Despite our careful planning and the intention that we would be enjoying a lie in this morning, we were up before sunrise again for take two of trying to to throw ourselves off a 134m high gondola. Because what better way to relax and enjoy a holiday! Having rolled out of bed (and thus out of the van), I was on my way back from the bathrooms when I realised there was something different with the campsite this morning. But what …. eventually it clicked. It had snowed! There was snow covering the grass. No wonder it was chilly. This was unexpected!

Porridge eaten and washing up done, it was off down to the bungy pick up again, this time with fingers crossed that all was working and we would be jumping. Indications were good, and so with anticipation and nervousness levels rising we piled into the minibus to take us to site. The snow on the hills surrounding the road looked lovely, providing a view into winter in Queenstown. Arriving on site, we had to decamp from the large minibus into a smaller one to make it up the steep hill leading up to the jump site.

Once at the top, we got the good news; the winch was working and jumps were happening! At least, I think it was good news. Once back into full body harnesses, we climbed back into the little gondola and headed out over the canyon. The snow on the valley walls made the place look very different to yesterday. It was like Mother Nature was compensating for yesterday’s issues.

With only one jumper before me, all too soon I was called forwards to sit in the chair to have my legs strapped together. Surprisingly I felt less scared today than yesterday. At least I did whilst I was sitting down. Shuffling up to the ledge and looking out was a little scary!

And then the countdown began. 3-2-1 Go! Too late, I had already started going on 2 as I feared that waiting any longer would see me not jumping. And I’m really glad I jumped. The feeling of free fall as I plummeted towards terra firma was incredible. The air rushing past and the ground rapidly rising up to meet me caused such a massive adrenaline rush and a sense of complete freedom.

All too soon I reached the limit of the bungy and was summoned back up into the air before plummeting again.

Now, as the recovery method on this bungy was by being winched up, there is a release strap for the legs which once pulled means that you flip from a diving position to a seated position. The release cord for this needs to be pulled on the high point of the bounce. Grasping for my strap, and very conscious that I did not want to be pulled up feet first (which happens of you do not release the feet), one big tug to the left saw me flip over. Once seated I could relax and enjoy the overwhelming sense of euphoria flooding through me. Arriving back at the gondola and having being pulled onboard, it was time to get disconnected and clear the way for it wasn’t long til Laura’s turn.

I fear that the adrenaline and sense of euphoria may have made me rather overcheerful, so much so that I might have annoyed a nervous Laura a little. But never mind as Laura got called forth to take her place in the jumping chair. Looking as nervous as I had felt and with legs strapped together, Laura shuffled from the chair before diving gracefully out into the air.

Peering out I could see Laura bouncing away under the pod. Turns out, when Laura first pulled her leg release, only one leg came free and so it took another tug to free the other.

Once reunited with a grinning Laura in the gondola, it was time to leave, this time having actually been able to jump. After purchasing the photos and videos of us jumping it was back onto a minibus to head back into town to be reunited with our campervan. Midday saw us hitting the road and heading out of Queenstown, aiming north then west towards the west coast of New Zealand’s magnificent South Island.

But wait, I nearly forgot. Before reuniting with our campervan we had one more ‘must do’ to tick off; eat a Fergburger. These are apparently legendary and most blogs and travel websites recommend having one. Luckily we got there when the queue was short. I, being the glutton I can be, opted for the Big Al (a burger consisting of two patties, bacon, cheese, two eggs, beetroot, lettuce, red onion, relish and a “big wad of aioli”). And it was delicious (and messy). Laura was more sensible, opting for the Fergburger. By the time we left, both well fed and warmed by a shared cup of hot apple cider, the queue for a burger stretched out to the street!

Anyway, back on the road we headed out of town aiming at first for Wanaka. Not far from Queenstown, two possible routes presented themselves; the ‘motorway route’ or the scenic mountainous route. Of course, we opted for the mountainous route. And what a great choice that was!

Ascending the numerous switchbacks offers incredible views out over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. The dusting of snow combined with the sunshine offered a fantastic chance to revel in what New Zealand is famous for.

Once the switchbacks are completed, the road carries on winding its way through the mountains to Wanaka. The rugged mountain slopes slowly gives way to grassland and then woodland and farmland as the valley opens out.

Arriving into Wanaka with blue skies, we pulled over at the lake front to enjoy the peace and tranquillity and the beautiful views.

Alas we couldn’t stay as a long drive beckoned us ever onwards. With the roar of the campervan’s engine, we were back on Highway 6 heading for the Haast Pass. Highway 6 runs alongside Lake Hawea which looked lovely, glittering blue in the sunshine (although not the remarkable light blues enjoyed at lakes Pukaki and Tekapo). Ahead, however, rain clouds hung low over the mountains we would be passing through.

Eventually, after two hours of twisting and turning our way through damp forests, the vegetation began to change and then the Tasman Sea appeared! We had made it to the west coast! And the sun had come back out.

Now we just had to follow the road north until we found Fox. This took a surprisingly long time and as a result we pulled into Fox just as it was getting dark. Pulling up and plugging in, we headed for the kitchen to microwave Fat Badger pizza and make tea.

In turning the kettle on, Laura managed to knock out power for the whole kitchen block. And it was now rather dark outside as well! Off I scurried to find the owner who came over and reset the fuses. Perhaps he didn’t believe our explanation, but the owner then turned on the offending kettle only to knock out the power again! This time resetting the kitchen breaker wasn’t working so after 15 minutes of fiddling the owner finally realised he needed to reset the site breaker. Finally we were able to have our dinner. Heading off to bed we were in agreement that today had been a brilliant, if long, day and we went to sleep with our fingers  crossed for good weather tomorrow!