The New Zealand adventure begins...

We arrived! My friends, Chip and Diane and I arrived safely, after 16 hours of flight time, 24 hours total travel time, and many less-than-desirable airport meals. However, this place is already amazing... And we just got here! Chip has a 7 day adventure race with his team of 4, and the three of us are exploring the south island until race day. And I get to re-connect with a friend and former roommate from my Florida days who actually lives here now.

This view of "the mountains in the clouds' was beautiful just before landing in Queenstown

The next order of business was to get "our heads around" the fact that they drive on the left side of the road here and the driver side of the car is on the right.

Just study this for a minute...

We got to eat lunch at a beautiful lakeside restaurant, ride the gondola up for the views, and take a Luge ride!

The view from the top of the gondola ride

Lunch at the lakeside restaurant on Lake Wakatipu. Our best meal in days

Gondola ride. Looking down

Chip and Diane. Ready to Luge!

The Luge mobiles

The curvy Luge course, and Chip beat us both times

Tomorrow we rent mountain bikes! Can't wait!