New Zealand is far, very far from The Netherlands, 23 hours minimum flying time, keeping most people from doing it I think. But it is very rewarding. It is scenic the most diverse and best country I have ever visited, Norway and Canada coming close. There are even more attractive (spectacular) activities possible. Making this the best possible holiday? You have to decide.
One aspect I did not like was the not so friendly welcoming in the north of the North Island. It became much better down from Gisborne and the South Island gave me a much better impression, but it did not come close to the friendliness on the north-east of the US (Maine and Vermont and New Hampshire) and Canada. To my opinion that is of course.
It is not very expensive to travel. Well that is compared to Europe and US and Canada, there are many countries much cheaper too of course. Getting there is the more expensive part and taking activities add to that, but the many B&B's and motels, lodges, hotels, backpacker possibilities give everyone a suitable option. Let it be said it was Winter time, so the Summer is (much) more expensive. Using the iSite offices it very well worth it as they can find (and they are extremely helpful) the best deals. It could men you can end up somewhere else then expected, but in my case it was worth it. Only the first hotel in Auckland was not very good, and even the most pricey one, not pre-arranged by iSite though.
Driving on the left is no real problem at all as the steering wheel is on the other side, so you adjust very fast. There are still many accidents though wit foreign drivers, they tend to forget sometimes when they start driving again and no other cars are visible. Driving takes a lot of time as there are only a few real motorways. The scenery makes up for that. There are also not many roads so you have to carefully select a route as taking a wrong one can mean you're driving several hundreds of Km extra.
The food and wines are from OK to very good. Again for every budget something to choose from. Wine is not cheep though and some are even extremely expensive, quality is overall very good though. And giving you the option of "bringing your own" to some restaurants makes it more pleasing.
What did I like most? Especially the diversity of the landscape, the vastness of it all.
What did I dislike most? Not much, although as written it could and should have been more friendly in some places.
Which city was best? Difficult to say, but Napier, Wellington and Queenstown all have their own pro's, liked them all.
What activity was best? The helicopter ride was a once in lifetime experience, Jetboating was a very nice one too.
Which wine was best? I only could taste a few but the ones from Esk Valley Winery in Napier I liked the most. Next time I should go to Malborough though ...
Best overall day? The day with the helicopter landing on top of the Glacier and the last day in and to Akaroa.
So what is the score? I am giving it an 8 out of 10.
Can it be even better? I think so. That would be New Zealand in Autumn or Summer and Canada still tops my list.
Will I go again? Most probably yes in the future as I have missed out on some experiences like White Island and Milford Sound, not to mention many others.
OK, speak to you later ..... will take some time to indulge all of it really ...........
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Best for last?
I could have staid in Christchurch the last day, but that's not me doing nothing or almost nothing the last day, so as written I decided to go to Akarao. And what a decision it was. Getting out of the flat of Christchurch into the hilly peninsula with stunning views and deceptive mist was a joy to ride and especially the last 20 Km or so give spectacular views over the bays ending in Akaroa itself.
I arrived just before a harbour cruise started and decided to take this last activity. Getting out of the harbour and into the Pacific Ocean gave some new views, like dolphins, sea lions, Albatros birds and the smallest penguins on earth. Although cold and very windy this 2 hour trip was a very nice ending, although .....
I took one of the Tourist Roads back. And although this is much longer it was one of the best scenic viewing experiences I ever had, maybe even the best. It is a narrow road winding through the hills and most of the time on top of those. Sometimes scary as you want to enjoy the view as the driving experience. These two do not match :-), as any wrong move can end in a disastour as there are literally no fences or whatsoever. Any mistake can end your life. This is really an overwhelming ride and experience. So for eveyone planning on going to New Zealand, this is a defenitiv must see and experience.
After almost two hours I arrived at the airport, no one from the rental company available, so someone on the phone told me to just drop the keys behind the counter. Something you can not do in Amsterdam as the car will be stolen in seconds. In New Zealand that is a bit different. Although there are many issues and seems to be a violent country in many aspects, stealing of cars in not on top. It is also difficult to ship cars of course out of the country which happens in Europe a lot.
