Queenstown

Settled into our camping site and off we set to explore Queenstown. Very windy and certainly not swimming weather but perfectly OK for a glass of sauvignon blanc by the lake.
Just stunning scenery and whilst Queenstown is busier that many places we have been to on the south island, it is fabulous and we love it.
Wandered back to the campsite via the Mediterranean Market where we purchased a few essentials including a couple of very nice steaks for the barbeque.
Thursday started cloudy and fairly chilly but the clouds started lifting and we headed off to the Skyline Gondola on Bob’s hill. Very steep ascent and vertiginous at the top but just beautiful views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Wandered back down to the lake and off on the TSS Earnshaw coal fired steamboat for a leisurely cruise on the lake. Very old fashioned but actually it was great, we loved it and the views of the lake and surrounding mountains were just wonderful.
On our return we walked around the opposite side of Queenstown Bay where the botanic gardens are situated. Lovely walk along the lakeside and then back via the gardens which were a revelation. Gorgeous huge trees, water lilies, roses, fountains and even a bowling green.
Back via the art gallery belonging to Rosemary’s cousin Tim Wilson who is NZs best known landscape artist. Magical scenes of NZ countryside.
Later we were picked up by Tim and taken to his beautiful apartment for a very pleasant dinner with Tim and friends. He then headed back to the gallery where he was due to do some reality painting for the clients!
Back to the campsite for a relatively early night in preparation (hopefully!) for our Milford Sound flight