Author: sage

18th December

Just a little before 4:40PM Bhavni Picked me up from work and we went down the road to one of the car rental places to pick up a car, which was a bright red Toyota Corolla. From there we drove to the airport – luckily only one area of traffic – where we parked the cars and waited for our arrivals in the international arrivals. Eventually, 45 minutes later, out came Miten, Nirmal, Anji, Saanya and the parentage, 2 bags had not arrived so they took a little while to sort that out – which actually was quite a good thing as there was not much room in the cars left. It was a good run back home as there was not much traffic by 7pm, where we had dinner – which Bhavni had made in the morning – with all of us sitting around the table. Bhavni got her new present – an SLR camera.

We eventually left all of them in the house nearer 1am and went to the motel that Bhavni and I had rented for ourselves for the next few days.

19th December

Bhavni and I got to the house nice and early in the morning to have breakfast before I made my way to work. Bhavni entertained the troops that morning by going to the Museum for the Welcome ceremony there, before they got back home to rest.
In the evening after I got home and had dinner, miten and I went for a walk to Mt St Johns before coming back home where we all went for a ride in the cars, to show them the city and the view from north of the harbour bridge.

20th December

Again Bhavni and I got to the house early for breakfast before I left to go to work. While Bhavni and Miten ran around to do some tasks such as repair Mitens glasses, go shopping and pick up shoes, the rest went to Mission Bay using directions that Bhavni drew out. In the afternoon Miten and Nirmal came over so that we could return the hire car. When I got home, most of us – excluding Anji and Saanya – went to Cornwall park and one tree hill. On the way there, Bhavni and Miten walked it as we only took one car, whilst Miten, Nirmal and I walked it back later. The evening was a quiet one where everyone finished packing for the next day.

21st December

Out taxi came to pick us up just before 10am. It was a little interesting as the taxi that came was a little small but we all managed to fit in. We all got to the airport and checked in before having some tea and coffee at one of the cafes there. It was an uneventful midday flight to Christchurch, and after getting our bags and calling U-Hire for the pickup, we were soon loading ourselves up into our 10seater minivan. Miten was the secondary driver.

I drove to the accommodation –Chardonnay Motor Lodge – where we had two adjoining apartments. Anji and co plus parentage in one, Miten Bhavni and I in the other. We had some tea and thepla before I manged to rouse the troops and we got back out. We went to for a drive – to the Cashmere hills where we had a look at the top of the hill overlooking Governors Bay. From there we proceeded into town – looking at the devastated cityscape before getting out and having a walk around near Worcester Boulevard. After a bit of going back and forth on dinner we decided to go to the “Red Elephant” which is a Thai restaurant. The food was quite decent and we all got back to the accommodation quite full.

22nd December

We actually manged to leave just a little after 9am, on a initially slightly cloudy day, which is close to the time that I had scheduled. Our drive was to Franz Joseph which non stop was around 5 hours away. Out first stop was in Springfield, where we stopped for breakfast. When we came in there was a older man behind the counter who Nirmal asked for a bagel with egg not bacon as all the ones on display had bacon in it. The guy slightly confused stared to take the bacon out of one to give it to Nirmal and could not understand what was wrong. Well the woman behind the counter told him to make one from scratch as we were “fussy”.  Well we sat down with coffee not sure what to do, with Nirmal asking “Am i the the only one eating?”. Well Bhavni asked timidly if they do toast, and by now the lady was a little less stressed with our big group and became quite helpful, so I even had poached eggs on toast.

After leaving with the weather turning to hot blue skies, we carried on driving until we reached the “Castle Rock”, where up on the hills there are some really large limestone rocks. We all split up, with the parentage taking a short walk with Anji, whilst us remaining went to the rocks, although only Miten and I climbed to the higher hills there.

We next stopped in Hokitika, after passing through some amazing scenery in Athurs pass. Miten and I got some infomation about the glacier tout times (we would not get there in time for a walk on the glacier), whilst Nirmal got some chips and Bhavni some other food from the supermarket.

