SPL#2 - NZ Trip (1-11Nov 07) Day 7

DAY 7 - NOV 7, 2007

The day commenced with a morning stroll in the Arrowtown Park, to take in the fresh air. We would be leaving Arrowtown for Queenstown later in the day, so we wanted to enjoy the tranquility, and the inner peace which tranquility brings, one last time before we left.

Arrowtown Park

Swinging around in an old town's playground


Feels like being at the top of the world?

We went around taking photos of the houses in the vicinity, of the Arrow River and of the Arrowtown Park till it was almost time to check out. Then, we proceeded back to our motel, packed our belongings, dialled a cab and off we were to Queenstown!

Arrow River


Settlers used to mine for gold here

There was a problem, however. Our plan for that afternoon was to join the cruise on the TSS Earnslaw plus the Walter Peak farm tour at 12 noon. Usually the check in time for motels is at 2pm, so the thought of dragging our luggage along onboard the ship appeared both impractical and impossible.

Our motel unit in Arrowtown


The garden area


Sure wish I owned this house!

So, our cabbie suggested that we drop by Sherwood Manor, the hotel we would be staying in, on our way to Steamer Wharf (the pick up location for the cruise) to ask if we could leave our luggage with them. To our delight, when we got there, the receptionist indicated that our room was ready for occupancy anyway so we could leave our luggage in it.

Steamer Wharf


The TSS Earnslaw

Then, we were off to Steamer Wharf for the TSS Earnslaw cruise. The TSS Earnslaw is a steamship which operates on coal, and it was going to transport us across Lake Wakatipu to our destination at Walter Peak high country farm.

The vessel being loaded with coal

After receiving a journey's supply of coal, the ship set sail, or rather, "set steam" at noontime for the 30 minute journey to Walter Peak. Food was available onboard but we did not order any as we were going to have our lunch at Walter Peak itself. So our time onboard was spent exploring every crook and corner of the ship, exaggeratedly speaking. And also relishing the sights of the scenic Lake Wakatipu accompanied by the stunning backdrop of the Remarkables mountain ranges.

Bye Queenstown!


For we must be on our way to Walter Peak

Upon arrival at Walter Peak, we indulged in our BBQ buffet lunch, which consisted of barbecued chicken drumsticks, beef sausages, lamb chops, grilled fish, pork ribs, salad and fruits. Lunch was at an open dining area by Lake Wakatipu. It was wonderful because there was scenery to enjoy and fresh air to breathe along with lunch. Although it was cold, we'd agree that it was a worthwhile experience.

BBQ lunch feast

Lunch by the lakeside

I should be ashamed to say this, but lunch was so good and we so engrossed with it that we were still eating when the farm personnel beckoned everyone to join him for the farm tour.

In the farm tour, which wasn't really a tour actually, we experienced a sheep performance and sheep shearing. We had the chance to hand feed the sheep, but they defecated all over the place after eating. That was pretty grotesque - some unsuspecting tourists even stepped on you know what... eeeeewwwwww!

Yes there were plenty of these in NZ

The sheep had this uncanny behaviour of moving around together, and not just together as you will see in the pictures, but very closely together even when they are dashing from place to place, led by the sheep dog. I really wonder how they were able to run so fast so closely together without tripping over one another - if they were humans we'd possibly have a stampede.

See how they run together


So close together

Besides seeing how a sheep got laid bare in the sheep shearing performance, we were also shown a demonstration on how wool is woven. Takes a lot of time and patience, I'd say. I wouldn't be able to imagine myself sitting there all day trying to make something out of the wool; I'd probably go mad.

The sheep shearing performance


That's a lot of wool!


Reminds me of Grandma & her sewing machine!

After the farm tour, we took the TSS Earnslaw back to Queenstown. Since it was pretty early when we got back to Queenstown, we decided to do some shopping. My parents had been trying to find high quality honey since day 1, but the UMF20+ ones didn't come cheap and cost 50 bucks per bottle. I don't know what UMF is exactly, but supposedly the higher the figure is, the more active ingredients there are in it.

And one last shot before we leave Walter Peak

While we were shopping, however, we chanced upon a shop which was selling these quality honey at a sale price of $33 per bottle. As you'd expect, my parents bought a couple without any hesitation. As for myself, I bought two T-shirts. I was also looking out for a suitable wallet and keychain for I couldn't find any design I liked so the tees were all I bought.

In the evening, after 3 hours of shopping, we decided to have KFC for dinner. I know its weird, going overseas and eating something readily available in Singapore. But it's cheaper, and I thought the chicken was juicier and definitely a lot bigger compated to Singapore.

With that, it marked the end of yet another day. Our New Zealand holiday was fast drawing to a close. Four more days and we would be back in Singapore - the prospect was unthinkable but surely unavoidable...