For the Easter holidays, we went overseas - for the first time this year, and the 3rd time since the lockdown ended, and travel restrictions were completely relaxed. This trip was a far cry from much of what this year had been - stress and anxiety from Cyclone Gabrielle, the Auckland flooding (although I was in Waitomo, having just done the black abyss adventure that day), a terrible incident at the Plane Sailing festival involving some rogue intoxication team staff from Trademark Live, and having friend and family conflicts online resulting from that.
However, the two weeks leading up to the trip were on a much higher note (including St Patrick's Day!), and more happy - only two days prior to departing Auckland, I did a bungy jump in Taupo (sadly, wasn't allowed to go nude, due to some strange policy regarding children, as Auckland and Queenstown bungy sites allow nudity), and a week earlier, Posie Parker was forced out of the country after being juiced with tomato juice as people protested against her transphobic and hateful behavior.
We left on the 31st of March in the morning, and arrived early morning in Brisbane. The flight was smooth initially, but halfway through the flight, it got violently turbulent - to the point that it actually became frightening, and I even screamed a bit. We were so relieved to exit the plane after such a scary flight, even by my standard as an adrenaline junkie. After arriving and checking in, we spent the first day shopping. It was hard to decide what I wanted to buy. I saw a nice Fendi mini bag which functioned as a keychain that I wanted to buy, but my aunt (who I was travelling with) disagreed and didn't like the style. Ultimately, we ended up buying a blue-colored sequin Furla bag. Later in the trip, we did go back to Fendi again, but this time we settled for a wool shearling headband.
The next day, we did the Sea World Cruise in Surfers Paradise, where we were treated to delicious food, including fresh seafood and tasty desserts. We had to purchase drinks onboard, as they weren't included, but the cocktails that we purchased were absolutely delicious, refreshing and sweet.
Once lunch was over, we were given commentary about Surfers Paradise, and the surroundings. We were treated to lovely views of lovely swimmable beaches, natural scenery, the city coast, and even wealthy suburbs which featured large mansions (and are much more beautiful, cheerful and colorful than the estates and the mansions in the Taupo/Wairakei area, Auckland and Queenstown)!
On the way back from the cruise, I had delicious ice cream from Gelatissimo Surfers Paradise, which sells really good gelato. I highly recommend anyone visiting Brisbane or the Gold Coast goes to this ice cream place at least once during their trip.
The next day, we went to Wet'n'Wild a water based theme park, which is also in the Gold Coast. The waterslides were really fun, and the queue wasn't actually that bad! I wanted to go on every waterslide, but unfortunately, the staff did not allow me to ride some due to the fact that I was a solo rider! My favorite slide was the Aqualoop, as it was thrilling and gave me an adrenaline rush, when the trapdoor suddenly opened and I dropped at a very fast speed!
We also saw some wildlife at the theme park, including sulphur crested cockatoos, lizards and other birds!
On the fourth day of our trip, we went back to Surfers Paradise, this time, for me to do the SkyClimb at the Skypoint tower. The skypoint climb is 270 m above sea level, which is considerably higher - and the views are also much more scenic - than that of the SkyWalk (which I also did but last year, during the Diwali Festival) in Auckland's CBD. For this reason, the adrenaline rush is actually greater and it was also more fun and thrilling than the Auckland version! Bonus point: It's cheaper too, despite the Australian currency being higher than the New Zealand currency. The whole experience lasts around 90 minutes, and according to the site, it is Australia's highest building climb.
Above: The Skywalk in Auckland.
After I did my Skyclimb, I went to the observation deck, to level 77 - in the same tower - and my aunt (who I was travelling with) and I had lunch up there. We had fish and chips, and fried chicken as well, and ordered cider to drink with our lunch. The food was absolutely delicious and it was worth it.
Once we had our lunch, we walked around, taking photos of the beautiful scenery of Surfers Paradise from the observation deck. The views were magnificent, and stunning, with 360 degree views of the beach and the city.
We woke up the next morning to go to the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. We walked in the gardens for about 1 and a half to 2 hours approximately. We took lots of photos, the scenery was very nice, with many exotic plants (in addition to common plants), and water fountains. We also saw more wildlife - from crows and parrots to lizards and even a turtle.
After walking in the botanical gardens, we had lunch and did some more shopping again, and bought a Fendi headband (as shown in the image above). We returned back to our hotel for a rest, before heading out for dinner.
