8^th July 2015

It’s unfortunate that one of our friends had to return earlier. We couldn’t wander around and wasting time anymore. We had to drive directly to Queenstown airport and catch the international flight to Australia.

It was an unfortunate condition. It ruined the plan for the whole day. No one wanted this happen. Bad things happen all the time; we just have to be ready. It takes 2 hours and 40 mins from Lake Pukaki to Queenstown. Then, since we were catching an international flight, we had to be there at least 2 hours before the flight.

We packed our things and drove as fast as we can to reach the airport before the time.

Queenstown, we’re coming! 

I always amazed with the beauty of this country and finally I could see with my own eyes. The magnificent scenery of South Island.

You don’t need any filter with this kind of view. God must be in a happy mood while creating the world, so beautiful.

Thankfully, we arrived on time. Still couple hours left before the departing. We said goodbye to our friend, so sad he's gone early. We accompanied him to the airport until he went to the plane. By the time we left the airport, it almost dark. We didn’t know where to go. We didn’t want to go to our accommodation early. Because the place quite far from the city center. We were afraid that when we return to the city center; it was already dark. Then we decided to go to Glenorchy in the end. 

Glenorchy

It takes 45 mins from the city center of Queenstown to Glenorchy through the highway. The scenery is very outstanding. 

I don’t mind if it is going to be a long road as long as I can see this kind of view. That’s Lake Wakatipu in the left side. The lake is the third biggest lake in New Zealand. Lake Wakatipu has an unusual shape. It is not round shape, or triangle, but like an alphabet S. The lake cover a single, glacier-carved trench and is lie next to all sides by tall mountains. There are some settlements (town) around the lake shore: Queenstown and the villages of Kingston, Glenorchy and, Kinloch.

Welcome to Glenorchy. It is a small settlement in the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. And it is the nearest big city from Queenstown. Glenorchy being featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Narnia movie because of their spectacular landscapes view. Isengard, Lothlorien and Amon Hen for The Lord of the Rings trilogy were all filmed nearby. 

On the picture is an old boatshed and the most iconic spot for tourist in Glenorchy. Inside, there're some stories about the boatshed. If I’m not mistaken, the boatshed was rebuild again after natural disaster came to Glenorchy and destroyed it.

We took some times in here, taking a lot of pictures around the lake and the boatshed. It was third times for Mr. B visited Glenorchy and he said, it was the best weather ever when we came. Usually, it will be a lot of foggy around the lake, the sky is not that clear, or the wind is just too strong. We were so lucky then.

Finally, it was the time to go. We had to go to the accommodation before the check-in time close. Thankfully, we arrived right on time. We stayed in Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park. We already booked in advance for 5 people. But since one of us was already left, we had to change it. When we got there, me and Mr. B walked to the receptionist and told them that it was only four of us now. They said that we could get our money back in couple days. Just like that, they trusted us. They even didn’t check our campervan how many people inside. Super wow. The staff was so nice, she also explained some interesting attraction to see and do in the town. I love it.

I couldn’t wait to explore Queenstown tomorrow!