Queenstown and more boarding

Fourth day Wednesday 12th August and day off today from snowboarding and off into Queenstown instead. So got to have a lie in today alarm went off 7.30 but didn't end up getting moving til nearly 8. I had first shower then made breakfast decided to have poached eggs instead of a scrambled for a change and more time to do them. Didn't end up leaving til about 9.30 and got to Queenstown just before 11ish and expected Queenstown to be bigger than it was. Straight to the A J Hackett shop at the station to enquire about doing the Nevis swing today together. Luckily could do today and once booked in only had to wait a few minutes then on the minibus to the place was only 7 of us on minibus. Not all of us doing the swing, was 5 of us doing the Nevis swing and 2 doing the bungy jump but no way I could do a bungy just don't like the idea going upside down. Bus took about 40mins to get to the base where doing the Nevis swing and gave us chance to take picture on way. When pulling in it looked high up and was time for final toilet stop then check in before walking across the 70metre suspension bridge to the launch pad. The Nevis swing is the worlds biggest swing off 70 metre free fall drop with 120 metre swing and only 40 metres above the river bed. It was then to choose our swing style decided to go forwards and side by side, as wanted to see where I was going. We were the third people to go up and the two girls before us one was really nervous but then loved it was also a nurse from Manchester. Just before our turn to go the camera stopped working so had to wait a few minutes for them to get it sorted Luckily we had asked another couple their to take a few pictures for us to remember the experience. Before doing it could feel my legs shaking but when been attached felt a lot better and harness is really comfy. It did feel pretty daunting stepping off the side but the staff were really great and made you feel really safe. Before been released the crew asked if we wanted a count down said no and then was just released, so no going back, You are released high above the valley floor, experiencing a massive rush of adrenaline swinging out across the valley. As you swing at mind blowing speeds down the valley and the drop was so much quicker than I expected, which was good. Was nice just swinging above the mountain top and the view was amazing, but by the end our hands were getting cold. Afterwards time to watch the video and view the pictures decided to only get video as had a few good pictures. Luckily once done that the minibus was ready to take us back to Queenstown at 1.05. Once back time for lunch walked round town couldn't find anything so ended back at Fergburger and hardly any queue which was very lucky. Fergburger is a gourmet hamburger restaurant in Queenstown which is quite well known internationally despite not being a chain. I choose the cockadoodle oink which is chicken, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and onion plus sauce. Considering am not a big fan of burgers I really enjoyed this one and was very filling can see why people queue for them. It was then back to the car before making our way to the skyline gondola which expected it to be further way but only 5 mins by car. Decided to only do the gondola ride not the luge ride aswell as seemed to cold for that as outside is like go karts. Going up in the gondola gives you stunning views of the scenery and is the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. The gondola carries you 450 metres above Queentown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, once at top you get even better views from the viewing platform. It was then for our first coffee of the day and sat at a window seat to admire the spectacular view below usand watch the luge riders. Afterwards time to find the jelly bean man to have a picture taken with him, as would be rude not to since he was there. Got to bottom of gondola about 4.30ish then time to make our way back to Wanaka and got back just before 6. Tiago worked on his application letter again whilst I watch TV and finished my book. Went out after 7.30 and went to Amigo's the Mexican which was very busy so had to wait abit for food. Was good just shared nachos and wings, was even better as got $10 off with voucher from our motel. Then straight to supermarket literally had 5 mins then was shutting so had to be quick but got most things what we wanted. Get petrol on way back and home just after 9 where watched TV and drank whiskey bed just before 11. Our 5th day in New Zealand and another early start so can get to the mountain bright and early again. So got up 6.15am have showers, made breakfast the usual scrambled egg, spinach and chicken ham. Ended up leaving at 7.50 and luckily hardly any traffic and no snow chains but got behind a slow juicy van going up the mountain. Got to top of mountain 8.30ish but lifts not open yet so just went to sit inside for abit, whilst we waited. When chair lift opened at 9am was ready to go and luckily no queue and did the Main Street run first but for some reason didn't feel good. So then snowboarded over too saddle back which was fine going over even if there was a few flat bits. But unfortunately when got to top fell off as 2 kids fell in front of me and twisted my right groin, also was cold and visibility not the best so took it slow going back. Was straight back to Main Street run which still didn't feel the best and my right calf was hurting. So when back only 10.30 so had coffee took boots off then Tiago went off again came back at 12 but then went off again til 2ish. I then went up and did the Easy Rider x3 which felt a lot better than this morning and hardly fell this time and practised my turns. But unfortunately on the 2nd run was