This morning we took our coffee “for take-away” and got an early start on our drive to Queenstown, known globally as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Queenstown is uniquely situated on the south island at the edge of many vast natural parks and is the birthplace of many adventure sports including commercial bungee jumping and jet boating. We will definitely not be participating in bungee jumping, but Jay and Maureen will be going jet boating tomorrow while Stephanie takes a day-long horseback riding trip.

Our first stop today was a beautiful view of the Tasman Sea at Knights Point Lookout. After our helicopter ride yesterday, it was fun to see another perspective of the ocean and shoreline. We then drove to Roaring Billy Falls to view a small waterfall falling into the familiar blue glacial waters in a rocky riverbed. The waterfall and river are clearly bigger in the spring (we are here in the height of summer), but it was still peaceful and beautiful on a foggy morning.

Next we traversed the valleys through Haast Pass, along Lake Wānaka and through “The Neck” to Lake Hāwea and down to Queenstown. At seemingly every sharp turn and over each hill was a stunning vista of the fingers of water meeting with sharp mountain peaks.

We arrived in Queenstown in time for our ferry to Walter Peak High Country Farm, a working sheep farm. The farm has also acquired other farm animals that they keep as companions, including an orphaned baby goat named Caramel, Scottish Highland cows, alpacas, and donkeys. One donkey named Cloudy (pictured below) is famous for being “The Enforcer”. One farm worker calmly told us that when their biggest Highland cow, Finley (also pictured below, having the best hairdo on the farm), gets too out of line, they put Cloudy in with him and Cloudy will nip at his testicles to keep him in line! Apparently Cloudy is a very friendly donkey with everyone, including Finley when he isn’t acting awry, except for this one job. Stephanie can attest to his friendliness as she petted him. Jay nervously kept his distance.

We were also treated to a wonderful demonstration of sheep shearing, an important historical, economic, and cultural tradition in New Zealand. Although the sheering does not make the farms much money anymore due to the price of wool, the sheering is important care for the sheep. The sheep may look uncomfortable during the sheering process, but they actually quite like it (kind of like a massage) and makes them feel much lighter afterward. However, Mia, one of Walter Peak’s working sheepdogs, stole the show by showing us her amazing sheep herding skills. Mia was so excited to herd sheep she was shaking during the sheep sheering until the farm worker gave her the command to herd and she took off like a shot up the hill. After her work, she was rewarded with many pets and cuddles. Our dog, Remi, who is also part sheepdog, could learn a thing or two from Mia but is too busy lounging on the couch in front of the fireplace.

For dinner we went to a very traditional Japanese restaurant serving Sukiyaki hot pot. We also had Wagyu beef dumplings, tempura, and sushi. All the food was delicious. We are continuously amazed by the authentic food diversity in New Zealand – a real treat for us foodies!