8 Day Adventure Tour Queenstown
19th-26th December 2015
3 pax
Lisa, Ashaam and Solomon
Origin- Australia.
Day 1: Transfer and scenic tour of Queenstown
Upon arrival from Brisbane the team jumped into the 2015 Mercedes Sprinter. This 12 seater van is a great way to stretch the legs out after a long flight. Luxurious leather seats and extra large viewing windows for the first views of Queenstown from the ground. From the airport in Queenstown we travelled alongside Lake Wakatipu. A high road (hensman) took us up to a viewpoint which gives a great view over the top of Queenstown. Stopping here we got to see the diversity of Queenstown. Paragliding, jetboats, the Earnslaw and a bustling little town was now right at our fingertips.
Day 2: Canyoning, spa treatments and Moonlight Stables.
With a 3 hour time difference the team were having what I call a lie in. Lisa was booked in for a spa treatment at 1000 at Springs Foot Spa. I had the boys going Canyoning at the 12 mile delta. This is a great way to get stuck into Queenstown and a wake up to the surroundings and environment. Waterfalls, 
natural slides and cliff jumps. After the pamper, Lisa was off horse riding. A private tour of the grounds at Moonlight Stables on Morven Ferry Road. This was with Janice Clear (owner).
Day 3: Oxbow Adventure Specialists
No rest for this group. We changed vehicles, a Mercedes CLS 55 AMG woudl now take us to each destination. A 1000 departure and a beautiful drive over the Crown Range through Wanaka. It was an 1hr 15 min drive to Oxbow. We were greeted there be Lloyd, Darb and Tim. Very capable hands and great blokes. The list of activities here are rather unbelievable: Claybird shooting, Jetboat on the Clutha River, 4WD drive off road machine, Jetsprint boat, archery, knife throwing, hole-in-one golf and to top it off the scenic ride in a Hughes 500 helicopter. The photos here explain more. Inside all this chaos we had a beautiful lunch catered by Hails (Lloyds daughter/Darbs’ wife). Tim picked a great spot whilst carving through the Clutha river in our jetboat that was sheltered from the wind, nestled beside a small lagoon. Nothing was left out. Sandwiches, cheese, pate, bread, water, juice, beer and wine. Also being the festive time there were Christmas Crackers.
This is a day that cannot be missed. If you want adrenalin and a real piece of high-end New Zealand then this is it. The guys are great at pushing the limits and safely at the same time. A full day event that should be with every itinerary.
Day 4: Shotover Jet, Arrowtown, Quad biking, horse riding and gondola/ haka
Now to tick off some of the most popular activities in Queenstown. 1030 was out departure for the Shotover Jet. A great thrill ride for all ages. Travelling through canyons at speeds up to 70km/h, in a boat weighing 3 tonne, over water as little as 6 inches deep. Arrowtown called us for a great lunch at The Chop Shop Food Merchants. A little walk around the quint village stretched the legs. We then dropped off the boys for Quad Biking with Off Road Adventures. A great farm out at Nevis station offers huge coverage and all difficulties of tracks. Lisa was back off horse riding to continue exploring the beautiful farm with a private tour.
The gondola above Queenstown was next. A great icon that has been around since the 60’s and carries the majority of tourists. We experienced the luge and everyone got involced and also had a great Kiwi Haka experience at 1800. To finish off the day was a great dinner at Jervois Steak House.
Day 5: Jetboards NZ and spa treatment
Simon for Jetboards NZ was on hand to take the boys out for a private session on Lake Wakatipu. 4 hours, lunch and transfers all in the service. All toys were out: hoverboard, flyboard and the jetboards. This is a great activity to do with two or more people. Nothing better than getting a group out and being out on the lake.
Day 6: Milford Sound Ultimate – Over the Top Helicopters
Considered the Ninth Wonder of the World. A name well deserved. Set on the South-West Coast of New Zealand. A natural fiord carved out by glaceirs over millions of years. We set off at 10am and took flight over Arthurs Point, Ben Lomond and Glenorchy. This is the direct route to Milford Sound. 287 km by vehicle, approximately 80km as the crow flies. It took 20 mins until our first stop. A beautiful day greeted us on the West Coast. A touch down on a very isolated part of the world.
From here we took off and were getting a bit peckish. Lunch had us going to about 1500m above sea level and a great view over the Hollyford Valley. We got to meet one of the locals (kea) who stirred up quite a fuss. We had a great Champagne picnic hamper organised by Over the Top. With our spot picked and the helicopter shut down it was a great time to sit back and relax.
After lunch it was time to get a bit colder and landing on a glacier is a must in this region. Dan took us right into the depths of the Isabel Glacier. Landing on here was great, especially for the Australians!
One more stop was on top of the Humboldts. This offer a great view of the Dart and Rees Valleys entering Lake Wakatipu. A great view of the small town of Glenorchy. After the last shots it was time to head back into Queenstown to relax and recap on this great adventure.
Day 7: spa treatment, 3 course dinner and Onsen hot pools
Merry Christmas. After some busy days this was more about relaxing. Lisa was booked into SoSpa at the Sofitel Queenstown. The boys had the morning off. Christmas dinner was a lovely 3 course meal served at The Spire Hotel’s restaurant No.5 Church Lane. This restaurant has a great setting down one of the small lanes situated in Queenstown.
After the obligatory big Christmas dinner all you want to do is relax. I booked the team in for a private hot pool at Onsen Hot Pools. This 1 and a half hour slot was a perfect way to wind down with the family. Onsen offers great views overlooking the Shotover River.
Day 8: Moonlight Stables and Jetboards NZ
The last day before pickup was left free for whatever the group wanted to do. This time Lisa and Ashaam went with Janice at Moonlight Stables for another private ride. Solomon wanted to test the waters again and went out with Simon from Jetboards NZ. Just the Jetsurfing this time though. Back to the hotel and the pickup was at 2pm for the airport.
This was a great luxury experience for this family. There was so much enjoyment on each of the days and activities. We are now all ready and set for the winter holiday.
This is a great way to spend your holiday here in the heart of the South Island, New Zealand
Response:
We all had a fantastic time!!
Ash’s favourite was the quads. Sol the jetboards. And me……you know – horse riding.
The helicopter day was breathtakingly beautiful !
Oh and today was incredible – Ash was the only person, other than the leader Rosie, to get Stevo the horse into a very fast gallop.
We loved it! We all thoroughly enjoyed your company. The boys thought you were such a good bloke. You charmed us all with your natural optimism and good energy.
From Lisa, Ashaam and Solomon