on with two other 2 snowboarders and 3 of us ended up in a heap on the floor, me on the top. After last run was only 3.55 so Tiago went up one more time whilst I waited glad I did as Tiago said was very misty and had to see. Got home just before 5 have something to eat and chill for abit then walk for dinner at Spiegel Ale House. Had to wait for table for about 30 minutes so whilst waiting we had a mulled wine which was better than the Water bar one. I decided to have the seafood chowder as can't remember when I last had one was one and Tiago had the lamb also got 10% with voucher from motel. Got home just before 9.30 and was just starting to rain lightly so played cards for abit with whiskey. Last full day in Wanaka woke up early again 6.20 had breakfast then looked at ski report saying on hold at minute. So just rested and watched TV for abit then left about 9ish even though ski forecast still saying on hold. But thought would try so got to the entrance to go up the Treble Cone mountain and saying had to put snow chains on. So time to put the snow chains on which took abit of time and when going up the mountain the right chain wasn't on right and making a lot of noise. When we eventually stopped the last time to look at the snow chain to take it off, one of the chain connections had broken so at least we know what the noise was. Also at this point a few cars coming down the mountain and told us the slopes were now closed but still saying on hold on the website. But it did say the saddle back was closed and that there were still hoping to open the other slope before lunch. So decided at this point to go back aswell but first to take off the other snow chain and find somewhere safe to turn around. Once back in Wanaka straight to the treble cone office to see if could get refund on our lift passes. Unfortunately couldn't get refund for weather conditions and also because Cardona ski range also open, but we didn't enjoy it as much as treble cone resort. Which was a shame and then went to take snowboard gear but decided against it since still not saying mountain closed yet. So went for coffee as only 11ish which had free wifi so could check emails yeh, but only sweet things to eat so didn't have any food just coffee. When left it officially said the mountain was closed due to high winds and poor visibility but only raining lightly now. So then took snowboard gear back and there kindly gave us a refund since only used 4 days and paid for 6. We then went back to get sorted and clean our ski gear before putting to dry in the laundry room. It was then to walk into town to go for lunch fancied pizza but the place we wanted to go not open yet and couldn't find anywhere at first as didn't want sandwiches. Ended up going to the Lake bar where we shared a tasting plate (see picture) which had a mixture of meat, fish, bread etc very nice. On way back walked along the lake and was lots of ducks around then time to have pictures taken with the hand statue. Once got home time to chill played cards and had some wine for a few hours then time to do abit of packing not before having a little nap. After a little nap, Tiago worked on his job application again so I finished doing the packing whilst watching TV. Had takeaway pizza for dinner just in case we needed longer to sort our packing out, but already done apart from our ski stuff still drying then bed 10ish. I really enjoyed our holiday to New Zealand and will definitely come back is very picturesque but thought Queenstown would of been bigger. Also when I go on a snowboarding holiday again will need lessons next time as unfortunately still not getting my turns right. It was time to go home on Saturday 15th August and up at 7.30 just to finish the packing and make sure we had everything with us. Left just after 8.30 and hosts said if we ever want to come back best to phone them and get better deal, which was nice. Breakfast at Kai Whaka Pai as when ever been to Wanaka always looks busy so thought best try it out whilst here. Very happy that we tired as food very nice I just had breakfast pot and Tiago a full hot breakfast and coffee nice. It was then time to head to the airport not before stopping to get Gabrielle birthday present a neck scarf like mine but pink and fill car up. On way to airport stop at lookout point on way down the mountain to get a picture as very pretty. Got to airport just before 11 drop car off which was fine but check in desk not open yet, so had to wait about 30 mins. Luckily luggage fine this time didn't have to take anything out of suitcase but put on edge of scales. Too early to go through gate yet so went and got coffee at same place we had yesterday, ate banana and played cards. Go through gate just before 1.30 and didn't start boarding til 2 sat 19A this time and flight left about 15 mins late due to having to alter route. On flight just read book, played games as no entertainment but flight seemed to take ages probably as left late. But we still managed to land on time picked up our alcohol and Tiago bought himself some Bose headphones in duty free. At least once through security our bags were waiting for us apart from Tiago's board which had to wait a few minutes for. Decided might be a hassle to get train and bus back due to all our luggage, so got taxi which was quite expensive and got home 5ish. Quickly made something eat not that we had much too choose so just had beans and sardines mixed together with poached eggs and actually tasted ok then sort suitcases. We then watched film interstellar was good even if abit slow to start with and after film Tiago went for food whilst I spoke to mum and dad on Skype. Then spoke to Sharon, Ellie and met Lucie for the first time who just mainly slept but very cute and is only 6 days old then bed 11.30ish. 

