Rotorua to Queenstown and Owen's Three Seconds of Fame

You know what, domestic flights in New Zealand are INCREDIBLE. Do you remember the days when you could just walk to your gate? Like, just stroll up to it. No security check, no emptying your water bottle, no taking off your shoes, no removing tissues from your pockets, no pat down because you're wearing convertible pants with lots of zippers because they're perfect for travel, no x-ray for your bags. Do you remember? Neither do I. That's why flying in New Zealand is so incredible. It's like a world I never experienced. No lines. No stress. None of that crap.

So, on this day, we just strolled up to our gate. We boarded the plane in an utterly civilized fashion -- no lining up by row or status. We just stood up and walked on the plane.

We had to change planes in Christchuch, and because it was Christmas Day, most members of our tour group were wearing their very tasteful Christmas swag items distributed by our tour guide.

Our crew's festive attire and spirit attracted the attention of a local TV crew, which promptly interviewed our guide and shot B-roll as we awaited our plane.

Owen made the evening news with his Grinch-like neon green tie.

We bid farewell to the TV crew and hopped on our plane to Queenstown. On the way, we were blessed with extraordinary views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps.

 

Before checking into our hotel, we made an excursion to Arrowtown, a historic gold mine town, for a gourmet picnic lunch and stroll around town. It was a gorgeous afternoon and a perfect Christmas lunch!

 

 

Members of our tour group mug for the camera (some better than others).

Remnants of an area where Chinese settlers lived during the Gold Rush.

From there, we headed to Queenstown. If you haven't been to Queenstown, you should know it's one of the most beautiful and fun cities in the world. One of those "If I was a gazillionaire, I would have a house there" places. We checked into the Heritage Queenstown and had a relaxing afternoon drinking tea on our balcony and exploring the city. We took a ride up the cable car, which rose at a 90% angle and made Owen feel slightly unsettled.

Owen and what he looked like after the unsettling cable car ride.

Owen feeling better, back on solid ground with a cup of tea on our hotel room balcony.

We wrapped up a beautiful day with the best buffet dinner I've had in my life at our hotel. The food was absolutely amazing and the views were even better.

I forgot we had our swag on....