Waikiki and the worlds longest queue!

We arrived late on the 23rd December in Waikiki. This was a little confusing since we had left Auckland on the 24th December mid day. Still we dropped out things and we straight out to the cocktail bar next door to toast our hello to Hawaii. A couple of Mai Thais and mango mojitos and we were in for a good nights sleep. 

Xmas eve and we decided to check out local transport and squeeze into the bus to Hanauma bay to do some snorkling. We watched the short compulsory safety video before picking a spot to leave our stuff and head out in the surf to the reef. It was stunning and the variety of fish was unbelievable and only a couple of meters from the shore too. Yes this spot is very popular with lots of people, but all the same it was great

   
   
We headed back for a lazy afternoon in Waikiki knowing we had great dinner reservations for Xmas eve. Uncle Bo’s Pupu bar. We had it booked for months and were dribbling every time we read the menus online. It did not disappoint but was difficult to eat up as the portions were enourmous, but fresh, original fish recipe ideas that were amazing. It was a great treat and were both glad we had walked the few km to the restaurant do we could walk the good off a little on the way back. However that generated a thirst, so decided to visit Lulu’s which was recommended to us by one of our Swiss friends. WOW the cocktails, how me managed to leave not crawling on all fours was quite astounding! Hilarious that the below picture somehow uploaded upside down. It seems very appropriate so will leave it like that!

  
 
It’s Chtistmas!!!  So we both had the bright idea that we wanted to do a hike on Christmas Day and decided to go to Diamond head. We wanted to walk from our hotel to the start of the trail rather than drive which was a good few km to begin with. When we got to the park gates we started to cringe as we joined one giant queue. The walk up diamond head is mean to take 45-60 mins. It’s a single track where one person going up can go next to someone coming down (in most places). It includes a couple of tunnels and view points over the volcano crater at the top. Note the 45-60 mins is if you are not crawling in just one long queue let alone going nowhere in a tiny km long tunnel baking hot suffering from claustrophobia!  Not enjoyable at all and after 2 hours nearly lost the plot. We were quite glad to leave which was a shame as it was so beautiful 

   

  

 

So down at Waikiki it was time to do a little shopping, little happy hour cocktails and then another great dinner booked at Tiki’s with live music. Even managed to get Erich to dance and a fantastic evening. A complete contrast to other Christmases and a busy but beautiful place all the same.  

 So wanted a go in one of these…

   
      

 As the sun set we said our goodbyes to Waikiki knowing the next day we would fly to Maui. Our chill our treat week. Yey!

  

Auckland spin

It was hard to absorb we were in our last few days in New Zealand. We dropped off the hire car and headed to our final destination of Auckland. It was strange to be in a city again after being surrounded by so much natural beauty but still the sun was shining and could console Erich with a trip to the harbour and Anericas cup village to look at the boats

   
 
We were staying at the Skycity hotel, the big tower in the pic above, and had reservations for that night in the orbit 360 degrees rotating restaurant. We headed up early for a cocktail and to take in the view before sun set. Can you spot Father Christmas in the pic below

   
As the sun went down we were slowly spinning enoying the most delicious meal and looking at the view of the city and all the buildings. By the time we got to desert the lights were on twinkling away with the added bonus of Christmas lights too. Beautiful!

   
 
A quick trip to the casino after, our little flutter was not so lucky but had a thoroughly enjoyable evening all the same. 

Next morning time to walk the city and clocked up 12km before dinner. From park to park, sculptures and sights it was like we were slowly saying goodbye to New Zealand.  

   
A moment of reflection, and a quick nap on a cricket pitch refreshed up ready for the Victoria Park Christmas market at night. A Christmas market without being wrapped up in layers and cuddling your mulled wine for heat doesn’t seam right somehow. 

A tasty Italian and early night as in the morning we are up early to say goodbye to  New Zealand,  thank you we loved you are hope to come back one day. HAWAII BABY, here we come. Champagne breakfast ( and shower in Erichs case as the champagne went pop over him) in the business lounge in the airport then off. I wonder if we see Father Christmas in the sky!  

