Legend has it that the Polynesians originate from Hawaiki. This does not refer to Hawaii but many thought to be the small islands in the Pacific including Tahiti. There is no known exact location and that some believe that the mythical land could be the spiritual homeland of their birth and the place they return to on their death.
Some 1000 years ago, according to one version of Maori folklore, Kupe and his warriors was in pursuit of his enemy Muturangi in his waka ( canoe ) across the South Pacific. Weeks went by and one day his wife, Hine-te-Aparangi saw a long white cloud in the distance. To the Polynesians, that was a sign that land was near. Hine-te-Aparangi upon sighting land exclaims "He ao, he aotea, he aotearoa". Literally, it means "It's a cloud, a white cloud, a long white cloud", thus becoming Aotearoa, "Land of the long white cloud". This was eventually followed by the arrival of "The Great Fleet" of seven canoes some 200 years later. These mass settlers came in " Te Arawa", the "Tainui", the "Mataatua", the "Tokomaru", the "Kurahaupo", the "Takitimu" and the "Aotea". Many Maori have ancestors laying claim to being migrants from that fleet of seven canoes.
Aotearoa - The land of the long white cloud.
It was not until another 600 over years later in 1642 that the first European that first laid sight of this land. Dutchman Abel Tasman caught sight of the west coast of South Island but never setting foot on the land because of a skirmish with the Maori. However, his "footprint" lies in the name he gave Aotearoa - New Zealand. A little over 100 years later, an English mariner Captain James Cook visited this new found land on behest of the British crown. He mapped new Zealand and claim it for the British empire. Soon after, whalers and sealers came, followed by many Europeans whom eventually increased in greater numbers and settled in New Zealand. The life of the Maori people was never the same thereafter. The Treaty of Waitangi allowed monarchy status for the chosen leader of Maori tribe. The Maori were granted as British subjects in return for British rule of New Zealand. This landmark treaty, evidently one sided has been the source of discontentment with the Maori people until today. We are not to judge history, but I could imagine the New Zealand without British administration, it could be a country like Papua New Guinea! No offence intended. Anybody who had laid foot on New Zealand will tell you that this is about the most beautiful country in the world. It's heaven on earth.This trip was made with a few thoughts in mind,
- to pay a visit to my sister residing in Auckland
- to enjoy a winter holiday with the family
- to experience holidaying in a motorhome
- to visit the honeymoon places Yvonne and I went 24 years earlier.
Day 1; 30.5.14 - The early dawn.
We woke up early to be ready for our driver to pick us up at 4.30 am from the house. It was an hour later that we reached KLIA and there was already a long queue at the MAS counter. Fortunately for international flights, the line was much shorter and we were done with the ticketing by 6.00 am. There are lots of time for breakfast and we finally boarded the plane at 8.30 am. The plane took off 15 minutes later and we brace ourselves for the long 10 hours flight time. New Zealand is 4 hours ahead of Malaysia and we landed at 10.00 pm New Zealand time. Debbie, MK and Nicholas was there to meet us. They had come in two cars just to take us back to their house about an hours drive away. Are we glad when the cars pulled up at the driveway and after unloading our bags, we had some catching up over a cup of coffee. It was way pass they bedtime and we were glad to hit the sack after having to wake up at the ungodly hour earlier today.
Ravi, our driver sent us to KLIA
seven luggages checked in.
Breakfast at Old Town Kopitiam, KLIA.
Taking the aerotrain to the "C" terminal
At the "C" gate waiting lounge.
Auckland airport.
Passing the duty free shops.
The luggage all came through.
Every piece accounted for.
Debbie was waiting for us at the arrival lobby.
Huggies.
Yes, he is all grown up.
And so is Valen.
We're all glad to meet up at Auckland.
Going over to the car park.
Having a catch up at Debby's house over coffee.
Nice, big and cosy house.
A chat before we call it a night.
Day 2 ; 31.5.14 - A day out.
Matakana market.
It was a weekend and Debbie took us on a drive to a small village at Matakana. It is a good day to visit this charming market but I guess a lot of people had the same idea. It was crowded and we had to park pour car some 700 meters away from the market. This is far for a village. We spent more than an hour there and had our lunch at a cafe across the market. Matakan market is certainly popular with Aucklanders.
All ready to go for a day out.
We had to park our car far away.
Here we are.
Crowded market.
There's even a country band.
at the market place.
Nice or not ?
Boys, follow mummy.
Me and my dad.
Callum not interested in shopping.
Waiting for the shoppers.
A nice coffee and some bite is all we need.
Waiting for food to be served.
"Pak thor"
walking down memory lane.
Debbie herself took the opportunity to come to the wharf.
A pitcure with the city view behind.
