Most people go to Queenstown for adventure - bungy jumping was invented there and you can find dozens of ways to blow hundreds of dollars seeking a thrill.  Graham and I did just the opposite.  We stayed in what turned out to be our favorite “backpackers” (hostel) yet.  It was right on the lake and had floor to ceiling windows overlooking the gorgeous scenery.  We spent much of our time hanging out, reading, cooking and watching movies.  The highlight of our time was meeting up with Loni and Graeme.  We had drinks with them one night and then camped with them the next.

In Queenstown we also picked up our rental car - a charming little pink car (which of course has the steering wheel on the right).  It was an adjustment, but Graham’s done great with it.  Having a car meant freedom for us, and we immediately took it out Highway 6 past the famous bungy jumping bridge (just to watch), to a couple of wineries (one with a cheeserie!) and then stopped by an old gold mining town of Arrowtown for a beer at the newly opened brewery.  Then we drove up to Moke Lake to camp with our friends (by friends I mean Loni and Graeme, not the loud sheep that kept us up much of the night).

The next day we visited eight wineries plus an olive oil tasting room.  We were in heaven, given that Central Otago is known for Pinot Noir - our favorite.  From there we drove all the way to Te Anau, gateway to Fiorland National Park.  The following day we made the famous, scenic drive to the Milford Sound.  Unfortunately the weather wasn’t very nice (fog, rain and even snow) so we didn’t get much of the scenery and our pictures were even worse.  Still, we had a great time and enjoyed getting back to our hostel early enough to cook a nice italian dinner (enjoyed with one of our newly purchased bottles of wine) and watch three movies before resting up for our next day’s drive to the east coast…

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