We woke up on the 5th of April, early morning, to go to Mooloolaba, which is a small coastal town in the Sunshine Coast. We had a nice feast of prawns, barramundi fish and chips, and fried calamari, and a refreshing cocktail, then I went swimming at the beach. Later, we walked around the area and took some photos but unfortunately we had to leave early as it is a long way back to where we were staying. We stayed in central Brisbane, close to the river and the shopping mall, where there were designer stores - from which we bought the designer accessories from.
We went to the Pacific Fair mall in Broadbeach, in the Gold Coast the next day. We went shopping once again, this time to buy clothes. I bought a matching set - a mesh top and skirt, both are stretchable and versatile to wear. We had lunch in the mall, then I attempted to swim at the beach, having swum there last year - but unfortunately, swimming was not permitted due to the weather and wave conditions! At least the next time I go back, I will have that opportunity to swim at Broadbeach and also Surfers Paradise.
Then on the next day, we went to Southbank, across the river in Brisbane. We had early lunch, then I got tickets to the Ferris wheel, having had my photo taken first - before going up on the Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel ride was amazing, you get to be on it for a few rounds with plenty of opportunities for photos (I took some photos while on the ride). The ride also gave some commentary about the history of Brisbane and Brisbane city itself. After the commentary finished, I was allowed a few more rounds on the Ferris wheel. We also went to the markets in the same area but nearby, where I bought a straw hat and an artwork of John Lennon - the markets there sell amazing stuff and lots of interesting things, from souvenirs to decoration and jewelry and more. Then, we had dessert and an Easter chocolate drink at Max Brenner, which is a well known dessert café, where they make really good cakes and chocolate drinks which I highly recommend if you are looking for good desserts, if Max Brenner is in your area.
On the second-to-last day - and the last full day in Australia, I did the bridge climb in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane. It was my first time ever doing a bridge climb, I have not done it before - not even the Auckland Harbor Bridge climb at the Auckland Harbor Bridge, in Westhaven. The bridge climb is about 80 to 90 meters above sea level. The duration of this bridge climb is about 2 hours, including getting harnessed up and the safety briefing. I got lovely views of Brisbane city, and the river and the guide gave us commentary about the city, the surroundings and the bridge itself.
âLater, we went to the Le Bon Choix café, for dessert. We ordered a Moulin Rouge cake, and the Amaliyah cake as well, and both came with Easter eggs - as pictured. We also ordered iced chocolate. The desserts were really delicious and well presented, and I also recommend this place for dessert as well.
Finally, the last full day we had to pack our suitcases to go back home and check out, but as we had plenty of time left, we went back to the same place we went to for dessert the day before - to have breakfast, as supermarkets were not open due to it being Easter day, and also the fact that we didn't want to carry excess food with us. We enjoyed breakfast and another round of dessert, and spent some time in this café.
Later, after breakfast, we stopped by Opa Bar Mezze, which is a Greek restaurant by the Brisbane river, and had lunch and wine there. After lunch, we sat by the river for a while, to take photos. Then we slowly made our way to the train station to take a train back to the Airport, taking photos outside a historical garden for a while on the way back.
We left for the airport to catch the flight back home - and fortunately, the flight was much smoother this time around. When we got back home, I only slept a few hours even though it was already midnight - because the Easter show at the Auckland showgrounds was on that same day (we were back at home past midnight, in the very early hours of the morning), and I got to see two of my cousins at the Easter show, go on some rides, and ordered lunch at the Easter Show from her BBQ Pitstop food truck! Unfortunately though, due to the weather conditions, I could not ride the Turbo Boost, as it was extremely windy and it was also raining, but at least I'll have other chances to ride it in the future.
Despite all the troubles that we have been through this year, including friendship issues that have resulted as an aftermath of the 2021 Delta lockdowns as well as an incident at the plane sailing festival, the floods and the cyclone, we have had the best Easter in a few years, in part due to being able to go overseas without anymore travel or Covid restrictions, and in part due to the fun things we did before the trip, in Australia and also at the Easter show. We love Easter, it is a fun time of the year due to the fact that we eat Easter treats, and also the fact that we also go on holidays. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, and I look forward to more trips, both domestic and international trips this year. Let's hope that the Easter holidays next year - and in the future - will be just as good, or better.
Note: I took the photo featured on the blog cover. The image can be found on my Instagram page, in this link here.
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Queenstown is a beautiful resort town, in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island. It is surrounded by beautiful forests and a lake - which is known as Lake Wakatipu (also sometimes known as Whakatipu). And it is not only a beautiful place due to it's alpine scenery, but it also has lots of things to do - in addition to great hospitality as it has lots of great food and drinks on offer, which makes Queenstown a great holiday destination. You are spoilt for choice.