First flight was fast and empty, from Christchurch to Auckland there were only around 30 persons in the plain. From Auckland to Shanghai I still had three chairs, giving me ample of rest and some sleeping possibilities. From Shanghai it was over with the fun, totally booked plain, with crying children. Almost 30 hours in the plain and waiting in between. But now one day later I feel ok, no jetlag and even had my 50th Birthday party with more friends then expected. Monday back to work .... great experience it was!
I arrived just before a harbour cruise started and decided to take this last activity. Getting out of the harbour and into the Pacific Ocean gave some new views, like dolphins, sea lions, Albatros birds and the smallest penguins on earth. Although cold and very windy this 2 hour trip was a very nice ending, although .....
I took one of the Tourist Roads back. And although this is much longer it was one of the best scenic viewing experiences I ever had, maybe even the best. It is a narrow road winding through the hills and most of the time on top of those. Sometimes scary as you want to enjoy the view as the driving experience. These two do not match :-), as any wrong move can end in a disastour as there are literally no fences or whatsoever. Any mistake can end your life. This is really an overwhelming ride and experience. So for eveyone planning on going to New Zealand, this is a defenitiv must see and experience.
After almost two hours I arrived at the airport, no one from the rental company available, so someone on the phone told me to just drop the keys behind the counter. Something you can not do in Amsterdam as the car will be stolen in seconds. In New Zealand that is a bit different. Although there are many issues and seems to be a violent country in many aspects, stealing of cars in not on top. It is also difficult to ship cars of course out of the country which happens in Europe a lot.
First flight was fast and empty, from Christchurch to Auckland there were only around 30 persons in the plain. From Auckland to Shanghai I still had three chairs, giving me ample of rest and some sleeping possibilities. From Shanghai it was over with the fun, totally booked plain, with crying children. Almost 30 hours in the plain and waiting in between. But now one day later I feel ok, no jetlag and even had my 50th Birthday party with more friends then expected. Monday back to work .... great experience it was!
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Queenstown - Christchurch
Cold start, -5 C, gradually warming up to -1 C. From traveling through the gorge, passing the Hackett Bungy, the original one, to lake Hawea in the morning mist. From there after the first pass beautiful weather, still cold, but very different views again. In wide valleys, even able to make pictures from the back of Mount Cook to the very scenic lake Tekapo.
Soon after that it is rather flat and dull driving to Christchurch. I already had a reservation at the Ibis in the Center of the town, very well located to visit the center, the Canterbury part and some museums.
I am writing this now at my last day in New Zealand. My plain is leaving later this evening so most probably will go out of the city to the banks Peninsula, to check out Akaroa. It's a 1,5 hour drive, so I still have plenty of time. Next message from Amsterdam :-).
About Akaroa:
Just 75 kilometres from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is an historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano.
Explore the village with its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés. Relax in the sun at French Bay, or find a secluded beach of your own in one of the neighbouring bays. Go cruising on the beautiful Akaroa harbour, you can choose from a variety of cruises including sailing around the harbour. View the stunning wildife including the Hectors dolphins. Enjoy Akaroa and the harbour for the week, your weekend, or just one day there's an Akaroa Escape to suit your mood.
The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and is home to a variety of sea and bird life including the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin. Take the opportunity to explore this unique environment with one of our local operators.
There are activities for everyone including wildlife cruises, sailing, swimming with the dolphins, boat hire and sea kayaking.
For those in search of relaxation there is nothing more satisfying than lazing on the sand as the family enjoy paddling at the safe beach.
The harbour's edge is home to plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay on dry land. Enjoy farm, outer bay or seal and penguin colony tours or visit one of the neighbouring surf beaches.
Soon after that it is rather flat and dull driving to Christchurch. I already had a reservation at the Ibis in the Center of the town, very well located to visit the center, the Canterbury part and some museums.
