(This is part of a trip report to NZ/AU, using 125,000 AA miles and $131 to fly business class to NZ and return on Hawaiian Airlines, with a stop in Honolulu.)

We arrived in Queenstown, the adventure and tourist capital of NZ, and stayed in the Crowne Plaza on points, and sorry, no photos from inside – we were too busy having adventures!

We went on a Dart River tour, which included a bus ride to Glenorchy and visits to movie scenes from the Hobbit films. Here are some photos along the route…

We went on a “backcountry route” to Paradise, with stops along the way to see the sights. ALL of NZ truly is paradise, it’s one of the most beautifully scenic places I’ve ever been!

They explained how the furniture was built large for the movies, in order to make people look small…this picture proves it works!

 

And finally, our river tour on a jet boat in the Mt. Aspiring National Park.

 

 

 

It’s almost impossible to describe the water color…

This is a huge piece of greenstone in the concession area…

Our adventures were pretty mild compared to most Kiwis! We went up the mountain on the Skyline, to get fantastic views of Lake Wakatipu.

 

Here are some REAL adventurers!

One of my meals in Queenstown, I love fish and ate it every chance I got!

Queenstown was loaded with tourists, many from Asian countries, and there are probably ten or more adventure type tours available, and as you can see, we did the mild ones!

Next is Milford Sound, the Southern Alps!