The Gods must be with us coz we left rain in Nelson and Rain in the rest of NZ to glorious 16 deg sunshine at kaikoura.

Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 1, 180 km north of Christchurch.

The travel down contrasted snow topped mountains with deserted bays. Didn’t encounter many other vehicles except logger lorries and articulated Trucks.

We even found a lonely track down to a secluded river bend.

First look at the mountains

Abandoned bridge

Beautiful Beach

Iconic Crayfish

Kaikoura is so sleepy it’s comatose

Went for a walk. Guy at reception said when you’ve had enough give me a call and I’ll collect you save you the walk back!

Kiddies not too well today Matt suffering with a cold and Emily’s toe is playing up so in good parenting style we left them behind with pizzas and Pringles.

Me and Mel drove done to the Abel Tasman National park.

Abel Tasman National Park is a national park located at the north end of the South Island of New Zealand. It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand.

The track is well signposted and laid out and we were able to find some really beautiful secluded beaches and coves. Indeed off season it was deserted and luckily despite being cold was very sunny which made the views perfectly set. Let’s do it in pictures!

Back at base view of the motel (in the rain)

We arrived at Rotorua Airport, a couple of hours before our flight. Well that was a bad idea. The airport was empty! The car keys were dropped in the drop slot coz the desk attendant wasn’t there. But magically like Mr Ben a sole checking assistant arrived and checked our luggage in. We got the first breakfast of the day at the only eatery.

We laughed at the first flight to Auckland coz the plane was so small. It literally pulled up at the terminal and folk walked on. Then ours arrived and it was the same size!

On to Wellington (Centre of Middle Earth apparently) look at the sculpture !

Got into Nelson about lunchtime. It’s a weird set of motels in blocks made to look rustic and old. Not sure we like the stone floors and lack of light in the rooms.

Dropped into Nelson for a look. Certainly a mix of normal shops as well as bars and boutiques. Had a look at Christ church Cathedral that dominates the city.

Artwork percolates the buildings worth a look but you get the feeling that it’s slowly being taken over by McDonald’s or mobile phone shops.

Bought food, vegged in front of the TV 🙂

Today was a day for for taking it a bit easier. It is after all Sunday. Rotorua is like a seaside town with a lake instead of a sea. So it was slightly quiet. Hobbiton was on the cards but didn’t happen oh dear never mind. But me Mel and Matt did make it to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The long route was ok on the feet but not on the throat- the sulphur hit the back of the throat. But it was an amazing sight on what is the biggest land based volcanic area in the world. Keep to the track was never so important!

Apparently:
Green. – Colloidal sulphur/ferrous salts
Orange. – Antimony
Purple. – Manganese Oxide
White. – Silica
Yellow-primrose- Sulphur
Red-brown. – Iron Oxide
Black. – Sulphur and Carbon

All smell though!

The green lake was particularly stunning.

Back at base and reconnecting with Emily

Decided to go down to the lake for a look see. Kids dissuaded me from a helicopter ride

Finished off the day in British Style

Well my driving has not improved. Now Emily and Mel motion sick (Matthew bagged the front seat)

Entered Hobbit country.

Rotorua (/ˌroʊtəˈruːə/, from Māori: Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, “The second great lake of Kahumatamomoe”) is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty area of the North Island of New Zealand. What they didn’t say is that it rains a lot!

The Hotel proved to be another cool one. It’s run by a camp couple who have decked the place out in “Boutique” style (with its own little thermal pool). After a micro brewery ale in a champs bottle we went to a Maori evening. Was actually quite interesting run by a family representing that tribe including a lot of historical context. Also was food and drink so me happy much!

Well certainly a place we would have liked to stay longer at. The place we stayed at was a custom built Cabin, built by the owners. Just a lovely quiet place. Owners couldn’t do enough for us. Food delivered each day, quiet, clean and spacious. Loved it.

Even with Oranges and Lemons on tap

At the back of the garden they have their own creek which leads to the sea. Me and Matt felt duty bound to explore.