Adrenaline activities
Queenstown is actually a playground and the best destination for adrenaline junkies in New Zealand, due to everything that they have to offer - and also the abundance of good hospitality and friendly people, too. You can never go wrong with Queenstown. Asides from enjoying yourself, the benefits of an adrenaline rush are huge - other than just that "feel good - euphoric" feeling, it also plays a huge role in your health for the better. Note: Not all adventures are for everyone, some people with certain medical conditions or injuries may not be able to do it. So if you have a medical condition, such as hear or back problems, neck or head injuries, it is best to check with your doctor first. You cannot bungy jump in Queenstown if you have photosensitive epilepsy (Epilepsy which is triggered by flashing lights) due to AJ Hackett's policies on medical condition requirements. Please also check with each company's policies if you have certain medical conditions. Also, anyone who is pregnant should not seek out intensive and high adrenaline fueled activities and many companies will not permit them either. Bungy Jumping Bungy Jumping is a MUST do in Queenstown. I have done the Kawarau and Nevis bungy (yet to do the Ledge Bungy but will do so eventually). For those who are starting out, the Kawarau Bungy is the best place to start. Be warned though, the Nevis Bungy is NOT for the faint of heart as a stunning 134m is more than 3 times the height of the Kawarau one! The second bounce is actually just as high as the Kawarau bungy, which makes it really thrilling! Nevis swing and Catapult The Nevis Swing and the Nevis Catapult are also a must do activity in New Zealand. The feeling of a big drop is so satisfying - and also the feeling of the adrenaline rush and euphoria that comes with it! I was supposed to do the Catapult - but we had the misfortune to not be able to do it that day - since we found out the ride actually malfunctioned before anyone could do it, and so we got a refund. But I enjoyed the swing and this time I went backwards, which, according to the crew, was the most thrilling option! At least I will get to do the Catapult the next time we go back to Queenstown. Shotover Canyon Swing This is another of my favorite of my activity. It is not exactly a jump, but depending on the method you choose, this may not be a swing either. You can choose from many, many styles - including the chair, seven count style or even the "Osama" style - that involves the staff putting a black bin with a depiction mocking the now deceased terrorist Osama Bin Laden over your head (hence the name) before dropping you off the platform for 60 metres - with a harness attached, of course! This company even has their own Tik Tok which I highly recommend you follow as it is really amusing to watch people react and scream as they're terrified to their wits! Jet boating Jet boating is another great activity that is a must do in Queenstown. There are several locations in which you can do it - you can do it at the skippers canyon, you can also do it the extremely popular Shotover canyon valley, run by Shotover jet - there's Kjet as well. I prefer the Shotover Jet and the Kjet out of the fact that they are the most thrilling - and the Kjet being the longest jet boat ride - up to an hour. The Shotover Canyon is not for the faint heart, as this can be a rough jet boat ride - and the Skippers Canyon is not recommended for anyone with respiratory problems (the extremely dangerous road - or so they say - leading up to the canyon, can be very dusty and can cause eye and breathing problems. If you do choose to do this one and you have a respiratory condition, it is highly recommended to wear a mask to avoid breathing in dust. Sunglasses should also be worn, to avoid eye irritation from the dust. Hydro shark attack Hydro attack is a little bit like jet boating - but with a huge difference. One important difference is that the hydro jet goes underwater, which sets it apart from jet boating. Another thing is that only one person can ride it at a time, and it can get very loud - which means they require you to wear noise cancelling ear muffs. The hydro jet also leaps above water and, like jet boating, is very fast too, which makes it a really fun activity to do! NOTE: This activity is weather dependent, so it may not run on days if the weather is deemed unsuitable by the company. Haunted house - Fear Factory The Fear Factory is just by Lake Wakatipu, and it is extremely fun! You have to navigate your way through total darkness - without help except only the guidance of small red lights. It is thrilling not only because you are in total pitch black, but you will also be exposed to sudden movement, bright, flashing lights and loud, startling noises. Due to the potential exposure to flash lights and strobing effects, this is not recommended for anyone with photosensitive epilepsy. Other adrenaline fueled activities include:
Pamper time and relaxation
Adrenaline is clearly not for everyone, and it requires lots of bravery and strength and confidence to do any adrenaline fueled activity. Not to worry though, there are plenty of other activities for others to do! Onsen Hot Pools This is definitely a must do in Queenstown. Onsen Hot pools are outdoor, and you spend one hour in there, soaking up the beautiful views of the mountains and Shotover river. The tubs have very fresh and clean water, and the water is very warm. You also get to choose a snack and a drink to have in the pool. This is an ideal activity for those who don't like doing adrenaline activity, or for those looking to wind down after an intense activity that they've done that day. Wine exploration/tours There will be tour companies in New Zealand that will take you to various vineyards, where you can do wine tasting. These will last half a day, or a day depending on what you choose. For example, on the trip right after the Delta lockdown last year, we went to Gibbston Valley for lunch, a wine tour and wine tasting, after doing the Kawarau bridge bungy (Highly recommended place, the winery is hugely known for producing really good wines and fine dining!). Depending on your wine preference, your budget and how much time you have - and your itinerary, you will need to choose the right wine tour for you - and not all of them may be suitable for you. If you are only in Queenstown for a short time, for example, and have lots of other activities in your itinerary, then you should only do a half day tour, or even book a simple lunch or dinner at one of the vineyards around Queenstown.
