Author: sage

Thursday 28th February

I had to go in to work early for a rollout, leaving in the dark and before Bhavni.

At 3PM I left for the airport and parked at the pick up / drop off point outside the international terminal. I had to wait a while for the parents to appear (usual dilly daddling). It was a struggle to fit the suitcases in, but we managed and then drove home. I left them to their own devices as I went back to work as it was the last day for Christine – Maternity leave. After an hour or so I went back home and caught up, before Bhavni arrived and we sat down to have Daar Bhat and Sweetcorn Shaak.

After dinner we all got in the car and had a drive through town and across the harbour bridge, before going back home (even with my detours).

Friday 1st March

Both Bhavni and I had to go to work, so we left my parents at home with the keys and had drawn maps of where to go. They were going to be busy for the morning sorting out their clothes and doing other mundane tasks as well as making some food. Though after they went for a walk to Newmarket and did some shopping for sweaters there, coming back home after 4 hours. In the evening after Bhavni and I came home we finished our packing after food and then headed out to Mission Bay, about 7.30pm. We got there, parked, and had a wonder around until it got dark,  after which we headed back home and finished our preparations for the next day.

Saturday 2nd

Waking up at a reasonable time in the morning, we all got ready, had breakfast, loaded up the car and were headed to the airport for around 8am, where we parked in the Park and Ride, parking the car really conveniently just outside where the bus leaves from. The bus just arrived after we got there and we were at the airport near 8.30am, where we checked into our jetstar flight. As no-one was hungry we went through the security and sat in the lounge – finding some of the posher chairs there.

Not a bad flight to Wellington and a smooth landing (cant be that windy). The Golum statue in the arrival area was very impressive. After claiming our bags, a person from the car rental company (Ace Car Rentals) turned and showed us into the pick up van. As he was not too busy and there was a bit of traffic, he took us on our own mini guided tour, going past most of the center. At the car rentals we picked up our car (a Suberu legacy estate) and made our way out. Well not so far as parents had spotted a bowl in a shop just outside (did I mention shopping?) so we had a quick look (though did not buy it) before going to the hotel – The Rydges and checking in. I was not sure about the parking – it said valet – I could not figure out where to drop it so went round the block 3 times while Father went and asked (it would have been 2 times but Father tried making me move into a space suitable for a mini not an estate).

We had been upgraded to the top floor (14), with not too shabby a view – Bhavni and I could see the harbour, whilst Parents had a city view – and we got to our rooms and quickly got ready to go out. We walked down Featherston Street and further into the city aiming for Cuba Street. There were quite a few stops for shopping on the way though. We had a walk up and down Cuba Street to look for food and had lunch in a cafe there, not far from the Bucket fountain.From here we went to the Botanic gardens – but since we walked past the tram, we started walking up the hill – Lots of complaints later we got to the top of the road and to the actual park. At the top were the old observatories and a nice look out point over the city.

Asking directions for the best way to see the botanic gardens, we were told to follow the path with the flowers. This path wound down through the botanic garden and all the different areas, over the course of an hour of gentle walking and looking. We eventually ended up near the parliament buildings. We had a good look outside them (they were closed by this point for the public), with the weirdness that is the Beehive and the nice main building. From there we headed towards town again and booked dinner at the Great India restaurant.

We went back to the hotel and picked up a bit of food from the New World in the train station next to us, then rested for a while before we wend out for dinner. Initially we got put in a corner next to some people who looked like they were having a stag do, but we changed table and had a decent (though too spicy) Indian meal. We went back to the hotel for and retired for the night (the views were cool from the room).

Sunday 3rd

Having a partial lie in, we headed out at 10am, heading towards the center again. We had some breakfast in a cafe called “Arizona”, which had free coffee and tea (though they charged us initially). We had some mixed breads and Father and I had poached egg on corn bread. From there we headed to Te-Papa. Initially we stuck together through the beginning, but decided to split into 2 groups and meet later. We ended up spending quite a few hours inside, with a lot of time spent on the first floor, which had lots of natural exhibits – marine life and volcanic information. Our allotted time had passed, but we had not even made it to the next floor – but parents had not either! So we all carried on up to the next floors.

Eventually we emerged back out (after the obligatory photo under the trolls from The Hobbit). We walked past the waterfront and through the end of the Sunday market before going towards the I Site (with the guys doing more shopping – ahhh). We had a stop in the Art Gallery, which definitely had some weird exhibits – and we watched a quite disturbing one.

Heading back to the hotel, after a quick refresh we got the lobby to get our car out for us and we headed to the top of Mt Victoria for the lookout point. The viewpoint had really great views of the city, but the wind had picked up, so the parentage retreated to the car quite quickly.

We drove back into town and as it was near 6pm, parked. We had a bit of time before we wanted to eat, so whilst wondering towards the restraunt we had chosen to eat in, we came apon an Indian Polo bar. They had seats outside around fires in the center of the tables, (and they turned on a brazier next to out table), so we sat down, had some drinks and some peanuts in the shells (which we swept onto the floor).