New Zealand holiday

Saturday 8th August woke up 4.15 as early start again since going on holiday today to New Zealand snowboarding. Diego arrive 4.45 luckily both off us ready to go but he quickly showed Tiago how to put bindings on as he had issues last night. Also he quickly went through the Go Pro with him so he knows how to use it when we are away. It was then to Maisy's but post Australian police check on way as thought we best have breakfast before we go as not sure when will next eat. For some reason it seemed to take a while for breakfast to come I had the chorizo and scrambled egg plus coffee. Diego drove us to airport and on way just after 6.30 luckily traffic good so got there 7ish but took a while to find parking. Got to check in deck and had web checked in as thought be quicker but as soon we got to front the person vanished then took awhile for next person to come. Unfortunately our luggage 3kg over as only supposed to have 40kg and I had  forgot about weighing the board. So had to quickly take some things out but not much just our shoes and fleece then the person didn't check when weighed again. Luckily whilst doing this Diego went to find the adaptor we need for Go Pro to use it on the selfie stick. It was then time to say bye to Diego and go through boarding gate then trust me to get body and bag searched. Then quickly through duty free had good offer on alcohol so got 3 bottles 2 whiskey and 1 gin take one whiskey with us and collect others when we get back. Straight to boarding gate which was already boarding seemed a long queue but soon got moving. Got bus to plane and supposed to depart at 8.30 and in air just after 9 was reading book then tired so had a short nap maybe 10 mins. Rest of flight read book, played solitaire and flight just over 3 hours was nice to see the snow on the mountains when coming into land which was abit bumpy. Landed at 2pm there time was 2 hours time difference and temperature only 4 degrees, so just a little cold. Security not to bad and luckily by time got through our bags were going round, but had to put them through scanner machine after collection to check. It was then to find the car which was only a 5 minute walk way, but not impressed had to pay excess since didn't take there insurance. As supposedly the company we booked through wasn't the direct one and had taken their insurance. Ended up with a small car Hundi Getz but at least it was blue my favourite colour and check car over for marks. Before we left we had the person show us how to put on the snow chains just in case we needed them. Wasn't sure if everything would fit in car but luckily it did but didn't give me much leg room in passenger seat. Only takes a hour from Queentown airport to Wanaka whilst Tiago was driving gave me chance to take a few scenic pictures. Unfortunately the roads were very curvy so had to go quite slow and trust my ears to pop. Once at wanaka first stop to get pick up our lift passes as didn't fancy picking up tomorrow as expect a queue. Was only one person in front so didn't take long to get our lift passes then to our accommodation. Staying at The Archways motel which is set in 2 acres of grounds and tree lined hillside, which is only 5 minutes walk to the lake. Their offer quiet, comfortable and spacious ground floor self contained units with mountain views. When we arrived we got a warm welcome from our hosts Bridgit and Paul who were happy to help. As there recommended where to go for our snowboard hire and even gave us discounts for a few restaurants. Once had checked in was time to into Wanaka centre to sort out our snowboard hire and have something to eat. But first stop was food as not eaten since breakfast as couldn't really count the protein bar we had on plane. Looked at a few places and ended up going to the Water Bar which was on the front looking at the lake. No spaces outside with heater so sat inside where we both had the lamb which was very nice but the service was very slow. But whilst waiting for the food it gave us chance to look at where best to hire our ski equipment from. As one offered goggle hire aswell as unfortunately Tiago's new goggles never arrived in time, but seemed too cheap. After eating went to look at two of the shops but both quite expensive so went to the one Paul recommended. But if booked on line was cheaper as got 15% off when booked for more than 3 days which we were doing. Unfortunately couldn't do the same offer in the shop so booked online instead to get the deal then got my snowboard, boots and helmet. Tiago only needed boots and helmet, but helmet had to have fitting for Go Pro and luckily there had one as saved him having tobuy a helme. It was then back to first ski shop to buy some inner gloves to keep our hands warmer whilst on the slopes. We then thought best go to supermarket to get a few things for breakfast but took a while to find the eggs. Room nice and warm when back as had heater plus small electric log heater which made it feel very homely. Once back time to unpack and for Tiago to sort out his board for tomorrow by attaching the bindings. Rest off night just chilled nothing on TV so played cards then ate mussels and feta was good and bed 10ish. Woke