Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley and Mt. Cook

Friday May 25, 2012

Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley and Mt. Cook, New Zealand

Sunny and 55 degrees

We had an early departure drive from Queenstown to head for what will become the highlight of New Zealand...beautiful Mt Cook National Park! Today was sunny and cool, beautiful blue skies for our first stop in Arrowtown which was a booming town during the 1800's gold rush. A very picturesque mining town. We made a short stop, for coffee, rest rooms and shopping.

We drove pass beautiful mountains and lots of bungee jumping bridges which originated in New Zealand. Our next stop was the Gibbston Valley Winery, where we had a wonderful tour and wine tasting we sampled their most popular selling wines, a Pinot Grigo, Rose and Pinot Noir, which were all very good. They also had a some local cheese that we could purchased so we could have it once we arrived at Mt. Cook.

We drove through Lindis Pass and cross the beautiful Kawarau River on our way to Mt. Cook.

We arrived in the Alpine Paradise of Mt Cook around 3:00 PM and they truly saved the best for last. When I tell you this place was incredible and the hotel was phenomenal, I am not exaggerating! The pictures do not do it justice, when you are standing there in the mist of the snow caped mountains surrounded by nothing but God's Country, you will be in total awe. There is not much to do in the park, other than nature hikes and such, so it you are looking for shopping and restaurants, this may not be the place for you, but if you want total peace and quiet and the most unbelievable scenery imaginable and enjoy relaxing and soaking up the views then this is the resort for you. We all wished we were staying longer than the one night. And wait until you go to your room.... As soon as you open your door, there is Mount Cook smacked in the center of your picture window! Breathtaking and all the rooms at the resort have a view of the mountain.

We had time to relax and enjoy a glass of wine and our local cheese we purchased from the winery and just sat and admired the view. I never had a view like this on any vacation, so I was quite impressed. Plus the room and bath were very large and comfortable.

We headed for dinner at our resort the Hermitage and ate at the Alpine Restaurant. Before dinner we were able to roast marshmallows over the open fireplace which was fun. Then we sat down to a wonderful buffet and delectable desserts...What an incredible resort....What an incredible day!

ACTUAL VIEW FROM OUR ROOM!