For dinner we went to a Mexican restaurant (The Flying Burito Brothers). They did not have a table ready, so we had a seat at the bar, and the parentage had a jug of margaritas whilst waiting. Nice dinner, after which we went back to the hotel for an early night.

Monday 4th

A pretty early start with us having to be up at around 4am to get out of hotel for around 5am. This is because we had to arrive at the ferry terminal at 5.30, to catch the Interislander. After checking in, we sat in the car at the loading queue, in the dark. We were loaded on (finally seeing which craft we were on) and went and chose our seats – initially in the main area, before we went to the front. Bhavni and I had a wonder watching the dawn break, and us leaving the cloudy city behind for the clear skies of the straight. We wondered back in and had Thepla and tea for breakfast. Bhavni and I spent quite a bit of time outside looking at the views, with the parentage wondering out now and then also.

Arriving in Picton, we made our way back to the car and offloaded. We drove directly down the SH1 to Blenheim, where we found our hotel – Chateau Malbrough – quickly. We tried our luck checking in, but the rooms were not ready, so the hotel staff took our bags in and said that they would give us a call when the rooms were ready. The sun was out with blue skies and we went for a walk into town, through the nearby park. They found some more shops on route (sigh). We got a phone a while later that our rooms were ready, so we headed back to the hotel and got refreshed and changed for lunch.

We made our way by car to Wither Hills, where I had booked lunch for us (a week before). We were seated outside (after a bit of confusion about us being a different group) – it was a little fresh but pleasant. Whilst the food was ordered we did a wine tasting. Most of the wines were really nice and we picked a nice one for lunch – a 2012 S Blanc. For starters father and I had some soup – delicious, with breads for the rest. We had pasta and nice salad for mains. Bhavni decided to order a desert – a rich chocolate cake with a fresh berry semi-fredo – devine.

Whilst relaxing there, father sat in the sun on the soft bean chairs, and we examined the grape variates on show in the front, before going to barral vault for a look around then at the top of the tower.

After leaving and going for a little drive around the area in a round towards Spring Creek, we found that the air museum that was recommended to us was closed, so instead we went to Villa Maria and got the parentage to do another wine tasting there.

Getting back to the hotel, we had some time so Bhavni and I went for a walk, whilst coincidently so did father (finding out a little later). We tried to book into a Japanese restaurant but they were having a event on, so the hotel recommended us another local Italian restaurant. We got ready and headed out there. It was definitely a local place, with it full of people – we ordered some pastas (no pizzas), with quite generous portions.

Tuesday 5th

Waking up to a beautiful day again, we met outside the rooms for breakfast in the hotel just before 9am, at “Quench”. It was a nice restaurant, and I had poached eggs on sour dough, whilst we ordered bread and preserves for the table. Weirdly for Bhavni’s dish of muesli they ran out of bananas so they substituted preserved pear on the food without asking.

We checked out and started our drive down the SH1 to Kaikoura. We had some really nice costal views on way there and stopped a number of times to take some photos (with the Kaikura mountain ranges slowly appearing). On the way we stopped at a seal colony just on the side of the highway where there were a number of seals around.

Arriving at Kaikura before 12, we went directly to the whale watching station to “check in”. The woman behind the counter was quite strange, not wanting to answer questions nicely, just repeating the same sentence (though the woman next to her seemed to know what she was doing). We had nearly an hour before we need to be there for the safety briefing, so we drove into the main street (well the only street almost) and had a wonder around, looking at the beach and the shops.

Getting back to the whale watch station, (after a few walks back to the car to get forgotten items such as sunglasses and sun cream), we watched the intro video then loaded onto a bus to the actual boat.

We grabbed some seats (as pairs as people really rushed in), and were away soon – the boat was really fast, and the sea had a small roll to it, so some people were a bit squeeze (one especially was very unwell). Within 5 minuites we came accross our first sperm whale whale – a local, the boat stopped and we went to the top deck for a really good view of the whale breathing and then diving with its tail out of the water.

The boat then moved on as another whale had appeared, just a minute or two away, which was another local. We also watched this one breathing and diving.

We were quickly ushered back to the seats as there was another whale, just a minute or two away, which turned out to be a visiting sperm whale. That was 3 Whales already.

We then went back to our seats as there was another whale on the horison, but unfortunately it disappeared on the way there. However another treat came into view – an orc

a, which we followed for a while watching it dive and resurface.

After that we headed inland for a look at seal rock and some coastal scenes, before heading back to shore, where we got the return coach to our car around 4pm.

From Kaikura we then carried on the SH1 to Christchurch, which was around a 2 hour drive (with a little pit stop on the way). We went straight to the accomodation for that night – Terra Vie apartments – which were right in the centre on Bealey Ave. We were on the 2nd floor in No 10. Quite a nice apartment with a lounge and two rooms.

We got ready and then headed out for dinner to the Bhodi Tree for Burmise (which I had booked a week ago), and on the way back went for a shop to get some breakfast for the next morning.

Wednesday 6th

We woke up and after having breakfast, including cereal, we headed out. We left the car at the apartments and walked to the city centre, down Columbo street until we had to go around the red zone area. We eventually made ourselves to the container city area, where they had made the shops out of shipping containers. From there we went near the hospital and into the botanical gardens having a quick look around the closet areas.