up 6.30 on Sunday as wanted a early start to be there when lifts open at 9am if possible. Had breakfast spinach, turkey ham and scrambled egg, also tried the plunger coffee which was not the best. Then abit later I had Greek yoghurt with protein powder and Tiago had a protein shake, as thought best have a big breakfast. Aim to leave at 8 but had to defrost car first so just turned engine on as no ice scrapper and it worked. So ended up leaving 8.15 and unfortunately on radio was staying might need snow chains when going up mountain. Also expected it to take only 30 mins but google map was staying it would take about 45mins. About half way into journey just before going up the mountain was told was restrictions so had to put snow chains on. Which had just put first one on after about 15 mins and was just starting with the second one. When the ranger came down to let us that the restrictions had been lifted so chains no longer required, so took chains offs. It was then to start the climb up the mountain which was slow and had a sheep run in front of us but was good to go slow as very curvy road. Luckily got parked ok and only 5 min walk to the slopes first stop to rental shop for Tiago to enquire about waxing his board. Unfortunately couldn't do it straight away as the board needed to warm up first so needs about 45mins so booked it in for 1pm. Then time to hit the slopes but only one chair lift the home basin express to the top, so abit of a queue. But at least when got off at the top I got off the chair lift ok without falling off, which was a good start. Decided to do the green run first the Easy Rider which took about abit of time as kept having to stop as thighs hurting. Probably hurt because I kept braking with my back heels whilst going down and was a long run, once at bottom Tiago sorted out his boot as didn't feel right. Then up again this time and went down the Saddle Track run which abit flat in places, which went onto Pete's Treat which was a nice big open run. It was then up there second chair lift the Saddle Basin Quad didn't get off aswell this time but at least I didn't fall. Once at top was going to go South Ridge but didn't seem to be many snowboarders going that way so decided against it. Instead we went Upper High Street then the aim was to go Saddle Back but missed the turning so came down Raffills Run and Pete's Treat. Once at the top this time just headed straight back to home basin but missed a turning and came down red run which was not keen on. As at one point I couldn't get up so was just sliding down on my bottom and when at bottom couldn't find Tiago. Went to the rental shop as thinking he might be there as already 1.15 but no sign then I saw him looking for me. He decided not take board in now and instead leave it with them overnight as this point I was tired so wanted a rest. Went for coffee and had protein bars then Tiago continued whilst I rested he was gone over an hour. Left about 3.30 stop at rental shop on way back as not happy with board as no grip in middle to put foot and bindings not the best. Luckily there were happy to swap it for another one which only took about 10mins. Once back chilled and put all ski jackets, pants and boots in the laundry to dry out for tomorrow. Then time for shower and get ready to go out left about 6ish and decided to walk so could drink as only 5-10 min walk to town. Went to Urban Grind for dinner were we both had baked gnocchi with beef and mushrooms tasted good, also probably as not had pasta for a while. We shared a UG style hot toddy which was whiskey, honey, cinnamon, candy ginger, orange and gloves. After dinner went for a drink to Water bar for a mulled wine which Tiago never had before, which he liked and had 3 free game of pool. Tiago won first one then me the second one somehow and the decider the third which Tiago won and got back about 9ish. Have fruit tea when back to warm us up abit and bed 10ish in morning alarm went of 6 got up 6.15. I had first shower so then I could do breakfast and then had exciting news Sharon had baby girl on Ben's birthday. Left just after 7.30 so I had could stop at sports shop on way to get my merino wool ski scarf in a nice blue colour. Then time to head to the mountain roads nice and clear today no snow chains required also hardly any traffic. Got to mountain before 8.30 put boots on and Tiago fell in ice on way first then go to pick up Tiago's board but not ready. So ended up going for a coffee first and also lifts don't open til 9am and was probably on the lift about 9.30. Where we did the Easy Rider first to practice doing my turns as I need to go more on toes than on my heels. But unfortunately on one bit of the slope when turning foolishly tried on ice and landed on knees when at bottom checked knees seemed ok just abit red. So then went up, did it again and Main Street run x 2 it was then 12.30 so have protein bars and I had a rest. Whilst Tiago continued to snowboard told him to come back in about an hour to give me chance to rest. Unfortunately the wifi not the best so just played games after a hour and half start to wonder where Tiago was. Sent him a message but no reply but then arrived back at 14.15 and we had a hot chocolate