90 minutes to get to the river bank to jump on the jet boat.

The boat sped off with 14 of us aboard and we had an hour to enjoy the rugged scenery and quite a few 360 degrees spins. The rain, which had remained steady, made it difficult to see much of the beauty on the river banks and the windows kept fogging up. The driver stopped every so often at waterfalls and other views but to take photos, we had to slide the windows across and of course, the rain then made it difficult. The spins the driver manoeuvred were fun and gave a few of the oldies a few heart flutters and soon we spied Dave and the coach waiting at the disembarkation site up the river.

Back on the coach, a little disappointed that the weather had put a dampener on the morning’s activities, we settled in for the drive to Makaroa. But the weather previous to this had been an exception by all accounts so we couldn’t really complain. It took probably another 2 hours to get to Makaroa and I know I was keen to have a feed. Makaroa was tiny with a thriving cafe and very little else. There were 3 other buses and numerous cars there when we arrived so queues were for the facilities and the food were long. But it didn’t take that much time to get served and a pie went down nicely. It was still raining but Dave was confident the weather would improve as we neared Queenstown.

There is a small historic town called Arrowtown about 20 km’s from Queenstown and we stopped there. It was an old gold mining town and lots of the original buildings are still being used today. In Arrowtown, the sun was shining and it was a very warm 29 degrees. Dave led us all into a museum and apart from having dunnies, it had as much interest for me as the 234th cathedral I saw on our last trip to Europe. I am ashamed to say I went in, straight through and out

the exit, having a quick look as I passed through. The others were not all that far behind me.

There was a coffee shop close by and the cappuccinos were most enjoyable. We passed the time pleasantly until it was time to be on our way. Next stop Queenstown, thankfully, as again, we had spent a fair hunk of the day driving.

I have been to Queenstown before on a conference and I think it was in 2006. To say it has changed would be a fair understatement. It would be 3 to 4 times the size now and is a busy, bustling tourist Mecca. It’s beauty hasn’t changed and the lake in amongst steep mountains is magnificent.

After checking into the Millenium Hotel, the same pub where the conference was held when I was there previously, we strolled down to the actual centre of town to have a look around and then find somewhere to eat. After walking through the shopping area, we hit the restaurant / cafe precinct. We decided on a restaurant called The Pier and while seafood was plentiful, none of us selected fish or the like. I tried the Pork Belly and the others went for chicken. The meals

were first class as was the price but fair enough if the food is that good.

We retired tired but content. Another day was done and we are in the final stretch of our trip.