Queenstown

I seem to be using words like amazing, fantastic, picturesque, unbelievable, etc. rather frequently in my posts. I'm not trying for hyperbole, but just doing my best to accurately describe what I've been lucky enough to see and experience along the way.

It seems I've found yet another place that fits a similar description. Queenstown, New Zealand, is located on the southern island of NZ in the Southern Alps and on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, the second largest lake in NZ. It's kind of like walking into one of those pictures on vacation brochures. The sky is as blue as I've ever seen it. The combo of mountains, lake and quaint alpine town is just what you'd want that brochure photo to be when you get there. The mountain peaks are covered in a powdered sugar sprinkle of snow and its 70 in town. The waves from the lake lap the town square, the center of a small and easily walkable town that's very modern without thinking too much of itself. It promotes itself as the adrenaline center of NZ, but I haven't felt the need to be 'extreme' (or Xtreme) to enjoy the place...a little something for everyone. Seems like a really liveable town.

I've been here for just 24 hours so I'll have a lot more to report, plus photos, after I've spent more time here. After a few days here, I head west to do some hiking. I'm going to spend four days hiking the Milford Track which is the most famous hiking trail in NZ and wanders through the Southern Alps for 35-40 miles eventually coming out at Milford Sound. Not sure what I've gotten myself into, but I'm looking forward to it. I'll post pictures and an update once I get back. In the mean time, I'm heading to the lake.