Queenstown

Hobbit eye view. Those of you who are fans of Lord of the Rings might be able to identify these views. Far Left and taken from the second film, it is where Frodo and Sam watch the ambush of the Oliphant, before being captured by Farimeer. The middle shot is where the Ring Wraiths are sighted on the river bank, this is in fact a fording point, one of 23 points on the river. (You will go through most of them on the tour), the third photo is taken from within the landrover and in the middle of the river, with the water being approximately 2 inches from the lowered window.

There is an excellend tour company that runs a Lord of the Rings tour of sites used around Queenstown. (www.nomadsafaris.co.nz) you are taken in small groups of 5-6 people in a Landrover round the sites of the film, though the company does offer other tours too, showing the countryside.

Minus 5 bar in the heart of Queenstown (www.minus5.co.nz). This is a cocktail bar with a difference. Housed in a walk in freezer, you are served vodka cocktails, in glasses made of ice. They provide you with warm clothes and gloves, so you can stay in there for about 30 minutes. The glass you can see Sharon holding is made from ice so you really do need gloves,the furniture is also made of ice ,with some of the ice sculptures being amazing.

Just don't ask for ice in your drink as they have heard that joke once or twice before.

Round the corner from the Minus 5 bar is The Loaded Hog - Queenstown Steamer Wharf, which is a nice bar for a quick drink or two. It also has a huge open fire, which was great when we were there as the weather wasn't that warm and we had just come from Minus 5.

There is a pizza places in Queenstown (Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar, Upstairs, 7 The Mall), with a unique outdoor feel. This being due to a roof that is opened on huge hinges when the weather permits and equally huge gas burners to keep it warm.