As we left the botanical gardens we saw that the flower show (a bit like the chelsea flower show) was on, so it was quite busy in that area. We would not be able to go in due to lack of time and the entrance fee, so we carried on in the increasingly hot day (it reached 30C) along the park then up Bealey Ave to get our car.

We then started out drive south towards Dunedin via the SH1. By the time we reached Timaru we could see the cloud increasing and looking much cooler, and eventually it started drizzling. During the drive Bhavni suddenly woke up and said we had to stop at the Moeraki Boulders (south of Oamaru). We parked, then had a 10 minute walk on the beach to the stones there. Im sure on a hot day with the sun shining in the beach, the boulders (roundish 1m large stones) are more interesting, but with the biting wind, it was nice to get back to the car.

We then had a search for a bathroom incident, but on the plus side I got 2 twirly wirly bars. From there it was plain sailing to Dunedin, where we went to the motel – the Adrian Motel, checked in and had a cup of tea. For dinner Bhavni had phoned up the Etrusco, which was an Italian restaurant near the city centre. The place was full and busy, but it had a really nice ambiance. I ordered a gnocci dish – as usual not the best, but however the rest of the pizza and pastas were really good. We were treated to some opera singing by a person sitting on a table not far from us.

After dinner we bought some ice cream and bread from a supermarket and went back to the motel. We all tucked into the ice cream and even though it was mother who wanted it in the first place, she hardly ate any.

Thursday 7th

We woke up and had breakfast in the apartment, bread, tea and cereal (as well as some Ice cream in wit). After checking out we headed into the city centre, parking right at the Octagon. We had a look at the city hall before walking to the train station – probably the most iconic building in the city. We went inside and took some photos before seeing the nearby church. On the octagon there was an AA branch, so we headed inside to organise a trip to Milford sounds for the parentage. As we had to head out we left the booking to the lady there so we could collect it later.

We had to drive all the way to the end of the Otego peninsula, which turned into a windy road round the coastline. It was meant to take the best part of an hour, but we managed to do it in around 30 mins – no wonder Bhavni was a little queezy. We booked into the Royal Albatros tour and had a look around the exhibitions as we had a little time before the tour at 11am. For the tour there was a short film before we headed to the viewing room up a hill. The room had one way glass so that we could look out over the nesting area. All the adults were away at the time, but the chicks were there, huddled around in the cold. After a while an adult came and flew around the area.

After the tour we got back into the car and drove back to Dunedin. We took the high road this time, which afforded us some nice views and took us past the castle. We did not go in however as the castle was $40pp. We went back to the AA and picked up the tour confirmation for parentage, before we went to Baldwin Street, which is the steepest street in the world (with a 35% grade). We parked at the bottom and all of us walked up to the top. It was amusing watching cars climbing the street.

After getting back to the car we headed down the SH1 and onto the SH8. Our first stop was the town of Lawrence, where we had some tea and a stretch. We were told by the information guide to have a drive to the old mining area – Gabrials Gully – a place that was full of miners in the gold rush days. We drove back to Lawrence on the unsealed spur road giving us a nice view back. We carried on the SH8 to Alexandria.

We had a stop in the town, where an Indian farmer from Hamilton got talking to the parentage. He was on his way to Wanaka with some friends from the south. After saying bye, we took the road up past initially to the famous clock on the cliffs over the town to the lookout point there.

Back on the road, we passed the dam on the Clutha river. Bhavni and I got out for a look and a couple of pictures. Unfortunately we forgot there were sandflies, so we had some in the car by the time we got on the road. Fortunately none of us got bitten! Carrying on the road we passed the whole of the flooded valley and even saw the road that disappeared under the water.

We got to Queenstown by the late evening and checked into out rooms. Getting ready quickly we headed out into Queenstown for dinner. We initially went into the Thai that we want into with Shelina and Anish, however the restraint had a peculiar smell which was off-putting, so we made our excuses and went into a neighbouring Mexican restaurant. The food was ok, but the fillings were a little strange. We went for a quick wonder around town, parentage slightly tipsy with the Margarita that they had, before going back to the hotel and calling it a night.

 

 

Friday 8th

A later start today. We did not have to get up so early and we had decided to meet for breakfast around 9am in the room, with some bread that was bought yesterday in town.

After breakfast we headed into town to the Gondola, finding great parking quickly (unlike the last time). There were still queues to get the tickets, but they were not as bad as last time, so we were soon on out way up to Skyline. We spent a while up at the top with parentage taking photos. We in the meantime worked ourselves to the other side near the lifts to the luge and sat and relaxed for a bit before getting parentage there (as well as Bhavni taking some different photos). Bhavni and I decided to go for a walk on one of the tracks up at the top, whilst parentage went to the lounge for another drink. It was not a massive walk and within half an hour we were back (with weird fruit drink still in hand) and caught up with the parents and headed down.

