Air New Zealand wins hands down when the livery of an aircraft has been taken into account. Beyond that, the airline wins numerous awards for customer service and product. Additionally, Qantas and Jetstar have a number of services from Australia to Queenstown NZ.

Today Queenstown Airport is showing off New Zealand’s namesake ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’.

On this occasion, heading off to Wanaka via Cromwell. Alpine Connexions run regular services each day to Wanaka and return.

Without doubt some of the world’s best wines come from the south island of NZ.

Wyndham Vacation Resort offer comfortable and superior rooms at competitive rates.

Lake Wanaka, very picturesque at any time of the day.

Walking around the perimeter of Lake Wanaka in the evening.

The walkway along the water’s edge, the pathway shows tiles which historically notate world events over the centuries and quite interesting to read.

To quote Stephanie Brake: “Wanaka was my gateway to aspiration and believing that with a combination of carefully-guided support, emotional release and self direction, I could achieve virtually anything.”

Dedication shown to a loved one.

Kayaking is just one of the numerous activities you can take around the lake and the township boasts many cafes and restaurants.

Today I’ve opted to feel the breeze in my hair aboard a purpose-built jetboat which speeds along the Wanaka River. We’ll be underneath Mount Aspiring and the surrounding glaciers along the way.

Not to be disappointed, this company delivers big time on adrenalin rushes with plenty of ‘spin outs’ which would have to be the equivalent drag racing burn outs?

Because the river rose overnight due to rain and a sprinkle of snow (yes it’s summertime in NZ), we were able to go further up and visit the forest area known as East Branch. Absolutely stunning!

It’s easy to see why films such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit have been filmed in unique locations and are nearby to this area. There are tours which can be taken to see them as well.

The precipitation eased up slightly which added to the ambience of the area’s beauty and serenity.

East Bank with waterfalls flowing freely and in abundance all around us.

Slowing down on the jetboat, (yes another Kiwi invention), our guides James and John took time out to give us information about the area’s historical story.

Returning at the end of a day of which Evel Knievel would have sanctioned from above, I have to say – gee what a fun day out – water sprayed and all that frizzy hair to go with it!