QUEENSTOWN

We have had some fantastic views from our hotel rooms up to now, but the one in Queenstown takes some beating.  Looking out across Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables (which really do live up to their name) was incredible.

The apartment was superb, a real home from home.  It had everything we needed and we could have happily spent out time just sitting on the balcony admiring the view.

However, we recently read that if you haven't grown up by the time you're 50, you don't have to.  So, as Queenstown is often referred to as the 'adventure capital of the world', we decided we should try an 

adrenalin-rush activity.  We didn't have time for the luge, paragliding or a bungy jump, but we did manage a jet boat wilderness safari on the Dart River. 

We are sat behind the driver.

On a quieter stretch we saw Rock Burn Chasm, an impressive split through shear rock at the valley floor.

Also included in the trip was a walk through the forest where some of the scenes from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies were filmed.   We got to sit on one of the props.

The beauty of this exceptional area really does take your breath away.  This is the view from the top of the gondola ride.

Queenstown will stay in our memories for many years to come.