We had a little time in the morning so we had a wonder around the town before we got back in to the car. We took the SH6 and turned into the Amisfield Wineary, where we sat for a late lunch. We had a twist on brucheta with courgetes and some breads with wine. The sun was fierce and we had to move initially as we were to much in the sun, but even in the second table we had to bunch up. Bhavni and father amused themselves at one point by sitting on a tractor and taking photos. After food we did a small wine tasting and got a bottle of wine.

After the winery we drove into Arrow town in a while stop viewing of the old town street before going to the crown ranges road. We stopped for some photo opportunists on the road up before continuing on to Wanaka.

We got to Wanaka, it was busy. There was a farming show on the weekend so lots of people had come down – it explained the farmer we met in Alexandria staying in Wanaka. We were still early and the weather was nice, so we went to the Indian restaurant that we had been to before with Miten et al – the Spice Room – and booked dinner. The lady remembered me (wonder if she remembered the fire).

We had dinner and aferwards we got in the car and drove back over the Crown ranges to Queenstown.  It was a clear night and I wanted to stop to see some of the stars as the sky got dark near the end, but it was a little bright still and no-one else was that interested. In the end we went back to the hotel and called it a night.

Saturday 9th

Well the parents had gone away early for their “musical” – Milford Sound, so we were on our own. We got up and ready, having food in the room, so we were leaving the hotel at around 9.30am for our epic drive.

Our first stop was Gore. It was a little early for lunch, but we took a break and had some tea at one of the cafes there, the weather had turned grey and cloudy and it was threatening to spit. After some fun with roundabouts and filling up some petrol, we carried on the SH1 towards the Catalans, turning from the road to Invercargil towards Fortose.

At Fortose we took the sea side road rather than the inner road – stopping at a little cafe/info center. After only a couple of km, the road became unsealed. Our first stop was at a turnoff and another few km of the main road at Waipumpa point lighthouse. Getting there we saw some sea lions on the beach. They were a lounging on the beach and every now and again making noises.

From here we headed back to the sea road and carried on to slope point, another 6km down an unsealed road. Slope point is the most southern point of the south island and we had to go from the car park and around some farmers fields to get there.The cliffs there were quite sheer and the sea looked powerful. After posing for some photos we made our way back to the car and continued on.

We stopped next at the fossilised forest area – time for ice cream in the cold. We went down to the beach area, where we just could make out a yellowed eye penguin from a distance. This was one of the areas that there is a colony of them, but it was not the best day to see them.

Time was getting on so we did not stop much and started to make our way towards Balclutha. We stopped for a chip stop in Owaka as I thought the shops would be closing soon. Bhavni drove most of the way from  Balclutha to Queenstown, only swapping back at the start of the lake as she insisted that she would swap when we had the major left turn. There was no left turn but she did not believe me!

We got back to the hotel and parentage were back. Whilst we got freshened up, we sent them on investigation to see what the food was like at the hotel. Unfortunately there was not that great a choice, so we headed out and went to “The Cow” in town, having the pasta, pizza and garlic bread.

We picked up some supplies for breakfast before heading back to the hotel. Bhavni and I went for a little walk close by and did some star gazing, though not perfect, you could still see alot.

Sunday 10th

The day dawned looking beautiful and we had breakfast in parentage’s room, meeting for around 9am. We went on another trip – this time carrying on on the 6a to Glenorchy. We had to go past the end of Queenstown, which we had never been to before. As we carried on and participially after turning the corner of the lake, the mountains in front of us got bigger and more rugged. We stopped on the way for a couple of pictures, just in-time as when we left a few other cars pulled up to take the shots.

At Glenorchy, we parked up in the town and had a walk around the town. There were a couple of shops of interest, but not alot, so we went to the pier and posed for some more shots. We had a tea (Bhavni had some ginger tea to stave off a cold), at one of the cafes there.

Driving back to Queenstown, we stopped at another look out point and went down on the river bank there for a bit – luckily no sandflies. Back in Queenstown we parked and had a wonder around as we had some time. Finally we stopped at the Patagonian Chocolate cafe and ordered some churos, whilst most of the other tourists were going crazy for the ice cream. After we stopped at one of the waterfront bars and had some drinks – I got a text and had to confirm, but our plane was delayed by 30mins – superb outcome nothing better then relaxing rather than flying back. We also had entertainment as some people were singing on the lawn.

Eventually we dropped the car off and checked into our flight. Mother got a window seat near the back (we asked as it is always good getting a view). We got to Auckland and after collecting our car we drove home. Mother got the whip out and without a break there was dry fry potato and puri on the table for dinner.

Monday 11th

My holiday over, I had to go to work. Bhavni was off still, so she stayed at home and did some cooking before going with them for some Shopping.

Tuesday 12th

Bhavni had her last day off. She and parentage went to Rotarua to see the geysers and then do the mud bath that Shelina recommended. Apparently father drove and was a bit silly with his speed control. They were home a little late, but they had done the prep before going, so we had samosas for dinner.

Wednesday 13th

Bhavni and I bath had to go to work today so we left the parentage to their own devices. They went shopping (the normal). After I got back from work, we went and visited Sue (with some somosas), sitting out in her garden for a good hour. We had lasagna (which mother had made) after picking Bhavni up from work.

