DMBTraveler

Sunday afternoon, my journey “Down Under” begins in Miami on a full American Airlines flight to Los Angeles. Today the weather in South Florida is a big news items as temperatures are in the 50's and this maybe an omen for what lies ahead in my journey.

My flight is late leaving Miami. En route to Los Angeles we have a medical emergency and make an unscheduled stop in Phoenix, Arizona. Under overcast skies we touchdown in LA about 8 hours after leaving Miami.

I stroll around LAX and have dinner at The International Terminal (5) as I have about a two and a half hour wait before my flight to Sydney. Tonight apparently there are hundreds maybe even thousands of people with same plans as I have to go “Down Under” because the flights to Sydney are all overbooked! Unfortunately, I miss my first opportunity to board a flight to Sydney. My next chance will be on Monday Night … 24 hours from now.

As one door closes another one opens. With 24 hours to lose some money.... the glamor and glitter of Las Vegas is calling.

After helping the recession in Las Vegas, I am back in Los Angeles and soon find myself in a middle coach seat for a 14 hour flight to Sydney. A movie, dinner, a nap, a snack, The Simpsons, Family Guy, in flight hiking, a nap, Black Jack, breakfast then Two and a Half Men … wow how time flies!

With the rising sun we begin our descent for Sydney. Soon the east coast of Australia appears under sparkling sunlight. We firmly touchdown at 6:55am....It's Wednesday.

I easily follow signs to “The International Transfer Desk” where with a ticket exchange I get a boarding pass for “The Land Of The Kiwis”.

A sampling of “Aussie” cuisine has me eating Cinnamon Rice With Chicken along with Banana Bread. Interesting and delicious but I must say I have had Banana Bread that would be stiff competition.

Doing some research while waiting for my flight to Auckland, I discover a great opportunity for rental cars in New Zealand. There are seasonal relocation specials from Christchurch (CHC) to Auckland (AKL) or other cities for as little NZ$15 per day with 6 days minimum. This is an awesome deal …Unfortunately, I missed the boat on that one.

9:35am … I board Qantas-55 to Auckland. This time a window seat provides a few photo ops as we head north to New Zealand. I don't know if I am hallucinating from my lengthy travel or if its their accents but I am taken back by the politeness and courtesy of “The Cabin Crew”. “Please Stow Your Cabin Luggage”... “Please Be Careful Eating Your Ice Cream As It Has Been Stored On Dry Ice”. A pleasant surprise for airline service.

New Zealand is two hours ahead of Sydney and this time its an even firmer touchdown at 2:25pm but still Wednesday.

NEW ZEALAND – DAY ONE

Clearing customs and immigration is easy and after purchasing a NZ$14 backpacker ticket I am on the way to Auckland City Center. A 45 minute ride in which I exchange political and cultural views with
a local while getting some great sightseeing tips.

Like South Florida which I left 4 days ago, the weather here is also a news item. A bit “brisk” for this time of the year …. 13C in the 50's as I disembark on Queens Street.

Exhausted but excited to be in “The Land Of The Kiwis”, I take a quick survey of the city and begin a walkabout in search of quiet accommodations for the night. There are many backpacking hostels available from NZ$19-50 (dorm-single) but I end up at City Lodge (150 Vincent St) NZ$68 with private bath.

An afternoon bus ride NZ$.50 and I do some more exploring and planning for tomorrow. A visit to Food Town a 24hr grocery store and I get a sampling of everyday Kiwi life. NZ$1.25 seems a bit high for a Kit-Kat on sale... I pass and settle for Golden Kiwis and a mix bag of fresh baked goods.

A stroll from Food Town and I am along the waterfront where tomorrow I will catch a ferry for a harbor tour and visit to Devonport.. NZ$33.

Another hour of walking and I watch the city change for it's nightlife. Some businesses close while others open as local street performers and vendors sparsely appear. I am still exhausted and don't get to enjoy too much of it. The weather is back to being “brisk” as I make my way back to City Lodge. Day Two awaits full of promise.

rickandpat

Wow, thanks for the heads up on how expensive chocolate candy can be - I'll make sure to bring a large supply for my 3-week trip in Jan. Looking forward to more of your trip report. Pat

mlgb

That would be a tragedy as you should try Whittaker's Peanut Slab and other varieties.