Anyone could just come here and laze around on one of these wooded bench.
MK relaxing.
A good day out for a stroll with the family.
Yes,all these structures are new.
Callum likes to bask in the sun.
He enjoys being with MK.
Callum feeling good.
Enjoying the nice cool weather.
Sit where there is a bench.
With Debbie and MK.
Debbie all looking cool.
So is Yvonne. Pic with the drawbridge as backdrop.
Another pic with the city behind.
MK and the boys.
The pride of New Zealand displayed prominently at the wharf.
It is already more than two decade when they won the America's Cup.
These bench actually rolls on rails.
Yvonne and Debbie.
All the pictures with the bay at the back.
This was the same spot at the ferry terminal where she had the photo taken 24 years earlier.
Having a nice cuppa after the stroll.
Guess what building I saw at the side of the cafe ?
Guess what surprise we had at night after dinner.
There is even a "pasar malam" at Pakuranga.
It's the same kind of night market just like Malaysia.
They sell anything from local food to international food
It is held in a car park at Pakuranga mall because of the cold outside.
Fried chicken and frizzy drinks
Pearl drinks. This place is popular with locals and foreign students.
Looks like "pasar malam" is globalised today.
Day 3 ; 1.6.14 - Golfing at Akaranga Golf Club.
Debbie had fixed up a round of golf with David at his golf club, the Akaranga Golf Club. I had met David at Rotorua where he stayed then during my first trip here. He is now an avid golfer and would not miss an opportunity to play during weekends. His golfing buddies, Charlie and Simon are all Malaysians residing here more than a score ago. We had a "skin" wager and that adds fun to the day's golfing.
Akaranga Golf Club.
Hole No. 1 is a Par 5.
View from the Tee Box at Hole 1.
Hole 3 is a dogleg right uphill.
With David Lee.
Another pose with David.
This Par 3 has a stream fronting the green. Mine found the water.
A tight Par 4.
Before the tee off at Hole 15.
At Hole 16 tee box with Simon. He comes 3 or 4 times a year.
At the penultimate hole 18 facing the clubhouse.
We had some beers at the clubhouse after the game. It was a fantastic day for golfing.
Whilst I was playing golf, Nicholas had volunteered to take the boys out for a drive.
Callum as usual had to do some stunt.
At Buckland beach.
This is just within walking distance from Debbie's house.
Yvonne must have her first pic taken.
They are at Mount Eden.
Nice view from here.
Depression at the top.
A view of Auckland.
Callum with his leisurely stroll.
A nice family pic.
The boys.
Nicholas the "volunteer" guide of the day.
Having a drink at the cafe.
Debbie had invited David's family over for dinner.
They brought over a couple of dishes even though it is not pot luck.
We had a good meal.
The boys had to eat at the kitchen bar top. They enjoyed it.
Day 4 ; 2.6.14 - KC's arrival from the states.
before coming, we had asked KC to join us for the holiday together. He had been here once before but did not have the opportunity to travel to South Island. After sorting out his leave, he had booked a flight from the states to join us for the South Island trip. His arrival is at the early morning hours at 5.00 am. Debbie went to the airport to pick him up. We woke up to hearing his noisy arrival in the morning. At about 11.00 am, we took a drive over to Stephen's house at nearby Takutai to have a look.
The house at the front.
The spacious garden.
Living hall upstairs that opens to a deck.
Kitchen adjoing the living hall.
View all the way to the beach from the deck.
It's for rent. The last tenant just moved out.
We took a drive down to half moon bay, a short distance down the road.
There is also a ferry terminal here. At times, Debbie use the ferry here to commute to her office in the city.
KC at the marina.
There's a lot of yacht berthing here. It's a favourite pastime.
Yvonne and I at half moon bay.
No surprise why Auckland is also known as the City of Sails. These are boats at just one residential area.
We went back home just in time for lunch.
No prize for guessing what's for lunch.
Debbie had the boys in mind when preparing burgers.
It's as good as it looks.
Everyone love it.
This just can't get any better.
I had to take a conference call at 1.30 pm. This being a holiday here ( Queen's day ), we spend time at home with Debbie and the family and also getting ready for our South Island trip the next day.
In no time it is dinner time. You love eating when on holiday and every meal is as good as the last one. This is what we had for dinner.
While waiting for the time to make a conference call.
The dinner spread.
The chef happy with her dishes.
The sous chef.
The judges??!!
The dessert.
Day 5 ; 3.6.14 ; The beginning of our South Island holiday.
The boys woke up early and was ready to leave.
Getting the boarding pass via the kiosk was a breeze. Just a few button pushing and the ticket came through.
The bag tag is also issued at the same time for you to tag the bag yourself.
Sherman whiling away.
