Tekapo and Snowboarding before return to the North Island

So the time eventually came for me to move on again. My time in Queenstown was short yet wonderfully sweet - but money was getting extremely tight. Last year during winter, I worked in a restaurant in National Park called Eivins. It supplemented my hours working on Mount Ruapehu and luckily the owner was willing to give me my job back again this winter so time to get back up North to the wonderful little village that was my first home in New Zealand.

Lake Tekapo

But some fun first before I got back to work. On Monday June 24th, after a few sad goodbyes to good friends, I got Nakedbus (ticket bought for 10 dollars on Grabone. Could be redeemed against any journey. So worth it!) up to Christchurch to meet my old campervan mate, Nadine. As the bus pulled out of Queenstown the sun was rising, and I took in the sights of those beautiful mountains one last time. I tried to sleep but to no avail, and when I gave up and opened my eyes, I was amazed at how much snow there was on the mountains. It was incredible and made me so excited for snow season again. I was so delighted to hear we were stopping at Lake Tekapo for an hour. I really wanted to visit this region but circumstances didn’t allow me so having this stop off was perfect. As the bus arrived we were greeted by the most beautiful, blue, glistening lake surrounded by pure white hills of snow. The sun was shining and yet again I’m in awe at another incredible sight. I got off the bus, saw a mssive mound of snow on the side of the road and decide to try stand on top of it. I underestimated the lovely, fluffiness of the snow and ended up waist high in the stuff. It was great! The snow had only fallen the night before and must have been a metre deep. I had to trudge down to the lake through it all, not wanting to miss out on a half hour sitting in bliss by Lake Tekapo. And bliss it was.

Snowboarding at Mount Hutt

I arrived in Christchurch quite late. Nadine was arriving a few hours after me so it was my job to find a hostel where off street parking for campervans was allowed. After an hour or so of more trudging with my suitcase I found Kiwi Basecamp Hostel. For 15 each, we could both sleep in the campervan and use all of the facilities. There was also free fresh bread in the morning so breakfast was sorted. Sweet! After a glass of wine, a catch up with Nadine and some other guests – it was bedtime. Being so wrecked, I fell alseep pretty fast. But no – I definitely had not missed living out of a campervan. The reason I was meeting Nadine was to go snowboarding at Mount Hutt, a big resort an hour and a half from Christchurch close to the town of Methven. I was broke so originally told Nadine it wasn’t possible to meet her for a couple of days on the slopes, but as she was learning and buying a season pass and of course wanting my wonderful company, she most generally agreed to shout me the day and a half.  Nadine – you rock and I owe you big-time. Serious appreciation girl!

Video from the top of the mountain

We were both up early the next day, all excited to get out to the snow. After a cold shower (if you book into this hostel make sure you ask them the night before if the hot water is working!), we had breakfast and hit the road. The journey there was lovely, and getting closer and closer to the mountains on such a lovely sunny day after a massive dump of snow was leaving me beyond excited. After lots of rigmaroll what with getting set up with wheel chains for the drive up the mountain, gear and passes – we got out onto the slopes soon after lunch for a half day. I was stoked to get back snowboarding and had a great time. The view of the Canterbury plains from the top of Mount Hutt is spectacular and as we drove home exhausted, we admired the sun setting.

We found a very, very basic campsite in Methven, (only stay if very necessary) showered, ate Nadines delicious home-made soup and went in search of some life in the town. We had a drink and a boogie and went back to the campsite for a few zzzz’s. It was EXTREMELY cold that night and I began to wonder as I drifted off to sleep how Nadine was living out of her van for the whole year. Respect! The next day was brilliant and Nadine was definitely showing an aptitude for snowboarding. I went off on my own while Nadine had lessons. Soon I met a girl who was at a similar level to me so we had some fun cruising around together. Overall - it was a fantastic few days. Snowboarding on a three metre deep base so early in the season was a serious treat. With great weather and great company - what's there to complain about? The next morning I got a shuttle to the airport early to catch my flight to Auckland. I booked a week in advance and paid 60 dollars to fly Jetstar, a highly recommended airline with excellent value. My first and best friend in New Zealand, Aisling and her friends picked me up at the airport and we began our road-trip back to Ruapehu, where the dream began just over a year previously.