FoodTown has a reputation for jacking up their prices to serve the downtown tourist market at that location.

DMBTraveler

mlgb .... I won't resist A Whittaker's Peanut Slab just hope it does not become an addiction.

DMBTraveler

AUCKLAND – DAY TWO

The weather is still “brisky” as I take a walk towards Victoria Park and Market. The city is alive but there is no madness as people and cars maneuver streets and crosswalks in a civil manner. No honking horns just an unusual beep and clicking sound when the pedestrian crossing signal is activated. Some intersections offer diagonal as well as normal street crossings.

There are a few hills to maneuver as I criss cross the city but I eventually end up on Queens Street and have my first sample of New Zealand lamb. Kebab On Queen has a NZ$5 Special on Kebab that is huge with your choice of meats, salad and sauce. The Lamb Kebab with Sweet Chili Sauce is delightfully pleasing to my palette.

Bypassing an earlier planned Harbor Cruise NZ$33, I hop a local ferry service for a short ride across the bay to Devonport NZ$10. I miss out on a tour-guide but save NZ$23 and am rewarded with the same views of the harbor and Auckland City.

With map in hand I begin a self guided walking tour of Devonport heading east along King Edward PDE towards North Head. Auckland City remains in view on my right as I pass a few of Devonport's still deserted beaches. On sampling the water it is still a bit frigid and I guess too “brisky” for swimming.

At the end of King Edward PDE, I turn north through a neighborhood of quaint houses where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of spring flowers in bloom. Yards are beautifully landscaped and are as unique as the houses they surround. The end of this neighborhood brings me to the entrance of North Head Historic Reserve.

Once used to defend Auckland's Harbor, North Head's history can now be peacefully experienced by three different hiking paths … Coastal, Tunnels or Land. Each path takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. I chose the Coastal Path as a gentle sea breeze blows across North Head. I begin my hike on a carpet soft grass path with a view of distant islands and Cheltenham Beach a hundred feet below. Around a few curves and a rugged coastline with black rocks can be seen from above.

I am entertained by the crashing waves as birds chirp in the canopy of trees along my path. Nature's noises are relaxing as I enjoy the scenery complimented with occasional wildflowers. Soon I reach a narrow stairway passage that I descend to about 10 above sea level and continue my trek.

Near the end of the Coastal Path I discover a tunnel entrance but I am a bit nervous to explore it without a flashlight. A cautious short walk in and there is archway of light to my right. I make a dash for it. I am rewarded with a bit of history left behind in the form of railroad tracks that were used to move artillery and machinery into various positions around the fort. Retracing my steps I find another tunnel darker than the first but I can see no light at the end of it. I am nervous but my curiosity is peeked.

I set my camera flash to manual-on and with my heart racing I run in a sprint into total darkness. Just as I am thinking “What the hell am I doing”... It hits me! Light is shining down a set of staircase that takes me out of the abyss.

Descending from North Head, I leave a set of size twelve footprints as I walk along a tranquil and lonely Cheltenham Beach. Beautiful homes line the waterfront giving their occupants spectacular ocean views with sailboats riding the west winds.

Along Vauxhall Rd a short stop to quench my thirst with a “Creamin Soda” and I make way through another cute neighborhood to summit Mt. Victoria Reserve. The views are rewarding along with the brief friendship I share with a few four legged “kiwis”.

School lets out as head back towards the ferry and the air is filled with “cute” little accents. “Come on Charlie, let's take the crossing”. The walk back offers numerous shops, restaurants and bakeries. An alluring scent and I can't resist the temptation to enjoy a date filled scone... Dr Atkins be dammed.

In a Forrest Gump kind of way it is amazing how you can be 10,000 miles from where you live and strangers find a way to make you feel right at home. At 5:30pm, I am sitting with 30-40 strangers drinking Tui (the local beer) and playing Texas Hold'em Poker! Xbase a great backpacking hostel sponsors this daily event.

We are playing for a NZ$100 bar tab and just like home I don't win but there is a lot of fun and camaraderie. As the afternoon wears on all the poker players are Sharpie marked with a black “X”, most on the hand but a few on the forehead. I guess we ain't strangers no more.

“X” marks the spot for FREE PIZZA!!!! Domino's shows up around 8pm with an assortment of pizzas that we all enjoy in a civil manner. Free Poker, Free Pizza. Where's My Miller High Life? Does it get any better than this?