We have enough time at the airport.
The flight is only 1 hour and 20 minutes.
We landed at Christchurch airport on time at 12.30 pm.
Waiting for the KEA shuttle to pick us up.
At the KEA campers office.
Lei from KEA showed us around the motor home.
This is the waste tank. You have to clean it yourself daily if you use the toilet fitted in the vehicle.
The interior of the campervan.
Callum making himself comfortable in no time.
Our first stop was at "Pak and Save" supermart. I had to take 3 car space and park awkwardly.
When the front car move off, I had it parked properly and occupied the entire 4 parking space.
There, nicely parked now.
The Cathedral Square was a popular central landmark for all visitors.
It is still beautiful at certain section.
But the cathedral had collapsed.
It's a sad sight seeing that they are still undecided about rebuilding.
This piece takes some attention now.
I had pictures of this tree 24 years ago. It is still standing.
Trying to beautify a collapse section.
This chess floor is different.
Callum and Valen would not know what was like before.
They are just having their own fun.
At the other side, it is intact.
Christchurch had been checkmate by the earthquake.
We went back to our powered site at Ambers park. Valen likes the motor home.
It gets dark at 5.00 pm during winter time.
The boys helping out with dinner preparation at the centralised facility.
We had instant laksa noodle from Penang. You should taste this in cold weather.
Back to our cosy van.
The seat at the back section is converted to a bed comfortable for two.
The four seats at the front section are also converted to a bed for two.
The cabin above the drivers seat can comfortably sleep 2 giant.
The van is fitted with kitchen cabinet, cooker, hood,toilet and shower room. We need not have to use this as the campsite provide all these facilities.
Valen and KC hit the sack early. Callum and Sherman is at the back watching movies and playing games.
This campsite is 5 minutes drive from the city.
There are at least 10 other campervan at this site.
Day 6 ; 4.6.14 - Living in a camper van.
We had a good sleep. Even though it's cold outside, the van is fitted with a centralised heating and another portable electrical heater. We only use it in the early morning hours when it gets cold inside.
Callum going to his shower first thing in the morning.
The boys helping out with the breakfast preparation.
This kitchen facility is clean and well maintained.
That's our breakfast, coffee from home, bacon, egg, sausage, bread.
Everyone eat to their heart content.
There it is, the Bridge of Remembrance where Yvone and I took a picture. However, we now have to take the photo from outside the city as the other side of the bridge where we stood is now boarded up. The inner side is damaged by the quake.
KC wants wants a photo taken for his remembrance.
We had to park our van just outside the city .
Afetr that, off we go to our next destination, Lake Tekapo.
Very soon, tiredness set in.
The nocturnal being sleeps during the day.
So is this owl.
The journey will take a little more than 3 hours.
The road via Ashburton and Geraldine, is one of the most scenic route.
Passing some small town.
Beautiful countryside scene.
You cannot get tired of it.
It is very Autumn like even though it is now winter season.
Over the very clear river.
Endless farmland.
KC took over the wheel midway.
The bridge only allow one vehicle to pass.
We are turning off towards Geraldine.
The owl awakes.
We stopped at Farm Barn Cafe for a break. It is located in the middle of nowhere.
Sherman and mum
KC and Valen.
Cosy coffee outlet
Nice cuppa.
Is wifi available here ?
The lone tree stood prominently outside the cafe.
Soon we are on our way again.
Wooden electric pole, as natural as can be.
Soon, we are there.
We need all foodstuff for the day.
but ended up getting more than usual.
This is the only mart at Tekapo and things here are pricier.
After that we took a walk around the lake to enjoy the beautiful vista.
We love it here.
It's the lady who must have a lot of couple pics.
Callum and his stunt.
KC and the boys.
We drove around to another end of the lake.
The church of Good Shepard is the only structure by the lake.
It's a small buliding but an imposing structure.
Callum and Valen knows a good scene when they see one.
Endless photo opportunity around the lake.
Not one to miss a good photo shoot.
Ready...
Yes, huggies is good here.
The beautiful surroundings makes you do beautiful things.
KC wants the action too.
Callum trying to get the get the stones to skid over the surface.
You can just sit here and watch all day.
Water is crystal clear.
Gods creation for mankind to admire.
It's an appropriate place for a family pic.
We stop by on the way back to the camp to fill up some gas. Diesel cost NZD 1.50 here !
Our neighbours for the evening.
Our lot for the night. We have a million dollar view at the back.
It is cold and after dinner, we were in the van for a game of cards.
Callum and Sherman prefers their own stuff.
I had hoped to for lucky stars to be able to witness Aurora Australis. Lake Tekapo is one of the three spot from New Zealand where you can catch the southern light if it appears. Alas, it was not meant to be.
