It's blowing a gale off Lake Te Anau and still raining. So glad we did the Milford Track yesterday. More cascading waterfalls and thundering rivers swollen with all the rain we've had. At one point, the guides were saying we couldn't go the entire distance in (5.5 klm) in because there was waist deep water to cross. After our picnic lunch in the first hut; however, the water had receded somewhat and once we got to the crossing, it was only ankle deep. Not a problem, but certainly created wet sloggy shoes and socks for the rest of the walk. Our round-trip trek was about 6 miles. The rainforest is beautiful with green moss all over the floor and growing up the sides of trees. We saw fan tail birds and bush robins, all very friendly because people feed them. The entire Milford Trek is 33 klm long, and one can only do it in one direction. The number of people walking at any one time is limited so that there is not too much crowding. Most folks carry their provisions and bed rolls to spend the three nights on the trail in comfortable huts. Some less brave souls book with guides and very fine lodges for the three nights. Three course meals are provided and lots of NZ wine. Sounds like a plan.
This morning, we are off to Central Otago and more wineries, then overnight at Rocky Range in Alexandra. (They have a website if you want to take a look.)
We are much happier now that our luggage arrived while we were on the walk yesterday. It got here about 4:30, 5 days since we saw it in LA. It's amazing how little one can get by on.
Hopefully, I'll be rested enough to download some photos tonight and get them attached to the next blog.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Te Anau
We drove up to two wineries in the Queenstown area yesterday before heading down to Te Anau, arriving about 5:00 p.m. Chard's Farm is lovely, with a Tuscan-style cellar door and great whites and pinots. It is up a long gravel drive with steep drop-offs to a roaring whitewater river below. Well worth the heart-stopping drive. Bill has taken to driving on the left side of the road like a champ, with lots of coaching through every round-about.
Then, we had lunch at Amifield Winery. They have a great restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor patio. Food was wonderful, and a sauvignon blanc from a single vineyard and a little oak finish that was unlike any we've had before. Absolutely heavenly. Then, we headed for Te Anau. It's about a 2 hour drive through gorgeous sheep and deer (!) ranch countryside in valleys between two steep mountain ranges. It is so strange to see herds of deer grazing the pastures. Our motel room is very nice with a small kitchen, a separate bedroom, and a view of Te Anau Lake. (Te Anau rhymes with "see the cow.")
Today we went on the Milford Sound cruise. The two hour trip on a coach between Te Anau and Milford included some of the most raw beautiful scenery we have ever seen. It is a landscape I never dreamed still existed without the ruinous influence of people. Fijordland National Park is 3 million acres of protected rainforest, wide planes with trout streams, and crashing waterfalls (literally thousands of them today because it was raining). The boat trip took us around the sound to view more waterfalls than we've ever seen in our lives. I kept thinking of the poor people of Atlanta who would have given anything for all the fresh water. It rains there 200 days out of 365 and the annual rainfall is more than 25 feet. No wonder it rained all day today.
Our luggage has yet to appear. We did get $100 each from the airline yesterday and visited the NZ equivalent of K-Mart to buy a change of underwear and some t-shirts. It's so frustrating because we have all that nice rain gear in the suitcases that we need for this weather and our trek tomorrow. They say the luggage is now in Auckland, (they said that yesterday) and should be delivered sometime tomorrow. We'll see.
This part of NZ is dramatic and un-spoiled. The people are all still friendly and helpful. We have a great landlady who is even supplying rain gear for us tomorrow.
More later.
Then, we had lunch at Amifield Winery. They have a great restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor patio. Food was wonderful, and a sauvignon blanc from a single vineyard and a little oak finish that was unlike any we've had before. Absolutely heavenly. Then, we headed for Te Anau. It's about a 2 hour drive through gorgeous sheep and deer (!) ranch countryside in valleys between two steep mountain ranges. It is so strange to see herds of deer grazing the pastures. Our motel room is very nice with a small kitchen, a separate bedroom, and a view of Te Anau Lake. (Te Anau rhymes with "see the cow.")
Today we went on the Milford Sound cruise. The two hour trip on a coach between Te Anau and Milford included some of the most raw beautiful scenery we have ever seen. It is a landscape I never dreamed still existed without the ruinous influence of people. Fijordland National Park is 3 million acres of protected rainforest, wide planes with trout streams, and crashing waterfalls (literally thousands of them today because it was raining). The boat trip took us around the sound to view more waterfalls than we've ever seen in our lives. I kept thinking of the poor people of Atlanta who would have given anything for all the fresh water. It rains there 200 days out of 365 and the annual rainfall is more than 25 feet. No wonder it rained all day today.