Around 9:00pm I leave my poker pals to check into Mercure Windsor (58 Queen St) for another night in Auckland City. I would highly recommend this hotel and City Lodge. Soon I will explore what “The Kiwis” do once the sun goes down.

AUCKLAND CITY – AFTER DARK

A light rain is falling as I walk north along Queen Street. The sounds of future Kiwi Rock Stars can be heard criss crossing an almost deserted Queen Street which has it's share of Karaoke Bars. A brief visit to one of them but I restrain my urge to share Frank Sinatra or Neil Diamond with them.

Soon enough I am having another pint of Tui at a British Tavern before it's Dr. Dre “California” and again I feel right at home.

GillsinEurope

Do you do the south island? If so, can't wait to hear all about it. Hubby and I are going in about 5 weeks!

nelsonian

Loving your trip report DMBtraveller.

DMBTraveler

AUCKLAND – DAY 3

The weather is improving as the day begins with sunshine and blue skies. Today, I am in search of a rental car to explore beyond Auckland City. Numerous rental car agencies can be found along Beach Rd, a short walk from Queen Street. All advertise low rates but it is Labor Day Weekend with cars and bargains hard to come by. I settle for a two day rental from Alternative Rental Cars at NZ$55 per day including insurance.

A few provisions for the road and I return to pick my car, a right-hand drive 5 speed Hyundai. Since they drive upside down and on the wrong side here I believe all the cars are right-hand drive. This gives me an Austin Powers - 007 moment as I climb in the driver's seat. Yeah, baby... yeah!

Smoothly shifting gears I join not as “groovy looking drivers” headed for M-1 North. The City Of Sails is soon in my rear view mirror as I cross The Auckland Bridge at 90kmh. Just beyond the bridge a couple of unfortunate drivers are pulled over by “New Zealand Smokies” in plain wrappers. A gentle reminder to not get carried away being Austin Powers.

Not far along M-1 an exit is offered to avoid paying a toll while taking a more scenic route. A win-win situation for me. Interestingly, the toll road has no toll-booths and drivers have the option to electronically pay in advance or up to 5 days after usage.

Along my detour, I stop at another of New Zealand's beautiful but practically deserted beaches. I imagine it won't be long before this changes. I sample "LP" New Zealand's equivalent of Coca Cola. You'll need an appreciation of ginger to understand why according to the locals “L.P is World Famous”.

My drive continues with a hillside climb which gives excellent views of the area. A rich mixture of greens and blues dominate the scenery. More beaches are encountered with Langs Beach too inviting to not at least get my feet wet. The sand is warm beneath my souls but the sea explains to my feet why the beaches remain free of swimmers.

Taking “The Scenic Tourist Route”, I am presented with hair pin turns and switchbacks that challenge my 007 driving skills. The landscape soon changes to endless pastures scattered with sheep or cattle then small towns appear and are gone in a few minutes. Occasionally, I stop for photo opportunities or turn down a side road to further explore the countryside. Sometimes, I drive for “kilometers” on gravel roads climbing hills and descending valleys. The Hyundai is performing flawlessly. Thanks Q.

Rounding a curve on one of my explorations, I come almost face to face with a stray female. At about 2000 lbs she makes the right moves and I avoid having fresh ground beef for dinner.

After about four hours of driving excellence and exploration I end up at Whangarei Falls. Part of Maori history, this waterfall can be viewed from various angles on a 30 minute hiking loop. The loop crosses the top of the falls then descends to the tidal pool and river stream below. The river once provided a rich food source of eels, trout and other fish for the Maori people before becoming polluted. However, there still remains a peacefulness here that I take the opportunity to enjoy.


WE NOW INTERRUPT THIS TRIP REPORT FOR A BREAKING NEWS STORY

While making a petrol stop in Whangarei City huge quantities of NEW SUPER PEANUT SLAB BY WHITTAKER’S has been discovered. A ridiculous offering is made to buy two and get one free. It remains top secret how many were purchased but it is safe to say KIT-KAT has met its match.

If life is like a box of choc-o-lits then I hope there’s room in my box for A PEANUT SLAB.

Thanks mlgb you have found the Anti-Kit Kat! Rick and Pat leave your chocolates behind a new addition awaits you.

