Day 2: Road Trip to Queenstown (view photo set here)

Friday we undertook the 484 Km's road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. Hired two cars a Subaru Legend and a Nissan Bluebird (yes! turns out they still make em) for the journey. Navigator Haynes (amongst other occupations), Wingman (or Assassin???) Tom, Segar and I lead the way in the Legend whilst Conradical, “Al” Desira and Pukey followed in the Bluebird.

The drive was picturesque with plenty of panoramic or aka “tomoramic” views, the name was due to Tom's constant referencing, taking photos and videos (refer to Tom blog if further explanation is necessary).

Some excitement/panic was added to the journey when a eagle swooped meters in front of the car to collect some road kill, I made the comment, “we are a chance of hitting this…” but never expected to come as close as we did! The eagle got to windscreen height less then half a meter away from the car, we all seen the panic in the eagles eyes, Haynesy screamed jumped onto my side of the car, Tom and Segar ducked for cover as we narrowly avoided the bird… I was later complemented for not swerving and staying in control of the car, I did not have the heart to tell everyone I had closed my eyes and hoped for the best… I still don’t know how we missed… Apologies no one was quick enough to get a photo…

The irony of the eagle swooping to get road kill only to become road kill was missed but not forgotten.

We stopped for lunch 2 hours into the drive at a small town at the foot of the mounts. Shortly after resuming the journey I noticed the familiar sight of white Nissan Bluebird was not in my rear vision mirror “Should we call them?” I asked, “Nar, they have a map and will call us if lost” navigator Haynes replied… Turns out the boys in the Nissan Bluebird decided to follow another Silva Legend that looked “identical” to our car… After an hour of driving and passing a sign indicating to Christchurch in the direction they were traveling the boys realised it was the wrong car and only then noted there was only ONE person in the Legend…

Whilst the Bluebird boys were making up for lost ground we stopped to have a look at the bungee bridge to the relief of some we just missed the last jump for the day… The boys looked much more relaxed walking back off the bridge!

When we arrived in Queenstown at 4 pm (6 hour journey), we checked into YHA Backpackers (hostel) quad share rooms with ensuite (shower and toilet), TV and access to a common room with kitchen and eating facilities (common room closed at 10pm each night).

Haynesy and I went for a explore of Queenstown discovering Steamer Wharf on Lake Wakatipu before the group settled in at Altitude bar for a few social ales, some group shots and frolicking with locals. As the night kicked on Steve D even decided to do some “pole” dancing…