Jalan Jalan New Zealand 2: Franz Josef - Queenstown

 Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim

The journey from Franz Josef to Queenstown stretches out to 355km all the way. This was one of the most scenic trips around New Zealand. The first 100km stretch is just plain green fields with a glimpse of its coast, but after we drove around Haast through its mountain that our journey becomes interesting. 

We started our journey around 6 in the morning, with great supply of food and enthusiasm; we headed off to Queenstown, preparing for another 5-6 hours of long journey. Our first stop was the Gates of Haast. The Gate of Haast is a mountain pass through the Southern Alps of South Island.

The Gates of Haast

The coastline, cantek gile!

Our second stop for the day was Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Lake Wanaka is a massive lake with 42km in length while Lake Hawea with an area of 141km2. Both lakes situated in Otago region, South Island. These lakes are obviously one of the reasons that delayed our journey. I know I’ve been using the word Beautiful in most of my blog entries, but really, I can’t get enough of it. New Zealand is Beautiful!

Iena and Lake Hawea

Lake Wanaka, look at the reflection

Panoramic view of Lake Hawea

....along the way, through narrow road, up on the hills....fabulous view to be enjoyed!

Cantek yang teramat kan?!

Standard la posing style tunjuk2. Hihi...

Geng optimus Prime ikut dari belakang....

Arriving Queenstown....

Before we arrived in Queenstown we headed down to Puzzling World in Wanaka. It was along the way so we decided to have a look. Puzzling World started as a maze, but now it contains several rooms with optical illusions plus a cafe and yup, the famous Leaning Tower of Wanaka. A fun place to be.

Kuat tak? Kuat tak?

Kuat tak? Kuat tak?

The township of Queesntown was built around the Wakatipu Lake with scenic mountainous backdrop. Queenstown is known for Adventure Tourism. There are ski fields, whitewater rafting (being told that the rapid is up to Grade 5, but unfortunately...not as challenging as what we have back in Malaysia), bungee jumping (really wanted to do this, but yay to me, no extra cash...yay again!), tramping and fly fishing. Other attractions are the Skyline Gondola (where on top of the Bob's Peak, you will get the best view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu), the Arrowtown (shooting site for Lord of The Ring) and Lake Wakatipu. 

Queenstown Mall, reminded me of Rundle Mall in Adelaide

The Skyline Gondola

Peace!

In front of our backpackers hostel.

So, there was our 2nd Day trip around New Zealand, tomorrow yet another long journey to Te Anau and the scenic splash of Milford Sound....

K.G ....jealous la hang ada gambar cantek gini, awat saya x pnh dapat posing gambar gini? oh, tragedi seorang fotografer...

Panorama of Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu near our hostel.