A taste of home

Last time we visited Queenstown we happened upon The British Lolly Shop and were literally like kids in a sweet shop. So we had to try it again.

The shop's Rochdale owner happily hands out free tasters from the old-fashioned jars reminiscent of sweet shops of old.

With the many delights on offer, it was hard to choose. But among the favourites we walked away with were blackcurrant and liquorice, sherbet dips, a Yorkie bar and a can of Dandelion and Burdock! $20 well spent. And he also does mail order! Could be dangerous...but we managed to avoid the $8 jar of Haywards pickled onions. Tempting though it was!

A "Remarkable" tale

The Queenstown skyline is dominated by the stunning Remarkables mountain range. So-named because it is one of only two mountain ranges in the world to run true north-south.

We're sure you'll agree it's worthy of its name for the view alone.

Food and drink views

The amazing weather "down South" afforded us the opportunity to have some beautiful views while enjoying our food and drink. The lakeside setting always makes for a gorgeous backdrop. And having a hire car allowed us to get away a little. It really was hellish!

Historic Bungy!

For those who weren't aware, Queenstown was the birthplace of Bungy jumping. As we were driving by, we thought it would be rude not to take a peek at this historic landmark on the Kawarau River. Without it, Queenstown wouldn't be the adrenalin Mecca it is today!

Don't worry, we weren't that stupid this time. We're saving ourselves for some other new stupid challenges
;-)

A new year escape

Now that Annalie is back in NZ, we've decided to head off for a short break to the South Island to do some silly stuff ;-)

So we flew back to Queenstown. Our first night, however, has been spent in Cromwell, less than an hour from Qtown. Annalie bought Ian a motorbike tour which included a night's accommodation, so here we are.

But chilling by Lake Dunstan is an equally enjoyable way to start the holiday...

A Kiwi Christmas tree

In houses here in Kiwiland they use the same trees as everyone else for Christmas. But just as the northern hemisphere uses poinsettia as a Yuletide symbol, the Kiwis have their own.

As it's summer here, there's not much that's conducive to growing poinsettias at this time, so the intriguing pohutukawa tree is our new symbol.

This specimen is in the garden between our house and our landlord's, Bruce and Vicki's.

The down side is we think it sparks Ian's hayfever!

First trip back

Annalie is making her first trip back to the UK since August 2010. It's winter in the UK. Here in NZ it's approaching 20 degrees, sunny and still. Remind us again, why is she leaving? ;-)

Well, there is a damn good reason, but still... ;-)