 

Beautiful Beaches

The recommendation from Roge of Rotorua was to drive up the west side of the peninsula via Coromandle to Whitianga rather than the east side we had planned. He said you get the better views.  The roads are small, windy and on the edge of cliffs. In comparison to the great ocean road in Australia, this place came up trumps. It was fantastic and I think Erich has the strongest stomach from his sailing days to survive the drive

   
   
A delicious ice cream on one of the beaches on route to keep us cool as the temperatures started hitting 27 and above. At our accommodation in Whitiange I had booked a one bed room studio. We ended up with a semi detached house to ourselves with beautiful balcony… We have really been lucky with all our bookings and glad we booked so many things in advance when I hear what they were then charging people for rooms! 

The next morning we headed for hot water beach. We were told no matter what time of day or night there’s always about two hundred people there at low tide to dig a giant sand pit which fill with hot water from the underwater springs and bath in the water and sun. We weren’t too keen to join the spade wars and Erichs puddle was enough before we set off to a quitter area on the beach for a siesta and a stroll. 

   
 
We were again given some great advice where to go and when, including a fantastic winery with home made cider and wood pizza over. You eat in a beautiful garden under your own little kiwi tree. Ah, such a hard life!  I was driving so after a jug of cider and some liquer tasting, Erich left in a very “good mood”   I had to wait till later to enjoy my take away bottle of cider. 

  
  
We then headed to Catherdral cover which was a small walk to get to. You are rewarded by the most stunning beach, Rock arches and sculptures

   
 
The beached just got better and better as we next went to lonely beach, rated one of the top beaches in the world and were surprised to see it so empty apart from a few locals chilling or rowing a boat. 

  
We finished off our chilled day with a chilled evening and home cooked fish and salad… And of course the bottle of cider to wash it down. We both slept well that night!

It all gets a bit smelly!

Ok so the next few days got a bit smelly. No nothing to do with Erich but the next few day we were in volcano craters with hot springs, mud pools, and geysers.

First we spent a day at Lake Taupo, which is stunning. Our hotel overlooked the lake and going direct out the back gate was hot springs into the lake. We quickly learnt that these were boiling, but if you picked your spot right you could stand in the lake with the mix of the hot and cold water in pure bliss! 

   
Between Lake Taupo and Rotarua was the “craters of the moon” which was an area with lots of geothermal smelly activity. It’s a strange place with steam out of the ground and bubbling mud… And quite smelly too from the sulphur

  
We also visited the Huka falls and we’re lucky with our timing to see a traditional Haka. Two different Maori tribes in the bridge over the falls for what looked like a wedding ceremony. It was both beautiful and scary at the same time. 

  
Via a few more stops on the way including the “lava glass” which had beautiful gardens, we then arrived in Rotarua

   
 
Rotorua was FANTASTIC. Our first afternoon we went for a walk through the beautiful redwood forest. Some of the biggest redwood pines we’ve ever seen

  
 We had booked the Happy Ewes cycle tour miles in advance and turned up early to meet our guide Roge, who told us we were the only ones on the tour. To read more about his check out trip advisor, my review has “mint tour” in the title. We did lawn bowls with Roge at the end of the tour ( which I won may I add) and the headed to the pub for some beers all together. An absolutely fantastic day

   
 
   
   

 

Rotorua Christmas tree from recycled bikes. Such a cool place!  
We were a little sad to leave Rotorua, but the adventures continued and after some recommendations from Roge as to route and what to see we set off next morning for Whitianga!

Wonderful Wellington

Well well Wellington, what a surprise. We had a wonderful time here and we’re spoilt again with the nost beautiful weather. We headed off into town in search of Cuba street and some dinner.  The city has a wonderful relaxed buzz around it and a great atmosphere.  

After a few beers and fantastic dinner, we stumbled across the Vinyl bar. A place I could spend hours going through all the records and listening to music. Even better the bar man wanted to make some custom cocktails and after chatting about what we like whipped up a couple of delights. A fantastic evening and we left full of song and a very good mood

   

  
The next day we headed to the Te Papa museum on the harbour. Whilst this was brilliant it was hard to stay long as the weather was so beautiful. We left following the sound of music of a busker on the harbour. We sat chilling for a while and laughed when hearing Christmas songs being sung in the sunshine. The harbour is lovely and great to stroll around, so we spent quite some time where before going to catch the cable car up to the botanic gardens

   
   
The gardens we nice Andalusia the fragrances and sun quickly made up our minds to walk around and back down to the city rather than getting the cable car back. Our afternoon was much the same, relaxed and lazily wandering around town taking in the sights and tasting the local craft beers.

