New Zealand 2017 Day 5: Queenstown

Time for the South Island!  I had a morning flight from Rotorua to Queenstown. I was surprised how simple it was to return the rental car.  Just parked it and dropped off the keys.  The airport was so small and there weren't any security checks, so I had a lot of extra time before the flight.  There was a lot of fog, so the plane was a little late.

I had a minor panic attack when my backpack didn't fit in the overhead bin..but luckily I was able to shove it under the seat instead.

It was only a 30 minute flight to Auckland, where I would then take another flight to Queenstown.  I started getting a bit motion sick towards the end of the flight.

As we were approaching Queenstown, the scenery was incredible.  Mountains and water everywhere. The city is nestled in between it all, and you could just sense that the city was about adventure and beautiful sights.

Unfortunately, it was raining when we arrived...

View from central Queenstown..Obscured views.

I took the bus (No 11) from the airport to central Queenstown.  Super convenient for $12nzd.  Got off the bus stop and the Black Sheep hostel was a two minute walk away.  It was only around 2:20pm when I got there, and the room was not available until 3pm.  I just rested in the lobby until it was time.  There were other people doing the same.  It was a very different vibe from all the other Airbnb and hostels I've gone to.  Felt dirtier...maybe because everyone was sprawled about and there were brown stains on the carpet.

I got a private room (so glad I did) and was super hungry but had to hang out in the room for a little bit because my phone needed to charge.  By the time I headed out for a late lunch, it was pouring rain.

View from my room in the evening at the Black Sheep Hostel

I found a pizza place that had reasonable reviews, The Cow. I was debating between going to the bar next door to eat and watch the Superbowl, but noticed it was packed with Patriots fans so didn't bother.  The pizza was good! Thin crust, prosciutto.  Pricey though, $28nzd.

It was still pouring rain, and I was glad I came prepared with my raincoat and my backpack's plastic cover.  I meandered about the town, but it was not ideal because of the rain.  One of the popular walks was up Queenstown Hill, but I decided against this because of all the rain and fog that would likely obscure the views.  I opted for a lakefront walk instead, and walked the Queenstown Garden route.  Windy and rainy the whole time.  The entire area surrounded by peaks and fog gave the environment an erie look.

Garden with well maintained, flat trail.  Rain, fog, and wind!

After the loop around the gardens, I was indecisive about what to ultimately do in the bad weather..and I just walked around the town again, did some window shopping and didn't really have an agenda.

I tried to find a reflexology spot but they were either closed for the holiday or fully booked.  I was exhausted by the time it was 7pm, so I headed back to the hostel for a laid back night.  I would have to wake up early after all.  Did some more route planning and took it easy!