Chard Farm Winery
Our second visit (together) to the south island of New Zealand was almost exactly one year to date from our first trip there. This time around, The Kepler Challenge, that Galen entered (ahem, took third place), initiated this year’s trip. But really, there was no need for twisting of arms around the decision to return. New Zealand is a favorite spot.
We arrived in Christchurch mid-day, nabbed the rental car and drove about 6 hours south. We stopped off for the night and were off again the next morning to finish off the drive to Te Anau. This was the day before the race, so we were staying relatively low key as we settled into our hotel and cruised over to the start of the Kepler Track. The well-kept track starts in a beautiful wooded spot filled with ferns and regular access points to Lake Te Anau. I went for a run while Galen checked out the trail’s finish.
Next day was race day. Galen has already covered the race in this post, so I won’t say much more here. This being my first encounter with an ultra distance trail race, I can say these races don’t attract people of all walks of life – more like lots of different people who are of a hearty stock, the type who don’t mind getting a little “roughed up” while on the race course. In case you didn’t read Galen’s post on this race, I’ll just say that this is not really your hometown 5k. I mean these people are required to wear a backpack with gear to ward off hypothermia in case they get stranded up there above tree line. Galen did great and to spectate was inspiring.
Riny Day Picnic
Next morning, post award ceremony, we hit the road to gorgeous Queenstown. Ah, Queenstown. Our three days there were spent running/hiking (Kristin), mountain biking and cold swims (Galen), eating at a local favorite where burgers are massive and taste-y, wine tasting in Central Otago, getting creative with the umbrella for a rainy picnic date, a soak in the mountain view hot pools, and lots of general r&r. When it was time to leave we dragged our feet and made the multi-hour drive back to Christchurch. Dang that drive. Lesson learned this time around- fly into Queenstown.
We did make the most of a little extra time we had in Christchurch and caught a good flick at a local art house theater, toured some art gallery, and managed to score a table at a booked out, and very tasty, Burmese restaurant.
New Zealand can’t be on the list every year, but there is no doubt it will stay in the rotation.
More photos from the trip here.
Thanks for the story!
That is a spectacularly situated winery; I didn’t know the industry had spread that far south; quite the contrast with the nearby southern alps. The “ferberger” was very impressive, and a great umbrella shot.
Now I’m feeling nostalgic!
As if I don’t already want to go enough, your pictures are THIS CLOSE to making making buy a ticket to New Zealand. I’m glad you enjoyed your second go around. And I love your dedication to picnicking. You have to love engineering minds and their ingenuity.
New Zealand is such a beautiful country – those lupines, ferns and alpine lakes all nestled amidst mountains are a visual feast! The hot tub scene near Queenstown looked like a very nice place. The country looks very bike friendly as well. Fun picture of the old bike with a wooden crate on the back.
The upside down umbrella for your rainy day picnic had me puzzled at first look – very clever indeed.