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Since our last blog we have travelled the South Island and we are now back in the North Island in Rotorua. We have done a lot of sightseeing but no outrageous activities for a while as the Bank of Mark and Julia does not stretch everyday to NZ prices!
After leaving a rainy Kaikoura we headed for the recently earthquake stricken city of Christchurch (which has had 2000 aftershocks since). We drove to a little place just outside the city to meet up with my friend Chris from Uni and went for lunch, followed by a very windy/wet bbq and listened to his West African Band Practice. (Thanks for giving up your room for the night Chris!) No aftershocks felt for us while in the area!
We woke early for our long drive to Dunedin (little Edinburgh, due to its history) and checked in to our accomodation called Living Space. This was an ultra modern apartment block with all the facilities unknown to backpackers, lovely! There are lots of wild penguins living in the area so we took a drive to Sandfly bay to try view some, with no luck. On walking across the sand dunes though we did see some giant pateke seals lazing on the beach and managed to get up close. Walking down to the beach was great fun, walking back up a giant sand dune... not quite so easy!
In Dunedin we visited the Cadburys Factory and put on our hairnets for a tour. I have to say the chocolate is not as good as our Cadburys but we didnt complain at the free chocolate given away (including a chocolate fish and strange banana chocolate bar called Perky Nana). As the sun was shining we took a short drive to Lanarch Castle, built by a Scotsman. As we entered the grounds, we were asked where we were from, on reply the guard said "where you have real castles". Pretty small for a castle but still great for a stroll with beautiful gardens.
Still in search of wild penguins we took the windy coastal drive to Pilots bay, wrapped up warm in our hats and coats and waited quietly at the edge of the deserted beach. And waited, and waited. Then we saw a seal and decided maybe it was scaring off the penguins but eventually after the sun had gone down, a group of wild blue penguins (smallest penguins in the world) hit shore and waddled straight past us heading for their nests for the night. Shame it is illegal, otherwise I would have liked to take one to keep as a pet, as they were very cute!
Next destination Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of NZ. The sun was shining, the surrounding mountains were covered in snow, so for some better views we headed up the Skyline Gondola. At the top we decided to take part in some luging, starting with the basic track, then the advanced. (see photos for track) I have to say Mark did beat me on both tracks but there is another track in Singapore so maybe I will get my chance again to beat him.... ! Next day we drove to Arrowtown and walked around the old chinese settlement (from when gold was mined here). Mark spent a few months in Queenstown 9 years ago so we had to wander around the town and lake to see what was new and what wasnt. On top of his list was 'to eat a fergburger' so a lot of money later, you can see the beast that entered his belly in the photos. As a keen 'mini golfer' we decided to play at the Caddyshack golf and unfortunately I lost at this as it was pretty difficult! My usual flukiness did not come into play.
Stopped at Lake Wanaka and visited puzzle world for some mind tricking rooms, activities and a really difficult two level outdoor maze! Had our fish and chips sitting by the lake then carrried on driving and driving until our next major destination of Abel Tasman National Park, Motueka. Managed to find ourselves a bargain and checked into our own private chalet, in the countryside with farm land around. The owners grow their own lemons and grapefruits so these were complimentary too! A scenic, very windy drive and we discovered Split Apple Rock and a deserted beach. Then we decided it had been a while since we did a long walk so we booked an aqua taxi for the following day into the national park. This takes you to the bay you choose, then you walk back as far as you wish then get picked up by the aqua taxi. Good long walk through the national park, forrests, beaches, across bridges that scared Mark, through small rivers (had to take boots off) and arrived!
Time in the South Island was at an end and we are now in Rotorua. Just over a week left in NZ until it is time to head to Fiji, then Sydney, so will try and update before we fly out.
Hope everyone is well at home. Thanks for the messages we have received!
Julia and Mark xx
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