TransOceania Queenstown

A rounding off. Written from the sun drenched slopes of [Old] South Wales, well I’m sure the drenched bit at least is right.

A happy couple of days around Queenstown where the cycle tour finished – emerging blinking from the TDA travelling bubble to take a few hesistant steps on our own, at a time of our chosing. Stressful.

As was negotiating baggage with Jetstar, owned by Quantas. Except there systems don’t talk. We don’t do extra bags sir (as our tickets bought through BA we were only able to add a second bag (for bike) at airport)…we add more kg. At 30 AUD / kg. Pick me off the floor. Wrestle to the ground via an online chat then a call (which was probably 30 AUD/min). Main thing is all got to Heathrow. Getting it into the baggage claim took longer than the 27 hr flight it seemed.

It’s always fun to work out how to get onto a different public transport system – and good when it works. This occupied the rainy day going to the airport to try and fix luggage. All peaceful in the q until Jetstar announce cancellation of 3 flights – a lull then mayhem. You’ve got an enquiry about a flight in two days time sir? I see, well just close the door behind you as you leave – we’re stressed here!

Queenstown is now a tourist hub. First settler came from Haverford West in Pembrokeshire in 1860. Lots of boats sailing in 1860. When gold was discovered the British Government bought his small holding for 10000UKP – or 1.5million in today’s terms. Poor chap. The cemetery tells the story then Frankton, just up the road, thought it was the place to be – so the first hospital / cemetery (not saying much about faith in happy outcomes ) were there.

Lots of tourist things to do in an absolutely stunning setting. I settled for a slow walk up to the Gondola station on Ben Lomond (really, they could have thought of something original) and a cable car down. Then a happy mootch around the peninsular. Frisby golf was the thing.

Then all too soon, but the right time, to the airport – and a happy check-in. As I’d let 3.5 hours as a contingency, I’d lots of time to explore the vastness of the airport. Once around took 5 mins. I do like small airports though.

TTFN. See you next year.