18th December
Just a little before 4:40PM Bhavni Picked me up from work and we went down the road to one of the car rental places to pick up a car, which was a bright red Toyota Corolla. From there we drove to the airport – luckily only one area of traffic – where we parked the cars and waited for our arrivals in the international arrivals. Eventually, 45 minutes later, out came Miten, Nirmal, Anji, Saanya and the parentage, 2 bags had not arrived so they took a little while to sort that out – which actually was quite a good thing as there was not much room in the cars left. It was a good run back home as there was not much traffic by 7pm, where we had dinner – which Bhavni had made in the morning – with all of us sitting around the table. Bhavni got her new present – an SLR camera.
We eventually left all of them in the house nearer 1am and went to the motel that Bhavni and I had rented for ourselves for the next few days.
19th December
Bhavni and I got to the house nice and early in the morning to have breakfast before I made my way to work. Bhavni entertained the troops that morning by going to the Museum for the Welcome ceremony there, before they got back home to rest.
In the evening after I got home and had dinner, miten and I went for a walk to Mt St Johns before coming back home where we all went for a ride in the cars, to show them the city and the view from north of the harbour bridge.
20th December
Again Bhavni and I got to the house early for breakfast before I left to go to work. While Bhavni and Miten ran around to do some tasks such as repair Mitens glasses, go shopping and pick up shoes, the rest went to Mission Bay using directions that Bhavni drew out. In the afternoon Miten and Nirmal came over so that we could return the hire car. When I got home, most of us – excluding Anji and Saanya – went to Cornwall park and one tree hill. On the way there, Bhavni and Miten walked it as we only took one car, whilst Miten, Nirmal and I walked it back later. The evening was a quiet one where everyone finished packing for the next day.
21st December
Out taxi came to pick us up just before 10am. It was a little interesting as the taxi that came was a little small but we all managed to fit in. We all got to the airport and checked in before having some tea and coffee at one of the cafes there. It was an uneventful midday flight to Christchurch, and after getting our bags and calling U-Hire for the pickup, we were soon loading ourselves up into our 10seater minivan. Miten was the secondary driver.
I drove to the accommodation –Chardonnay Motor Lodge – where we had two adjoining apartments. Anji and co plus parentage in one, Miten Bhavni and I in the other. We had some tea and thepla before I manged to rouse the troops and we got back out. We went to for a drive – to the Cashmere hills where we had a look at the top of the hill overlooking Governors Bay. From there we proceeded into town – looking at the devastated cityscape before getting out and having a walk around near Worcester Boulevard. After a bit of going back and forth on dinner we decided to go to the “Red Elephant” which is a Thai restaurant. The food was quite decent and we all got back to the accommodation quite full.
22nd December
We actually manged to leave just a little after 9am, on a initially slightly cloudy day, which is close to the time that I had scheduled. Our drive was to Franz Joseph which non stop was around 5 hours away. Out first stop was in Springfield, where we stopped for breakfast. When we came in there was a older man behind the counter who Nirmal asked for a bagel with egg not bacon as all the ones on display had bacon in it. The guy slightly confused stared to take the bacon out of one to give it to Nirmal and could not understand what was wrong. Well the woman behind the counter told him to make one from scratch as we were “fussy”. Well we sat down with coffee not sure what to do, with Nirmal asking “Am i the the only one eating?”. Well Bhavni asked timidly if they do toast, and by now the lady was a little less stressed with our big group and became quite helpful, so I even had poached eggs on toast.
After leaving with the weather turning to hot blue skies, we carried on driving until we reached the “Castle Rock”, where up on the hills there are some really large limestone rocks. We all split up, with the parentage taking a short walk with Anji, whilst us remaining went to the rocks, although only Miten and I climbed to the higher hills there.
We next stopped in Hokitika, after passing through some amazing scenery in Athurs pass. Miten and I got some infomation about the glacier tout times (we would not get there in time for a walk on the glacier), whilst Nirmal got some chips and Bhavni some other food from the supermarket.
Well back on the journey which carried on down he coast we spotted a place which was an information centre about helicopter flights, so we got directed to a place we had just passed, which was slightly cheaper than in Franz Joseph (also it turned out that there was cloud over the villages so no flights would have taken off from there). After a bit of arguing on who was going – we forced Nirmal, Nirmal, Mitts, Parentage and Saanya went up for a half hour flight. Saanya burst into fake tears as the helicopter took off – as Anji was on the ground. While they had their flight we went for a little walk, swatting the sandflies. After they came back I played the airwolf theme whist driving to the Franz Joseph. We went there directly to the hot pools which Nirmal was craving. Most of us went in, apart from Anji, the person behind the desk was quite exited to put us as Auklanders as its a very touristy place. From there we checked into the Franz Joseph Alpine Resort, where the owner was very energetic and friendly. She said that people like the “Priya indian restraunt”, and as luck would have it we had booked a place there. However that restraunt was not a great choice, read Bhavni’s review.
