Bianca's New Zealand trip... 

In September 2010 I was lucky enough to be taken on a VIP trip with Qantas to New Zealand for being a “Qantas Holidays Top Achiever”…  

When you look in brochures of New Zealand I have always thought that the stunning scenery and crisp blue skies almost look to good to be true how wrong was I. The first thing about NZ that struck me was not only the people but the scenery really does take your breath away…. I was fortunate enough to tour the South Island (some say this is the best island) and I would probably agree… Our Qantas flight was very good and between London and NZ we were lucky to experience business class and their premium economy cabins before arriving into Christchurch. The Garden City of Christchurch sits on the fertile pastureland of the Canterbury plains with a beautiful backdrop of the snow-capped Southern Alps. The punts on the River Avon and the tramways trundling the streets give Christchurch a quintessentially English feel.

Our next stop was Arthur’s pass taking one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, after crossing the Canterbury plains the transalpine winds its way over massive viaducts through spectacular river gorges before arriving into the alpine village of Arthurs pass 737 metres above sea level! We then travel along the West Coast before staying for the night in Fox Glacier. The next day before we set off the weather was on our side and we all took the most amazing scenic flight I have ever done to fly over the two famous glaciers Franz Josef and Fox Glacier before landing on the top for a few pictures and to view this incredible natural phenomenon – something not to be missed!

Our journey continues with yet more incredible scenery as we travel past the untouched native forests and pristine Lakes of the world heritage Westland national parks and hast pass (I have a picture I want to put in of Lake Matheson which I will send over to you) before we go from the alps into the Southern Lakes District. A quick stop to look around the popular townships of Hawea and Wanaka before arriving into Queenstown for our next couple of days. The alpine resort of Queenstown has become the adventure capital of the world, with an unrivalled choice of activities designed to scare you out of your wits!! It is also a really lovely place to sit and relax with a tranquil location on the edge of Lake Wakatipu at the foot of the Remarksables Mountain range.  Our stay in Queenstown included a trip to the top of Bob’s Peak and the summit of the Skyline Gondola to enjoy some great views over Queenstown unfortunately the weather didn’t hold out for us on this day so we didn’t get the opportunity but for those who fancy it there is a chance to experience the Queenstown “luge” before descending to the base of the mountain. There is some great shopping in Queenstown being a popular ski resort in their winter months (July and August) you will find plenty of shops for all kind of activities and some great sweet shops too!! The next day was one of my best - The Shotover Jet Boat Ride” absolutely awesome this is not for the faint hearted it’s a unique breathtaking ride through dramatic narrow canyons and is Queenstown’s only ride that offers exhilarating full 360 degree spins!!

The next day and our last stop we travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook National Park a world heritage listed site. The park covers over 70,000 hectares of alpine scenery and is home to the newly opened Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine centre.  My visit also included a stopover in Fiji and Hong Kong but instead of going on forever if you are interested to know any more about the trip please do let me know.