Aurora Australis; the Southern Light image from google. This is what I had hoped to see.
Because of the low level of artificial lighting here, star gazing can be seen at it's best here. That's second prize. I did spent some moments looking at the stars over the night sky at Tekapo.
Image from google. It wasn't that many as captured here, but still more than I am used to seeing back home.
I had not do that since I was a child in my small hometown and I would always remember the three stars that represent the knife of Orion the Hunter. It is up there, same as I had always seen it when I was small. The stars here seems brighter and definitely looks much more and looking at them immediately transport me back to the childhood days.
Day 7 ; 5.6.14 - Morning at Lake Tekapo.
We woke up the next morning to the most beautiful view on earth. Lake Tekapo with the snow cap mountain is as enchanting as you can imagine. I had to pull out the chairs from the camper van and sit facing the lake for as long as I can.
Valen joind me for a while but I'm not sure he understood the beauty of it all.
I sat there for a good half hour just soaking it in.
Very soon, everyone woke up and had their shower at the facility from the campsite.
Yvonne and the boys had breakfast prepared.
We settled down at the bench facing the lake ( where else ).
This is the best breakfast we've ever had.
And it's only scrambled eggs with sausages and croissant, coffee and toast bread.
It's the million dollar view that makes the breakfast experience unforgettable.
One last pic together
One last pic by herself
One last look at the campsite
One last look at the lake.
And we are ready to move along, reluctantly.
Our next destination is Queenstown.
We drove off from Tekapo to another scenic drive.
There are not many cars on the road and that makes driving a breeze.
Just half an hour out of Tekap, as the road turn down gradient easing into a bend,
We saw another beautiful lake surrounded by snow capped mountain.
We just have to stop and go down to the lake.
This is unscheduled but it makes us happy to see something so beautiful.
KC wants to have his pic taken
and of course, Yvonne.
Valen too wants a picture for his facebook profile
I must have one too
And so is Callum
She must have one more than others, and with different pose.
We move along again after enjoying the scenic Lake Pukati.
We soon drove pass Twizel. My memory of this small town during my first visit was snow. The whole town was covered with snow and that time it was only in May, Autumn season. This time, it is winter season and the town looks totally different with brown color vegetation and not white snow.
Just after Twizel, this signboard caught our attention.
We had to stop to have a look.
KC had to do some stunt.
Taking pics at signpost reminds KC of the places he has been.
It looks like a salmon farm. We were hoping to have our salmon lunch here.
We could see salmon flipping up and down at the lake here.
This just a shop, not an eatery. But we could not resist buying a piece of salmon to cook for dinner tonight. It only cost NZD 18.00 per kg, and is fresh from the lake.
We soon continue our journey south but had to pass the mountainous stretch called Lindis Pass. This pass is winding with steep gradient up and then down. I had to be extra careful with the driving as certain stretch is wet. We are glad there isn't any snow yet as otherwise we might have to chain up the wheel and that would have make driving this pass very dangerous. As it is now, an emergency brake could send the van sliding out of control. I was driving mostly at 50 kpm at the downhill gradient. Even at this treacherous stretch, the view at the summit is something to behold. Again we stop to admire the beauty that god creates.
Approaching Lindis Pass
It's hilly and winding.
One have to be extra careful when driving here.
A district border signpost.
We stopped at the highest point of the road to take in nature's wonder.
There are trackers that will put their boots on an track right up to the peak just to enjoy the view.
Yes, and the boys too.
We continue our journey and the next town I intend to stop is Cromwell. I remember they had the big fruit signage just outside the town and wonder if it is still there.
On the way in, we sawwhat seem like a strange way of house moving advertisement.
Yes, the fruit signage is still there.
I had to take a pic here as this was where we had the picture taken during our honeymoon.
We decided to do buy some provisions at New World Supermarket at Cromwell.
Again, we have to park over 4 lots.
After that, we had to continue all the way to Queenstown where we intend to put up two nights there. By the time we reached our destination, it was 5.00pm and getting dark. We drove to Top 10 Hoilday Park and got ourselves a powered site. This campsite is within 10 walk distance to town and after a quick walk there, we settled in for our routine self prepared dinner.
We took a stroll to town after leaving our camper at the park.
This is Quuenstown.
I was trying to recollect how it was before.
Free wifi zone attracts all of us like honey to bees. Wifi is not freely available here.
Strolling around feels good.
Queenstown seems busier than before.
Walking back to the park. IT gets dark after 5.00 pm.
The park have good clean facilities. This is a common toilet outside for the campers to use.
It is as good as any hotel toilet.
Our lot is just conveniently located near it.
We are glad Callum try his hand at cooking.
He is eagerly giving it a go at preparing a meal at the kitchen.