Back at the hotel we chilled for a bit before turning in.
23rd December
Another beautiful day. We managed to leave on good time from the hotel on our drive to Wanaka (3hours direct). I drove to Fox Glacier, where we turned of to visit Lake Matherson (the mirror lake). Bhavni, Miten, Nirmal and I (with Saanya) walk around the whole of the lake, but we never got that perfect mirror moment.
The others had a smaller walk and when we got to the cafe there, Anii and parentage were sitting around as they got a bit hot on their travels, so we spent a little time there as people ordered food and drinks before we could carry on. From there Miten drove to the glacier from memorial for the light plane accident that happened a couple of years ago, which had a good viewpoint to view the glacier. From there we tried to have a look at the glacier from the viewpoint overlooking the Access Rd, which was quite fun as it said not suitable for buses and we just carried on up.
I took over the dive again, with our next stop in Haast, where Nirmal ordered more chips. From here it was another lovely drive to Wanaka as we pass through Mt Aspiring national park, having skirted lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. The views were beautiful, with regular stops for photographs.
On arriving in Wanaka, we checked into the Panorama Court Apartments, the temperature in the Apartment No. 1 was soaring, forcing everyone to open windows and delayer. Thereafter, the AC was on and everyone preferred watching the lake and mountains form the comfort of the cool living room. As usual, the sleeping regime was on again. Having booked the Landing for dinner, we headed there, only to realise that it was a different one to the Franz Joseph one and only served one vegetarian dish laden with cheese. Thus plan B was in place, off we went to “The Cow”, and it was a great choice. The pre-Christmas meal of Garlic bread, officially carved by parentage, followed by some lovely spaghetti and a vegetarian pizza that became breakfast.
On getting back, everyone was off to bed, except, the usual three watching ‘Airplane’ All together now!
24th December
Another hot sunny day. Today was a day spent in Wanaka. Before all the rest were ready, Bhavni and I went out for some grocery shopping. We found the new world, which was quite busy with people shopping for their big Christmas lunch. We took our time getting back, but still had time to eat at our breakfast.We all went down towards the pier, and while most were sitting around the play area we went the negotiators in and booked ourselves onto a jet boat ride. I had to run back to the apartment to put on my lenses and glasses as it would be more comfortable. So it was a little while later we all found ourselves wearing shades and life jackets posing for a picture before getting onto the jet boat. That was quite a fun trip, even the parentage were laughing as the boat spun around. The boat went a little across the lake before going down a river with some mild rapids doing those 360 degree spins and generally going close to the rocks around, before you knew it we were going back to the pier.
For lunch, most of the guys had food at the falafel shop, though I (sejul) did not feel like it. But we had some ice cream from an ice cream parlour there. We then all headed back to the apartment for a while (which was meant to be an hour of rest during the hottest part of the day). Best laid plans… Anji and co decided to fall asleep, so it was parentage, Miten, Bhavni and I who left them and went to puzzling world. It was quite cool a place with lots of illusions and interesting thing to see, such as holograms and 3d items. We eventually talked everyone into the maze…. what fun, we had to get to all the corner towers before finding the way out.
I think Miten found all the corners, but I found 3 before I met Bhavni and we got concerned that the parentage would not find their way out. The funny thing is I found the panic exit to get to them, but I could not find the way back! Well eventually all of us were there trying to find the way out. Eventually after some time and confusion we finally did. From there we sat in the foyer and tried our hands at solving some of the wooden puzzles. We ended up leaving as the place was closing – around 5pm.
Getting back to the apartment, the rest were awake, so after freshening up we went to dinner at The Spice Room, which was a nice Indian restaurant. The food and service was good unlike our last experience.
Whilst we were eating Miten put the basket of nann right next to the candle on the table. FIRE. Well im not sure what was going on in Nirmals mind, but he tried to blanket the fire with flammable tissue. FIRE FIRE. Giving up on these shenanigas, I got a glass of water and as I was about to put it on the fire, Anji yelled, you cant use water. I duly ignored and put the fire out. Bhavni all this time carried on eating.
25th December
Another blue sky hot day in the south island (though the forecast was for encroaching rain). We had to drive to Christchurch which was a 5.30 hour direct drive. We managed to leave at 9am taking the SH8a then SH8. The road went up lots of windy road and got to the Lindis pass, which was hot and desert like, but gorgeous. From there we stared to leave the big mountains behind and get into the central plateau. Omarama appeared suddenly from under lots of haze, but it was not worth stopping as it was Christmas day.