Thursday 14th

The parents were leaving today and were awake early (though they did not seem to understand that we have alarms and are not teeny boppers!). We were at the airport before 6.30am, dropping them at the drop off and pick up point. After saying bye, we went and parked in the short term parking and said bye once again whilst they were queueing up quickly.

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Monday 18th February

Although it was Sunday when I found myself at the airport in the dropoff/pickup zone, it was actually Monday by the time Sita came out (cleaning walking boots takes a bit of time). We had to take a slightly scenic route home as there were diversions so Sita got to see some more of Auckland then initially planned. Getting home I showed her to her room, before we called it a night. The reason was that we had to wake up early as I had to drop her to the City centre as she went on a tour (intercity) to the Bay of Islands. I went back home and got ready before going to work. In the evening, I dropped Bhavni to work (after a potato and broccoli bake) and just had to pick Sita up a afterwards. Getting home, we sat and looked at some photos while she ate.

Tuesday

I left Sita at home in the morning to go to work. Bhavni being Bhavni, instead of going home. phoned Sita and told her to do the alarm, lock the door and take a bus to the Museum, where they had a look around and Sita went for the cultural show. At lunch time they picked me up from work and we got some sandwiches from Subway before going to Cornwall park for a picknic. Having just enough time we went to the top of one tree hill for some photo opportunities before I got dropped back to work whilst they went to Mission Bay.

We had dinner at home – Bhere and looked at some of our photos.

Wednesday

While I went to work in the morning, the girls had a lie in and eventually left to go to see the Coromandal going all the way to Coromandal Town. They visited a place called The Waterworks. They came home at a little past 8pm. We made pasta for dinner.

Thursday

Bhavni had to go to a meeting at her hospital and I was at work, so we sent Sitia to the city to catch the ferry to Tiritiri Island. Bhavni and her met up after in the city and when I drove into the city (parking near the civic) after 6pm (I got caught in a little bit of traffic) getting there for 6.30. They were both hungery, so by the time I had walked a bit down Queens Street they were already checking out food in Eliot Stables. We had a mixture of stuff, nice place, though most of the food was lacking in flavour – apart from the guacamole at the end which unfortunately was tiny. We then went to go to Apego – but we found that it was closed !

Bhavni and sita had their ice cream from the famous place on Queens Street before we got in the car and drove across the Harbour bridge for the view. Someone then had the idea to go to then end of Devonport to have a look at the view. Although the view is not bad, it still is not as good as the one on the bridge (though you can not get a good photo whilst driving).

Friday

Again I was at work. Bhavni and Sita went into town in the morning (after doing some preperation for food) as they had decided to go to Wahiki. In the end they missed the initial ferry by a few minutes so they spent a while looking around Albert Park which was being set up for the Chinese new years festival before getting the next ferry.

I in the mean time came home in the evening, but the guys were not back from the city as yet, so I had to rush and get ready to start making the toasted sandwiches. Bhavni’s friend arrived before they had come back even. Well after the terrible duo came back, they finished off making the food, whilst I got to loading the car.

We were on the road having just left after 6pm. Traffic was a pain, (we even took Great South Road for a while to avoid the SH1 for 4 junctions) and we got stuck a bit in Manakou. Out of the city things sped up much more and we drove to Taupo without much stopping. Getting there we dropped Bhavni’s friend to the backpackers before checking into our Motel. eating a bit and then settling in for the night.

Saturday

It was a really early start today, with the alarm going off at 4.40am. Getting ready we then had breakfast – cereal and tea, before going to the backpackers to pick up Bhavni’s friend.

We had to drive around lake Taupo on the SH1 and the SH47 to Adventure Headquarters, which were a transport company to get us to the start of the walk as the car parks were closed to the public since the eruption there. As we were driving on the SH1, we joined a large convoy of pickups heading our way, but they turned carried on on the SH41, so not to the park as we started thinking.

We got to the transport people around 6.40am, just as they were opening, where we checked in and waited for the bus to leave around 7am. The driver of the bus recognised my voice from my phone calls when booking and was quite friendly. We got to the start of the track (Mangetepopo car park) in around 20 minuites, where we took a few seconds to get ready before starting on the track. It was quite cold in the morning, but as I knew it was going to be hot I did not wear many layers (though the rain jacket was still in the back pack), whilst others kept on layering and delayering. The walk to Soda Springs was quite pleasant on mostly well formed track and not hard with gentle tussock lava fields around us. As we ascended we got views of Mt Taranaki over the plains.

We decided to see the soda springs on the way back and started on the steep climb ahead. This was well formed track with stairs so not very difficult, climbing around 300m. This then got us to our first Sign – Volcanic Hazard – Not sure how helpful the text was about pyroclastic flows!

The walk from here was a lovely walk on the plateau between the mountains. We just went past the track to the top of Mt Ngauruhoe – which looked crazily steep and carried on to the South Crater, talking to a couple from Austria.

We then got to our next climb – which was much harder a climb as there was lots of loose scree and narrow paths. This was tiring as it was up a good 250m. We all lukilly managed to make it up without much sliding – though Sita showed she was far better then us at this.