NOW BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED REPORT

Having my new discovery safely secured, I take a brief walk around Whangarei City. The downtown is the way downtowns should be. Quaint stores and restaurants line the streets without the mega mall syndrome.

After a “Thai Chicken Pot-Pie”, I start south back to The City Of Sails. I am entertained on my drive by a local talk radio program. From the silliness of costumes at work (a.k.a uniforms), to the origination of the 8 hour work day (24hrs in a day 8 to work, 8 to sleep and 8 to do whatever you please), to a man caught making tea naked in his home somewhere in Colorado, I get a good sampling of what’s on Zealanders mind. What’s a Jay Bird anyway?

Back in Auckland City, I reflect on the genuine politeness and courtesy that I have experienced from Zealanders today. From a gentlemen handing me an open bag in the bakery section of a grocery store to the courtesy of drivers that use turn signals as they pass you on the highway it’s a nice feeling to end the day with.

DMBTraveler

AUCKLAND - DAY FOUR

Having left my rental car on the street overnight for FREE PARKING, I am up early to start my day and avoid a parking ticket. The morning is filled with sunshine but there's still a chill in the air from the wind blowing between the high rise buildings.

There is a weekly Saturday morning Farmer's Market getting started in The Britomart parking lot as I walk towards my car. Huge cauliflowers, beets, vine ripe tomatoes along with fresh bread and pastries are just some of the selections offered.

A short stop at an Asian Market on Beach Rd next to Alternative Rent A Car and I pick up two bags of kiwi fruit for NZ$1. A bargain compared to Foodtown where they sell for NZ$3.39 per kg. At the checkout stand I also grab a 120VAC plug adapter for NZ$3. Most hotels have ones that are loaned out to guests (good luck) or you can purchase them at the airport for NZ$11-20.

East on Beach Rd, I make my way to M-1 South towards Hamilton headed for Waitomo and then Rotorua. It's about a two and a half hour drive to Waitomo. The initial part of M1 South passes commercial and residential areas but soon leaves it all behind for wide open pastures and magnificent distant hills.

Like it's counterpart to the north, M1 snakes it way through many small towns most of which offer good reasons to stop. I take up one offer to visit with a gigantic colorful kiwi that is more fortunate than its nocturnal family which lives under the threat of extinction.

Approaching Hamilton I wish I could spend time there as the radio announces an important rugby match will be played later today. Out of Hamilton I follow M3 to exit on RTE37 for Waitomo. Along the road there are businesses offering various adventure packages including cave tubing, rappelling and horse back riding. All of these events can also be arranged at The Visitor's Center as half or full day trips.

For NZ$39 I sign up for the next Waitomo Glowworm Cave guided tour at 12 noon. Most of the workers here are descendants of the Maori tribes that originally discovered the caves. It was not until 1889 that the Maori shared their discovery with the rest of the world.

We are greeted by stalactites, stalagmites and the sound of dripping water as we enter the upper entrance of the caves. By artificial light, the effects and beauty of combining water and limestone over millions of years can be seen. Descending stairs puts us in “The Cathedral” of the caves and after a bit of questioning about our nationalities and coaxing from our guide we are entertained with a folk song by a group of “Aussies”. I miss another karaoke opportunity to represent my birthplace with Harry Belafonte “Day O”.

Lights out and we get a brief experience of what to expect later on in our tour. We are then shown a close up of the glowworms food capturing system that involves self-made fishing lines. Another set of descending stairs and we wait our turn to board a powerless boat that will continue our tour. As I search my surroundings, I sense that I am outside and night is beginning to fall. I know otherwise because I am encompassed by cave walls, I am just beginning to observe the glowworms in action.

About twenty eight passengers board an oversize aluminum type row boat. Our guide who stands on the bow requests our silence then maneuvers the boat using an overhead rope system into the full darkness of the cave. As if by magic, we have been transported outside and are under a star filled sky on a moonless night. Eyes slowly adjust and every breath is held as we silently taken in this awesome and spectacular scenery. The glowworms are at work above us and twinkle like stars. It is by far the best I have ever witnessed of nature in action.

After ten minutes we are encouraged to breathe as the cave exit approaches. Our exit is the original entrance used by a Maori chief in 1889 to allow the first Non-Maori a British Explorer into the caves.