On a budget in Queenstown?

If you have money to spare while traveling through Queenstown, it is an incredible place for anyone who knows how to have a good time. From outdoor adventure to funky bars and restaurants, it really has it all. Having said that, being a poor wanderer like myself in this city was not so bad. In fact, it was wonderful. I made the most of my time here despite being broke. If you're on a budget here's some recommendations;

Free Fun In Queenstown

Queenstown Gardens and Frisbee/Disc Golf - There is an 18 hole course in the Gardens which offers fantastic views over the lake. The gardens themselves are beautiful and it's worth going to visit the huge plaque in memorial of the brave explorer, Robert Falcon Scott, who died of starvation and hypothermia while exploring the Antarctic regions in 1912. 

Sit by the Lakefront - Grab a coffee, sit on the stone wall in front of the lake and marvel at the sight in front of you. No matter what the season, this view could never be anything but jaw-dropping. Grab some bread and feed the ducks, enjoy the buskers, admire the slackliners, watch the paragliders doing swirls in the sky. There's also some interesting landmarks like the one below. And of course If you enjoy people watching, there will no doubt be plenty of characters to feast your eyes on. 

Video of Queenstown Lakefront

Icehockey - In winter there is a local league. Go to the stadium at the back of the gardens to enjoy great team spirit and atmosphere. I was really taken aback at the skill of some of the players. Great watching!

Walk - There are endless walks in Queenstown. Each one as lovely as the next. Some of my favourites include Sunshine Bay, the Gondola walk (watch the zipliners as you do it), the walk to Frankton along the lake and Queenstown Hill. They each make for amazing photo opportunities and clean, fresh air in the lungs.

Visit Lord of the Rings Filming Locations - There are plenty of these scattered all around Queenstown. In the AA road atlas map you'll find ring symbols scattered everywhere directing you where to go. A lot easier on wheels than on foot! Great fun for all those LOTR fans!

Watch bunjee jumpers at Kawarau Bridge - I was lucky enough to work at a function at AJ Hackett Bunjee one day. Unfortunately being out of pocket meant I couldn't jump myself but I had great fun watching! This bridge was originally the only road into Queenstown and has been described as a 'model structure in both design and workmanship'. The area has a lot of interesting history. Worth a visit! 

Good Value Food, Bevs and Dancing

Searle Lane - Cheap drinks, Live games on their big screen TV, great dancing after 11.30pm, pool table, VERY good-looking staff. Need I say more? Become a member which is free and you'll get at least 5 free drinks a week. GRAND!

Cowboys - 10 dollar MASSIVE pints, free pizza and nibbles without request, huge cosy fire and a mechanical bull. I chose here as a day time, 'lets go for one' kind of bar. Beware of potential night-time activities that can occur here; namely drinking 15 cheap tequila shots and getting flung off the bull, as has happened to friends. I wont go into detail. 

Cowboys

Barnesy in Cowboys

1876 - 4 Dollar drinks. A favourite amongst us young folk without a parade of backpackers. Trendy vibe and relaxed atmosphere. 

Brazz - 10 dollar all day, full breakfast. So, so worth it! Delicious coffee too.

Cookietime - Delicious delicious delicious half-price cookies from 5-6pm. Their hot chocolate is also wonderful! 

Cookietime

 So there you have it my friends - how to have a great time in Queenstown on an extreme budget! Enjoy!

Life in Queenstown

Where to start. Well it's been a long time since my last post. And I suppose having a good time has been getting in the way! I flew home to Ireland on August 8th and am only getting the chance to catch up with my blog now - finally! My last few months in New Zealand were filled with memories I can't even describe. Leaving was difficult, but necessary, and since I've been home I'm appreciating what a beautiful place I live in and what wonderful friends and family I have.

SO - Queenstown! Such a wicked little town full of vibrant people, magical scenery and hidden treasures. Known as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier four season lake and alpine resort, this gem of a spot is surrounded by majestic mountains and sits on the shores of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. If you feel like going to a spa for a day to relax, I would recommend just going to Queenstown instead! Taking a walk here would revitalise a ninety year old shriveled prune.

