Its a REALLY challenging road for sure. I remember decades ago driving it and feeling quite scared as a young fella. There days with blood pressure an issue I'd definitely not drive it again. One of my favorite Top Gear episodes is when the team did the death road in Bolivia. Never seen Jeremy Clarkson look so genuinely afraid than at one point when the road nearly caved in on him. I think the guys earned their pay that week !
I don't feel sorry for that company if they take a bath on those vehicles, in fact quite the opposite, its payback time ! They've been bending local Kiwi's over for many years with their prices on leading tourism activities. Queenstown has a reputation as a VERY expensive place to holiday because of companies like them assuming everyone has Euro's in their pocket not $kiwi
Good example, short trip on the Earnslaw and BBQ lunch and they want $129 https://www.realnz.com/en/experience...et-bbq-dining/