Well back on the journey which carried on down he coast we spotted a place which was an information centre about helicopter flights, so we got directed to a place we had just passed, which was slightly cheaper than in Franz Joseph (also it turned out that there was cloud over the villages so no flights would have taken off from there). After a bit of arguing on who was going – we forced Nirmal, Nirmal, Mitts, Parentage and Saanya went up for a half hour flight. Saanya burst into fake tears as the helicopter took off – as Anji was on the ground. While they had their flight we went for a little walk, swatting the sandflies. After they came back I played the airwolf theme whist driving to the Franz Joseph. We went there directly to the hot pools which Nirmal was craving. Most of us went in, apart from Anji, the person behind the desk was quite exited to put us as Auklanders as its a very touristy place. From there we checked into the Franz Joseph Alpine Resort, where the owner was very energetic and friendly. She said that people like the “Priya indian restraunt”, and as luck would have it we had booked a place there. However that restraunt was not a great choice, read Bhavni’s review.

Back at the hotel we chilled for a bit before turning in.

23rd December

Another beautiful day. We managed to leave on good time from the hotel on our drive to Wanaka (3hours direct). I drove to Fox Glacier, where we turned of to visit Lake Matherson (the mirror lake). Bhavni, Miten, Nirmal and I (with Saanya) walk around the whole of the lake, but we never got that perfect mirror moment.

The others had a smaller walk and when we got to the cafe there, Anii and parentage were sitting around as they got a bit hot on their travels, so we spent a little time there as people ordered food and drinks before we could carry on. From there Miten drove to the glacier from memorial for the light plane accident that happened a couple of years ago, which had a good viewpoint to view the glacier. From there we tried to have a look at the glacier from the viewpoint overlooking the Access Rd, which was quite fun as it said not suitable for buses and we just carried on up.

I took over the dive again, with our next stop in Haast, where Nirmal ordered more chips. From here it was another lovely drive to Wanaka as we pass through Mt Aspiring national park, having skirted lake Wanaka and  Lake Hawea. The views were beautiful, with regular stops for photographs.

On arriving in Wanaka, we checked into the Panorama Court Apartments, the temperature in the Apartment No. 1 was soaring, forcing everyone to open windows and delayer. Thereafter, the AC was on and everyone preferred watching the lake and mountains form the comfort of the cool living room. As usual, the sleeping regime was on again. Having booked the Landing for dinner, we headed there, only to realise that it was a different one to the Franz Joseph one and only served one vegetarian dish laden with cheese. Thus plan B was in place, off we went to “The Cow”, and it was a great choice. The pre-Christmas meal of Garlic bread, officially carved by parentage, followed by some lovely spaghetti and a vegetarian pizza that became breakfast.

On getting back, everyone was off to bed, except, the usual three watching ‘Airplane’ All together now!

24th December

Another hot sunny day. Today was a day spent in Wanaka. Before all the rest were ready, Bhavni and I went out for some grocery shopping. We found the new world, which was quite busy with people shopping for their big Christmas lunch. We took our time getting back, but still had time to eat at our breakfast.We all went down towards the pier, and while most were sitting around the play area we went the negotiators in and booked ourselves onto a jet boat ride. I had to run back to the apartment to put on my lenses and glasses as it would be more comfortable. So it was a little while later we all found ourselves wearing shades and life jackets posing for a picture before getting onto the jet boat. That was quite a fun trip, even the parentage were laughing as the boat spun around. The boat went a little across the lake before going down a river with some mild rapids doing those 360 degree spins and generally going close to the rocks around, before you knew it we were going back to the pier.

For lunch, most of the guys had food at the falafel shop, though I (sejul) did not feel like it. But we had some ice cream from an ice cream parlour there. We then all headed back to the apartment for a while (which was meant to be an hour of rest during the hottest part of the day). Best laid plans… Anji and co decided to fall asleep, so it was parentage, Miten, Bhavni and I who left them and went to puzzling world. It was quite cool a place with lots of illusions and interesting thing to see, such as holograms and 3d items. We eventually talked everyone into the maze…. what fun, we had to get to all the corner towers before finding the way out.

I think Miten found all the corners, but I found 3 before I met Bhavni and we got concerned that the parentage would not find their way out. The funny thing is I found the panic exit to get to them, but I could not find the way back! Well eventually all of us were there trying to find the way out. Eventually after some time and confusion we finally did. From there we sat in the foyer and tried our hands at solving some of the wooden puzzles. We ended up leaving as the place was closing – around 5pm.