Finally getting to the next plateau – just before the highest point on the crossing, we stopped and had a quick break before going to the top. As we got over the top, we got our first look at the Emerald Lakes and in the distance the Blue Lake, whilst on the side was the Red Crater.

We sat for a bit and took in the views there, but did not attempt to go down the scree slope to the lakes as that was meant to be quite hard to come up from – also the sign was there from DOC, which marked the danger zone for the eruption, so then we headed back to the rocky plateau just before, which was out of the wind, and had our lunch break.

After eating, we decided to head towards the peak of Tongeriro, which was just a little side path. Although only 100m or so higher than what we were at, it was not so easy as the track also descended a couple of times and the path was in places loose fine scree. Bhavni and her friend took a time out – looking at a decent, whilst Sita and I carried on to the summit, where we took a couple of photos (Mt Raupehu was visible from there). We got back to the guys, had a couple of minutes rest then started our decent,

The initial descent was really tough going and we had to be careful not to slide down. Other people were having difficulty and some even gave up and slid on their bottoms down the slope. But we eventually made it to the bottom of the slope and to the high plateau, where we looked at the South Crater from close (looking from above is so much more impressive). The plateau was a brief respite before we got to the next decent. Whilst it was well formed, it was just a long continuous descent that was quite tiring for me.

We had a quick look at Soda Springs (Bhavni met one of here colleagues from work who were on a much longer trek that day), before continuing on. This part really seemed much longer then when going up and we did not have a break as we wanted to make sure that we caught the bus at 4pm as the next one was at 5.30pm. It was a mixed blessing getting to the hut, as it was a identifiable landmark but it was also 25minuites more to the end, passing the crowds of people going a little too slowly.

We managed to reach the car park at around 3.40pm, where we just sat down and waited for our bus pick-up at 4pm, which took us to out car. We headed back to Taupo and dropped off Bhavnis friend whilst we went and got our selves cleaned up.

At 6pm we met up again and went for food – going for Italian – baked brie, pizza and pasta. Most of the pizza was taken back as a take away. We went back to the  motel and called it a night.

Sunday

We woke up a little leisurely and had food in the motel – including the remaining pizza. After checking out we went for a walk about – first to Farmers as Bhavni wanted to buy some clothes for Prisha, Neer and Saanya. We then spent a little time looking at the views of the mountains from across the lake.

We picked up Bhavnis colleague and drove to Huka Falls taking some pictures and wondering around. The water was lower then the time we visited with Shamil, though still impressive. We then drove to the rapids and the Dam to look at the water surge – though it was not in operation as works were being carried out.

From there we carried on, driving to Tirau, where we stopped for a long while – initially I thought it was just for photos, but they decided to have food – chips (jokers would not allow any leeway in time). Bhavni then drove to the airport (filling up at Bombay). We dropped Sita off at the airport just as the checkin was closing (luckilly there was absolutely no delay or Sita would have missed the flight) . We then drove to Ponsenby to drop Bhavnis colleague, before returning home and eating onion tomato chevro (with sweetcorn).

We watched some tv, before driving into town to go to Albert park for Chinese lantern festival. The lanterns were amazing and the park was really busy – everyone was out. We even got to see fireworks at the odd time of 10.20pm. The food did not look good and infact as we were there the power was turned off. This was our cue to go home.

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Wednesday 16th

I finished work early and headed to the airport, luckily as it was before rush hour there was not too much traffic on the road. Parking in the pick up drop off point, I was able to sneak up to Shelina and Anish. Heading on home I tried to point out a few of the sights until I pulled up in Dukerron Ave and into the house.

Bhavni was not home, so we sat for a while, though they were hungry and raided the nahsto. The gardener that we had asked to come round came around 5.30 for a look at the garden and the work needed to be done. Bhavni came just a little after he had left.

We had dinner – indian and salad with avocados – which the guys had missed before catching up. Later in the evening we let them pack for the next day.

Thursday 17th

We had to leave the house by around 5.20am to get to the airport – it was still dark outside. We dropped the car in the park and ride, just getting on a departing bus and checked into the flight to Queenstown before 6am.. Our flight was at around 7.20. so we had a time to get a coffee and some food – Anish went and got something from McDonald. Another easy flight into Queenstown, though not quite as great a view as when we went last as we seemed to descend later.

After picking up the bags we picked up the car, it was a bit old. We headed to the hotel first, though it was not even 10am, to see if we could put our stuff away. Luckily they managed to get a room ready for us (though it took 20 mins and not the 10mins they had said), so we put the bags in the room and then headed on out into town.

While we were waiting in the hotel, Bhavni was talking to the person behind the counter of the tourism desk.

We wished we had pre-booked the Gondola with him as that was were we next headed as it was really busy. But first we had to park. There was no parking available outside the Gondola and lots of people trying to park, so we tried a few other streets before dropping Bhavni and Shelina to get the tickets, while Anish and I looked for parking. We tried going around to no avail, I think Anish was more stressed then I was which is saying something. Getting back to the Gondola parking – eureka – someone was pulling out – we got parking right outside. We joined the guys in the queue and got our tickets (plus two luge rides also).

