Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Hamilton to south island
So here we are in the South Island but first let's pick up where we left off in Hamilton. Not a top ten in New Zealand but worth a visit to see Chris. Off on a night out here is reminiscent of Bolton: fist fight in a car park, ridiculously smart dress code for a bad club and a dodgy kebab- all in all a good night out. Next day to Raglan for a shot at surfing, after two fun hours of being battered by the waves, we admit defeat and decide lessons are in order when we arrive in Oz. We make tracks to the South Island, which we have been told is more stunning than the north: we were not disappointed.
Kiakoria (meal of crayfish) was our first visit on the south island mainly for the impressive wildlife. Off on a whale watching trip we saw three: a humpback and two sperm whales. You can see these beautiful, enormous creatures so close to land because there is a continental shelf and so it becomes incredibly deep a natural habitat for whales (David Attenborough eat your heart out!). In addition to the whales we were also treated to a pod of dolphins about 150 who circled the boat. The magnificent creatures did flips and jumps, an incredible sight. Needless to say the trip was incredible! Still driving around in Maurice (the car) and I momentarily forget that you also drive on the left here, luckily Paul notices my faux pas. Back on the correct side of the road we depart Kiakora, with a broken tent. We suspect the people next to us have driven in to it, luckily we were not inside and no one was injured. Returning the tent Paul is mortified as I announce to the customer service staff that we cannot wait for spare parts as the tent is our home.
New tent in tow we go to Abel Tasman National Park or Abdullah National Park as I thought it was called, Paul once again embarrassed and questioning his choice of companion. Rock up for our walking trip early morning and are shocked to see Beth and Olly, an English couple we meet in Xian and Chengdu, China, it's a beautiful coincidence. The national park spans the coast line at the top of the south island the scenery on the walk is stunning. The sun is finally shinning here yes! Sleeping adventures take a turn for the worst here as a storm rages through the night, holding onto our tent and listening to the trees cracking overhead we both wish we were elsewhere.
Back on the road we head south westerly towards the coast. Make a detour to visit the pancake rocks, to Paul's and mine dismay there are no edible pancakes here. The scenery continues to impress us as the cliffs drop into the white surf of crashing waves. Quick stop in Hoktika which is reminiscent of a mid-western ghost town complete with tumbleweed. Its Paul and mine sixth year anniversary so we decide to treat ourselves to a meal and drinks, great night!
Next stop is the mighty Fox and Franz Josef glacier anxious to get close to the natural beauties we go on a walk, unfortunately as we get to the furthest place from the car the heavens opened. The weather here is unpredictable, four seasons in an hour. Wet and cold we go to the next glacier once here I abstain and wait in the car. Paul perseveres, 20 minutes into his walk another downpour, he returns disgruntled. Off to another campsite, until next time…
- comments