Getting back to the apartment, the rest were awake, so after freshening up we went to dinner at The Spice Room, which was a nice Indian restaurant. The food and service was good unlike our last experience.

Whilst we were eating Miten put the basket of nann right next to the candle on the table. FIRE. Well im not sure what was going on in Nirmals mind, but he tried to blanket the fire with flammable tissue. FIRE FIRE. Giving up on these shenanigas, I got a glass of water and as I was about to put it on the fire, Anji yelled, you cant use water. I duly ignored and put the fire out. Bhavni all this time carried on eating.

25th December

Another blue sky hot day in the south island (though the forecast was for encroaching rain). We had to drive to Christchurch which was a 5.30 hour direct drive. We managed to leave at 9am taking the SH8a then SH8. The road went up lots of windy road and got to the Lindis pass, which was hot and desert like, but gorgeous. From there we stared to leave the big mountains behind and get into the central plateau. Omarama appeared suddenly from under lots of haze, but it was not worth stopping as it was Christmas day.

We stopped at Lake Pukaki for a look out and some photos before carrying onto lake Takepo for some more photos. It was then a straight journey to Christchurch. As we got there around 2pm we went to the centre to have a look at the park, but due to organisation chaos we really did not get a look there. So we went and parked the van at the drop of point at the airport (leaving the bags) to go to the Antarctic center, where we spend a while looking at the exhibits and going into the storm room, where they put the temperature down and create a strong storm breeze. Leaving we checked into our flight which was at 7pm. Another uneventful flight. In Auckland we collected our bags and got out prearanged taxi home. There was the  cloudy remains of a tropical storm over the north island, which was strange after so long in the sun. Whilst they were organising dinner, Miten and I went and picked up the keys to the motel that Bhavni and I would be staying at. Back at the house we had dinner and tea, before eventually calling it a night.

26th December

Bhavni and I managed to have a lie in today – a well deserved rest. Even still by the time we got to the house, there was only a small flurry of activity, with pretty much parentage and Saanya up. Well eventually everyone got up and ready and we had a breakfast/brunch together. Miten and I popped out and got the rental car, another bright red Toyota Corrola. Eventually the guys started to get cabin fever, and they wanted to go shopping. Against my better judgement I agreed. As the weather was changable we decided to go to St Lukes rather than Newmarket. Well I dont think I will do that again. There was a queue on Balmoral Rd most of the way to St Luke’s – which is a first. When we finally got in to the car park (and we had dropped the rest), Bhavni managed to find car parking quickly, whilst I carried on looking. It was gridlock in the car park and I drove around for what must be half an hour – getting more and more frustrated. Eventually Bhavni came to help me look for parking. I cant do the thing of sitting blocking traffic that most others do!

Inside finally, we met the guys shopping and Saanya enjoying herself in the childrens play area. I went of with Miten for a while, but could not find much. Meeting up later we got some food at the food court – Pita Pitt and falafel. It was nice getting out of the really busy place. We had dinner at home.

27th December

It was time to show the guys a beach, so with that plan, after we arrived home and had breakfast, we packed a picnic lunch and headed out. Most of our guest had never seen a black sand beach, so we headed towards Whatipu, which we had done last in the first month in New Zealand. The weather was very cloudy with the promise of rain, but luckily it remained dry as we got to Cornwalis. We stopped at the park there and had lunch under one of the sheltered benches. Soon we were surrounded (at a distance) by ducks – much to the amusement of Saanya (and secretly some of the others), who enjoyed playing with a beach ball around them. The weather started to clear up, with some blue sky visible, so that the sea finally started to get the aqua sparkle.

From there we carried on over the little ford (which had water flowing) at Huia and onto the usealed road to Whatipu. The breaks in the cloud had disappeared as we traveled and as we went up the hill it started drizzling. So much so that soon we were in fog. Nirmal was quite worried at this point as we saw a few cars heading back. But I tried to reassure him and we continued on. We got over the hill and finally dipped out of the fog/cloud and arrived at the public car park. It was not raining but was weary cloudy. Well all of us went to the beach, taking the 10min walk on the path there. It was still very quiet there and awe inspiring. Miten even went for a small peaceful walk on his own. But it started to drizzle, so we made our way back to the car – having to carry Saanya and getting back spread out with the different paces.