I am writing this now at my last day in New Zealand. My plain is leaving later this evening so most probably will go out of the city to the banks Peninsula, to check out Akaroa. It's a 1,5 hour drive, so I still have plenty of time. Next message from Amsterdam :-).
About Akaroa:
Just 75 kilometres from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is an historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano.
Explore the village with its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés. Relax in the sun at French Bay, or find a secluded beach of your own in one of the neighbouring bays. Go cruising on the beautiful Akaroa harbour, you can choose from a variety of cruises including sailing around the harbour. View the stunning wildife including the Hectors dolphins. Enjoy Akaroa and the harbour for the week, your weekend, or just one day there's an Akaroa Escape to suit your mood.
The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and is home to a variety of sea and bird life including the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin. Take the opportunity to explore this unique environment with one of our local operators.
There are activities for everyone including wildlife cruises, sailing, swimming with the dolphins, boat hire and sea kayaking.
For those in search of relaxation there is nothing more satisfying than lazing on the sand as the family enjoy paddling at the safe beach.
The harbour's edge is home to plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay on dry land. Enjoy farm, outer bay or seal and penguin colony tours or visit one of the neighbouring surf beaches.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Shotover Jet
Get ready for the World's most exciting Jet Boat ride!
Acknowledged as the World’s most famous Jet Boat operation, many imitate Shotover Jet – but for sheer excitement, no one comes close.
Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins!
No visit to Queenstown is complete without ‘Catching the Canyons’ with award winning Shotover Jet, ‘the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
Since 1970 over 2 million passengers have been thrilled by the unique Shotover Jet experience.
Well now it is my turn. I was by far the oldest person on the Jet boat, feeling a little old at almost 50 :-).
It was cold so I bought me a hat, which I lost in a few seconds due to the wind and the speed of the boat.... What a ride it is. It is so fast (up to 85 Km) and the 360 returns are so spectacular, as is the ride close the the many rocks, that my adrenalin went up sky high. Cold but satisfied I returned (found the hat in the boat ...) and bought me the pictures and the video of the ride. So you are able to check later what it is.
This afternoon most probably catching a much slower boat to do the river and lake. Tomorrow up for a long 7 hours drive to Christchurch and that is it almost. Will update once again in Christchurch.
Franz Josef - Queenstown
Great start, good weather. First to Fox Glacier, a 21 Km curvy road. From Fox Glacier a more straight road down to Haast wher it started to rain again. I needed to take the Haast Pass which is open due to the warm weather, 7 degrees Celsius. Very nice ride, bad weather though. Over the pass sunshine again and lovely touring to Wanaka. It is like "god" threw in everything he had, like he could not make his mind up, so diverse are the vegitation and the secenery.
Wanaka is a town in the Central Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, adjacent to the outflow of the lake to the Clutha River. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Wanaka is primarily a resort town but has both summer and winter seasons and is based around the many outdoor opportunities. Due to the growing tourism business and the increasing number of retirees in Wanaka, there is massive growth occurring, up to 50%in 10 years.
The town is part of the Queenstown-Lakes District and was originally settled during the gold rush excitement of the 19th century.
From there again a scenic road to Arrowtown.
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. Arrowtown is located on the banks of the Arrow River approximately 5 km from State Highway 6. There is also road access directly to Queenstown via the Shotover Gorge and a third route via the picturesque Lake Hayes.
During the high point of the gold rush the population of Arrowtown rose to over 7,000 and became the center of a larger municipality, which covered the new settlements of Macetown, Skippers and Bullendale (today only ghost towns).
My final destination was almost there, Queenstown.
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin lake shaped like a staggered lightning bolt, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains.
There are various apocryphal accounts of how the town was named, the most popular suggesting that a local gold digger exclaimed that the town was "fit for Queen Victoria". It is now known for its commerce-oriented tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism. It is popular with young international and New Zealand travellers alike.
