Today was a long day(!) but a really good day. We were on the move early into Queenstown to take full advantage of our rearrange Gondola and Luge rides and wow did we have some fun! We also beat the crowds, but it was Sunday morning.

So having made it to the top, it was time to ride the Luge!

After our racing adventure, lovely views of Queenstown and a nice cup of tea (without cake! – not happy), it was time to return to our Air B&B and collect our belongings and start the longest of our journeys in the south island to Franz Josef.

We would very much like to thank Alicia and her partner for their hospitality and fabulous Air B&B. It’s a wonderful place with everything you could need, including a nice breakfast pack for when you arrive. comfortable, clean and as Alicia puts it, a touch of luxury, and she is right. Certainly the best we have stayed in on our travels through New Zealand. We thoroughly recommend it.

And we were on the road. According to google maps 348km, 4hrs and 50 minutes, not including the stop at Wanaka to see the Wanaka tree. Another must see if you are travelling the Sound Island. So we did..

Tree seen, time to have a quick look at the town where the girls decided they would like an ice cream… or two!

Too much choice so Mascarpone and a white chocolate and raspberry ripple

I, of course, didn’t have one. And we were back on the road. On the way, as is the usual in New Zealand, we came across more stunning scenery.

After some ‘challenging driving’, we finally arrived at Franz Josef at 8.15pm this evening. We did have one more stop on the way at the beach on the west coast and had a first encounter with sand-flies! everywhere!! That was an eye opener. Our latest place in Franz Josef is described as ‘located in beautiful rain forest’. We will let you know tomorrow. Bug repellent spray on!