On the way back to home we stopped at one of the dams for a look around before dinner back at home.

28th December

The day was a brighter then the last few days, so after the communal breakfast we got ready for another big day out. We headed out down the SH1, going across the Tahuna Rd. catching the SH27 and ending up in Matamata. We booked Nirmal, Anji, Miten and Saanya on the Hobbiton tour, and drove to outside the set as they could get on an earlier tour. Wow was the place busy, with truck loads of people continuously going to see the set. Miten took the camera and we left them to it, driving back to Matamata, after a coffee at the cafe. We wanted to stop at a garden, but it was closed and we ended up (after a tour round a aggregate producer) in the town, where we had a walk looking at the shops. Going back to pick the guys up, we found that they had just finished the tour – good timing. So we headed on out to go to Rotorua.

Bhavni and I got everyone else to Te Puai to see the hot springs, whilst we went for a drive around the area, seeing if there was access to one of the lakes – but the road was closed. In the end we ended up back at the car park and waited around for the guys to come out. After which we drove to the Polynesian spa, but no-one apart from Miten and Nirmal were up to it. So the rest left us 3 and we went in the building – then immediately went to the café – the queue was humongous. Thinking that the rest had gone on the nature walk, we stated on it, but not seeing them I phoned up – apparently they had gone on a hunt for the police station. Back at the car I went to pick them up, passing Bhavni carrying Saanya for some reason.

I thought it would be nice to eat at the Mexican restaurant there, so that is where we ended up – they nearly said there was no space for an hour (no bookings is not true), but after suggesting joining a couple of tables up we were sitting down and eating.

It was a 3h journey back and we were quite glad reaching home.

29th December

A nice hot day dawned. The original idea was to go to Wahiki island, so after having breakfast and getting the thing together for the baby, we drove to Half Moon Bay to try to catch a ferry. However all the ferries were full, so that plan was out.

Instead we carried on to Mareati drive (past Beachlands) to the beach. We got to the beach and there was a police cordon. They asked if we had alcohol with us as this was an alcohol free area – we did not. So we ended up parking – the place was heaving – and sitting near the beach. Everyone went for a walk (Father went to both sides of the beach, wearing his bright red hat, whilst Nirmal and Co went to off) and I took my shoes of and enjoyed the cool sea water. Bhavni and I went to the rocks that we saw last time when we drove here, except the tide was out a lot more. Getting back to the guys it was past lunch time, so we headed into one of the cafes there – the rush had gone from them, so we got some seats outside and had a mixture of food including burgers, corn pancakes and the obligatory chips. We just had to keep a watch on Saanya who was determined to run out onto the street!

After lunch we headed back to the cars. There was a group sitting outside next to the red Honda, who were being very laqutious with us – should have put 2 and 2 together when one of them said sorry about the scratch on the car, when I just thought they meant leaning on it. Well thinking not much of it, we drove out – it had become even busier so we were lucky that we had come when we did. We went past Clivedon then to Hanua. As we got there we spotted a winary and we stopped there. (Nirmal, Anji and Saanya who were being driven by Bhavni had knocked out so we took some pictures of them). Well we went in and after Nirmal woke, Miten and he did some wine tasting – I could only try a small amount as I was driving, After we all posed for some photos in the grounds.

From there we drove to Hanua Falls – It was very busy with the the whole area carpeted by people trying to escape the heat compared to when we were there last when there were only a couple, summer also had been at work as the flow over the falls was much less then before. After taking photos infront of the big frame, we headed to the Cosseys Reservoir – back to quiet as hardly anyone was around. We  all walked up to the walled section enjoying the view – the level in the reservoir was noticeably lower then when we were last there. Miten got intrigued by little red mites that were crawling on the walls. Well we headed back to the cars and I noticed the scratch that the guys at the beach must have done…

We drove back to Auckland and to the city center, dropping most of them off near Hobson Street while we went and found parking. We all went to the Sky Tower, (having to get a few extra A-Z guides for the 10% discount token) for the view over the city. It was fun pointing out where we had been and all the sights we could see from there. We watched most of the sun set and the darkening of the skies before going back home, where we had dinner together.