This lead to a stunning deserted bay

After lunch we ventured onto the famous Hot water beach. Just below the surface the sand is heated by geothermal springs. We dunked our feet into someone’s hole (could not be bothered to dig our own). My feet will now live to 100!

Next on the agenda was the walk to cathedral cove. Me, Matt and Emily followed the trail up and down nestling against the coastline. Most overused word of the day stunning! Some hobbit views as well as Cool deserted inlets.

Best in pictures.

Finally a lovely meal at the local ( only) restaurant in “town”. Matt fell asleep (bless :-)) at the table so we had to bail early. Everyone snoring by 10pm.

It’s Thursday and time to say goodbye to Sunny Auckland.(After of course the traditional Denny’s breakfast

The road took us to Thames (pronounced the way we would expect), the last 40km had been scarcely populated farms and cottages, but turn off the road and you come to a one road town, nestled under igneous hills.

We took lunch overlooking the high street

Back on the road Emily was in photo fighting mood

The road snaked around the coast, roads narrowed, and the driving became quite challenging but what magnificent views.

Matt had to find a rock to climb!

As the road winded up into the hills Matt got more and more green around the gills. Eventually we coincided puke breaks with photo opportunities

Got to our destination about 5pm. A stylish wood cabin on 2 floors. The owner was great had stocked the fridge and gave us a few suggestions for tomorrow. Got fish and chips from the local takeaway. Tired now Zzzzzzz.

Got up late. Jet lag hit! Breakfast at Denny’s : Emily is in heaven 🙂

Decided to do the standard tourist thing and get the hop on hop off bus. seems being out of season means that there are few buses and they stop early 😦

However some beautiful views

Did the customary museum. The Auckland War Museum. This has an outstanding collection of Maori Art and well as historical accounts of all campaigns New Zealand were involved in including the Boer and world wars.

The best part for me was the exhibition on Sir Edmund Hillary and his ascent of Everest and the recreation of what Auckland looked like 150 years ago

Late lunch was the biggest burger I’ve ever eaten ( still hurts) washed with the local drink

Spent the evening with Uncle and Aunt. Discussed about old times and stuff. Felt humbled by their generosity and love. They had even kept a prize I had won in South Africa 23 years ago waiting for me to visit and collect! Now left with the realisation that I’ll probably ne’er see them again and that life never remains still.

Flew into Auckland yesterday evening. Great Hotel (sky tower hotel) best view in town.

Went to see my Uncle and Aunt. Quite emotional as we shared memories and my Aunt is quite I’ll. Had lunch with uncle. They are a wonderful couple married for 55 years, daughter and grand children. Shall visit tomorrow special times but sad.

Me and Ems took the sky tower to the top. No base jumping for us but lent against the glass for a photo ( look that’s scary enough for me).

Dinner at the local pizzeria

Relaxing in style

Ok best expressed by pictures

River boat to the bay

Mix of historic and the new. Lots of tourists walking around (seems like just Tourists)

Size is not important (it’s bigger than ours)

This is the Merlion. The mythical symbol of Singapore. The lion head represents Singapore’s original name — Singapura — meaning “lion city” or “kota singa”. (hey I can copy from Wikipedia )

Not Matts best side

SkyPark : The most wierdly impressive building I’ve seen. Apparently, a casino at the top and a massive outdoor pool which is supposed to look like a ship. The boat passes close by and it looks dangerously perilous like its going to collapse.

Mel and Em in holiday mode.

Me in well .. holiday mode!

After a wonderful indonesian lunch we have to follow with a museum.

The Asian civilisations museum gives a great account of the history of Singapore from the viewpoint of the different cultures that settled here. Really interesting is how the British were able to bind the different ethnic groups into working to build this . Here are some piccies.

After a quick tour of China Town. (Maybe we were in the wrong place but it seemed unloved). We wandered back and found a cute Coffee bar frequented by Students (revising or studying = Facebook) for a latte (Emily’s was 100% sugar!) with coconut jelly 🙂 Tastes like pineapple.

All too much