We stopped at Lake Pukaki for a look out and some photos before carrying onto lake Takepo for some more photos. It was then a straight journey to Christchurch. As we got there around 2pm we went to the centre to have a look at the park, but due to organisation chaos we really did not get a look there. So we went and parked the van at the drop of point at the airport (leaving the bags) to go to the Antarctic center, where we spend a while looking at the exhibits and going into the storm room, where they put the temperature down and create a strong storm breeze. Leaving we checked into our flight which was at 7pm. Another uneventful flight. In Auckland we collected our bags and got out prearanged taxi home. There was the cloudy remains of a tropical storm over the north island, which was strange after so long in the sun. Whilst they were organising dinner, Miten and I went and picked up the keys to the motel that Bhavni and I would be staying at. Back at the house we had dinner and tea, before eventually calling it a night.
26th December
Bhavni and I managed to have a lie in today – a well deserved rest. Even still by the time we got to the house, there was only a small flurry of activity, with pretty much parentage and Saanya up. Well eventually everyone got up and ready and we had a breakfast/brunch together. Miten and I popped out and got the rental car, another bright red Toyota Corrola. Eventually the guys started to get cabin fever, and they wanted to go shopping. Against my better judgement I agreed. As the weather was changable we decided to go to St Lukes rather than Newmarket. Well I dont think I will do that again. There was a queue on Balmoral Rd most of the way to St Luke’s – which is a first. When we finally got in to the car park (and we had dropped the rest), Bhavni managed to find car parking quickly, whilst I carried on looking. It was gridlock in the car park and I drove around for what must be half an hour – getting more and more frustrated. Eventually Bhavni came to help me look for parking. I cant do the thing of sitting blocking traffic that most others do!
Inside finally, we met the guys shopping and Saanya enjoying herself in the childrens play area. I went of with Miten for a while, but could not find much. Meeting up later we got some food at the food court – Pita Pitt and falafel. It was nice getting out of the really busy place. We had dinner at home.
27th December
It was time to show the guys a beach, so with that plan, after we arrived home and had breakfast, we packed a picnic lunch and headed out. Most of our guest had never seen a black sand beach, so we headed towards Whatipu, which we had done last in the first month in New Zealand. The weather was very cloudy with the promise of rain, but luckily it remained dry as we got to Cornwalis. We stopped at the park there and had lunch under one of the sheltered benches. Soon we were surrounded (at a distance) by ducks – much to the amusement of Saanya (and secretly some of the others), who enjoyed playing with a beach ball around them. The weather started to clear up, with some blue sky visible, so that the sea finally started to get the aqua sparkle.
From there we carried on over the little ford (which had water flowing) at Huia and onto the usealed road to Whatipu. The breaks in the cloud had disappeared as we traveled and as we went up the hill it started drizzling. So much so that soon we were in fog. Nirmal was quite worried at this point as we saw a few cars heading back. But I tried to reassure him and we continued on. We got over the hill and finally dipped out of the fog/cloud and arrived at the public car park. It was not raining but was weary cloudy. Well all of us went to the beach, taking the 10min walk on the path there. It was still very quiet there and awe inspiring. Miten even went for a small peaceful walk on his own. But it started to drizzle, so we made our way back to the car – having to carry Saanya and getting back spread out with the different paces.
On the way back to home we stopped at one of the dams for a look around before dinner back at home.
28th December
The day was a brighter then the last few days, so after the communal breakfast we got ready for another big day out. We headed out down the SH1, going across the Tahuna Rd. catching the SH27 and ending up in Matamata. We booked Nirmal, Anji, Miten and Saanya on the Hobbiton tour, and drove to outside the set as they could get on an earlier tour. Wow was the place busy, with truck loads of people continuously going to see the set. Miten took the camera and we left them to it, driving back to Matamata, after a coffee at the cafe. We wanted to stop at a garden, but it was closed and we ended up (after a tour round a aggregate producer) in the town, where we had a walk looking at the shops. Going back to pick the guys up, we found that they had just finished the tour – good timing. So we headed on out to go to Rotorua.
Bhavni and I got everyone else to Te Puai to see the hot springs, whilst we went for a drive around the area, seeing if there was access to one of the lakes – but the road was closed. In the end we ended up back at the car park and waited around for the guys to come out. After which we drove to the Polynesian spa, but no-one apart from Miten and Nirmal were up to it. So the rest left us 3 and we went in the building – then immediately went to the café – the queue was humongous. Thinking that the rest had gone on the nature walk, we stated on it, but not seeing them I phoned up – apparently they had gone on a hunt for the police station. Back at the car I went to pick them up, passing Bhavni carrying Saanya for some reason.
I thought it would be nice to eat at the Mexican restaurant there, so that is where we ended up – they nearly said there was no space for an hour (no bookings is not true), but after suggesting joining a couple of tables up we were sitting down and eating.
