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Salaams/ hi all, My New Zealand tour is going well and exceeding all expectations. It would be very difficult for me to say which would be my favourite place as each one in its own way has been special - all days here have been "another day in paradise" ! Hopefully the pictures will do the talking !
As we left wet Kaikoura, the weather started to improve slightly, so my fleece was off like a shot (at the moment anyway) !
Christchurch - (Thursday 18 Feb), this was the last stop for two of our group members (Gillian & Alison), as they had only booked the 11 day tour, it was sad saying goodbye to them, however we've all exchanged email addresses and agreed to get together sometime in the future. Not much to write about Christchurch, as we only stopped here overnight before moving on to our next location. When our tour of the South Island finishes we will be returning to Christchurch, so maybe I'll get a chance to look around the town and give an update.
Punakaiki - (Friday 19 & Sat 20 Feb), we left Christchurch and headed for Punakaiki, via Arthur's Pass and made a couple on stops on the way. The first place was a very small town called Springfield (this stop was mainly for a loo break (I know you're all interested in the fine details of my trip - haha).We took the opportunity to take some "family" photographs with the beautiful landscape in the background. At the second stop we walked up Castle Hill, amongst the gigantic natural rock formations - the surrounding view of the Alps was fantastic.
As we travelled towards Arthur's Pass, the fantastic landscape of the Southern Alps unfolded in front of us at every turn. Those of you reading this blog will know what I'm talking about and those who are making plans to visit New Zealand have an amazing trip to look forward too !
Anyway, I'll carry on with my story ...We arrived at Devils Punchball Falls, and walked up to the falls, need I say that the views on the way up and at the top were great !
As we arrived at Punakaiki, Sue dropped us off at the famous Pancake Rocks Blowholes and though the sea was rough (which it needs to be), we were unable to hear the three blowhorns spouting out their stuff ! After dinner we went down to the beach which was a 40 second walk from our Seaside House to watch the sunset. I can't believe what great locations the backpacker accommodations are in (depending on the place you are staying at, they are either in the centre of the city or very close to beaches). If you want to travel cheap, then I recommend using YHAs.
The following morning we went for a walk through the sub-tropical rainforest and coastal tracks (Paparoa National Park), before heading for Hokitika & Franz Joseph Glacier. Every walk we have done so far has been rewarded with a picturesque view at the end of it !
Franz Josef Glacier (Sat 20 & Sun 21 Feb) - We arrived at Franz Josef just in time for me to take my scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers and Mount Cook - wow it was a great going over the glaciers, but the highlight for me was the landing we made on the top of Franz Josef. We spent 5 minutes on the snow. I thought I'd feel cold on the snow, but surprisingly it was quite warm as the sun was shining on yours truly - I was able to take some spectacular pictures with me posing in them again!
As I'd enjoyed my night kayaking in Bay of Islands so much, I decided to give kayaking another go and so after my helicopter, Carolyn, Jo and Jason went for a 3 hour trip across Lake Mapourika. Carolyn and I shared a double kayak and we both found the rowing very difficult as we made our way through the waves to the swampy river on the other side of the lake (now not only are my legs toned legs, but I've lost my bingo wings too - haha ) ! Once across the lake, the mirror like view waiting for us was absolutely mind blowing. It was really difficult to gauge where a plant or tree started or ended in the mirror of the lake- wow ! I don't think the pictures do justice to the real thing.
Queenstown (23 - 26 Feb) - On the way to there we stopped and took in a walk around Lake Matheson, which took about an hour. Like Lake Mapourika, it was a mirrored lake and we could see the reflection of Mount Tasman and Mount clearly in the water -it was truly magical, amazing, awesome (need I say more) !
In total we spent 4 nights in Queenstown, (Mon, Tue, Thur & Fri).
On Wednesday, we travelled to the attractive lakeside town of Te Anau and then on to Milford Sound for our overnight stay on a modern and comfortable floating hotel boat - Milford Wanderer. We also stopped at a couple of waterfalls at Lake Marion and The Chasm - the turquoise crystal clear water running down the falls was magical !
As we got near to Milford, it started raining and didn't stop until we left Milford the following day. Now normally, this would be classed as a ruined day, however, the best views of the fjord are in the rain, so in a strange sort of a way we were lucky it had rained - and boy we could see why. The heavy rain offered spectacular and breathtaking scenery - beautiful cascading waterfalls surrounding the fjord - the views were captivating !
There were a few optional activities offered on the cruise and I had opted for some more kayaking, but was having second thoughts as the rainfall was heavy. However deep down I really wanted to kayak, so after battling with myself, I put on my waterproof trousers and lifejacket and lowered myself into the kayak (for a non swimmer even I'm proud of what I've achieved in this sport). The rain was smacking against my face, but somehow with the thrill of the water and the beautiful falls it didn't seem to bother me one bit!
After just a few moments in the water, the kayak guide pointed to something on the rocks near to the beach, I made my way over and we saw two Fjordland Crested Penguins. These are the second rarest in the world, so how fortunate was I to see them (glad I opted for kayaking, but shame I didn't have my camera with me) ! After an hour, I headed back to the boat, had a hot shower and.......... sat down for dinner !
We returned to Queenstown on Thursday evening and the following morning (Friday 26 Feb), Jason, Carolyn and I went up on a hot air balloon just before sunrise. The trip in the air lasted for one hour and panoramic view of Queenstown and surrounding area was fantastic - I think this could be my last activity in New Zealand and possibly of my remaining holiday, unless some something new comes along in Fiji or USA !
Mount Cook (Sat 27 Feb), the drive to Mount Cook was just like most other drives (views of the Southern Alps in every direction). We stopped at Lake Pukaki for lunch and the view across the lake was amazing with Mount Cook in the distance !
When we arrived at YHA, we all went for a 3 hour hike (Hooker Valley Trail), crossing two swing bridges to a place near the base of Mount Cook. In several places the wind was very strong and I had to hold on to anything that was available. There was a scary moment as we were crossing one of the swing bridges, as there was a sudden gust of wind and I nearly went flying (without a parachute). It was also a funny moment too as I was doing a bit of filming at the time, and the end part is when my camera slipped out of my hand and I'm not sure what I've filmed on the last part - should be interesting to watch.
I can't believe that the 21 day tour will be coming to an end today (Sunday 28 Feb), but hey I've got a car hired for the last six days and will enjoy touring some new places in the South Island before jetting across for total relaxation in Fiji - bye for now, love Dee xx
- comments
Sam Dove Hi Dee Mona has just passed you blog to me. Your trip sounds fantastic! Really envious!! Take care of yourself and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Do not worry about us here in Bracknell. See you soon Sam x