Our luggage has yet to appear. We did get $100 each from the airline yesterday and visited the NZ equivalent of K-Mart to buy a change of underwear and some t-shirts. It's so frustrating because we have all that nice rain gear in the suitcases that we need for this weather and our trek tomorrow. They say the luggage is now in Auckland, (they said that yesterday) and should be delivered sometime tomorrow. We'll see.
This part of NZ is dramatic and un-spoiled. The people are all still friendly and helpful. We have a great landlady who is even supplying rain gear for us tomorrow.
More later.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Queenstown
It's Thursday morning here, and we spent yesterday traveling from Auckland to Queenstown by air. We had only 3 hours in a motel in Auckland 2:30 am - 5:30 am) before the on-going flights, therefore, we were exhausted but after an easy transfer to the Blue Peaks Lodge, we forged ahead to Bob's Peak to travel 1200 feet almost straight up on the cable car to the top. The views are magnificent of the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu below. Hang-glidders were sailing from top to bottom, and the sun peaked in and out makiing a dramatic display on the lake and mountainsides. It was spectacular. The lake is turquoise.
After lunch, we took the TSS Earnslaw steamer to the Walter Peak sheep farm. The steamer was built in 1911 and still has it's original coal fired engines. We watched a Welsh collie work the sheep to whistled commands, and then, most amazing of all, a big wooly sheep sheared of her wool in about 4 minutes. The tea was served in the lovely big house, and consisted of a generous supply of scons and little pancakes with whipped cream and jam. It was all provided very graciously and a beautiful setting. The roses, hydrangeas, agapanthes, and dahlias are in full bloom.
Jared and Neil, you would have loved the luge on Bob's Peak. It was so much fun, even for us two very cautious seniors. You could have gone down the advanced course - over an over. Also, you'd be here about two days and be hang glidding off the top. There's also para-sailing and bungy jumping. Something for everyone.
We have no luggage yet. NZ Air keeps promising to deliver, but so far, we have nothing but the clothes on our backs and a few basics like toothbrushes. We head for Amisfield winery and a couple of others when our car is delivered at 10:00 a.m. Then, this afternoon we go to Te Anau.
It's been a bit difficult so far with the flight delays, no sleep, and no clothes, but this is a gorgeous country and the people are just a friendly as reported. Everyone here is dressed casually, mostly in outdoors sorts of clothes. Our motel here, Blue Peaks Lodge, had a small kitchen and was very comfortable.
Hopefully, in my next posting, I'll be better dressed!
After lunch, we took the TSS Earnslaw steamer to the Walter Peak sheep farm. The steamer was built in 1911 and still has it's original coal fired engines. We watched a Welsh collie work the sheep to whistled commands, and then, most amazing of all, a big wooly sheep sheared of her wool in about 4 minutes. The tea was served in the lovely big house, and consisted of a generous supply of scons and little pancakes with whipped cream and jam. It was all provided very graciously and a beautiful setting. The roses, hydrangeas, agapanthes, and dahlias are in full bloom.
Jared and Neil, you would have loved the luge on Bob's Peak. It was so much fun, even for us two very cautious seniors. You could have gone down the advanced course - over an over. Also, you'd be here about two days and be hang glidding off the top. There's also para-sailing and bungy jumping. Something for everyone.
We have no luggage yet. NZ Air keeps promising to deliver, but so far, we have nothing but the clothes on our backs and a few basics like toothbrushes. We head for Amisfield winery and a couple of others when our car is delivered at 10:00 a.m. Then, this afternoon we go to Te Anau.
It's been a bit difficult so far with the flight delays, no sleep, and no clothes, but this is a gorgeous country and the people are just a friendly as reported. Everyone here is dressed casually, mostly in outdoors sorts of clothes. Our motel here, Blue Peaks Lodge, had a small kitchen and was very comfortable.
Hopefully, in my next posting, I'll be better dressed!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The City of Angels
We are still in LA as Air NZ had to postpone our flight until tomorrow morning. So, we will arrive in Auckland 12 hours late. We are staying in a lovely Sheraton, however, at NZ Air's expense, have had a great dinner in Shuler's restaurant, and will enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning. Too bad to miss 12 hours in NZ, but at least we are comforatable and happy. Had a great day at the Getty Museum, and a wonderful lunch in their cafe. It's an impressive place, however Mr. Getty earned his fortune.