Great place to be. I was expecting a typical Ski resort, but it is very different. It is not as mondain as the ones in the Alps or in the US. Pricing for all is rather modest.
Of course went to iSite first to make some reservations, hotel and Shotover Jet boat ride.
Wanaka is a town in the Central Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, adjacent to the outflow of the lake to the Clutha River. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Wanaka is primarily a resort town but has both summer and winter seasons and is based around the many outdoor opportunities. Due to the growing tourism business and the increasing number of retirees in Wanaka, there is massive growth occurring, up to 50%in 10 years.
The town is part of the Queenstown-Lakes District and was originally settled during the gold rush excitement of the 19th century.
From there again a scenic road to Arrowtown.
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. Arrowtown is located on the banks of the Arrow River approximately 5 km from State Highway 6. There is also road access directly to Queenstown via the Shotover Gorge and a third route via the picturesque Lake Hayes.
During the high point of the gold rush the population of Arrowtown rose to over 7,000 and became the center of a larger municipality, which covered the new settlements of Macetown, Skippers and Bullendale (today only ghost towns).
My final destination was almost there, Queenstown.
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin lake shaped like a staggered lightning bolt, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains.
There are various apocryphal accounts of how the town was named, the most popular suggesting that a local gold digger exclaimed that the town was "fit for Queen Victoria". It is now known for its commerce-oriented tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism. It is popular with young international and New Zealand travellers alike.
Great place to be. I was expecting a typical Ski resort, but it is very different. It is not as mondain as the ones in the Alps or in the US. Pricing for all is rather modest.
Of course went to iSite first to make some reservations, hotel and Shotover Jet boat ride.
Sunday, 13 July 2008
The glaciers and Lake Matheson
I walked up to the ending of the Franz Jozef and did some viewing later on the Fox Glacier, 20 km south. Again I can tell, but pictures will do the talking (will add them as soon as possible) as they will from the Lake Matheson.
There is no picture book from New Zealand having not at least one mirroring picture from the Mount Cook in the Lake, very nice.
About Mount Cook
Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It lies in the Southern Alps, the mountain range which runs the length of the South Island. A popular tourist destination, it is also a favourite challenge for mountain climbers. Aoraki/Mt Cook consists of three summits lying slightly south and east of the main divide, the Low Peak, Middle Peak and High Peak, with the Tasman Glacier to the east and the Hooker Glacier to the west.
Tomorrow to Queenstown.
There is no picture book from New Zealand having not at least one mirroring picture from the Mount Cook in the Lake, very nice.
About Mount Cook
Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It lies in the Southern Alps, the mountain range which runs the length of the South Island. A popular tourist destination, it is also a favourite challenge for mountain climbers. Aoraki/Mt Cook consists of three summits lying slightly south and east of the main divide, the Low Peak, Middle Peak and High Peak, with the Tasman Glacier to the east and the Hooker Glacier to the west.
Tomorrow to Queenstown.
Helicopter flight
An early start again, flying at 9am.
I was early and the person behind the counter told me the 2 other people booked a 40 minute flight, I only the 20 minute one. So for the same amount I got me the longer one, and what a flight it was.
I am feeling very privileged being so lucky to be able to do this. Never done it before. It is a bit scary at first (and later btw as it was rather windy up in the sky), but what a view you get. After a minute we were already passing the first Glacier, the Franz Jozef and were climbing towards the Mount Coock, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere. It was a bit rough up there and that feels different compared to a normal plain as it is all so small and fragile, at least it seems that way :-).
We landed in front of the top in fresh snow, there was one other helicopter, but this is something I will never forget. What a feeling it is and how privileged I am ....
I took many pictures and exchanged e-mail with the Australians to send the pictures I took from them and they took from me.
The feeling of flying to a ridge (a few meters above) and passing it going into the deep is I have to say very special. Great ride.
I was early and the person behind the counter told me the 2 other people booked a 40 minute flight, I only the 20 minute one. So for the same amount I got me the longer one, and what a flight it was.
