Day 1 – Arriving, in Style!

2,122 km travelled
12,989 steps

Today was finally the day! Our bags were packed, our alarms were set for 3.15, we hopped on a flight at 6.20 and we made our way to our first New Zealand stop –  Queenstown. We were told by so many people how incredible the views were going to be flying in so we made sure to book a window seat (kind of, we sort of sat in a row between windows, so made it a little tricky to see). I wasn’t ready for the pristine white capped mountain peaks poking through be clouds, and then the spread of peak after peak of The Remarkables mountain range greeting us as we descended through the clouds. It was utterly breathtaking. Walking off the plane after we landed in between these mountains felt totally surreal. 

I was happy to hear how seriously the New Zealand government takes their security in order to protect their wildlife and natural environment, and after our entry declarations were submitted, we made our way through to security where we were thoroughly inspected by a beagle taking her inspector job very seriously. After the scrutiny, we picked up our bags and headed to pick up the hire car. We are on the road for this trip with many stops along the way, one of which we are legally obligated to use snow chains while traversing, so we received a quick lesson on those before we hopped in the car and made our way to our first stay, right in the centre of Queenstown. 

I didn’t really fly too well this time around, and I felt the start of a migraine at this point, but trying to ignore it the best I could, we decided to head to the number 1 recommendation we have received whenever we mentioned we were heading to Queenstown – Fergburger.  They have to be doing something right because the queue was absolutely bonkers! People through the door, out on the footpath, which had aleady been divided into two sections in front of the shop so that there’s a clear space and a waiting area and even then it felt like there were people everywhere waiting for their orders. Their system is pretty well oiled though, multiple people taking orders, someone specifically for the phone orders and an app telling you when yours is ready for pick up. There are a couple of “Ferg” shops, most of which are very near to each other, so we decided to check out their bakery right next door while we waited. This is definitely something we’re going to have to try for breakfast! 

Unfortunately, the migraine kicked my butt. I couldn’t eat anything and was in desperate need to just check into our room and have a nap. Thankfully after sitting just outside reception with my head down, the lovely receptionist came out and told us the good news that our room was ready early, and I was able to do just that. An hour and a half later, I was in enough of an improved state that we decided to get out and about and check out the area properly. Just a few minutes walk from where we are staying, there’s a beachfront with stunning views of the mountains, and a garden circuit walk that was just so beautiful. I had regained so much energy after my nap and with those mountains… I was just so rejuvenated. 

While walking through the gardens, I spotted a couple of patches of what looked to be wild daffodils (one of my favourite flowers) and a couple of big fuzzy bumble bees! Further along the path was a fenced off group of hives and a sign explaining their importance to the environment and that these hives and flowers were part of an effort to keep them in the area. 

It was starting to get a little later and a lot colder at this point, so we walked up and down the waterfront and chose a restaurant to have some cocktails and a small dinner since we ate late (I ate my burger after my nap, it was pretty good). 

We spent the evening enjoying the views and people watching, then made our way back for the evening. It has been a huge day, so an early night is definitely needed! 

Tomorrow is a slow day exploring the Glenorchy area. I’m so excited to enjoy some of the many beautiful sights this country has to offer!