I doubt I will find a comparable experience to Waitomo Glowworm Caves. I continue my exploration heading to Rotorua, New Zealand highest and most visited city. I have driven many places but the roads from Waitomo to Rotorua provide the most beautiful driving scenery that I have ever seen.

Picture the most vivid greens and blues you have ever seen then accent them with an occasional royal purple, sunset orange or canary yellow and you'll have a glimpse of the beauty that I am allowed to take in. There are so many “Kodak” moments that it requires a determined discipline to press on to my destination. I do so with an occasional stop just to breathe the fresh air or to listen to sheep bleating by the roadside.

Eventually the roads traveled leads me to Te Puia – New Zealand Maori Arts And Crafts Institute. A NZ$40 entrance fee and I wait with others for a guided tour. Our tour begins with a quick Maori language lesson and soon it sounds like a group of forty people are repeatedly saying “The F-Word”.
Wh = F pronunciation and it seems the Maori tribes used “Wh” on a frequent basis.

Minutes later I am touching nose to nose and forehead to forehead twice with a stranger. Kia ora, now we not strangers anymore. We have learned a typical Maori greeting. Try it sometime. If you are in Texas be sure to take your hat off first!

Next we experience ancient Maori practices still being carried on by their descendants as we tour a wood carving and weaving school. Into a darken exhibit and we get a glimpse of a real live Kiwi. In my short time here it should be proud of the people it represents.

The grounds of Te Puia is populated with numerous hot mud pools and a few active geysers. Today an active Maori community lives just outside the boundary of Te Puia and still use these mud pools and geysers on a daily basis. For vegetables five minutes is sufficient in the geyser steam while meat take about an hour to cook in its natural juices. All this is done with no sulfur after taste.

Leaving Te Puia, I fill up on petrol about US$6 per gallon and drive to the shores of Lake Rotoura. Black swans glide by as a seaplane ties up for the night. A youth rugby practice is finishing up as I stroll towards the downtown area in search of dinner. Up one side and down another of Tutanekai Street I am confronted with a smörgåsbord of dining options as a band entertains on the blocked off street.

Solace Cafe and Restaurant is offering a NZ$25 fish basket special that sounds delicious. My dinner arrives, grilled sea scallops with an orange tail that's full of flavor, grilled shrimp, mussels, calamari, salad and John Dory (a local fish). I am not disappointed.

Darkness falls and I am on the road again not sure where my night will end. When it is available the radio provides entertainment otherwise it's my thoughts and reflections from the day. Sleep finds me in Pokeno, a town I believe that is somehow famous for bacon.

DMBTraveler

AUCKLAND – DAY FIVE

With my rental car due back about 10am there is no scent of bacon in the air as I begin my day toward Auckland. The sun is blinding and fog fills the valleys as I drive east on Highway 2 on a circle route back to The City Of Sails.

Initially missing my planned turn of, I make a 180 and stop at a local convenience store to seek directions. A customer is more than obliged to help me. He's headed in the same general direction and instructs me to follow him until … “In about 15 kilometers, I'll wave you on”. If you think the world's lost it's niceness a lot of it can still be found here on a cold morning even if it comes in the form of shorts and water boots.

Another scenic countryside drive and I am steering at New Zealand's Seabird Coast. It's a low tide and boats seem like they are on dry dock waiting to be floated as the sea has disappeared beneath them. Along the coast, cars with boats on trailer continually pass me by. No doubt this is a community that appreciates a good day of fishing.

Pressed for time, I make fewer stops than I would like to although one stop gives me a trip down memory lane. At a local mom and pop store I have a single scoop (actually two huge half scoops) of rum raisin ice cream cone the old fashion way. No machines involved this is the real deal.

Eventually Highway 2 returns to M1 and I am soon approaching city limits. Leaving my rental car behind 1148km later I walked towards Queen Street where I will board the Airport Bus to catch a Air New Zealand flight to Christchurch.

At 2:20pm I am airborne and with a window I can see New Zealand from 30,000 feet as the pilots point out various landmarks. I blink and have to turn myself upside down as I see mountain tops covered with snow as we fly southbound. The south is suppose to have sunshine not snow. Imagine if you went from New York to Florida for snow skiing. I guess I'll have to become a Kiwi to understand what's wrong with this picture.

A NZ$7 bus fare and I am at X Base Christchurch a primarily backpacker hostel for the evening. It is cool almost cold here but for some reason I feel the need to stroll around in shorts and flip flops. Although my toes object, it's refreshing and makes me walk faster.

