Continue the Journey to Arrowtown and Wanaka from Queenstown (Day 8)

In the morning, I drove the car to Queenstown inner city and around Lake Wakatipu.

I parked the car at lakeside, so that Yen and I could take more photos of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu and surrounded area. The sceneries were so marvellous!

The sky was clear and the air was so fresh. In addition, we appreciated the calming and relaxing atmosphere…

There’re more scenic landscapes along the way driving from Queenstown to Arrowtown.

It took less than half an hour before we stopped off Arrowtown on the journey to Wanaka. Set in the region of Otago, Arrowtown in the past is popular as gold mining town that attracted the European and Chinese miners.

Today, this little town becomes a holiday attraction and recreational destination for locals and international visitors. It’s a prestige to the locals when some series of the movie ‘Lord of the Rings’ were taken in and around Arrowtown.

Simply take a relaxing walk and you’ll be amazed by the unique ambiance in Arrowtown. My friend loved the surroundings especially those 2 rows of tall trees along the street.

We visited the fascinating history of early settlement - Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. We entered the preserved old structure Ah Lum’s Store and reflected their living in the past.

Chinese settlement in Arrowtown

The outlook of Ah Lum's Store

Walking along the main street, Buckingham Street, I found the attractive Remarkable Sweet Shop. We continued our journey after I bought some sweets from the shop.

Sweet Remarkable Shop

We stopped off again and wanted a sightseeing of bungy jumping from the bridge over Kawarau River.  This Kawarau Bridge Bungy is distinguished as first commercial bungy site in the world.

In truth, bungy jumping was the thing I wish to do all along while in New Zealand. However, the cold weather depressed me and held me back at that moment. Be honest, it's quite scary seeing the people jumping from 43m high. Anyway, I did it later in Taupo, North Island.

Took a deep breath, we got back to the car and I continued to drive to Wanaka.

Discovering Queenstown, A Real Queens Town (Day 7)

Before I came to New Zealand, I had ever heard my friend told that Queenstown is the most beautiful town in New Zealand. I’m not going to comment about it but one thing for sure, I couldn't help myself from taking photos like crazy while I was there :D

In Queenstown, I stayed with Yen in the Alpine Lodge Backpackers. Alpine Lodge Backpackers is one of the BBH hostels in New Zealand and it provided a Very cozy and comfortable accommodation with clean and friendly environment. Furthermore, the hostel was a good value to us as it's located almost opposite the Skyline Gondola cable car station.

Living room(upstair)

Kitchen(upstair)

Alpine Lodge Backpackers

Add: 13, Gorge Rd, Queenstown.

Tel: (03) 442 7220

It’s end of autumn. Outside of the hostel, I could see the hills were topped with snows.

On Saturday 24^th May, with Yen, I did ride the Skyline Gondola and went to the Bob's Peak. Along the ride, we enjoyed the views although it’s raining slightly.

View from the window of the cable car

When we reached the peak...OMG! It's so stunning looking from 450m high above the Queenstown township!

It's really the beauty of nature!

We’re extremely thrilled to spend time taking the most beautiful pictures of Queenstown and playing the snows at the peak.

Frankly speaking, perhaps this was nothing to you but this is the very first time both of us saw the real snows in our life. Of course, we wanted to make the most of it and therefore we only willing to leave when it's almost sunset :P

The dessert I had at the Skyline Cafe before leaving

Unlike other places, Queenstown is still happening at night. You may have a walk in the hub and shop for food or souvenirs during night. Queenstown has quite a few souvenir shops, boutique, cafes and restaurants well worth your visit. I actually did a well shopping and tried the good foods there like ice cream, big burger...

Queenstown centre at night

Queenstown is well known for adventurous activities, for example bungy jumping, rafting, skydiving and mountain biking. I was unlucky as failed to participate the white water rafting as intended. The failing was due to the season closed to winter, the snows had blocked the access for road trip to the river. Well, I promised that I’ll definitely come back for the game on spring as long as I’m still in South Island.

All in all, a suitable word to describe this lovely town is... beau-ti-ful! It’s a town that queens will love to live forever. Thus, not to miss a visit to Queenstown!

Visiting Dunedin Botanic Garden, Baldwin Street and Around in Dunedin (Day 6)

It rained over and over again throughout the days we’re in Dunedin. It’s pretty cold and wet. Yen and I had no idea when would the rain stopped but we still desperately drove to the Dunedin Botanic Garden and wanted a visit. So, we walked under an umbrella.

The entrance via Gt King St & Opoho St

Winter Garden Glasshouse

Peter Pan statue in the garden

The Dunedin Botanic Garden is as large as 28 hectares hosting many open spaces such as Azalea Garden, Rose Garden, Knot Garden, Banstand, Cherry Walk, Herbaceous Borders, Daffodil Lawn and Lovelock Bush. In addition, there’re thousands of floras from local and abroad planted in this public garden.

Banstand

Knot Garden

 Type of floras at the Herbaceous Borders

Located close to the University of Otago, Dunedin Botanic Garden can be reached at the northern part of Dunedin. It opens daily from dawn to dusk and the admission is free.


One interesting fact about Dunedin is the presence of steep streets around the city and the Baldwin Street is well-known as the steepest street in Dunedin as well as in the world.

Signages showing the Baldwin St as Worlds Steepest Street

Diagram of Baldwin St

Further explanation of Baldwin St

Baldwin St is located at the residential suburb

One of the houses built on the steepest st in Dunedin

In the event you’re interest to come and have a look at the Baldwin Street, just head to the residential area of North East Valley.


We initially planned to take a journey to Olveston House after the visit to Baldwin Street, but it’s cloudy after the rain and we’re worried it’ll be raining again. As a result, we cancelled the trip and just stayed in the city. We went to the Octagon, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and First Church of Otago before we ended our trip in Dunedin.

Dunedin city centre



Buildings at the Octagon



Dunedin Public Art Gallery

 

First Church of Otago

Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Add: 30 the Octagon, Dunedin.
Tel: (03) 474 3240
Opening hours: 10 – 5pm, Mon – Sun (Closed on Christmas)

Admission is free.

First Church of Otago

Add: 415 Moray Place, Dunedin.
Tel: (03) 477 7118
Opening hours: 9 – 5pm, Mon – Sun

Admission is free.