Lowburn
We are looking at the weather which announces a rather sunny day with a moderate wind.
We go back to the lake until the boat leaves.
The wind rises without consequence on our excursion.
We embark on our jet boat to navigate the shallow channels in constant evolution of the river system woven by glaciers.
Our driver has fun making swirls for our greatest happiness. It passes several obtacles (rocks, wood or others) with unparalleled agility.
Throughout our hike he highlights the breathtaking landscapes and describes what makes this unique area so important, as well as its history.
Back on land, we leave this beautiful region in the direction of the glacier region.
Glenorchy
Today we booked a jet boat ride.
A company offers to go up and down the "Dart River" for high sensations in a breathtaking setting.
Clear water and towering mountains provide the show. This is the longest scenic walk of its kind in the area.
We are not in a hurry this morning, the excursion is scheduled at 2 pm.
We relax by the lake before reaching our meeting point.
In the late morning, a strong wind rises over the valley and waves form on the lake. The company offers us to postpone our excursion until tomorrow, which we accept immediately.
We return to our bivouac in the late afternoon.
Glenorchy
After breakfast we tour Arrowntown especially famous because it was a popular place for gold miners from 1862, year in which gold was found for the first time in the area.
The gold rush lasted until the 1930s. Later, in the 1950s, the town became a resort and the old cottages were restored
Today, the city attracts for its historical side, with the buildings of the time of the gold miners that one finds on Buckingham street,
Then we continue our odyssey towards "Glenorchy" on the long-awaited "Paradise Road".
This road between Queenstown and Glenorchy is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world which turns out to be the truth.
Running along Lake Wakatipu on one side and the mountains on the other, it rises to the mountain peaks or plunges into the infinite waters of the lake and every turn is a promise of new wonders.
" Glenorchy " is only a small pleasant hamlet and a peaceful stop. The photo cliché of this small village is a red building on the lake (very popular with tourists).
We spend the night at the lake on the opposite shore.
Queenstown / Arrowntown
Our first stop when arriving at "Queenstown" is the sucursale of the company of our campervan.
Since the beginning we have encountered some problems:
* sink blocked but flowing slowly
* drawer that opens when driving
* sink tap that does not stay fixed
* and many other little things
We are received by a charming employee who records all our grievances and dissatisfaction ... She estimates that repairs should take 1.5 hours and asks us to come back later.
Meanwhile we are near a shopping center where we do some shopping.
On our return the camper is not ready. We ask to see a manager who turns out to be new in the job... This is our chance!
We reiterate our grievances and our dissatisfaction. That’s useless, there is no other vehicle available.
In the end, 1 hour later, the camper is returned to us without much change. We prefer to leave and determined to send an email to the company headquarters.
Queenstown is a small tourist town nestled between the Remarkables mountain range and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Attractive winter as summer, it offers a large number of activities, all in a breathtaking setting.
It is also a city of shopping for fashion, handicrafts and souvenirs.
Finally, it is a base for fans of the "Lord of the Rings" looking for the various places where the film was shot.
We spend the afternoon discovering the pedestrian area, restaurants and shops.
We then head for our evening stop a few kilometres away in the countryside.
Kingston
Our next big step is "Queenstown".
We have to go backwards to "Te Anau" to reach the National Road #6.
It is a day’s drive where we have nothing to visit.
The landscapes are always the same, but we do not get tired of it and the sun is present.
The bivouac tonight is located on the edge of a beautiful lake.
ROAD BOOK 203
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