The Scenic Way Home - Leaving Australia for New Zealand

Having left Australia after living there for 6 months, it felt sad to know we are flying out of there not knowing when we will return.  Australia is great country,  one thing that really stood out to me was the quality of life.  It is a country that really gives its inhabitants a chance to enjoy their free time and get the most out of their surroundings.  People over there work to live, not the other way round and it is so refreshing to see that.  People young and old are out in the fresh air enjoying themselves even after the sun has gone down.  I will never forget one night after sunset, I was running along the beach path and a bell rung behind me and turning round a group of ladies rode past me on their bicycles. It was such a great sight that really did put a smile on my face :) Instead of sitting on the sofa watching t.v they were out with friends and keeping fit.

A run along the beach path, Gold Coast

Arriving in Christchurch yesterday, we were obviously, after the recent earthquake, not quite sure what to expect.  We did think about staying one night on the edge of the city but after driving around and seeing the damage which had affected even accommodation out of town we decided to start the long journey down to Queenstown.  After driving for 4 hours we finally stopped at our place of rest, Lake Tekapo.  The Lakeside Backpackers Lodge was our bed for the night and waking up the next morning we were greeted with glorious sunshine, blue skies and an incredible view of the lake.

Lake Tekapo

Setting off at 10am, we were well on our way to Queenstown and after a few stops including a traumatic bungy jump we were there before 5pm! Queenstown instantly WOWed us! Dropping down the hill with the town on view in front of us, it was beautiful to see.  There is such an optimistic feel to the town, positive activity is happening all around you at any time of the day and as the lights go down at night the wood fires are started and the delightful little drinking holes start to come alive.  Next stop...Wanaka :) 

By the lake in Queenstown