Queenstown.

____From Kingston, the road follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu on the most scenic and enjoyable days riding of the trip so far. Sunshine and windless on a road with plenty of scenic lookouts to stop at. I camp at Frankton, on the outskirts of Queenstown, close to the eastern corner of the lake where it’s waters flow out at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range.


____A cycle track leads from the campsite; the eight kilometres into the heart of Queenstown, hugging the lake shore all the way. The town must hold the record for the most outdoor pursuit shops per square kilometre in the world. Activity is what Queenstown is all about; that and spending money. From bungee jumping, sky-diving, white water rafting to jet boating and canyoning; it’s all on offer. Plus hiking, sight-seeing and a lake cruise on the old steam ship; MSS Earnslaw. But with a budget of NZ$60 per day; I’m left with browsing the sports shops; wondering who buys all this hi-tech, light-weight, quick-drying, non-sweating clothing that is so bloody expensive.

____Window shopping is not my main reason for two nights at Queenstown. My next stop is at Wanaka and they are having their annual Ironman triathlon event with 1200 competitors. It would be good to watch it; but as all the accommodation is booked up, I’ll leave my arrival until everyone has gone home. I’m not a big fan of these extreme events, 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling and then a marathon run. What are the joints of these athletes going to be like when they reach old age? I’ve seen bodies ruined by hard work such as bricklaying and plastering; so with the endless training, these triathletes are heading the same way.

Lake Wakatipu