To Queenstown

We left Gore in drizzling rain and drove on to Mandeville where Mike had a wander round the Ceoydon Aircraft restoration hangar. As we drove opn up the road towards the lakes district the weather improved until when we arrived at the southern end of the Kingston Flyer track . This is a little railway station called Fairlight. We discovered a clearing in some trees which looked really good to stay in. soon another motor home arrived and we set up for the night. Happy hour was once again celebrated. Next morning we drove on to Kingston just in time to see the Kingston Flyer depart. It was then on to Queenstown which we did not like! a pretty location totally spoiled by a glitzy tourist town with narrow streets and nothing but tourist shops. We spent the night at a motor camp at the Kawarau Falls. This is a lovely place right on the lakeside which we were told has been sold to developers. The Queenstown Lakes district Council does not make New Zealand travellers welcome unless they want to stay in expensive accommodation. Even parking is hard to find. The next day we rode on the Shotover River Jet Boats - what a blast! We then moved on to Glenorchy, met up with two other motor homes and stayed in the car park at the boat ramp. One of the other couples took us for a drive in their small car to Chinaman's Bluff - past paradise- where we met some serious sandflies. Next morning we all drove to Kinloch at the head of Lake Wakatipu for morning tea. It was then back to 12mile Creek Delta reserve for the night. That night was cold and in the morning we saw snow on the hills around. Next morning Mike contacted Dave Stringer in Queenstown who organised the measuring of an Optimist and some coaching. Four brave young lads spent an hour on the water and another being instructed on Optimist Matters. The nigh was spent under some trees in front of the Wakatipu Yacht Club dinghy shed - in spite of rules. Today we had morning tea in Arrowtown and then drove ou to watch Bunjy Jumping at the Kawarau river bridge. We then drove over the Crown Range (what an awesome drive!) and had lunch at Cardrona. We are now set up at Pete and Marg Cross's house in Wanaka where we hope to relax for the next few days.