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.