When we landed in Queenstown, by way of Tokyo, summer was a month away. 12 hours earlier when we left Tokyo, winter was a month away. What a difference a plane ride makes. We spend a couple of nights in Queenstown before renting a car to explore more of the South Island.

In Queenstown, we decided on a day hike that climbs Ben Lomond, a mountain that towers over Queenstown. After a traditional “Big Breakfast” (grilled tomato, mushrooms, egss, bacon, sausage, and toast) included with our hotel room, we took a short walk to the gondola. The gondola took us up to the trail head. The trail (track in NZ speak) offers a spectacular view of the mountain range that surrounds Lake Wakatipu. After the hike we enjoyed a Fergburger.