which took forever before I went out again. Only had time to do the easy rider x2 as was going to do the Main Street 2nd but no-one going down. So decided best to stick to the easy rider and got down at 4.05 and chair lift just shutting, when leaving saw lots of other cars like ours. Got back to hotel about 5ish sort stuff out then leave about 6.30 to go for dinner and walked again. Decided to go to Water bar again since 2 for 1 on meals was very busy but just managed to get a table. We both decided to have the rib eye as was a good deal 2 for $30 and luckily didn't take as long as last time. But unfortunately there ran out of mulled wine so had only one and a red wine, ribeye was cooked lovely. Somehow there got the sauces wrong as gave us both mushroom when Tiago should of had blue cheese but never mind it still tasted good. After dinner was to supermarket to get a few more things then home by 9ish. Where we both are whiskey but mine was with soda and then watched some of the Go Pro videos from today bed 10ish. Our 3rd day another early start and Tiago up at 5 am so he could work on his application for another law firm. I ended up getting up at 6 am showered first then make our breakfast and this morning it took a while to defrost the car even with the engine running had to scrap for abit first. So ended up leaving about 7.45 and this time off to different ski resort today is Cardrona, as our lift pass lets us use both ski resorts. Supposed to take 50 mins to get there and luckily no snow chains needed again but road more rough, curvy and longer. Got to Valley View parking just after 8.20 and a few turning off for this parking so thought this was were we were supposed to park. But realised once pulled in was only a small car park and could of gone up higher to the resort base. Decided to leave it as the car park attendant said it was only 2 chair lifts to get to the main resort and the lifts already open. So got on the Valley View Quad and then snowboarded down only 10mins to get the Whitestar Express Quad. When going up saw the Stag Lane parkway which is a snowpark featuring a variety of rails, boxes and jumps. So once at top Tiago decided to go play in the snowpark whilst I made my way down the racecourse to the resort base. Seemed to be waiting a while, then thought Tiago probably missed turning and had to go back to whitestar chairlift, which he did. Also surprised was only just 9am so quick toilet stop then up the Mcdougall's Quad where I came down the Westons Trail. Was a nice big run so plenty of opportunity to practice my turns and Tiago did the international half pipe coming down. It was then straight back up to do the run again and this time had our pictures taken when at top by their photo team. Unfortunately once at bottom was abit of queue for the lift so decided to go down to the Whitestar lift again. But somehow we ended up taking the wrong run which wasn't the best a few flat bits and I got struck a few times. Also when made it to the lift it had broken down so must of had to wait nearly 30 mins til it started again and by then my were legs tired. So then we just snowboarded down to the resort base and was 12.30 and very busy but luckily found a table to have coffee. I then rested for a bit whilst Tiago went back up about 1ish and left his phone with me so I could go on the Internet. Tiago got back just after 2ish then we had some water, viewed our pictures taken and bought one. So didn't end up getting back on slopes til 3ish went up the McDougall's quad and did Shaun's way run down to Captain's Express Quad. I quite enjoyed the run was nice and big plenty of room to practice turns but still not getting them right yet. It then up our last chair lift of the day the Captain's and to go on the overrun back to top of Whitestar Express. Unfortunately I didn't like this run as was very flat so got struck a few times but never took my board off. Then to make our way back to the car at Valley View and somehow ended up on a black run so took it very slow. Ended up getting back to the car at 4.20 so not to bad and abit of traffic going down mountain at end and got back to motel just after 5ish. Glad we tried Cardona ski resort but think definitely prefer Treble Cone as runs longer and don't have to queue as much for lifts. We both had something to eat when in then it was time for our free hot tub at 6pm, was on the top of the hillside with nice views of the mountain ahead of us, water lovely and warm. Once in the hot tub you couldn't feel the cold and near the end when getting dark was very pretty as could do some star grazing. Only ended up staying in for 45mins as couldn't remember if got a full hour and if anyone else in at 7pm. Luckily had worn our ski pants to go up in and just put them in laundry after to dry out, as thought would be cold to just wear our swim gear. Once back shower then go for dinner went to Water bar again as doing 1kg of ribs for $15 were good but some of mine a little overcooked. Luckily had driven down this time as was starving and wasn't sure if time restrictions on how long for ribs, but was none. Got back just after 9 have some whiskey and play cards then started falling asleep about 10ish so went to bed.