Woolshed Bar & Bistro promises Huge Meals and A Fun Atmosphere so I decide to take them up on it. A good walk down Manchester Street from X base but along the way a Maori group is performing outside Cathedral Center. Soon I am having a steak that I drizzle with mint sauce and a couple of pints for NZ$19. It is a fun atmosphere as I watch bartenders artistically make various drinks and shots. A Brain Stem being a classic. Sambuca, Baily's & Cherry Apricot for the stem.

Tomorrow another rental car search and hopefully more interesting scenery and discoveries.

mlgb

Glad to have started a new addiction.

It sounds like you are doing this trip now?

If still in Christchurch you might like to visit the Dux over near the Botanic Garden. It's a brewpub/buffet style restaurant with entertainment some nights. I like their Ginger Tom but it might not be to your taste given the ginger comment above.

DMBTraveler

mlgb .. will visit Dux. Up North now but back in Christchurch tonight. Thanks for the tips!

DMBTraveler

CHRISTCHURCH

The radio DJ announces it's a “glorious day” as I head north towards Kaikoura, I don't disagree. M1 north traverses mostly flat lands as it leaves Christchurch but is soon lined with wineries on both sides. In the distance lies green hills with snow capped mountains in the background.

After a few kilometers M1 changes character with hills to climb, valleys to descend and curves to negotiate. Along the way yellow flowers cover hills and mountains like a work of art. I don't miss the opportunity to capture more of the stunning landscape.

Peaking a mountain pass the east coast line comes into view as I begin a curving descent. The beaches present a different beauty here than the earlier ones that I visited. The sand is charcoal gray with a crashing surf and isolated rock formations just of shore. Along some areas of the coast line divers adorn wet suits for spearfishing while further up shore locals participate in “White Net Fishing”.

Reaching Kaikoura I make my way to Sea Colony to view sea lions a few yards from shore. There is a small population today with a few pups sliding around on distance rocks. Coincidently I run into a tour bus driver that I met while having dinner last night in Christchurch and she passes on another site further north thats worth a trip.

Leaving Sea Colony a roadside seafood stand presents an opportunity for lunch. With the sounds of crashing waves and chirping birds I enjoy a NZ$7 grilled fish and rice platter. In town I finish lunch with another NZ$1 per scoop of “Hokey Pokey” ice cream cone.

About 20 minutes north of Kaikoura is Ohau Scenic Outlook where another colony New Zealand sea lions are basking in sun less than one hundred feet from the highway. There is a posted caution for sea lions on the highway during high tides.

My tour driver tip lies around a curve a few minutes from here at Ohau Waterfall. Following her suggestion I take a few kiwis with me and walk about 10 minutes to the falls located across the street from the beach. To my surprise there are kids swimming and playing in the tidal pool below the huge waterfall without parental supervision. Their parents are about a quarter mile away basking in the sun!

I toss them a kiwi and it becomes a toy for these sea lion pups. Having broken the ice we curiously investigate each other and I am fortunate to get up close to a sea lion in it's natural habitat. I think I even get a smile as I snap a few pictures.

Heading back south just past Kaikoura I take M70 a slight detour to Christchurch. This route takes me towards Hanmer Springs while providing gorgeous close up views of snow capped mountains, deep valleys and numerous one way bridges.

The weather has turned colder and rain is falling as I approach Christchurch with the forecast for snow in the mountains. For no particular reason I am not done driving for the day and make a brief exploration of The Banks Peninsula. In between rain showers I am afforded a few great views and photo opportunities. The extra driving was worth it.

Tonight I am back at X base Christchurch and will have tomorrow morning to do a local walkabout before an afternoon flight to Sydney.

nelsonian

Love your descriptions of the places you are visiting. The white net fishing is commonly known here as whitebaiting, and hokey pokey ice-cream is the best flavour there is.

DMBTraveler

nelsonian ... Everyone should have some hokey pokey. I imagine the fish they are catching is worth it as whitebaiting seems to be a bit of an effort.

BeccaPckr

Wow... Your trip sounds so exciting! Hope our adventure in Sydney and Cairns is as thrilling as New Zealand.. See you in SYD

nelsonian

There is a limited season for catching white bait, starts about September and goes until end of November. It sell for about $ 90.00 a kilogram so people fish for the season and sell the whitebait to restaurants, fish shops etc. I love white bait patties.

