Sunrise, sunrise
Queenstown, New Zealand:
One of the best things about catching an early morning bus is being up in time to see sunrise.
Sun rising over Christchurch, NZ
The sky was the most amazing shade of pink, yellow and orange as I ate my oatmeal yesterday morning. What a glorious sight to wake up to! A much nicer thing to see first thing in the morning than this:
Saturday was a fantastic day to hang around Christchurch, exploring the markets and watching street performers. Magic, dancing and, yes, sword swallowing. I had to laugh when the magician — sorry, “illusionist” — played “The Final Countdown” during his last big number. How Gob Bluth of him… 
Then it was time to hop onto yet another bus for the 8 hour trip from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Lake Tekapo
We made a few stops along the way, including a lunch/photo op at Lake Tekapo. The icily-cerulean water is glacier-fed, giving it that color. Another stop was at an orchard that sold every fruit imaginable, plus local honey, lotions and candy. Chocolate-covered kiwi fruit = yum! 
Finally I made it to Queenstown, much smaller and more obviously touristy than Christchurch. The town itself isn’t too spectacular but that’s made up for my its incredible setting next to a lake and among mountains.
Lake Waktipu, Queenstown
Queenstown is best-known for its adventure sports and outdoors activities so there’s not much to do in town. I asked a couple of the guys here what there is to do and they said, “Go out and drink.”
Tomorrow’s agenda is the 11 km Ben Lomond Track that runs just behind Queenstown. I’m hoping to do a guided hike of 19 km (only one section) of the Routeburn Track on Tuesday or Wednesday. It looks gorgeous and would definitely be worth experiencing.
Oh, and remember all the funny signs I saw in Australia? Turns out that New Zealand has a few of its own unintentionally.
Do you ever wake up early enough to watch the sun rise? How about stop in the evening to see sunset? I rarely notice sunset unless I’m intentionally watching for it. Isn’t that terrible?! 
That sunrise is fantastic! I would love to see one like that!
Woo! I did most of the Ben Lomond trek accidentally when I was there (woah! an awesome trail leading up a mountain, let me go!) I stopped not too far from the summit since I was knee deep in snow in jeans (I didnt realize I’d be hiking) and the only person on the mountain. Hopefully you can make it up since it is earlier in the season and less snow. Amazing trail. =) Very jealous of the Routeburn track possibility – I was looking at that when I was there but once again… it was dead of winter.
I also did a day trip to Arrowtown – pretty awesome. If you have some extra time there, I really recommend taking the ‘Stray bus’southern circuit – can see Milford Sound, Stewart Island, etc. It was an awesome trip!
And I love being awake for sunrise. =) And I have a sunset obsession – which is awesome when you live on the west coast. Sunset over the water = love.
Just doing 19k of the Routeburn, I think, up to the falls since it’s only a day trip. Fingers crossed for no rain!
Really whirlwind NZ trip obviously so I must come back — you, too!
NZ sounds so fun! I love areas like where you are that have tons of outdoor sports and activities around them. Have fun on those trails for me; so jealous
And I am not usually up early enough for sunrise, but I had an early race this morning and got to walk through Central Park while the sun was rising and it was quite glorious. Have lots of fun!
Your pics are beautiful!! (Except maybe the 2nd one lol)
I’ve actually never stopped to watch the sun rise or set. Uhhhh going on the bucket list!
If you haven’t been up the gondolas, it’s really worth it just for the view alone. Also recommend checking out Destination Organic in town, on the corner of Camp St and Earl St; they have some really great organic products, including raw agave-sweetened chocolate that’s very good! And a trip to Arrowtown is also worthwhile if you have time; it’s one of my favourite places. Absolutely tiny, but one of the few places that I think really deserves the title of “charming”.
Enjoy the rest of your time in Central; hopefully I might meet you in a few days in Dunedin!
ahahaha i literally laughed out loud envisioning the street performing with the ‘final countdown’
amazing…
I didn’t notice at first but then I caught it. The “no exit” under the cemetary road sign. Hilarious!!!
Such nice pics as usual Erin. You really have a great looking place to visit.
LOL I LOVE the sign of the biker going head first into the tram tracks! Oh thank you for that.
I also love the idea of chocolate cover kiwi – sounds different and wonderful!
I also love your sunrise pic followed by the large dude!
great post – definately made me laugh!
I’m far more likely to watch the sunset than the sunrise. I’m always rushing around to get to work in the morning so the sunrise isn’t my first priority.
I really should make a point to watch and appreciate the sunrise one day
Thanks for sharing your experiences, too cool!