The saga continues tomorrow.
The saga continues tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Cook Islands Itinerary
Sun 23:
4:15 p.m. Welcome to the Cook Islands. Three nights in the Moana Sands motel on the beach
Mon 24 Rarotonga Arts and Culture Tour - visit sites historical to the native Maori people
Tues 25 Free day to explore, swim, and snorkel
Wed 26 Fly to Aitutaki, arruve 11:20a.m.. Two nights Tamanu Beach, a native style accomodation on the lagoon
Thurs 27 Bishop's Lagoon Cruise. Cruise includes snorkeling, fish feeding, stops at the motus, a fish BBQ lunch at One Foot Island, and a birthday cake for Roxanna
Fri 28 Fly to Rarotonga, arrive 10:00 a.m. One night at Pacific Resort including use of kayaks, canoes, snorkeling equipment, tropical breakfast daily.
Sat 29 Market day in town. Black pearls for sale! Depart Rarotonga at 11:59 p.m.
Sun 30 Arrive LAX, 12:20 p.m. Overnight Marriott
Mon 31 LAX to Greenville, arrive 5:47 p.m.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Itinerary for New Zealand
Feb. 23 Depart GSP for LAX, Overnight Marriott Hotel at airport
Feb. 24 Depart LAX 9:30 p.m. for Auckland via NZ Air
Feb. 26 Arrive Auckland, 7:15 a.m. Depart for Queenstown, South Island 10:15 a.m. NZ Air
Overnight Queenstown, Blue Peaks Lodge (2 nights)
Cruise Lake Wakaitipu on TSS Earnislaw vintage steamer for sheep shearing show, and afternoon tea at Colonel's Homestead
Feb. 27 Queenstown Skyline Skyride aerial gondola up Bob's Peak and luge ride down
Feb. 28 Rental car - visit wineries in Queenstown area, Peregrine, Gibbstown, Chard Farm, Amisfield (lunch) Drive to Te Anau, overnight Radfords Motel (3 nights)
Feb. 29 Milford Sound Day Excursion
Mar. 1 Milford Track, one day hike
Mar. 2 Drive to Alexandra in Central Otago Visit The Big Picture wine experience, wineries
Overnight Rocky Range (2 nights)
Mar. 3 Wineries in Central Otago, Wooing Tree, Akarua, Felton Road, Mt. Difficulty (lunch),
Mar. 4 1:10 flight to Christchurch, Copthorne Durham Hotel (3 night)
Mar. 5 All day tour across Canterbury Plains, jet boat trip, 4WD vehicle travel through Torhesse Station, through Arthur's Pass National Park to join Tranz Alpine train for trip back to Christ Church
Mar 6 Day free to explore city of Christchurch
Mar. 7 Drive from Christchurch to Blenheim via Pegasus Winery and Kaikoura for whale watching. Overnight (3 nights) Vintners Hotel in Marlborough wine region
Mar. 8-9 Visit Marlborough wineries, Montana Brancott, Spy Valley, Staete Landt, Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, etc.
Mar. 10 Drive from Blenheim to Nelson wine region Overnight Ruby Bay Lodge and Vineyard (4 nights, self-catering cottage in the vineyard)
Mar. 11 Abel Tasman day excursion, hiking, sea kayaking, swimming
Mar. 12 Day at leisure to explore wineries and Moutere Olive Farm
Mar. 13 Day at leisure to explore Nelson artists' studios and shops
Mar. 14 Fly from Nelson to Hawk's Bay, Napier, North Island, arriving 11:15, Lunch Sileni Estate, Overnight Fairhall Estate (3 nights)
Mar. 15 Art deco tour of Napier, visit wineries, Te Mata, Clearview Estate, Kim Crawford
Mar. 16 Hawkes Bay Farmers Market, Craggy Range, lunch
Mar. 17 8:10 a.m. flight from Napier to Kerikeri in Bay of Islands, Lunch Marsden Estates
Overnight Edgewater Palms apartment (4 nights)
Mar. 18 Maori waka (canoe) up Waitangi River to Haruru Falls
Cruise from Pahia Wharf into Bay for dolphin watch and through Hole in the Rock
Russell for dinner
Mar. 19 Salt Air flight up western coast line to Ninety Mile Beach
Mar. 20 Waitangi Treaty house and reserve tour, folkloric show in evening
Mar. 21 Drive from Bay of Islands to Auckland via Kauri Museum and lunch at Cooper's Creek, visit Matua Valley
Mar. 22 Auckland Mercure Hotel (3 nights) Day free in Auckland
Mar. 23 Ferry to Waiheki Island Visit wineries, Mudbrick, Te Whau, Lunch at Stonyridge
Mar. 24 Depart Auckland 11:25 a.m. for Cook Islands
Mar. 23 Arrive Cook Islands after gaining a day crossing the International Dateline
Cook Islands Itinerary in Future Posting
All hotels and special tours listed above have websites if you are interested in visiting them.