The salmon we bought at Twizel salmon farm. This was cooked by Callum first time at it. It looks messy, but taste really good.
This chicken seems over fried by Callum, but whatever comes from my son taste lovely.
At night, we settled to a game of cards again.
Day 8 ; 6.6.14 - Not enough snow at Queenstown.
Two weeks before I came, there was a heavy snow storm at Queenstown and nearby area that roads and schools were closed. However, that was the only snow so far and since then, the weather had been pleasant with sun and cool air. We we did not get to ski as all the ski fields had not opened yet.
I was up early and was all showered before anyone.
Here is Callum about to have his shower.
Preparing breakfast.
It's English breakfast with Malaysian coffee.
We drove to Arrowtown and park the camper at the designated tourist parking area.
Arrowtown has an intriguing story of early chinese gold miners at this gold mining town.
Signage of trails for trackers.
A plague laid down by the tourism ministry.
KC has special interest in chinese diaspora
The Arrowtown Chinese settlement trail.
One of the store set up by the early chinese settlers.
Signage for tourist.
The houses that the early settlers stayed in
This is Ah Gum's hut.
It is very small .
The settlement is on a hill slope.
A nice family pic at the aettlement.
Yvonne at the creek. This is probably one of the stream where gold deposits were found.
Sherman and Amelia.
A walk at the street made for tourist.
This one street has shops that sells souvenirs and have eating outlets.
At the entrance of the street.
We left Arrowtown after more an hour there. Even though none of us had the intention to do bungy jump, we had to visit the Kawarau Bridge and watch other people doing the jump. It's less than 10 km from Arrowtown. When we arrive, we met the two Malaysian girls who were staying at the same campsite. One of them had already made the jump and we congratulate them. She's a school teacher from Johor.
We parked our camper at the designated parking area at Kawarau Bridge.
The bridge as seen from the viewing platform.
Waiting for the jumpers to make that leap.
How much it will cost to jump.
AJ Hackett team readying the jumper.
A bridge so far.
View of the platform from the bridge.
Kawarau River.
A rubber boat will pick the jumpers below.
We left after witnessing 3 jumps being made by extreme holiday makers.
After the bridge, we made our way back to town. But before doing so, there is one Lake that we had to stop, and that is Lake Hayes. I remember it being surrounded by open space, but now it is mostly surrounded by houses. You can sit here and admire this mirror lake reflecting all images with clarity.
This time, we had more time to walk everywhere.
There seem to be more shops being opened in Queenstown.
Taking a break with what else, computer games.
The clock tower remains the same.
One of the tourism listed must do activity when in Queenstown is to sink your teeth into a Fergburger.
This is the only outlet in town.
Never seen this brand anywhere else.
It is big enough to last you a whole day.
We have to share as it is too big for us.
Strolling around after the burger bite.
Young buskers on the street.
It's the same clock tower.
Lake Wakatipu.
At the jetty. Everything is the same here.
I was at this very same spot on my first trip.
We had to do a family shot here.
Postcard scene.
A paraglider in action.
Picture perfect.
Where else in the world would you want to be.
By nightfall, we were back to our park at Creeksyde.
Callum is on hand getting the meal ready.
This time, he is grilling lamb shoulder that we had bought at Cromwell.
It took him quite a while but he got the hang of it. The lamb taste good as it was marinated well.
After dinner, Valen was relaxing at the lounge before hitting the sack.
Day 9 ; 7.6.14 - Heading east of Otago.
As there is no snow, we decide to head towards east to the University town of Dunedin. That's another town we visited before.
Breakfast at the park
We like Creeksyde Holiday Park for it's clean facilities and convenience.
We left the park at about 10.30 am.
A straight journey will take us 3 1/2 hours and we had to go back to Cromwell before turning south towards Alexandra. We intend to make a few stops as and when we like to enjoy the journey. We are in no hurry. Just after Kawarau Bridge, there is an obscure mining place with a starnge name called Goldfield Jet. We had to stop there for a look.
The rocky mountain on the road to Cromwell.
The mining centre has an unusual name ; Goldfields Jet.
Curiosity got the better of us and we stop to have a look.
I had to pose at the gorge where there is a water shooting out from the side of the slope.
At the compound of the mining centre.
The sign indicates the presence of the chinese community.
Seems like chinese are here for the gold mine at the entire Otago region.
The mining hut presumably used by the early miners.
How did you find gold on this barren place ?
Unmistakably chinese
At the front of the office.
There are no other visitors except us.
We do not think tourism is the main revenue for this mining centre.
At the bridge over the river to the mining centre.
After a while, we left to continue our journey.
Some very nice scenery on the way.
After Cromwell, the road to Clyde runs along Clutha River for the entire 20 over KM. It is one of the very scenic stretch.
