Queenstown

Queenstown was our stop for 2 nights and Dominique found this amazing little boutique hotel called The Dairy and we finally found a spot where we could well and truly relax and feel comfortable. It has only 13 rooms.

The guys running it went out of their way to make sure we were looked after from making dinner reservations (getting us the best table) at restaurants, serving afternoon tea and b’fast, to sightseeing tips of what to do and what not to do.

They served the best bacon I believe have ever eaten.

We have met some amazing people along the way, particularly at this hotel. One guy a chemist invented the clear shiny film that goes onto labels and books covers etc...nearly any label he had an application for. He had several factories around the world. Another owned an international corporate training company.

The best dinner we had was at Wai. Right on the waterfront boardwalk, we had the prime seat to enjoy sunset on the mountains. We enjoyed unique and rare Stewart Island oysters. Stewart Island is south of the main south island.

The oysters were served with 3 accompanyments. White balsamic jelly, lime sorbet and lemon ‘caviar’. We also had the whitebait – delicious!

Mains was tuna for me and 57C beef with oxtail ‘cigar’. We chatted most the night with the couple at the table next to us. Really lovely couple from the USA. They insisted we share a nightcap with them at the bar of their (very exclusive) hotel. We couldn’t resist.

The scenery around Queenstown and of “The Remarkables” is indeed remarkable and I can only imagine how breathtaking it must look in winter. Now that I know we can fly from Melbourne to Queenstown...we will be back.
Now Mr Barker... about the NZ red wines...WHY have you been keeping these a secret???? “Craggy Range Syrah” from Hawkes Bay...fabulous....not to mention the “Sacred Hill Merlot Cabernet” from the same area. We are now walking into most wine shops to find more of these little beauties!!!!!!