30th December

The last day with us all off and another really nice day. After our communual breakfast, we all went to Newmarket for some shopping, dropping the guys near the shops before parking. Miten and parentage ended up in Katmandu (as the instructions about the shop they were meant to go into was miscommunicated, whilst the others went shoe shopping). Well after eventually finding Miten and co we made our way to one of the shops where they bought some sweaters.

After the shopping we went back home and prepared food for the night. I made some profiter rolls, whilst Nirmal made some Chinese style paneer. There was lots of other food made also. Shelina came in the evening with Grant and Amanrni. Whilst we had a filling meal, Saanya was a bit naughty. pushing Amarni and proclaiming “I push this one”.

31st December

Bhavni had to go to work today, so I was the entertainment. After breakfast and whilst Anji and Mother were cooking – and did not want to stop – the rest of  us went out. I drove to Kimu. The I-Site there had closed down, so we went to Coopers Creek vineyard and did a little wine tasting. After we stopped at an ice cream place there, where Nirmal bought some fresh strawberry ice cream. We got home for a late lunch and then I took everyone (apart from parentage who went to sleep) to Mt Eden. Lots of photo taking and a walk around the crater. After which we went and had a coffee in Mt Eden Village.

Back at home, whilst the rest were packing and stressing – and also Anji’s BBQ potato in the microwave and smoke damage incident – we rested. In the evening we left and went to “The  Blue Elephant” for dinner in Parnell, dropping the guys off before Miten and I parked (on a steep street with very little space). Just after we got there, Bhavni rang, so Miten and I went and picked her up (moving the cars to keep our space). It was a nice meal accompanied by wine.

From dinner we drove to Auckland Domain -it was around 11pm, and found some reasonable parking. Whilst Miten and I did some reconnaissance, the rest stayed in the car – as it was a little chilly. Well until Anji decided they had to join us. We had a nice place to sit and wait near the museum entrance. It got busier and busier – for Auckland but our spot was good. We had a clear view to watch the fireworks go off from the sky tower, which lasted 5 minutes or so.  After it was back home for the new year.

1st January

In the morning we left the motel and returned the keys, before Bhavni said goodbye to everyone before going to work. I helped at home until the taxi came just before 10am to take them to the airport. The day was spent cleaning and thinking how quiet it is.

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Thursday 29th November

Well after finishing up at Shelina’s house on Wednesday night, we only had really short while before we had to go to the airport to pick up Rishul. It was just a little after midnight when we arrived and leaving Bhavni in the car at the pick up/drop off point I went to get him. Ahh the first guest for ages. Getting back home and getting over the excitement we went to sleep.

We said a quick hello in the morning to Rishul before Bhavni and I had to go to work. We let Rishul wonder the streets, but I came home around lunch time and met up with him (as I had a bed arriving), he had wondered through the shops in Newmarket in the morning and I dropped him back at the far side of Newmarket and he worked his way to Parnell.

In the evening after dinner, I bundled Rishul and Bhavni in the car and drove into the city over the harbour bridge to get the view back to the CBD. Rishul, although enjoying the view, was struggling to stay awake, so we drove back home soon after.

Friday 30th

It was another day with Bhavni and I having to go to work and leaving Rishul to his own devices, although it was hilarious hearing Bhavni shouting “Morning Rishul” at 6.30 in the morning. In the evening after dinner we went to the CBD, arriving near Hobson street at around 9PM where we somehow managed to find parking. We went to Apego for some tea. Bhavni and I had a nice red tea, while Rishul has a mint tea.

Saturday 1st December

Bhavni had to go to work, so after dropping her off, Rishul and I went to Drury. It was a hot but quite good day and we managed to grab the K21 and go for a 2 hour flight, getting rishul to try to fly again (by dropping him in the “deep end” – thermalling). I also had my first student here in NZ, having a request to convert one of the students to a single seater.

