Queenstown, Winter 2018.
Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu in the South Island of New Zealand is one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Society members Nell, Raoul, Dom, Dan, Isaac, Bella, Archie and Hamy spent a wonderful fortnight in the winter of 2018 based mid-way between Queenstown and Arrowtown.
In addition to exploring the lake shores, we journeyed westwards to Glenorchy where Archie and Hamy, aided by Isaac and Bella, sought to see just how many rocks could be cast into the Lake. We crossed the lake on the TSS Earnslaw. We also hit the ski fields of Coronet Peak and Cardrona where we were blessed with a series of bluebird days and good snow coverage. Isaac led many quests in search of the ultimate off-piste routes with considerable success, Archie continued a proud family tradition of taking to the snow with enthusiasm and aptitude - quickly perfecting the ‘pizza’ and breezing down the runs.
Ferg Burgers by the lake, pork-belly pies from Ferg Baker, frisbee golf, the Ballarat Trading Co, gondolas to the Skyline, a hilarious and (for Raoul) near disastrous visit to the indoor trampoline park. Queenstown will always be a special place to the Society.
On the chairlift at Cardrona bound for the heights and the thrill of the downwards run. A perfect day for a young Archie to find his ski legs (he did!) and for some innovative off-piste adventures to the very base of the ski field area (thanks Isaac!)
Atop the Skyline, Queenstown. Chilly but spectacular.
With The Remarkables in the background. One of our favourite views anywhere.
Stopping for a break by Lake Wakatipu. The very best lake for skimming stones.
Cousins at Glenorchy. Archie was having a much better time than he is suggesting in this picture…
The institution that is frisbee golf at Queenstown. This is a particularly challenging tee off throw from the rock.
Sometimes nature just puts on a show and you just happen to be in the right place and at the right time to enjoy it. Queenstown seems to do so with some frequency!
Explorer Archie in his element amidst the wilds of the South Island.
Bella and Hamy on lake’s edge en route to find a good cafe and a revitalising hot chocolate!
The experts in action - Coronet Peak.