OverSixty April 2023 Digital

ISSUE 4 | APRIL 2023 | OVERSIXTY.COM.AU 32 DIANE GODLEY DESTINATIONS A holiday in New Zealand is a no brain- er, especially for those of us living in the eastern states: the %ight is short, there is only a two-hour time di$erence, the scenery is mind blowing and there is no shortage of experiences there for the undertaking. Awe is immediate as the plane threads its way through the mountain peaks on New Zealand’s South Island on its descent into Queenstown airport. Stepping o$ the aer- oplane onto the tarmac, turn 360 degrees for an eyeful the mountain vistas that await. Spectacular scenery is everywhere. Queenstown is located on the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu and is set against the dramatic Southern Alps. In the winter, these are laden with snow, and although our trip was in December, there were still quite a few beautiful snow-capped peaks to be seen. In Queenstown, the mountains start from the edge of the lake, rising up high to punch the sky, so most lodgings are set on the hill- side. Not toomany digs don’t o$er amagni!- cent view. Our accommodation was halfway up one hillside, so we were very glad to have a hire car to take us up the steep roads back to our holiday house at the end of each day. Queenstown o$ers a plethora of exciting things to do, from adrenaline-rich activities to more leisurely pursuits. Many will set you back a pretty penny, but if you’re not there for the area’s renowned adventure sports, you can pace yourself – and discover cheaper ways to get your thrills. Our second day in Queenstown was bliss- fully sunny – a relief after getting a drenching the day before during a short walk through the Beech Forest near Glenorchy, at the top of the lake. "e blue water beckoned to us from our lofty location, but instead of taking one of the many cruises on o$er, we decid- ed to take the $7 ferry. After getting caught out the day before, we went prepared and crammed everything in our backpacks for the four seasons – and rain. Stopping at three spots along the small cove, the ferry takes around 20 minutes and is a much more cost-e$ective way to get on the water and take a leisurely walk – either A short trip ‘across the ditch’ o$ers a wealth of spectacular sights and experiences PLAN DESTINATIONS INSPIRATION CRUISING Travel From its mountainous peaks to stunning forests, lakes and glaciers, Queenstown o%ers spectacular scenery Photo: Getty Images DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS 32 Majestic Queenstown 34 Who put the port into Portugal? PLAN 39 Perfect the art of group travel INSPIRE 38 5 things to do in Chiang Mai 38 Discover magic on Norfolk Island CRUISING 36 Taking to the river 40 Why cruising is the perfect holiday for any budget 34 38 36 Inside TRAVEL Majestic QUEENSTOWN