I am feeling very privileged being so lucky to be able to do this. Never done it before. It is a bit scary at first (and later btw as it was rather windy up in the sky), but what a view you get. After a minute we were already passing the first Glacier, the Franz Jozef and were climbing towards the Mount Coock, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere. It was a bit rough up there and that feels different compared to a normal plain as it is all so small and fragile, at least it seems that way :-).
We landed in front of the top in fresh snow, there was one other helicopter, but this is something I will never forget. What a feeling it is and how privileged I am ....
I took many pictures and exchanged e-mail with the Australians to send the pictures I took from them and they took from me.
The feeling of flying to a ridge (a few meters above) and passing it going into the deep is I have to say very special. Great ride.
Maparoeki Hotel
Completely the opposite today. But first have to tell about the hotel I got yesterday. As always first to the iSite now in Franz Jozef to ask what to do and where to stay as they normally know the best places.
They asked ... did you go into a helicopter before, as I answered no, she said that's the way to visit the glaciers. So I booked for early next day at 9am.
For the hotels, there are many but she said this retreat I mentioned normally goes for 300-500$ a night .... and know due to the low season for only 90$ (that is 45 euro). Still in devastating weather I went to the retreat which I already saw during the ride into Franz Jozef. Great welcome, great room, even better views ... 4 more people.
I met 2 people from California traveling all over the world as retired for many years, so they told me a bit More of my next stay in Queenstown.
Into the town (well it is not much but it is nice) to eat and and back to sleep. Perfect ending of a "bad" day ....
They asked ... did you go into a helicopter before, as I answered no, she said that's the way to visit the glaciers. So I booked for early next day at 9am.
For the hotels, there are many but she said this retreat I mentioned normally goes for 300-500$ a night .... and know due to the low season for only 90$ (that is 45 euro). Still in devastating weather I went to the retreat which I already saw during the ride into Franz Jozef. Great welcome, great room, even better views ... 4 more people.
I met 2 people from California traveling all over the world as retired for many years, so they told me a bit More of my next stay in Queenstown.
Into the town (well it is not much but it is nice) to eat and and back to sleep. Perfect ending of a "bad" day ....
Grey, greyer, greymouth
Well what to say about this day .... rain, more rain and even more rain, but what do you expect near the rain forest ...
I ended up in Franz Jozef Glacier in the Franz Jozef Retreat.
I will tell you more on this one tomorrow, great hotel!
I ended up in Franz Jozef Glacier in the Franz Jozef Retreat.
I will tell you more on this one tomorrow, great hotel!
Friday, 11 July 2008
Getting the boat
Early rise (feeling a bid strange :-) ), 6am as I reserved the first boat to the South Island. And although yesterday was a perfect day and they stated today would be too, bad day, rain and more rain.
During the boat ride it got bad (also very windy, 7-8) and off the boat (after almost 4 hours) even worse. I followed the scenic drive to Nelson, but this very curve road was almost a river, so much water came down the mountain. I am now in Nelson and no rain at all. Well you should not say/write that because the next minute it can rain like hell ....
Interesting town, described as:
Discover the creative paradise that is Nelson – an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island. From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, our place is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours. Discover the diverse landscapes in each of these areas.
I have to say it seems to be like that. Will take some rest today (visit some art shops) as next two days I will drive much more along the west coast.
During the boat ride it got bad (also very windy, 7-8) and off the boat (after almost 4 hours) even worse. I followed the scenic drive to Nelson, but this very curve road was almost a river, so much water came down the mountain. I am now in Nelson and no rain at all. Well you should not say/write that because the next minute it can rain like hell ....
Interesting town, described as:
Discover the creative paradise that is Nelson – an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island. From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, our place is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours. Discover the diverse landscapes in each of these areas.
I have to say it seems to be like that. Will take some rest today (visit some art shops) as next two days I will drive much more along the west coast.
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