We spent the night at the cinema. The most beautiful Art Deco style cinema with cocktails and meals you could take it with you. I got the giggles when one guy had what looed like a 3 course meal to watch during the film. 

Next morning we were off to Napier. Just one night there which was probably a good job as the room we had had a giant spa in the room and balcony that looked out to the sea. Don’t think we would have seen much of New Zealand if we had stayed longer

   
 Napier was a cool place with all the Art Deco buildings and beautiful esplanade, sunken gardens and fountains. Again a place we would go back to again.

Last of the South Island

We set off from Queenstown in the sunshine for our next destination of Franz Josef. Stopping for a coffee en route, the owner gave us a handful of hints where to go on the way. Can’t beat local knowledge, blue pools, rope swing bridges, various waterfalls and beautiful walks. 

   
 
The ride to Franz Josef glacier was a windy uphill downhill 5 hours. We had an early dinner and asked the hotel to borrow some torches for a night walk instead.  Again with locals recommendation we changed our route to hopefully see glow worms in the wild. We were not disappointed and saw many of the tiny twinkling lights on the way back in the dark. Funny a couple came walking up to us whilst we stood watching them and asked where they were. We showed them, so the woman turned on her headlamp to get a better look… Say no more!

The weather turned bad overnight and the morning walk we had planned was not possible and had a long 7 hour drive ahead. In torrential rain for most parts the narrow windy roads were not the same enjoyment and pretty scary at times as the waterfalls came out of the rocks around you. Our next stop was Nelson and we arrived safely for the rain to stop and the sun to come out. 

In Neson we had booked a treat for dinner in the Boat Shed cafe. An small old boat shed on stilts over the sea with the best fresh seafood. Sat in the terrace with the best view we enjoyed a fantastic meal and was a great evening and much needed after such a long day. 

The next morning we were up bright an early, picnic packed and off to the Able Tasman national park. We drove to where we could catch our boat into the park to start our walks. A small bumpy boat took us to our destination but not before Andrew the captain had taken us to see different sites as well as being surrounded by swimming seals and penguins. 

   
 
We arrived on the most stunning beach. Only one other couple who came on the boat with us. The walk was only a few hours before we would get picked up by another boat on a different beach but it was stunning and time to enjoy beaches and swing bridges on the way.  We came across a bird which mimicked when you whistled and had an unusual conversation together for some time. 

   
   
We loved this place and is on our list to explore more if we go back again. It’s a fantastic area and lots more to do and can do a 4 day hike with some canoeing too. 

Next morning was a unbelievable drive to Picton down the Queen Chartotte drive. We lost count of how many curves there were on this road and some of the views were stunning. 

  
Sadly that was the end of the South Island for us and as we hopped on board the Interislander ferry to Wellington we both said we would definitely like to go back. South Island we loved you!

  

The only way is up…

   
 
Queenstown, the city too big for its boots!  Ultimate adventure thrillers base camp. For us to be big kids again. 

Having booked an apartment with 360 degree views of the water and hills we had our first night in enjoying some home cooked food and salad and great NZ beers and wine. In this chilled out relaxed state I decided to book us the gondola and Luge for the next morning. Erich was nervous and not too impressed but a brisk morning walk to beat the crowds and we were soon there.

The luge is a mix of go kart and sledge down a hill on a choice of tracks. It was a beautiful sunny day, although a bit windy but took the gondola to the top of Bobs peak. Helmets on and up another ski lift to the start of the tracks. BIt was great fun and we were busy whizzing down in no time making jumps and pushing it to the limits. 

   
   
After our fun and games we decided to visit the kiwi park in Queenstown to visit some of the rare birds and see some kiwis. They are funny little things and enjoyed the relaxing afternoon wandering around the park and seeing the wildlife and fantastic Tuatara. This park takes in animals and birds which have been injured eg hit by a car and cannot be released into the wild. This was very appropriate as I was gutted to see a bird in the grill of our car when we pulled up at the hotel the day before. 

