Saying Goodbye

It was poring down rain as we left Milford Sound, but by the time we got to Te Anau, it was beautiful weather all the way back to Queenstown. We spent our last three days here, doing a little shopping, suntanning and eating. We even found a Mexican restaurant that I had to try. Mexican food is what I miss the most about the States (besides family and friends of course!)

On Saturday, Amy and I went Jetboating on the Shotover River. These jetboats skim over the water at extremely high rates of speed doing 360 degree spins. They can even run in water as shallow as 4 inches! We sped through the Shotover Canyon, narrowly missing the canyon walls. Amy and I managed to get into a boat full of Americans, from LA no less, who were so obnoxious that it made us cringe to be from the same country.

We made a lunch of pesto sandwiches to eat by Wakatipu Lake before heading to the Skyline Gondola for some fantastic views. At the top we saw a Maori performance called the Kiwi Haka. I have to say I was a little disappointed with the show. But I have since learned that there is less Maori influence in the South Island. Most of the Maori were wiped out by Europeans or other Maori tribes. There are very few Maori that live in the South Island.

On Sunday, it was time to say goodbye. We returned out Apex rental car at the airport. Can't say that I was sorry to see it go. But at least with all the off roading and river fording we did, I was pleased we didn't have to pay extra for any additional scratches or dents in the car.

It was sad saying goodbye to Amy. I boarded a plane for Napier, and Amy, a plane to Loma Linda, via Hawaii (lucky girl!) Our Kiwi Christmas holiday is now over, but between us we have over 1000 pictures of our time together.