 A duck hanging out on the Lake front

 

View of the mountains 

Queenstown Harbour

     Queenstown Lakefront

I lived like a backpacker while traveling before arriving in Queenstown, but I still treated myself and made sure I had a good time. My funds at this point weren't abysmal - but I certainly needed to watch my spending and find some kind of work. The problem was this - every young person has heard about how amazing Queenstown is in winter, and every young person ascends on the town looking for work; many of them kiwis with no visa restrictions or other travelers with plenty of time left on their one / two year visa. I was not one of those people so finding work for the presumably short time I was there was near impossible. Luckily I secured myself work for accommodation in the lovely Bumbles Hostel, right on the lakefront. I worked three hours a day, five days a week and didn't have to pay a penny in rent. It was a combination of being in the right place at the right time and a bit of a slog on my part in looking for somehow to sustain myself that this came about. I was only in Queenstown three days and yet there were people like me there six weeks with out work and paying 160 dollars a week in rent....in a hostel! I was not going to be one of those people. I also got a little bit (well a tiny bit) of temping work through AWF, which made life a bit easier. I wanted to live in Queenstown and I was going to make it happen - there was no two ways about it.

 View from our deck at Bumbles

Living in arguably the most beautiful city in the world was dream-worthy. Time was spent meeting old friends, making new ones, hiking, drinking tea, trying out new recipes, sitting at the lake-front, wishing I could afford to go snowboarding (although there was very little snow), getting to know the inside of night clubs and pubs quite well (Searle Lane mostly), eating Fergburger at 4am, watching hockey games, laughing in the dungeon (our room at Bumbles), people-watching and reminiscing about my year in New Zealand and how it had impacted on my life. Time passed slowly by and I had the chance to think about the last twelve months, the next twelve months and what they would throw at me, and about my place as just one of seven billion people in this world. Things were uncertain, yet I was free, hopeful and happy.

Day 15 (May 29th) Wanaka and arrival in Queenstown!

I woke up at about 8am ready to go out hiking. As I walked out of my dorm I was greeted by a massive blanket of snow and a complete white out with very little visibility so hiking could be a bit dodgy. However, after forty minutes and a hearty breakfast, the weather and visibility was improving significantly. Xavier and I decided we would climb Iron, a short walk from the hostel so we could see the beautiful views in Wanaka which is known as a town of natural mountain and lake splendour. The location of Wanaka at the foot of the Southern Alps with the wilderness of the Mt Aspiring National Park nearby makes it a magnet for outdoor lovers the world over. We are pretty chuffed there's been such a heavy snowfall which really add to the beauty. Mount Iron is an impressive, glacier carved, rocky knoll that rises nearly 250 metres above the surrounding countryside. As a result, from the summit there are excellent 360-degree views of the The Pisa range, the Upper Clutha Basin, Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. It is approximately an hour to the summit. What a lovely walk! And there's snow everywhere, including some mini snowmans which have been made by other walkers who have been out earlier than us. It really feels like winter now and it's a beautiful, cold but fresh day. There are really cute little rabbits running around everywhere but they are too quick for us to get any decent pictures. I'm still quite excited by this as I have never seen them in such abundance on any walks in Ireland. We reach the top, breathe in the clean air and take some pictures. 

 Views from Mount Iron

I would love to explore some more of Wanaka and check out the cute little town but I'm eager to get to Queenstown where I have good friends waiting my arrival. I head back to the hostel, grab my bag and get out on the road. I am so excited to get there! I have heard nothing but excellent things about this tiny little winter paradise. After about 15 minutes, I'm picked up by Sarah, a young, kiwi artist who wants to 'revolutionise hugging' and really appreciates all the beautiful things and beautiful people around her. She is great fun and obviously talented. Check out her stuff here! She drops me in Frankton and I'm soon picked up by another Kiwi man, Danny, who feels sorry for me lugging my bag along the road in the snow. Yay! It's snowing again as we arrive in Queenstown and I am already loving the city as I admire the place before being dropped right at my hostel, Absoloot. I get inside, have some dinner, get ready and then meet Charlotte in 1876, a cute and classy bar in town with excellent drink prices. We catch up and hours later I go to sleep dreaming of a wonderful winter in a wonderful winterland, Queenstown. 

 

Beautiful Queenstown