We pass through Alexandra where there is a bridge with metal beams.
I remember stopping by there to take a picture of the old bridge next to it.
After an hour driving, we stop by Roxburg looking for a place to rest.
This is a small one street town and we did not find a nice cafe to have a drink.
Instead we saw this tavern, too early for this type of drink.
Our journey continue passing some farmland.
We never get tired of seeing rolling hills like these.
We came across another one street town called Lawrence. Across from where we park our van, there is a museum which we went in and have a look.
Again, we saw in the museum carefully kept records of early chinese settlers.
And it is the gold mining activity.
They must have contributed to the economy during the gold rush days.
Yvonne is enjoying the cool air and small town feel.
Hot chocolate for the boys
and cuppucino for us.
One last look of this quaint town before we move along.
By the time we reached Dunedin, it is about 4.00 pm. We drove straight to the Dunedin Holiday Park and paid for a powered site. After that we drove to the Octagon, the city central of Dunedin. I is much more commercialised this time around but the old buildings and Robert Burns statue is still at it's original place.
We parked our camper at Moray's Place just across the road from the First Church of Otago.
The first Church of Otago at Moray's Place.
Panoramic view of The Octagon. It is distorted when taken on panomic view.
More trees inside the Octagon than before.
Where Yvonne and I once stood for a pic.
KC at The Octagon.
The trees are a nice addition.
Callum like the view of the streets.
More pics with Yvonne
There's free wifi at The Octagon. Precious.
Can't remember if they had this commercial building before.
IT was late by the time we left the Octagon. We decide to stop by at Burger King for our dinner. By the time we got back to our park, it was already dark.
At the Dunedin Holiday Park
This is our powered site.
The kitchen and reading room at the park is very spacious.
The dump station that we never use.
A view of the park at dusk.
Day 10 ; 8.6.14 - Journey back to the Cantebury Region.
We woke up early today as we planned to make a quick visit to Lanarch Castle nearby. After that, it's the long trip back to Christchurch.
Breakfast is prepared at the spacious kitchen
We are the only one at the kitchen table.
It looks like we are early even though it is already 9.00 am.
Callum helped clean up the dishes.
We pass by some hilly area where the view of the bay is fantastic.
That's the view of peninsula part of Dunedin.
We were at Larnarch's Castle in 20 minutes.
It's not a very big castle, but the location is right on top of the hill.
We only visited the ground area as the sentry fee to go inside is prohibitive.
KC found a nice spot where the view of the bay is superb.
We were soon on our way northwards travelling the entire Canterbury coast.
The journey is the last stretch of our South Island tour in a campervan.
We stopped at a small town called Palmerston
We passed by Omaru, a town about an hour an half from Dundin.
Nice tree lined town.
The travelling soon wore in.
The kids always have things to keep them occupied.
KC took over the wheel from me midway.
It was about noon when we reached Timaru.
My impression of Timaru was a small one street town.
How wrong I was.
It's actuall big with a history.
We parked our van at Sophia Street and took a walk through the shops.
Being a port city, it is really cold.
KC too feels it.
This part of town I did not came the last time.
We only went to the fringe of the town the last time we stopped here.
We sort of miss a bit of Asian food and decided to try Noodle Canteen. It was not too bad for a food chain.
After an hour, we went back to our van parked across Elim Church.
And we continue our journey.
It was about evening when we reached Christchurch. We drove into the city to explore the city square by night. It turn out to be deserted by night. We do not see any cars going in there at night and looks quite abandon devoid of activity. After circling the city, we move out towards the airport. On the way we stopped at McDonald at the airport for a quick dinner.
The boys loved it.
For me, it's the only time I eat fast food with them.
Our powered site is at North South Holiday Park, a 10 minutes drive from the airport.
It is cold and the boys were jumping to keep warm.
We had an early night as we had to be at the airport by 7.30 am. After checking in, KC and I return the van to KEA Campers office nearby. After the inspection, they gave us the thumbs up. We are good to go and they send us to the airport in a shuttle.
We had sometime before the flight leave at 9.45 am.
KC was looking around for good place to have breakfast.
We settled in at a food court at the airport and have our breakfast.
At the waiting lounge before boarding.
Waiting outside Auckland airport upon arrival.
MK and Nicholas was there to pick us up.
The one week trip on the campervan had been an wonderful experience. The family enjoyed it. We get to stop where we want even though we had in mind which place we want to go. It had been a good one week travelling the south. We were disappointed the snow did not fall during our one week trip and the boys were unable to ski. On the plus side, snowy roads could prove to be dangerous for driving , not to mention driving a heavy vehicle which we are first time at it. All in, the holiday experience is unique and we would do it again in the future.
