April 20, 2011 – Trip briefing at 8AM –short drive with many places to see along the way. First stop was Arrowtown with a restoration of a Chinese settlement where Chinese gold miners struggled to eke out a living in the mid-1800s. The ladies had ample time to shop and we enjoyed some freshly baked goods in this small town. After Arrowtown , we stopped at Kawarau Gorge, the site where Bungee Jumping was invented. One of our more adventurous ladies on the tour took the leap off the bridge. From there, we stopped at the Gibbston Valley Winery & Cheesery where we sampled several wines and ate a variety of cheeses and bread in an idyllic setting under some large trees. We stopped at the 45th Parallel which marks the midpoint between the Equator and the South Pole where a local offered to take our picture.
Then we traveled onto Jones Fruit stand where we purchased fruits and some Manuka Honey that claims to boost the immune system and aid digestion.
Our last stops of the day were the Toy Museum and Puzzling World with some amazing illusions. Here the restroom had a very interesting depiction/illusion of a Roman bathroom with running water – Check out my photo of our friend Dick Green as he visits this unique Gentleman’s room.
By 5 PM we were in our campground at Wanaka in time for a 6 PM trip briefing and an Ice Cream social provided by our Wagonmaster. Such a fascinating day. We are glad we chose to travel with this caravan company, Fantasy RV Tours. Fantasy provides remarkable diversity, enrichment and adventure here in New Zealand.