The adventures in Queenstown didn’t stop there and we had great times walking around the lakefront and gardens and sampling local wine, beers and seafood. We even found a not so local Habanna bar with the best run cocktails 

  
Think the people of Queenstown may be a little confused where we come from…

  

Going south

Dunedin was a mixed bag. We first visited an indoor rainforest to see the most beautiful butterflies.  Although mostly aimed at children it was a fascinating place and made lots of new fluttery friends which landed on you and surrounded you …

  
We were in for a nature day and following recommendations headed to Harrington point to see Albatros, penguins and seals. Sadly the place was so commercialised that you could not get anywhere near without paying for a tour at an ridiculous price and seeing war guns which did not interest us.  Still we caught seals at a distance and quickly ate our butties in the car whilst a couple of Albatros flew overhead.

  After a study of the map we headed off down a dirt road to Allens beach to get a great surprise. We got out the car and as we headed to the beach was welcomed by the most amazing smell. Fresh lupins surrounded us everywhere. We followed the path out to the beach only the stumble across a huge seal bull basking in the sunshine on the sand. Giving him a wide birth we carried on further to next come across a mother and a young seal pup only a few meters away. It was so special to see them and it really made our afternoon and our trip to Dunedin. 

From Dunedin we headed to Te Anau which we only thought of as our base to Milford Sound. We should have given the place more credit and both said we really want to go back. The first evening we took a boat trip out to a glow worms cave. The views were stunning on the way and the glow worm caves did not disappoint. The little boat being pulled thought the dark into the “grotto” was like a magical Christmas ride with millions of twinkling fairy lights, only they were glow worms. 

   
  
The next morning we had an early start to go to Milford Sound. We decided to go in a bus tour so I could take in all the sights rather than driving. We had a fantastic driver called Bruce and whilst the Chinese man snored behind us, Bruce entertained with jokes and information. He was even an extra in Lord of the rings. We saw beautiful waterfalls and lakes in the way including the mirror lakes 

   
 We got to our cruise boat on Milford sound and was treated to a long boat ride and free showers where the crew put the boat directly under waterfalls. It’s a truest magical place 

  
After the boat ride we got dropped at the underwater observatory to do some kayaking. Ha ha we opened for a double kayak due to it being 28 knots gusts and headed out. We saw rare Fiordland crested penguins on the shore as well as seals. All that I can say is Erich and I will not be doing a double Kayak again though ha ha. After paddling back to the observatory we got the change to go underwater and see all the fish and sea critters including blue cod, marble fish and rare black coral. It was great. 

In the morning Bruce had told us to watch the film about the Fiordlands called “shadowland” which was last showing in town at 7pm.  Only being picked up at just gone 5 for a 2-2.5 hour ride home we had ruled out being able to make it. We told this to our new driver who was probably not long past 79 years old, who seems to welcome the challenge and got us to the theatre doors at 5 to 7 very proud if himself even with another drop and pick up on the way. Let’s just say we were happy to get off the bus at the end (alive)!  The film was beautiful and felt incredible lucky we had the most perfect weather for what had been a really wonderful day We will never forget.

We did not want to leave Te Anau the next morning as still so much in the area so headed of to do a few km of the 66km Kepler track. It was beautiful and can see why some spots were used for Lord of the rings filming. We have pledged one day we will come back and do the full 4 day hike. It was well worth out morning here before heading off for Queenstown.

  

 

New Zealand

New Zealand, new land. Neither Erich or I had been to New Zealand before so we were both really excited especially having heard so many great things from different people. We landed into Christchurch to begin our tour of the South Island to begin with. Prior to leaving I had told Erich that Christchurch was devastated in the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and was still a lot of rebuilding work talking place. Despite knowing this We were both shocked to see how much devastation and destruction. The city centre looks deserted, derelict and yet in many places you can see the “new start” and rebuilding taking place. 