We spend the next few days in Auckland catching up with Debbie and family. In between, we explore a little bit of Auckland. A full account is in a separate title in this blog.
We woke up early to be ready for our driver to pick us up at 4.30 am from the house. It was an hour later that we reached KLIA and there was already a long queue at the MAS counter. Fortunately for international flights, the line was much shorter and we were done with the ticketing by 6.00 am. There are lots of time for breakfast and we finally boarded the plane at 8.30 am. The plane took off 15 minutes later and we brace ourselves for the long 10 hours flight time. New Zealand is 4 hours ahead of Malaysia and we landed at 10.00 pm New Zealand time. Debbie, MK and Nicholas was there to meet us. They had come in two cars just to take us back to their house about an hours drive away. Are we glad when the cars pulled up at the driveway and after unloading our bags, we had some catching up over a cup of coffee. It was way pass they bedtime and we were glad to hit the sack after having to wake up at the ungodly hour earlier today.
This car to pick us. Nicholas had picked up the boys in another car.
Day 2 ; 31.5.14 - A day out.
Matakana market.
It was a weekend and Debbie took us on a drive to a small village at Matakana. It is a good day to visit this charming market but I guess a lot of people had the same idea. It was crowded and we had to park pour car some 700 meters away from the market. This is far for a village. We spent more than an hour there and had our lunch at a cafe across the market. Matakan market is certainly popular with Aucklanders.
what do they have here ?
Mr. Postman, look and see...
Auckland City.
From Matakana, we drove back to Auckland and head towards the city. It's a weekend and would not be heavy with traffic. It's a city I have not seen for a while now. Below are the pictures taken at the North Wharf at downtown Auckland.
It is already more than two decade when they won the America's Cup.
Looks like "pasar malam" is globalised today.
Day 3 ; 1.6.14 - Golfing at Akaranga Golf Club.
Debbie had fixed up a round of golf with David at his golf club, the Akaranga Golf Club. I had met David at Rotorua where he stayed then during my first trip here. He is now an avid golfer and would not miss an opportunity to play during weekends. His golfing buddies, Charlie and Simon are all Malaysians residing here more than a score ago. We had a "skin" wager and that adds fun to the day's golfing.
We had some beers at the clubhouse after the game. It was a fantastic day for golfing.
Whilst I was playing golf, Nicholas had volunteered to take the boys out for a drive.
Coming down the hill.
Day 4 ; 2.6.14 - KC's arrival from the states.
before coming, we had asked KC to join us for the holiday together. He had been here once before but did not have the opportunity to travel to South Island. After sorting out his leave, he had booked a flight from the states to join us for the South Island trip. His arrival is at the early morning hours at 5.00 am. Debbie went to the airport to pick him up. We woke up to hearing his noisy arrival in the morning. At about 11.00 am, we took a drive over to Stephen's house at nearby Takutai to have a look.
We took a drive down to half moon bay, a short distance down the road.
We went back home just in time for lunch.
I had to take a conference call at 1.30 pm. This being a holiday here ( Queen's day ), we spend time at home with Debbie and the family and also getting ready for our South Island trip the next day.
In no time it is dinner time. You love eating when on holiday and every meal is as good as the last one. This is what we had for dinner.
Day 5 ; 3.6.14 ; The beginning of our South Island holiday.
We had a good sleep and woke up excited and eager to start our holiday with a difference. This time we are moving around and staying in a motor home. This will be our first experience.
Debbie and MK drove us to the airport at 9.15 am and drop us there. Checking in at Auckland airport was a breeze. The kiosk issues the boarding pass and you just put the check in luggage on the conveyor and you are done. In no time, we are on Air New Zealand 1 1/2 hour flight to Christchurch.
This is the campervan that was rented online weeks ahead.
This being my first time driving a heavy vehicle, I had planned not to drive out of Christchurch today as I need to have a feel of driving aroiund in the big camper first. I had also wanted to see the condition of Christchurch after the earthquake hit it in 2011. But first, we will do stop by a supermart and buy some provisions. After that, we will book a powered site at Ambers Holiday Park before heading out for the city. It is a big vehicle that seat 6 pax and sleep 6 pax. I had to be extra cautious driving around the city. Everything went as planned when we pull off from the KEA rental site.
Went down to Christchurch to have a look. Had to occupy 2 parking lots for side parking.
Day 6 ; 4.6.14 - Living in a camper van.
We had a good sleep. Even though it's cold outside, the van is fitted with a centralised heating and another portable electrical heater. We only use it in the early morning hours when it gets cold inside.
After the meal, the boys helped clean up the dishes. They never do this at home. Here they help without being asked. That's a plus point not anticipated.
