After wanaka we went to queenstown and met beth and steve who had been visiting some friends in the north island. We took a cable car up to the top of the hill in the town and looked out over the beautiful scenery; a huge lake and snow capped mountains! Once at the top of the hill we went on the luge! Just a small go kart type car on a slim track going down the hill! We had one practice run and then went on the proper track! It was so much fun and we all had a laugh racing each other down the track!
We took a walk round the town and came across a frozen lake where a kid bet us 10 dollars that he could walk all the way across without cracking the ice! He did it but we ran off before he could ask us for the money!! We felt a bit cruel after the effort he'd put in!
The following day we played indoor mini golf which was very cool! It's so well designed and there are miniature airports and gondolas whichvtake your ball around the course! It's more a game of luck than skill though!
Our last day in queenstown beth, David and I did a skydive!!! We were given a briefing in the offices but nothing can prepare you for the actual dive! We were whisked away to an airfield in a mini bus and watched some people falling in ahead of us! The photographers come in before the others and they Ho so fast, it's amazing to watch!
Finally it was our turn to go up in the plane, all 3 of us went together with our tandem instructors and my photographer! The plane was so tiny you almost had to sit on your instructors lap! My instructor sat behind me and attached harnesses etc as we were going up! I didn't have a clue what he wad attaching but I was having to trust him with my life at this point!! We took a scenic flight over the mountains first but I don't think any of us were looking at the scenery! I could see excitement and apprehension in everyone's faces!! I wasn't nervous just really excited! We climbed to 12,000 feet and the door of the plane opened! Before I knew it David was sucked out of the plane! Then it was my turn! My photographer went out before me and attached himself to the outside of the plane! My instructor sat on the edge if the door with me on his lap, then rocked twice and we were gone!! You have to stay in a banana shape so that they can get in the right position whilst freefalling!! It wad incredible!! I can't even describe the feeling of freefall! I had around 45 seconds freefall but it felt like longer! When I was tapped on the shoulder I was allowed to pull my arms out! That's quite hard to do against the wind!! My photographer was then in front if me out of nowhere taking pictures through a device in between his teeth! I was trying to pose for the camera but it was hard with the ground coming towards you and the amazing scenery all around!! My photographer was then gone and the parachute was opened (luckily!). My instructor pulled the cords so we were going round and round in circles, it was cool! Once safely on the ground the 3 of us were pumped full of adrenaline! I could think of nothing else for the rest of the day! It really was an incredible experience and a great ending to our time in queenstown!!