Day #19 Queenstown

We had the morning free as we had a jet boat tour scheduled for the afternoon. We decided to head to Arrowtown which is about 20 minutes outside of Queenstown. Arrowtown was part of the New Zealand gold rush. After the California gold rush, gold was discovered in Arrowtown by Māori Jack. The town has been well preserved in its late 1800s condition. The difference is most buildings now house restaurants, souvenir shops, etc.

Arrowtown

yes, Virginia
they still sell film

post and telegraph
not currently functioning

X marks the spot where gold was discovered

a rediscoverer

We headed back to our room and had a bite to eat. Then it was off to the jet boat adventure. It was raining on the upper part of the Dart River which is where we were headed. We were offered a refund or scheduling on the following week. We aren't going to be in New Zealand next week and we are adventurous people. We decided to go for it. The trip was pretty exciting and the weather cleared by the time we headed up the Dart River. The jet boat was invented by a New Zealander, William Hamilton in the 1950s. The water is too shallow for propeller boats on many rivers. We jet boated in water less than a foot deep.

heading out to the river

one of the boats

taking a break

jet boat runs in 8 inches of water

some scenes from the Lord of the Rings were shot here

jet boating

Another Dart River factoid, there were 4 or 5 major scenes in the Lord of the Rings series shot around the river. However, we saw no hobbits, elves or trolls.

This evening, we splurged and dined at a Michelin stared restaurant in Queenstown, Rātā. It was a great meal.

Tomorrow, we make our way to the Franz Josef Glacier.