New Zealand, the South Island

So I came to NZ for a 9 day visit to see Aunty Verity and Uncle Bob Charles (famous NZ golfer). They live in Christchurch so tis is were i started my visit. We stayed in their house for a night at Clearwater golf estate and then went to their farm the next day. We visited a lovely local coffee shop called Seagers where we sat and chatted to Joe, the owner. She is the most lovely, bubbly and creative person you have ever met. Such an interesting lady. She invited us to join her at a cooking school in Italy next September.

We then drove down to Arrowtown near Queenstown where they have another house on the golf course. We are here for 5 days. It snowed yesterday afternoon, so pretty, lovely change from the constant heat of the Gold Coast. We went to the most stunning little movie theatre last night called Dorothy's. It is this 40 seater theatre that has velvet seats and sparkling chandeliers. She clasy. You can have wine and cheese during the movie.

Yesterday i went Jet Boating down the Shotover river, wow, what a thrill, they go so close to the rocks and they do 360 turns in narrow gorges. THRILLING! it began to rain and the drops were stinging our faces but it was lots of fun.

Today I went to an early yoga class at the gym then we drove into Queenstown to go on the Earnslaw boat which goes across Lake Wakatipu to a cattle station. The cruise was lovely, the lake is surrounded by snowy mountains. The lake was created by glasiers and is therefore extremely cold, with temperatures averaging 9-11 degrees C. The lake is 300 m deep!! WOW. The Earnslaw steamer is 98 years old and had its maiden voyage the same year as the Titanic, 1912!! And the original vessel still goes! When we arrived at the station we were met by Peter and his working dog Meg. Peter showed us around the farm where we got to feed and pet the deer, the scotish highlander cattle and the different sheep. The deer here are bred for their velvet which grows on their antlers, this velvet is then harvested and sold as health supplements.
We then had afternoon tea in the farm house, whereafter we were shown the intricate process of shearing a HUGE, KICKING male sheep. very interesting! Meg, the working dog also showed us how she went out into the field and mustered the sheep. gotta love it! A true education!!

What a fantastic trip so far!! Will keep u updated! xx HUGS from NZ

30 October 2009

Another GORGEOUS day in NZ, however, I dont think i could ever live here, its stunning for a holiday but being here feels like I am so far away from the rest of the world and its way too cold for someone like me whose 2 fav things are running outdoors and suntanning, lol. Great for skin cancer. I woke up to sun! wow! then i went to the gym and did an hour pump up weights class, good on me, lol. Had lunch, watered the garden for aunty Vee and now we are heading out to go up the Gondola. it takes you high up the mountain in Queenstown and has great views over the city. be back later xxx