DMBTraveler

CHRISTCHURCH - X BASE

Checking into my dorm for the evening, greetings are exchanged with my five roommates representing Ireland, England and Holland. Around 12am the fire alarm sounds and the building is evacuated. Most of the occupants wait outside in the rain as the cause of the alarm is investigated by the local fire department. Those of us that are slow to react to the alarm only make it to the lobby before an all clear is made and we are allowed to return to our rooms.

Some of my roommates that were in the bar “Saint and Sinners” think the alarm was just a rouse to get them out. Small talk is made about our various plans for the next day and then an amusing but fun discussion takes place about the grammatical issues of the English language. What is correct, they are or the're, there or their? When do you use of or off? The examples for that one produces laughter crosses international lines. Clocks, laptops and cellphone alarms are soon set as most of us will be early risers. I's reckon we is all hav a busy day a head (Bubba English 101).

DMBTraveler

CHRISTCHURCH – WALKABOUT

The promised and I am told much needed rain along with a cold dampness fills the air as I begin my morning walkabout. A short stop at The Cathedral Square Visitor Center and I pick up a free City Walk brochure.

Accompanied by a stiff breeze, rain is still lightly falling but not enough to discourage me. Along Worcester Boulevard I head for Cambridge Terrace and Avon River. I follow Cambridge Terrace towards Antigua Street Boatsheds an important part of the river and city's history. Ducks send warning signals to each other and scatter as I approach them loafing near the river banks.

At Antigua Boatsheds the weather does not allow for morning “punting”. Not the same as in American Football but an authentic Edwardian punt ride along the Avon River (NZ$20). I am starting to feel a chill as my “waterproof” clothing does not seem to be working as advertised. I enter Botanic Gardens and seek refuge at the Canterbury Museum.

The museum entrance is free but well worth the suggested NZ$5 donation. From the Moa (an extinct relative of the kiwi) display, Maori and Daily Canterbury Life exhibits, I learn a lot more about New Zealand.

1145 shells each one different, New Zealand Flip-Flops and Buzzing Bees are all part of unique display of Fred and Myrtle's Paua Shell House which is almost as much a part of New Zealand as the kiwi. “A bit over the top, but marvelous” comes a review from a local museum visitor. An Egyptian, Asian and numerous other displays are also part of the museum but my favorite is a display on Antarctica. It inspires me to fulfill my dream to someday visit there.

I leave the museum with sunshine and rain engaged in a battle to rule the rest of the day. I am placing my bet on sunshine to win as I navigate my way to Dux de Lux for lunch. I order a vegetable samosa with three distinct salads, garbanzo, rice and carrot(NZ$9) along with a draft Ginger Tom (NZ$6.50). I enjoy my salads while the samosa is prepared and later presented with a small lettuce salad and warm apples in a tasty sauce for dipping. What would lunch be without a slice of Dutch Apple pie topped with a slice of kiwi? This is gracefully served on a plate decorated with whip cream and raspberry sauce. NZ$8 is not enough! To say the food was delicious would be a gross understatement.

Mlgb … You have significantly enhanced my kiwi culinary experience. I am in your debt.

A 1pm X Base Airport Shuttle awaits me a I return to collect my belongings. Soon I will be on my way to Sydney and possibly Cairns. As we are dropped off at the airport we are given friendly parting advice from our driver … “No worries about going through early for international security. It is quick here because they don't know what a terrorist looks like”. I hope they never do!

At 3:20pm I leave Christchurch and New Zealand but I will return someday hopefully on my way to Antarctica. I have purchased a souvenir hat but I hope that is not all that I am taking with me. I hope I am taking some “please”, some “thank you's” along with some politeness and courtesy … all of which have been a part of my daily kiwi experience.

Thanks to all who have made this a great part of my travel experience. I wish you safe travels and look forward to reading your New Zealand or wherever your dream takes you trip reports. As they say here … “If you keep doing what you have always done, you will get what you have always got”. Don't just dream it …. Do it!

ElendilPickle

Are you the person who is doing the two weeks in NZ and Australia? If so, you're managing to pack a lot in.

Great trip report - I just finished dinner and now I want some hokey pokey and a L & P!

Lee Ann