Getting on to the top, the weather was closing a bit, but was still ok, so we went straight to the Luge ride. After explaining how the luge works we were away – I led, but as usual speed demon Bhavni was catching up. We got to the bottom, but had to wait as Shelina (AKA Miss Daisy) came down. Well after convincing her to try again, we went up. While they made us wait (for the family queue to be dealt with) we started to get drizzled upon. So it was a wet track we went down – the steeper track. It was more fun, though I managed to derail myself right at the end in the slow pits! Anish and Shelina came down together and faster then I expected. It was nice to go inside as it had started to rain properly and we headed to the restraunt area downstairs rather than the busy cafe upstairs where we sat and ordered some hot chocolates each. Shelina managed to dislodge the heater – but no-one else noticed.

We watched the rain clouds go past in the warmth, before it cleared up again and we went and took some pictures from outside. As the weather seemed to be improving we left and headed down to the car – which we moved (and found parking for) so that we could have a walk around town.

We had a walk around town, looking at the various shops (particularly outdoor clothing). We then went to the cafe we had been to before, getting some Mexican churos with chocolate. It was quite breezy and we were in the shade outside, so we all were trying to edge towards the sun.

After looking at a restaurant (and not getting far with the booking as they just were refusing to understand our question), we went to “The Cow” who said that just turn up – Dinner Sorted.

Around 4pm We headed to “Onsen Hot Pools”, up Arthurs point road, and past the Shot Over river. This was a spa pool (in a wooden pool with jets) that we had booked, which overlooked the river. When we got there though the power was off, apparently it had just gone out. We were offered a choice of going in straight away while the water was hot, but we declined and decided to wait and see if it would go back on. Well in the mean time we sat outside and looked at one of the jet boats going across the river and the owners gave us some complimentary tea while we waited. Luckily just before 5pm (when we had booked) the power came back on and we got to go in. It was interesting as the roof could be opened (and we did after the drizzle that came through as it got a little hot in the end).

After our hour was up and we had got ready, we headed back (looking at the expensive restaurant next door which had not much vegetarian food on offer). We stopped at the shotover jet boat and had a look at the river there before continuing to town, where we went to “The Cow”. The garlic bread was not as impressive in size as the one in Wanaka, however the food was nice. We then went back to the hotel for an early night.

Friday 18th

It was another early start as we had to aim to get to Manpuri for 7.30am, meaning that we were out of the hotel by just after 5.30am in the dark. It was an interesting drive going past Lake Wakatipu and seeing the snow in the twilight on some of the mountains. Anish and Shelina knocked out. We got to Manpuri just after 7am and I got our tickets. We had a little time to chill and Bhavni took some photos and I decided today would be a day for contact lenses and sunglasses. We boarded the boat (which was run by Real Journeys) at 8am, and headed off on the half hour ride across the lake. Bhavni was constantly outside taking photos, whilst the rest of us alternated. It was quite a stunning sight and this was not even the sound.

We got to the other side and into the visitor centre there. Ahh – Sandflies – the place was full of them and we had not even thought about putting on repellent. Oh well, covering up as best as we could we had a look at the exhibits whilst the Real Journey group left. Out group then got on the coach and went into the Manapuri power station, along a road that wound down under the plant.

We got out of the coach and into the viewing gallery of the power station (balmy at around 30C) where we were given a talk on the power station before looking at some of the exhibits.

From there we headed back on the coach for the trip over Wilmot Pass and onto Deep Cove. We had a viewing stop at the top of Wilmot pass, with a stunning view onto the sound. The driver even made everyone stand still and listen to the bird calls there.

At deep cove we boarded the small boat and headed on into Doubtful sound. It was a small boat and we could wonder to the front – ahead of the captain, inside and on the top deck. Helping our selves to the coffee, we sat back for the ride. Bhavni and I initially sat on a seat right near the front beside the captain, but I was tempted out the front. Suddenly Bhavni was beside me as they had spotted something ahead making some splashes; as we approached, the splashes started to approach and we saw that they were dolphins – the resident pod. They were very large and jumped in and out of the water on the way to the boat. They escorted the boat for a short while before disappearing into the dark water and leaving when we had cleared the area – apparently they were protecting the pregnant females.

The boat explored the sound going past the crooked arm and out into the Tasmin sea, rocking in the swells, before going back up the sound and into the crooked arm. We saw some seals and other birdlife as well as getting really close to some of the falls. I tried to stay outside as much as possible to admire the scenery, but because of the cool breeze the rest were inside for most of it.

Getting back to deep cove we got on the coach, and had a stop near a bridge on the road where we had a chance to take some photos. We then got to the visitor center and boarded the boat back to Manapouri.

From Manaphouri we drove up to Te-Anau where we filled up some petrol, before heading back to Queenstown. As we passed near Lake Wakatipu we stopped at some  of the lookouts – such as the Devils staircase and I was surprised to see that the snow on the mountains there had all but disappeared.

Back in Queenstown we parked – much less of a problem – before having a wonder and going to a restraunt called “Siam Thai”, which was surprisingly good. It was then back to the hotel. (Was meant to go to sleep but a movie was coming).

