After leaving Lake Matheson we headed to Munro Beach for a hike and picnic lunch. There was a little something for everyone - bush, beach, bugs and a banquet. From there we headed along the Heritage Highway to Queenstown - The Adventure Capitol of New Zealand. Our hotel is the St. Moritz, a full-service hotel with kitchen and much-needed laundry facilities. We have all of the next day to enjoy the myriad activities available in Queenstown - whitewater rafting, jet boating, bungy jumping, paragliding etc. Doug and I chose instead to walk around town (SFC at the Naff Cafe), have a massage, enjoy a gondola view of Queenstown and take in some luging.
After breakfast the next day we head to historic Arrowtown for a walk around and then it's off for a flight-see of the mountains and Milford Sound. It took us a few tries to get over the mountains, but we did get to see part of hiking route that we start tomorrow. After landing at the sound we boarded our boat for the view from the water. A bit chilly on the upper deck - but lots of waterfalls, seals, hanging glaciers and other boats to watch. The deep fjord is pretty spectacular with Mitre Peak in front. When the boat ride ends we board the bus to Ten Anau Downs where we will spend the night before starting hike. Our bus driver was the "master of disaster". During the course of the two hour ride (through the most avalanche prone part of New Zealand) he proceeded to tell us how each and every person who had lost their life in that area had died. Interesting, but a bit disconcerting. We start our hike tomorrow!
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