Christchurch and Queenstown...the beggining of New Zealand

It's always a thrill flying into a new country, a new time zone, almost a new time in life.

Flying into Christchurch however, was much like flying back home. There's the mountains, there the square patches of land...except, whats all those little white things running around? Oooh sheep, yup definitely NOT Alberta.

Alright, not really much to say about Christchurch except, rainy, cold...YIPEEE I BOUGHT A WINTER COAT and pretty cool old school trollies. On one hand it was good to start getting used to the cold, but really, not too much around.

Therefore off on a gallant trip to a place that, no matter who you talk to, they always recommend it. QUEENSTOWN.



The landscape here is so diverse. Not only do they have mountains the likes of which are read about in novels, but the enormous lakes and windy roads, take you into different parts of New Zealand that are completely untouched.




Finally, when you're able to make the journey into this small town, on the crescend end of New Zealands South Islands largest lake you are bound to be dazled. Surrounding the town are enormous mountains towering over the land below. Reflecting off the waters are these snow caped beauties that you must just stand for minutes and just stare...oh remember to whip the drool away.



The first few days here were mostly spent hiking and exploring the country side. Yes I will admit it, I made sure that I found the locations to where Lord Of the Rings was filmed and took pictures. Hey, call me a nerd, but it just seems soo cool to look at a movie and go.."well lookie here, I have that exact picture, right there...la dee da," and then you stick out your tongue. Well, only if you want to.



I ventured into an enormous forrest which interestingly enough keeps the same moderate temperature year in and out, because of its dense forestation and unique shrubbery. (oh ps, this was also used as a filming area for the forest location for Treebeard...just so you know)



Then I hoped on a tour which took me into Paradise...literally.



Here the land is in the protective custody of the New Zealand governemnt. It's making sure that no one can build on this site and is kept as is. This makes for astounding views, numerous animal sightings, but luckily...no human sightings.

I was able to explore the south island and see how unique, yet similar it is to home. Also how vast the country side is. Queenstown and the surrounding area are something I'm going to want to visit again. Next time however, I'll probably rent my own camper or do hitch hicking. I hear New Zealand is the safest place in the world to do this.