Feb. 24 Depart LAX 9:30 p.m. for Auckland via NZ Air
Feb. 26 Arrive Auckland, 7:15 a.m. Depart for Queenstown, South Island 10:15 a.m. NZ Air
Overnight Queenstown, Blue Peaks Lodge (2 nights)
Cruise Lake Wakaitipu on TSS Earnislaw vintage steamer for sheep shearing show, and afternoon tea at Colonel's Homestead
Feb. 27 Queenstown Skyline Skyride aerial gondola up Bob's Peak and luge ride down
Feb. 28 Rental car - visit wineries in Queenstown area, Peregrine, Gibbstown, Chard Farm, Amisfield (lunch) Drive to Te Anau, overnight Radfords Motel (3 nights)
Feb. 29 Milford Sound Day Excursion
Mar. 1 Milford Track, one day hike
Mar. 2 Drive to Alexandra in Central Otago Visit The Big Picture wine experience, wineries
Overnight Rocky Range (2 nights)
Mar. 3 Wineries in Central Otago, Wooing Tree, Akarua, Felton Road, Mt. Difficulty (lunch),
Mar. 4 1:10 flight to Christchurch, Copthorne Durham Hotel (3 night)
Mar. 5 All day tour across Canterbury Plains, jet boat trip, 4WD vehicle travel through Torhesse Station, through Arthur's Pass National Park to join Tranz Alpine train for trip back to Christ Church
Mar 6 Day free to explore city of Christchurch
Mar. 7 Drive from Christchurch to Blenheim via Pegasus Winery and Kaikoura for whale watching. Overnight (3 nights) Vintners Hotel in Marlborough wine region
Mar. 8-9 Visit Marlborough wineries, Montana Brancott, Spy Valley, Staete Landt, Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, etc.
Mar. 10 Drive from Blenheim to Nelson wine region Overnight Ruby Bay Lodge and Vineyard (4 nights, self-catering cottage in the vineyard)
Mar. 11 Abel Tasman day excursion, hiking, sea kayaking, swimming
Mar. 12 Day at leisure to explore wineries and Moutere Olive Farm
Mar. 13 Day at leisure to explore Nelson artists' studios and shops
Mar. 14 Fly from Nelson to Hawk's Bay, Napier, North Island, arriving 11:15, Lunch Sileni Estate, Overnight Fairhall Estate (3 nights)
Mar. 15 Art deco tour of Napier, visit wineries, Te Mata, Clearview Estate, Kim Crawford
Mar. 16 Hawkes Bay Farmers Market, Craggy Range, lunch
Mar. 17 8:10 a.m. flight from Napier to Kerikeri in Bay of Islands, Lunch Marsden Estates
Overnight Edgewater Palms apartment (4 nights)
Mar. 18 Maori waka (canoe) up Waitangi River to Haruru Falls
Cruise from Pahia Wharf into Bay for dolphin watch and through Hole in the Rock
Russell for dinner
Mar. 19 Salt Air flight up western coast line to Ninety Mile Beach
Mar. 20 Waitangi Treaty house and reserve tour, folkloric show in evening
Mar. 21 Drive from Bay of Islands to Auckland via Kauri Museum and lunch at Cooper's Creek, visit Matua Valley
Mar. 22 Auckland Mercure Hotel (3 nights) Day free in Auckland
Mar. 23 Ferry to Waiheki Island Visit wineries, Mudbrick, Te Whau, Lunch at Stonyridge
Mar. 24 Depart Auckland 11:25 a.m. for Cook Islands
Mar. 23 Arrive Cook Islands after gaining a day crossing the International Dateline
Cook Islands Itinerary in Future Posting
All hotels and special tours listed above have websites if you are interested in visiting them.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Itinerary for New Zealand
We have received our final itinerary and will be posting it soon. It looks good with lots of different activities and days of rest in between.
I will post it within the next two -three days. Comments and recommendations are welcome.
I will post it within the next two -three days. Comments and recommendations are welcome.
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