CLEARWATER GOLF RESORT

After a tiring drive from Queenstown we arrived at Clearwater Golf Resort in Christchurch. The accommodation in Villas is excellent and the golf course is surrounded by a high standard of homes. A good example of a first class golf/living environment.
JT on 18; she had a great day whilst I struggled along enjoying the walk and the views, especially the fine homes.One of the easier par 3's. This is a long course from the blue tees and I struggled to get 33 stableford. There is always tomorrow!

One of my favourites of the homes overlooking the course.

The Lakeside Villas. We stayed in one of these and were most impressed. A good deck with views over the lake and golf course; downstairs open plan living, dining, kitchen plus toilet. Upstairs, bedroom with Super King bed and ensuite plus another good sized deck.

MT COOK

On the way to Christchurch we caught Mt. Cook at its best.

THE WONDERFUL QUEENSTOWN GOLF CLUB

Of all the terrific golf courses we have played; this has to be the most scenic and a great test of golf as well. If in Queenstown you must play here.

JT finishes off on one of the many scenic settings.

A par 4, dog leg right. A short hole but requiring a sharp approach shot.

A par 3 with water in front, the Lake behind and the tee shot from up a hill. Fantastic.

TAYMACS BIG DAY OUT

Our BIG DAY OUT started with golf at Millbrook; yet another Queenstown course where the views are just breathtaking.

JT on the 9th tee.

JT putts on 1 and in the background more magic scenery.

After golf and a light lunch overlooking the 18th green it was up the GONDOLA and more of Queenstown's big views. The peninsula here is actually the Queenstown Golf Course, which we play the next day.

John with the Queenstown Golf Club course in the background.

We decided to make the climb (and it is a real trek) up to watch the tandem paraglider launch. Here is JT at the start of the climb.

At the launch site we saw several people, mainly brave (stupid) tourists taking and making successful glides off the cliff and into the unknown; it looked fun and easy and made one want to participate. But then....a German speaking lady was set up to launch off the other, more dangerous and steeper side of the cliff.

After waiting for the right wind (15 minutes or more), her instructor said "Run, Run, Run". She ran; she chickened and she stumbled into a heap at the edge of the sheer drop, almost taking both her and her leader over and OUT

You can see here how frightening this looks.

Her instructor, a very determined (thick headed) chap, was not deterred. So; off to to more gentle side of the cliff to try again.

After what seemed a very long wait to us, and a lifetime to the now petrified German speaking lady, they tried again. "RUN, RUN, RUN" he shouted and again she stumbled and chickened out. The instructor just kept moving forward and pushed her into the void. Screams and shouts; first of fear, then of relief and excitement as they got airborne. This is a day the German speaking lady will remember forever and for us, any desire to do this has been totally voided!

Off they go; to our and their relief.

Our BIG DAY OUT was wonderful, as is this town.