Queenstown & Glenorchy, South Island – Riders of Rohan
After experiencing a lot of what the North Island has to offer (okay, seriously, we didn’t even crack the surface), it was time to see the South Island. Onwards to Queenstown! I would have preferred to drive, but since we were short on time, we hopped on a flight and were gifted with some of the most spectacular overhead views I have ever seen!
And the views just kept on coming! And coming! And coming! Seriously, are we in a postcard right now?
Often considered one of the most scenic drives in the world and definitely in New Zealand, the aptly-named Gateway to Paradise from Queenstown to Glenorchy was, in a word, breath-taking. As it snakes around Lake Wakatipu, each corner greets you with endless views of the Southern Alps – the Remarkables and Humboldt Range were particulary impressive! The drive only takes about 45 minutes (or a few hours in our case), and is worth every second!
Our destination was Dart Stables for a horseback adventure through the Dart River Valley (yes, another Lord of the Rings filming location). The River Wild is a two hour gentle horse ride that follows the beautiful scenery of the Dart River as it winds through Te Wahipounamu, one of New Zealand’s World Heritage sites.
After getting geared up in the provided boots, helmets, and riding jackets, it was off the races! (Not really, this was a very easy and leisurely ride. Both David and I have horseback-riding experience, however I believe a novice would have absolutely no problem). Riding a slightly smaller horse named Scar, I fell in line behind David (riding Pippin), and we were guided across wide river beds and through grassy fields, all with the majestic mountain ranges rising up around us.
New Zealand and Queenstown, in particular, are known for their adventure sports, however if you want a relaxing off-the-beaten path experience to appreciate some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see, make the short journey to Glenorchy! You will not regret it!
