Winter 2019 - NZ 21 Dunedin, Castle Larnach

NZ 21   Dunedin, Larnach Castle 

First Jumper

Such Style in Second Jumper

We left Queenstown early, all wanted to watch some members of the group do a bungee jump. We were so early, we had a bit of a wait until they opened their facility. What a blast… 4 of our group like to live dangerously.

They were among the first jumpers and we could watch at the side lines.

Bottom Half of Her Jump

NO WAY would I do this. It’s like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. I would jump in a minute if I had to, but as a volunteer?  NO WAY!

Kawarau Bridge Is Not the Highest in NZ But Is the Most Scenic

Don’t even ask Carol…she simply would say: “No, thank you!” and that would be it.

So, we just watched, as did most of our group. Once they jumped, a zodiac boat fished the jumpers off the hanging line from under the bridge. The whole operation was very well set up, and I could tell it was safe to do it, but then the question still arises: “Why”?

Kawarau River - 1st Bungee Jump Anywhere Took Place Here

I guess it’s like a tattoo today, everybody does it, and so I do it, too?  No, Thank You!

We had about a one hour delay, watching this jumping business, but then rode again, rode towards Dunedin. This town on the Eastern shores of NZ used to be the wealthiest town in NZ but since the end of the gold rush in the 1860s the city now focuses more on education and having great universities. 21% of the population is between 15 and 24 years old, so it’s a hip city.

Larnach Castle

But there is also history, lots of history, really. Capt. Cook was anchored in the harbor for awhile when he came here. Maori lived here for hundreds of years before the Europeans, before the mainly Scottish people came. The name Dunedin, as you can read in the link above comes from the Scottish word: Dùn Èideann the Scottish Gaelic word for Edinburgh. 

Stables to Breakfast Room, Bikes Outside, Rooms Beyond

Our goal for the day, our evening’s dinner and accommodation were at the Castle Larnach. We had a bit of a time finding the place, it was outside of the city and again, I’m happy we had a GPS. I saw others struggle to find the Castle, too and at one point I had several folks following me, knowing, I guess, that I would find the Castle… ultimately. 

View From Our Room

View From Our Balcony

The Castle Grounds alone are stunning. So is the ‘Castle’. It’s not a castle in the sense of the word, like a Fort to defend from attacks, but more a mansion built in the medieval style. We arrived and were told to park our bikes near the ‘stables’, in the back of the main house, where we also slept overnight. The stables had been converted to a breakfast room and our motorcycles looked a bit out of place. All the bikes took up most of the mew in front of the Lodge buildings. The grounds in the mew were cobblestone-covered and parking was at a premium but we managed. 

Stained Glass

After we checked into our individual rooms in the Hotel, all of which had a view of the valley and water below, we walked over to the Castle for a tour of the main house. How do I describe this best? 

Venetian Glass

Special Chandelier (See Below)

Do I say: opulent? Or a vision of grandeur? Or having so much money you don’t care? Yes, it was impressive, all the way up to the turrets on top of the building. The detail of the wood working and carving inside the house was stunning to look at. Carved wood with many details, in many different woods, gave this mansion a very lavish look. Naturally it was built in the 1870s or so and the interior had this time stamp when it came to decor, but it’s a fine building.

Wonder What That Made the Room Smell Like?

No expense was spared, read the list of what was used inside this Castle. The building contains tons of glass from Venice, carvings that took years for one ceiling alone, etc. Extravagance of the highest order all paid for by Mr. William Larnach, well, his money and some other money that still can’t be discovered today.

Intricately Carved Ceiling

Ah, the tragedies surrounding these houses are many. The lives of the occupants, the misery, the glory, the confusing, the many wives and affairs are like a soap opera. 

No matter the multi-faceted history, we, this ramshackle motorcycle group, were treated like Royals. We ate like Royals too that evening. We had a multi-course dinner inside the Castle, all very formal and yet very tasty. Unfortunately, dinner ended at 10 PM by which point we were too tired to stay to hear more of the history and haunting of the Castle.

Finally Called in to Dinner

It was a great visit, a great place to come to. 

Tasty Appetizer

Taking a Break in the Shade

Around the actual mansion were grounds that were well kept, well manicured, well maintained. Flowers in abundance, multiple sitting areas, vistas, etc, those were pleasant and beautiful and also practical. 

Beautiful

The venue nowadays is used for festive occasions, weddings, meetings, etc. The people who visit are of an International character, this Larnach Castle is a famous attraction in Dunedin and since it is the only castle in NZ, it stands to reason that NZ is proud of it.

Colourful

The Bees Love These Flowers

Greenery Even Inside the House

Only One Corner of the Garden

And the Gang's All Here Including Ellis (Bottom L) and Fred (Bottom R)

Winter 2019 - NZ 20 Queenstown, NZ

NZ 20   Queenstown, NZ 

Outdoor Zumba Class

We spent the early morning riding the Shotover Jet Boats and then took in the actual town of Queenstown on foot. As I said before, the town is hilly, so walking for us was not that easy but near the water, near the lake, the grounds were flat so we spent most of the day exploring the plazas, the side streets, the open shops.

Yes, it’s touristy, as you can imagine, but then you CAN if you want, disappear into the nature around Queenstown. This town, this area is perfect for young, fit people. There are many things to do from power sailing, to hill climbing, to a lift ride to the top of the mountain, to bicycle trips, to just hiking, to whatever suits your fancy. Wineries nearby give you also the opportunity to have a wine-tasting experience.

Does It Go Underwater?

Queenstown is a major tourist place. Yes, they have it; you just need to look for it.

Some things are far out… I saw a mini sub, a real small submarine, plying the waters of the lake.

I wondered how it would be alone in a sub, below the water, looking for…?  Nemo? This is a bit scary to think it through but yes, there are lots of things you can do. Bungee jumping off a huge bridge is one thing that the Queenstown area is notorious for.  Think that through before you go… would you do it?

Naturally there are many shops, bars, stores and venues lining the streets. For the one day we had off we opted to just loaf, wander, look and relax. 

Queenstown would be great if I were 25 years old. It’s an outdoor activity center.

If you are a bit older, fine, but when you are 70 plus it’s hard to keep up with the youth.

Diverse Group of Interesting Women

The ladies on the tour took the opportunity to meet on a floating bar in the harbor for a drink and a ladies-only time.

Well, we guys met them later for dinner as arranged by the tour, so I am not privy what the girls chatted about, but the actual hamburger dinner was not memorable. 

Queensland however, is a town you will not forget once you have visited. So… come and see for yourself.