After shower, I had to go back to the city and see if the Bridge of Remembrance is still standing. I had missed it yesterday and is bent on checking it out this morning before we leave Christchurch.
Upon reaching the city, we make our way towards the river.
After getting a powered site at the Holiday Park, we went o town for our provisions. They have wifi connectivity here and I took the opportunity to check my mails.
After that we took a walk around the lake to enjoy the beautiful vista.
I had hoped to for lucky stars to be able to witness Aurora Australis. Lake Tekapo is one of the three spot from New Zealand where you can catch the southern light if it appears. Alas, it was not meant to be.
Because of the low level of artificial lighting here, star gazing can be seen at it's best here. That's second prize. I did spent some moments looking at the stars over the night sky at Tekapo.
I had not do that since I was a child in my small hometown and I would always remember the three stars that represent the knife of Orion the Hunter. It is up there, same as I had always seen it when I was small. The stars here seems brighter and definitely looks much more and looking at them immediately transport me back to the childhood days.
Day 7 ; 5.6.14 - Morning at Lake Tekapo.
We woke up the next morning to the most beautiful view on earth. Lake Tekapo with the snow cap mountain is as enchanting as you can imagine. I had to pull out the chairs from the camper van and sit facing the lake for as long as I can.
We soon drove pass Twizel. My memory of this small town during my first visit was snow. The whole town was covered with snow and that time it was only in May, Autumn season. This time, it is winter season and the town looks totally different with brown color vegetation and not white snow.
It's dangerous when the road is wet.
I'm just contend to have my photo taken for remembrance.
We continue our journey and the next town I intend to stop is Cromwell. I remember they had the big fruit signage just outside the town and wonder if it is still there.
After that, we had to continue all the way to Queenstown where we intend to put up two nights there. By the time we reached our destination, it was 5.00pm and getting dark. We drove to Top 10 Hoilday Park and got ourselves a powered site. This campsite is within 10 walk distance to town and after a quick walk there, we settled in for our routine self prepared dinner.
Day 8 ; 6.6.14 - Not enough snow at Queenstown.
Two weeks before I came, there was a heavy snow storm at Queenstown and nearby area that roads and schools were closed. However, that was the only snow so far and since then, the weather had been pleasant with sun and cool air. We we did not get to ski as all the ski fields had not opened yet.
We left Arrowtown after more an hour there. Even though none of us had the intention to do bungy jump, we had to visit the Kawarau Bridge and watch other people doing the jump. It's less than 10 km from Arrowtown. When we arrive, we met the two Malaysian girls who were staying at the same campsite. One of them had already made the jump and we congratulate them. She's a school teacher from Johor.
After the bridge, we made our way back to town. But before doing so, there is one Lake that we had to stop, and that is Lake Hayes. I remember it being surrounded by open space, but now it is mostly surrounded by houses. You can sit here and admire this mirror lake reflecting all images with clarity.
We all wanted apiece of this lake for our own.
After that, we were back in town for a good walk around.
By nightfall, we were back to our park at Creeksyde.
Day 9 ; 7.6.14 - Heading east of Otago.
As there is no snow, we decide to head towards east to the University town of Dunedin. That's another town we visited before.
By the time we reached Dunedin, it is about 4.00 pm. We drove straight to the Dunedin Holiday Park and paid for a powered site. After that we drove to the Octagon, the city central of Dunedin. I is much more commercialised this time around but the old buildings and Robert Burns statue is still at it's original place.
IT was late by the time we left the Octagon. We decide to stop by at Burger King for our dinner. By the time we got back to our park, it was already dark.
Day 10 ; 8.6.14 - Journey back to the Cantebury Region.
We woke up early today as we planned to make a quick visit to Lanarch Castle nearby. After that, it's the long trip back to Christchurch.
There we had to fill up some gas.
That time it was Sunday and there were nobody on the street. This time is also Sunday and the streets were busy and there are people relaxing at various outlets.
It was about evening when we reached Christchurch. We drove into the city to explore the city square by night. It turn out to be deserted by night. We do not see any cars going in there at night and looks quite abandon devoid of activity. After circling the city, we move out towards the airport. On the way we stopped at McDonald at the airport for a quick dinner.
The one week trip on the campervan had been an wonderful experience. The family enjoyed it. We get to stop where we want even though we had in mind which place we want to go. It had been a good one week travelling the south. We were disappointed the snow did not fall during our one week trip and the boys were unable to ski. On the plus side, snowy roads could prove to be dangerous for driving , not to mention driving a heavy vehicle which we are first time at it. All in, the holiday experience is unique and we would do it again in the future.
We spend the next few days in Auckland catching up with Debbie and family. In between, we explore a little bit of Auckland. A full account is in a separate title in this blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment