We awoke in our beautiful private villa to a spectacular view of lake Wakatipu from our window and not a soul in sight. The slightly dodgy weather put paid to our proposed helicopter trip, but instead we decided to take advantage of the day to go up into the mountains for a jet boat safari.

We enjoyed an excellent breakfast at Azur Lodge before getting picked up by a coach and transported to the very small town of Glenorchy, only about 250 residents or so we were told. We then transferred to a 4WD coach and headed into the most amazing landscapes which have set the scene for the filming of many movies including Lord of the Rings, Wolverine, White Fang, Prince Caspian and many more.

We crossed the Dart River bed in the bus and then took an interesting walk through the woods before getting to the highlight of the day, an hour and a quarter jet boat ride on the Dart River. It was an excellent trip, but boy was it chilly!!! We had been warned to bring warm clothing and certainly needed it, even with the warm lined spray jackets which were provided. We followed the river up as far as we could go and then headed all the way back to Glenorchy enjoying many thrills on the way including the obligatory 360 degree turns of which there were at least half a dozen.

Back in the warmth of Azur Lodge we were treated to wine and canapes before retiring to our wonderful villa which, incidentally, is larger than our flat in Hong Kong!!