Mountain views

Auckland is so flat in comparison to Queenstown.  Landing in this beautiful part of New Zealand I was starkly reminded of how much I miss having access to proper mountains on the North Island.  A few token mountainous volcanoes, but then it's hills and more hills in the top half of the country.  The craggy peaks and gorgeous snowtopped mountains around Queenstown and Wanaka are breathtaking.  It has been an absolute joy to be surrounded by them for a long weekend.
Driving through Kawarau Gorge was quite mind-bending too - it transported me right back home to Scotland.  It is so similar to the drive from Banchory to Glenshee, I half expected mum to be waiting at the end with homemade soup and bread!

But would I want to live down here?  I'm not sure - much as it is a stunning place to live, the South Island doesn't really have anything by way of exciting cities, the flipside of the lifestyle coin that is just as important for me.  Hmmm...

We have had a brilliant long weekend 'holiday' down here: sailing on Lake Wakatipu on the old steamboat TSS Earnslaw, visiting our good friend Jane at Walter Peak Station, spending time with our other good friend Laura in Wanaka, tasting lots of wine, eating good food, going to the cinema (I have GOT to find one like it in Auckland - a lazyboy for everyone!), skiing at Cardrona (thighs burning) and soaking up the sights.  It's been a good one.  I can't wait to come back down for our proper two week holiday in January.

Check out our holiday snaps here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oddballproductions/sets/72157631672665704/