It was a 3h journey back and we were quite glad reaching home.
29th December
A nice hot day dawned. The original idea was to go to Wahiki island, so after having breakfast and getting the thing together for the baby, we drove to Half Moon Bay to try to catch a ferry. However all the ferries were full, so that plan was out.
Instead we carried on to Mareati drive (past Beachlands) to the beach. We got to the beach and there was a police cordon. They asked if we had alcohol with us as this was an alcohol free area – we did not. So we ended up parking – the place was heaving – and sitting near the beach. Everyone went for a walk (Father went to both sides of the beach, wearing his bright red hat, whilst Nirmal and Co went to off) and I took my shoes of and enjoyed the cool sea water. Bhavni and I went to the rocks that we saw last time when we drove here, except the tide was out a lot more. Getting back to the guys it was past lunch time, so we headed into one of the cafes there – the rush had gone from them, so we got some seats outside and had a mixture of food including burgers, corn pancakes and the obligatory chips. We just had to keep a watch on Saanya who was determined to run out onto the street!
After lunch we headed back to the cars. There was a group sitting outside next to the red Honda, who were being very laqutious with us – should have put 2 and 2 together when one of them said sorry about the scratch on the car, when I just thought they meant leaning on it. Well thinking not much of it, we drove out – it had become even busier so we were lucky that we had come when we did. We went past Clivedon then to Hanua. As we got there we spotted a winary and we stopped there. (Nirmal, Anji and Saanya who were being driven by Bhavni had knocked out so we took some pictures of them). Well we went in and after Nirmal woke, Miten and he did some wine tasting – I could only try a small amount as I was driving, After we all posed for some photos in the grounds.
From there we drove to Hanua Falls – It was very busy with the the whole area carpeted by people trying to escape the heat compared to when we were there last when there were only a couple, summer also had been at work as the flow over the falls was much less then before. After taking photos infront of the big frame, we headed to the Cosseys Reservoir – back to quiet as hardly anyone was around. We all walked up to the walled section enjoying the view – the level in the reservoir was noticeably lower then when we were last there. Miten got intrigued by little red mites that were crawling on the walls. Well we headed back to the cars and I noticed the scratch that the guys at the beach must have done…
We drove back to Auckland and to the city center, dropping most of them off near Hobson Street while we went and found parking. We all went to the Sky Tower, (having to get a few extra A-Z guides for the 10% discount token) for the view over the city. It was fun pointing out where we had been and all the sights we could see from there. We watched most of the sun set and the darkening of the skies before going back home, where we had dinner together.
30th December
The last day with us all off and another really nice day. After our communual breakfast, we all went to Newmarket for some shopping, dropping the guys near the shops before parking. Miten and parentage ended up in Katmandu (as the instructions about the shop they were meant to go into was miscommunicated, whilst the others went shoe shopping). Well after eventually finding Miten and co we made our way to one of the shops where they bought some sweaters.
After the shopping we went back home and prepared food for the night. I made some profiter rolls, whilst Nirmal made some Chinese style paneer. There was lots of other food made also. Shelina came in the evening with Grant and Amanrni. Whilst we had a filling meal, Saanya was a bit naughty. pushing Amarni and proclaiming “I push this one”.
31st December
Bhavni had to go to work today, so I was the entertainment. After breakfast and whilst Anji and Mother were cooking – and did not want to stop – the rest of us went out. I drove to Kimu. The I-Site there had closed down, so we went to Coopers Creek vineyard and did a little wine tasting. After we stopped at an ice cream place there, where Nirmal bought some fresh strawberry ice cream. We got home for a late lunch and then I took everyone (apart from parentage who went to sleep) to Mt Eden. Lots of photo taking and a walk around the crater. After which we went and had a coffee in Mt Eden Village.
Back at home, whilst the rest were packing and stressing – and also Anji’s BBQ potato in the microwave and smoke damage incident – we rested. In the evening we left and went to “The Blue Elephant” for dinner in Parnell, dropping the guys off before Miten and I parked (on a steep street with very little space). Just after we got there, Bhavni rang, so Miten and I went and picked her up (moving the cars to keep our space). It was a nice meal accompanied by wine.
From dinner we drove to Auckland Domain -it was around 11pm, and found some reasonable parking. Whilst Miten and I did some reconnaissance, the rest stayed in the car – as it was a little chilly. Well until Anji decided they had to join us. We had a nice place to sit and wait near the museum entrance. It got busier and busier – for Auckland but our spot was good. We had a clear view to watch the fireworks go off from the sky tower, which lasted 5 minutes or so. After it was back home for the new year.
1st January
In the morning we left the motel and returned the keys, before Bhavni said goodbye to everyone before going to work. I helped at home until the taxi came just before 10am to take them to the airport. The day was spent cleaning and thinking how quiet it is.
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