Oh the Places We'll Go...

Before we came to Australia, we had folks tell us that we need to plan all of the places that we wanted to see; this would keep us focused on getting the most of our time, and ensuring that we don't get sucked into the everyday life and not really live the experience that is Australia.

As we are heading into our Autumn and Winter, we have started to plan visits to Tasmania and New Zealand, and hopefully a trip up north (to get some sun and away from the cold, wet, windy Melbourne winters).

Our planning for a ski trip to New Zealand is in full force.  We know we'll head over in July/August and go to Queenstown.  We're searching for hotels right now, but it sounds like many of them will fit our needs, with being close enough to the ski areas.  There is one that Jeff is interested in, but not sure that I will partake:

Invincible Snowfield

http://www.invincible.co.nz/

According to www.worldsnowboardguide.com, Invicible Snowfield is privately owned and operated and around 50km from Queenstown.  There are no ski lifts to speak of - you take a helicopter to the area, then there is a 700m rope tow to take you on up the mountain.  You do have the option to stay on the slope, in a "HUT".  There is no electricity and you have to pack your own sleeping bag - oh, and you have to keep the fire going in the pot belly stove.  But, don't worry, it will sleep 10, so you won't freeze to death by yourself :)   Oh, and there aren't any lessons, no artificial snow, and only 10% of the mountain is "beginner".

Don't worry mom(s), if we do decide to go to Invincible Snowfield, we won't tell you until AFTER we're safely back in Queenstown!

Stay tuned for our Queenstown itinerary and our plans for Tazzy.