1:56am, Flaming Kiwi Backpackers, Queenstown
One last night in NZ, and the ultimate late night packing job. But gotta record my recollections one more night here… We assumed there wouldn't be a sunrise vantage point in the morning (lodge manager didn't think there was one), so we set the alarm for 6:45pm. Slept well, though woke up each time someone got up to use the restroom. Eventually, when the alarm sounded, I looked out the window, and saw a brilliant pink color in the sky. We both rushed out to check out the skies at the helicopter pad that overlooks the ocean. The sunrise was the kind any photographer would die for. Too bad I wasn't up early enough to set up my tripod (after all, I hauled the thing 24 miles so far without using it). We took some hand-held shots for a bit, as the sun broke the horizon, lighting everyone in red.
I'll beg to differ...
Only problem were the sandflies that hounded us while we stood still. Others joined in on the view, and then came to the lodge for breakfast. Meanwhile the sun climbed into the clouds, and would stay there the rest of the day.
Apparently there was a porridge contest between Okaka and Port Craig lodge. There was indeed a difference. Okaka wins, with its creamy consistency, and cooked apple toppings. Then we hit the trail at 8:33am, tramping through the forest for an hour, before reaching a secluded beach.
Pretty forest, though no match for the insanely beautiful forests of the past 2 days...
We approach a beach...
The trail hopped to another beach (Blowhole Beach), before competing the loop back to the original fork on the trail. We passed everyone on the trail today, as we hiked at a great pace, determined to hike out and drive to Queenstown before Habebes Kebabs closed at 5:30pm. We saw limited views of dolphins while walking the long beach stretch. Also saw Stewart Island and a flock of at least 10,000 birds flying just above the water far out in the sea.
Hiking on beaches are nice, cause they are flat...
Stewart Island is visible in the 2nd pic...
Wendy carried this apple all trip. Time to lighten the load...
Cool rocks...
The swing bridge marked out completion of the loop. Now it was time to retrace our steps from the 1st day...
Wendy cuts down to the beach, before the big puddle on the road...
After the long beach stretch, we regain the trail...
...and re-cross the bridge...
As we neared the end, Wendy counted the enumerated stout trap boxes to gauge our progress. We finished the 17km in 4hr 40min. Pretty darn quick.
On the drive out, we encountered strong winds from the north, that made the trees dance and sway like cartoons. The Hump Ridge was certainly a beast of a track compared to the others. It's 56km in 3 days is by far the most distance per day of all the tracks we've done. Spectacular forest scenery, coastal and beach scenery, and sub-alpine ridge action. A great way to change it up after all the other tracks we've done.
We stopped at the information center in Tautapere to report our safe finish, and the lady was surprised to see us so soon. With 1/3rd tank of gas, we headed north towards Queenstown. I planned to fill up a bit at the next town, but there was a huge line of vehicles waiting for the gas truck to finish delivering it'n supply, so we continued on, planning to stop at the next town, Kingston. Kingston was very small, and the 24-hour automated system wouldn't take my credit card, or cash, so we continued north, hoping there wouldn't be any close calls.. The drive up the lake was very scenic, and we reached Queenstown just as the gas light came on.
It was 4:30pm, still plenty of time to get a kebab, so we headed to Habebes first. Our 2 kebab purchases filled out our frequent dining card (wow, we bought 11 large kebabs over the past 3 weeks here), which gave us $8 credit towards our next purchase. So we ordered a baby kebab to snack on later. Habebes has been our eatery of choice in Queenstown, and it was a sentimental last kebab.
Habebes, you will not be forgotten!
Then we drove up town to our backpackers, and found our room to be perfect for our packing needs tonight. There was a huge covered balcony where we unloaded the entire car, and hashed out what to bring back, what to toss, and how to organize the packing. Wendy started laundry, which we hung up on the deck.
The roomy porch was very convenient...
After a couple hours of packing, we realized this was our last evening in NZ, and wanted to walk along the lakefront to enjoy the scenery one last time, while it was still light. So we drove down, and lucked out with a great parking spot. What would be more appropriate than using up some of our NZ cash on a Ferg burger (the lamby) and some fries. Ferg's was packed, but we were happy to wait patiently 20 minutes for our meal.
Afterwards, we walked to the lakefront and marveled at a brilliant sunset across the water.
Perfect sunrise and sunsets on our last day in NZ. The excellent accordion player was working over the area too. Lots of people taking pics of the pink clouds.
We soaked in the dreamy sunset views, reflecting on 41 amazing days in this beautiful country...
As it was getting dark, we returned to the hostel, and continued packing. We put a ton of stuff in the "FREE FOOD" section, including our frying pan, gas canisters, spices, and oil.
We fly from Queenstown to Auckland tomorrow, before continuing to Hong Kong to Taiwan. The domestic flight to Auckland has small baggage allowances, so we're trying hard to minimize our luggage (the international flight shouldn't be a problem). We still have lots of dehydrated food left, and have been debating about keeping it or not. May have to pay some hefty fees for excess luggage. We certainly didn't pack light, and have a ton of camping gear we didn't use too. Looks like they only allow 20kg per person. We are WAY over that. Definitely a party feel going on outside this Saturday evening. Music, chatter… Earlier today, someone was playing flamenco guitar outside on the patio, which was pleasant to listen to while packing.
10:05am flight tomorrow. Planning to be up at 6:45am, out the door by 8am. It's 2:52am now. At least there will be plenty of time for sleep on the planes. I can still hear plenty of party action outside, softly muffled by the walls…