Queenstown

[banaari]

Last week we temporarily escaped the cold, wet gloom of the Far North for the extreme cold of the South Island. And of course, had to get some air time, any means possible. I'm the pair of legs on the left.

 

[GyroChuck]

Great photos.

But I have a question. When in your opinion is the best time to visit New Zealand?

 

[RockyMeLad]

And they call gyro pilots crazy. . .

How's the skiing around there?

 

[banaari]

Great photos.

But I have a question. When in your opinion is the best time to visit New Zealand?

Unless you're coming for snow-related activities, probably late December through to mid-March. Otherwise - July/August for optimum snow in the right places. What sort of stuff were you looking to do?

 

[banaari]

And they call gyro pilots crazy. . .

To be honest - it wasn't nearly as much of an adrenaline buzz as I was expecting... and quite a bit of setup/teardown involved. You cant *loiter* like you can with a gyro. Mental note to self: Queenstown is RIPE for some kind of gyro-based tourist operation...

How's the skiing around there?

Very good... four ski fields in the immediate vicinity, we launched halfway up the access road to one of them. Apparently the local power bills have gone up due to the demand from the snow guns recently installed.

 

[GyroChuck]

Unless you're coming for snow-related activities, probably late December through to mid-March. Otherwise - July/August for optimum snow in the right places. What sort of stuff were you looking to do?

Basically to see the sights. No winter stuff. Milford Sound is one item on the agenda.

 

[banaari]

Milford Sound is one item on the agenda.

If you have to choose - do Doubtful Sound instead; preferably on an overnight cruise (e.g. the Fiordland Navigator (google!)). Less touristy and (according to the operators we consulted) - better, though less well known.

Better still - if you've got the time/inclination - THIS: (http://www.fiordland.gen.nz/) was one of the best things I've EVER done.

Other things to put on the list - the Fox or Franz Joseph glaciers; Haast; and the trans-Alpine rail trip from Christchurch to Greymouth (or vice-versa) is an absolute stunner.