After two days of snow and storybook scenery, the clouds finally lifted.
We packed up early, waved goodbye to Arrowtown, and hit the road toward Queenstown our final stop before handing back the mighty camper.
We stopped at a small lake on the way, and it was like stepping into another world. The same mountains that had been buried in snow yesterday now shimmered under bright blue skies.
The water was glassy and clear, and there standing half-submerged near the shore was a lone tree swaying gently in the breeze. A proper “that’s New Zealand” moment.
By midday, we’d found a playground overlooking Lake Wakatipu green turf, fresh air, and postcard views in every direction.
Ali sorted out the last of the packing while Georgia and Dotty tucked into sandwiches under a playhouse roof, legs dangling and giggles echoing across the lake.
Then it was swing time both girls together on the giant basket swing, laughing so hard they nearly tipped over. Behind them, the snow-capped peaks framed the scene like something out of a travel brochure it was really the best views from a playground ever.
After lunch, we rolled into the Queenstown campsite and started the final unload. I took the girls to the playground while Ali drove the van back to the rental yard. Watching it disappear down the road was weirdly emotional that camper had been home for two unforgettable weeks.
Snow, storms, sunshine it had carried us through it all. We battled 60 mph winds on the West Coast to waking up in a winter wonderland, this stretch of the trip has been pure adventure, we saw every seasons, mood, and colours in a single day.
We’re so sad that the camper’s gone, but the stories will stay and this one ends the way every good journey should: tired, happy, and already planning the next leg.
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