We were picked up in town at 9am and transported to Arthurs Point, the home of Shotover Jet. After running through the safety briefing on route we were told that the temperature on the river was –15, to expect to get wet…and that we would return with a thin layer of ice on us!
On arrival at their HQ we were given a black overall, and lifejacket, and told to cover as much skin as possible…better for the water to freeze on your clothes than skin! A quick pre-trip photo (still smiling) and we were boarding the ‘red jet’.
Our driver Brett was full of enthusiasm, and after another safety briefing we were off, hurtling down the river at speeds of up to 80kph. A few more quick photos before we disappeared into canyon number 1 (the award for most skin coverage goes to the couple in the back row!!).
As we twisted our way at speed through the narrow canyon we could see that the canyon walls were covered in thick sheets of ice. The boat passed within inches of the walls, and at times it felt like we were bouncing off them. As we emerged from the first canyon we then went through a number of 360 degree spins (again at speed), after which we were wet, and Ben lost all feeling in his face…but was still smiling! Nicola, joined the couple in the back row, adopting the ‘terrorist’ look!!!
As we stopped for a moment to catch our breath, and wipe the water/ice off our sunglasses Brett ran through the details about the jet boat…after which Ben decided he wants one! At 250,000NZ$s we think it might take some time to save up, especially after this trip…and to be honest we can’t think of anywhere near Mossley to ride it!!
As we retraced our route back to their HQ the ride was exhilarating, quite literally taking our breath away. Back on dry land we headed up to the office where we checked in for the next part of our trip.
If you want to get a real feel for the jet boat ride log on to their website and watch the video…www.shotoverjet.com.
A quick shuttle bus up the Coronet Peak ski field access road and we arrived at the heli-pad. As we stood looking out over the valley we could see our helicopter flying in to pick us up.
As the pilot touched down we made our way across under the blades to board the helicopter.
Once us, and the 4 other passengers were in, buckled up, and with headphones on the pilot took off, and we watched as our shuttle bus disappeared into the distance.
Our flight path took us along the valley to the Skyline Gondola at the top of Bob’s Peak, where we dropped the other 4 passengers off.
With the other passengers safely on the ground the pilot sat us both in the front seat…and once again Nicola was far too close to the controls!
Contrary to what the above picture suggests, she was not flying the helicopter!
Next stop was up high over Queenstown, once Ben had checked to see that there were no Para gliders overhead that is!
The views out across the town to Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range were spectacular, definitely a moment not be forgotten. We flew past the airport, and up towards the tip of the mountain range; in the below picture the left hand point is where we landed, and below it you can see the road snaking up to The Remarkables ski area.
We landed on a snowy spot, high above any other life and jumped out for a chance to admire the views. The breeze was strong, and our pilot told us it was a cool –10 up here, brrrr!
We posed for photos, and then hopped back in the helicopter for our flight down to the airport.
We had a shuttle back to the van and sat with our feet up looking through the photos…it had been a busy action packed morning, it wasn’t even 11am yet!
So, what could the afternoon hold…a trip abroad the oldest coal fired steamship in the southern hemisphere of course!
The TSS Earnslaw was first launched in 1912, serving the remote farming communities around Lake Wakatipu carrying everything from cargo, livestock and passengers.
Once on board we got to look around her restored decks, seeing the steam engines, where the stokers shovel coal into the glowing fireboxes.
We even got to stand out on the viewing deck to gaze at the stunning alpine scenery.
After freezing outside we decided to head into the saloon for a hot mulled wine to warm up.
Once we had made our way across beautiful Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm we turned around and returned to Queenstown, watching the sun set on the town.
This evening we went out for some pub grub…Ben was delighted to have his first roast dinner since Christmas, needless to say he REALLY misses his Mum’s home cooking!!
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