Saturday 19th

Although not as early a start as previously we left the hotel and checked out by around 7.20am. We drove down the SH6 and took a quick detour to go see Arrowtown, an old goldmining town, where we stopped in the main street and took some photos. Returning to the SH6, we were only on it for a bit as we took the Cardrona Valley Rd. The road wound up the hills over a pass and we got some amazing views back to Queenstown and the surrounding plains, we even stopped and faced the stiff breeze for some photos. From here we followed the valley with mountains to either side before emerging into the valley and Wanaka.

As we drove into Wanaka, Bhavni suddenly declared that she forgot that the Iron Man competition was on. Sure enough lots of the streets were cordoned off and we had to go in a little bit of a circle to find parking and get out for our breakfast stop. It was really sunny and hot – the competitors were on the bike stage, having already been swimming for an hour. Bhavni and I had a light breakfast in one of the shops, sitting outside and watching the proceedings, whilst Shelina and Anish went for a full breakfast at the next door cafe. Bhavni went and took some photos near the waterfront, before I joined her and we headed back to the guys and the car.

From Wanaka we joined the SH6 again and carried on towards Lake Hawea, which was slow going as this was the route for the Iron Man competition and cars were being very hesitant. Well eventually most cars turned off in the same direction as the course, so we had a clear run again, though we had our photo opportunities.

As we went through the beautiful scenery in Mt Aspiring national park, the weather started getting cloudy, and when we emerged on the west coast it was raining. We had a brief stop in Haast (Shelina and Anish were after some food and I wanted to fill up petrol). The drive to Fox Glacier was in continuous rain, but we got there around 1pm.
Originally I was thinking of doing a Heli Hike, but there was no way that this was going to happen, so after a lot of debating about whether it was worth going for a walk in the rain, 3 of us went on short glacier walk (Bhavni was being a mad person not wanting to go!).

I changed into my waterproofs (since they were packed) and we boarded the bus getting to the glacier face area. The way to the glacier had significantly changed since I was there last, with no need to climb into the forest and just a gentle scree slope to just above the ice. It was amusing that as we were going onto the ice, a rock slip occurred with fridge sized stones slipping. We had a nice walk on the ice – well we were fitter than most of the group of tourists (most from asia). Near the end the sun even came out and we had some nice views of the upper glacier.

Getting back to the township we met up with Bhavni (who had been to lake Matherson again) and we drove to Franz Joseph. Bhavni and I dropped the two at a restaurant called The Landing to get seats and order starters, whilst we drove to Franz Joseph Retreat and checked in. Back at the restaurant, Shelina ordered a plate of nachos and ate around 3 pieces….

We went to the accommodation and everyone sat around the tv as Rush Hour 2 was coming on, though I dont remember much of it as I slept through alot of it.

Sunday 20th

The morning dawned quite clear, and we had a lazy breakfast before leaving at around 8.30am. As we drove cloud had stared to appear. We stopped at the place Miten had a helicopter flight and we tried to see if we could have a flight. The weather and timing were not on our side (as we had to get to Christchurch), so we had to give up on the idea. It soon started to drizzle. Filling up at Hokitika we took the SH73 through Arthurs Pass. We were amazed at the rock slides and the areas of the road that were knocked out – all in the space of a couple of weeks since we had been there with Miten. Not soon after getting into the pass, the rain stopped and looking ahead was blue skies. In Arthurs pass we stopped at a lookout where there were a couple of Kias entertaining the tourists and soon Shelina and Anish.

From there I next stopped at the Castle Rocks, where we all got out in the now hot day and took some photos, though we did not have enough time to go all the way up to them. From there our next stop was at Springfield, where we stopped at the Cafe that we had stopped with Miten and had some drinks (Anish had a piece of quiche). The woman there remembered Bhavni from last time.

We drove on to Christchurch and had a quick look around at the devastated center, before going to drop the car off at around 3.30pm. The car rental place dropped us to the airport and we checked in, doing a little window shopping before boarding the plane.

Arriving in Auckland around 6.20pm we got the bus to the car and drove home having a simple meal of Shaak and Roti (leftovers).

Monday 21st

Bhavni and I had to go to work, so we left the house before the two were up. They went into town and got the ferry to Wahiki Island, enjoying wine tasting in the sunny weather. After they went to see the sunset from the Sky Tower.

Tuesday 22nd

I had to get up early to drop Shelina and Anish to Brotomart for 7ish so that they could get a coach as they were going for the day to going to Rotorua, where they had a nice day at the thermal spas. I picked them up around 9pm from the city.

Wednesday 23rd

Bhavni was off, so she spent the whole day with them, going to the Museum and Mission Bay. In the mean time the gardener came and did a good clear up.

In the evening we all went to dinner at the Blue Elephant, having a nice meal, though we ordered too much as usual. We then went over the harbour bridge for the view back to the city before finally going to Mt Eden for views of the city.

Thursday 24th

I had to say bye in the morning as out guests were leaving. Bhavni gave them a full breakfast before she dropped them to the airport (where they had another full breakfast).

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