  
  We walked the streets for hours just taking everything in and negotiating the diversions with the large number of traffic cones which corner off so many parts of the city. It must have been terrifying and devastating to the people of the city to have experienced and still be affected in so many ways by those earthquakes. Still everyone we met was so friendly and welcoming. They wanted to talk to us and even invite us to their homes it was really wonderful. 

Our second day in Christchurch the weather was great and after buying a couple of freshly made sandwiches from a French bakery we headed to the top of the gondola in the sunshine for a walk around an extinct volcano crater. With views over Christchurch, the port and all surrounding suburbs it was amazing even if we did get a little lost in the complete wrong direction on our hike… Don’t ask!

  
In the afternoon we went to the Botanic gardens in Christchurch which are are probably the biggest and most beautiful gardens I have visited. It was perfect timing with the rose gardens at their best and the gardens looking astounding. We walked and sat and took in all the sights and smells for hours as well as enjoying one of the best fruit mix ice creams ever, check out the grins!

  
We went on from Chridtchurch down the cost with our next destination on Dunedin. On route we stopped at a few places including the Moeraki boulders. We were looking forward to seeing these for some time and despite of beginning to rain as we arrived it did not put us off. Rain coats on and cameras in hand we walked to the beach to see the wonders. Dinosaur eggs, malteesers, meteorites or whatever you describe them as you can’t help but be surprised when you see them scattered over the beach either whole or split in pieces, magical!

  

  
We refreshed Erich with a beer then set off for Dunedin. 

More Tazmania

  
Our St Helens “villa” was fantastic with a view our over the water and harbour. After such a long drive a night in with home cooking and beautiful wind on the terrace admiring the views were called for. It was amazing sunshine in the morning and after breakfast again in the terrace we set off for billalong bay and the bay of fire.   

The bay’s and beaches were amazing and we spent hours climbing the rocks and wondering on the beaches whilst the white sand squeaked beneath our feet 

  
 Our next stop was Freycenet national park but on route stopped at the Ironhouse brewery to sample some beers. Erich had to help with mine as I was driving (still!!!) and he left a little tipsy after sitting in the sun enjoying the local ales

   
Our place in Freycenet national park was in Coles Bay, a converted wooden beach hut/shack with a cute little terrace. It was decorated in flowers than local photos taken by the owners, and we immediately loved the place. It was a great location at the entrance to the national park so a two minute drive in the morning to get our Patk passes to start our first hike to Wineglass bay. 

So many people give up once they have reached the lookout at the top of the pass and turn back and only experience the bay as a view or photograph from far. Erich and I carried on with our picnic down to the bay to be rewarded with the most amazing beautiful beach

 The photo below is taken of the bay from the lookout    

We made friends along the bay and enjoyed the best cheese and coleslaw homemade butties which set us up for our hike back up the pass again. It was a great walk and we then went on to the lighthouse and another great bay “Sleepy Bay” with fantastic red rock

  

As you can see from the weather the rain forecast every day was nowhere to be seen and it was lovely. 

Hobart was our next stop and quite a contrast to be in the city after visiting quiet and natural places in Tazmania. We dropped our things at the hotel and headed straight Mount Wellington where you can see 360 degrees fantastic views and over the city

 
 We had reserved a table at a local seafood restaurant “the drunken Admiral” and whilst a bit strange as was like being on an old wooden ship.  The food was amazing and had great fresh local muscles and seafood. A real treat!
  
Our last day in Hobart was walking around Battery point and the Harbour. Taking in the sights and the sounds, watching boats being refurbished and our own private pipe player on the front. Mona the art gallery we planned to visit was closed on Tuesday’s but in a way we were glad as we saw and did so much more. Erich bough a bottle of local gin after a little gin tasting session …and I topped up on shopping. It was a great day but let me not forget the Preacher bar we stumbled across for lunch.   A huge menu of real ales and home made burgers sat in the sunshine in a cool funky retro beer garden. It’s great where a wrong turn in the road can take you when walking around this place was mint! Yes the bus was actually an outdoor bar too 

   
 Hobart and Tazmania as a whole was great. We loved it and will definitely go back and explore some more as the week went by so quick. We had a short hop back to Sydney and then our Oz adventures were over (for this journey) but I certainly don’t think they will be our last. Next stop NEW ZEALAND. Christchurch here we come!