Excursions
Queenstown has got lots of excursions on offer. These typically last a day, or in some cases, over a few days depending on your itinerary. Here are some of the most popular ones that I know off: Glenorchy Excursion The route from Queenstown to Glenorchy is very scenic and beautiful, and it is also a must do in Queenstown. You can catch a half day tour - there are a few companies that run excursions to Glenorchy from Queenstown. They give commentary along the way to Glenorchy and they take you to Paradise, and the Lord of the Rings film locations. You will also get a delicious Kiwi - themed morning tea and photo opportunities as well. The trip lasts around four hours, but it is worth it. Mount Cook Excursion This is an absolute must do when you go to Queenstown. It is quite a long way from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook, with at least 7 hours each way (not including the short stops in between) by bus, drive or a coach. This can vary, of course, depending on traffic, road conditions - and any stopovers. With this in mind, be sure to get up very early in the morning - and be prepared the night before hand! You will be picked up by the tour guide very early in the morning, then the guide will pick up other passengers. Once all people booked are picked up, the tour will commence , with the driver giving some commentary of the areas you pass through throughout the trip. You will also get stopovers for photo taking opportunities and also morning tea at The Wrinkly Rams in Omarama and on the way back from Mount Cook to Queenstown, you'll get to have a nice feast of fresh salmon at High Country Salmon farm in Twizel. If you're lucky, you may even get to stop at Mrs. Jones fruit store in Cromwell, if you have time on the way back! If you have the luck, do buy fruit and wine from there, as the produce is very fresh. Once you reach Mount Cook, you will be given a choice of activities to do - you can do the Hooker Valley track, the Helicopter glacial landing, or another track which is shorter. I highly recommend doing the helicopter glacial landing and the hooker valley track. The hike is long, but is well worth it. Milford Sound OR Doubtful Sound day trip This is another highly recommended excursion to do when you are in Queenstown. Again, you are picked up very early in the morning - when it is still pitch dark - so it is recommended that you are prepared the night before you do this excursion. Be sure to have lunch and water packed with you, if you have opted not to buy lunch as a part of the package of the excursion. They also have the opportunity for you to buy additional drinks and snacks on board as well. If you are doing the Milford Sound excursion, it is a different route to the Doubtful Sound one, and it is a bus ride throughout, until you reach Milford Sound - then you hop onboard the boat and you'll get a cruise around Milford Sound, with plenty of opportunities to take photos of the waterfalls, and wildlife if you are lucky to see some. The Doubtful Sound route is a bus ride until you reach lake Manapouri, then you take a boat ride across the lake - then you go by bus through dense forest before reaching Doubtful sound, where the cruise begins. Like Milford Sound, there are opportunities for photos and to buy food and drinks - the scenery is a little different though, and it is often very gloomy, but yet very scenic and beautiful. You will also see wildlife. Once the cruises are done, you will be picked up and dropped back to Queenstown pretty late.
Queenstown has got lots more than all that is listed here on offer, such as picnicking by Lake Wakatipu, getting an ice cream, hiking, going to the ice bar, going for a bike ride and going to Arrowtown to do shopping and buying candy from The Remarkable Sweet Shop, and getting a platter and enjoying wine at The Winery. There are plenty of things to do - again, you cannot go wrong with Queenstown as there is activities for everyone.
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And finally, tips:
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AuthorI am Natalie Dunn. I am a feminist who believes in gender equality and rights for everyone. I have many passions in life such as fashion, beauty, adventures and travelling. Archives
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