Sunday 2nd

The weather was forecast to be rainy for most of the north island, so I decided to drive to the one place I thought was meant to be sunny – Tauronga. We managed to leave at a decent time and stopped at the old goldmine area which we stopped with Shamil on the way. In Tauronga we had a walk on the beach which is a lovely looking beach with white sand, but the wind was quite strong and we had lots of dust flying around us. We went for a walk up  Mt Manganui. The weather was really quite nice, maybe even too hot, but the views were really nice. It was amusing watching most of the tourists struggling and panting up the hill (ok we were tourists too, but not panting). After we got back down we had a spot of lunch at “The Coffee Club” before we left and drove down to Rotorua. Well the weather deteriorated as we drove there, but it was not really that bad, so we had a wonder near the lake front, and decided it was not worth going up the Gondola as it did not go very high and the weather was not working with us. I drove us back home and on the way we got some seriously torrential rain, but everyone else was asleep in the car.

Monday 3rd

I still had work, so I left Bhavni and Rishul to have a day of shopping. In the evening we drove into town and had dinner in an Italian restaurant there (we were planning to eat at the vegetarian restaurant (Bascilian)  in the stables but they were closed and under refurbishment). The food was not bad. We managed to go up the Sky tower just a little after sunset (not that you could have seen it as there was too much cloud). We stayed until late watching the colours change below.

Tuesday 4th

Bhavni took Rishul to climb up Mt Eden in the morning before she had to go to sleep for a night shift. In the evening after dropping Bhavni, Rishul and I chilled at home.

Wednesday 5th

Bhavni dropped Rishul to a bus stop in Mt Eden in the morning, from which he caught the airport bus as he was going to Queenstown. In the evening I went to a gliding instructors meeting, the weather had really deteriorated, with cloud covering most of the Drury Hills.

Friday 7th

I was still at work, so Bhavni went to pick Rishul up from the Bus route in Mt Eden. His flight was a bit delayed, so when I got home in the evening they were both in a rush and still finishing up making food, so I got drafted in to help (I had made the profiter rolls the night before – though a bit large). We then chilled until James come around 7pm. Silvia was still on duty so she came around 8pm. We had pasta, Risotto, Profiter rolls and Rishuls Soufflé. We actually remembered to give Silvia her wedding present – a juicer.

Saturday 8th

We left at around 8.30 in the morning for our drive up north. We drove up the SH1 (with the usual bit around Silverdale) to Welsford, where we went into the housewares shop there. We spent a little while browsing there looking for gifts to give for the secret Santa. We got tempted by a large painting, but it was really big and I was not sure that it was going to fit in the car (3ft x 4ft), so I borrowed a tape measure. I was not convinced it would be possible with Rishul in the car, but Bhavni was convinced it would fit, so we bought it. Well it was an interesting fit, at an angle with 2 of the 3 back seats folded! Well we carried on our drive up past Whangerai to Pihia, were we checked into our hotel – The Edgewater Palms Apartments, where we had lunch (leftovers from yesterday) and some tea. It was quite a nice hotel, just was a bit of a pity that it was next to a backpackers.

After lunch and a short drive later we went to the treaty grounds in Waitangi. This is the place where the treaty between the British Crown and the Maori was signed, basically the modern New Zealand. It was quite amusing entering as NZ residents have free entry, so I was asked if I have any proof, so I started to open my wallet and the person laughed as she saw a flyby card, so yes we were obviously resident. We saw a short movie and had a walk around the grounds, seeing the large boat there and the flagstaff, which is the location of the signing as well as James Busbys house.

After we drove to Kirikiri, a few km down the road, visiting the chocolate shop on the way. In Kirikiri there is the oldest stone building in New Zealand (funnily called the Stone house). We had a walk around there visiting the old Maori village there. We ate dinner at the Black Olive restaurant in Kirikiri, sitting outside and making the most of the sun. The pizza was quite nice there.

On the way back we went to visit the Haruru falls, but when we got there the sign said that the parking was closed after 6pm, but luckily the chain was open in one of the bits, allowing Bhavni to just drive through. The falls were quite nice, but still alot smaller then the ones in Whangerai.

We got back to Pahia and had a rest for a bit, before Bhavni took us on a walk to buy some ice cream, but the countdown was closed (as well as all the restaurants), so we ended up having a magnum from a petrol station.

Sunday 9th

It was a big day. We checked out of the hotel and went to the docks where we got on a boat for a 4hour (including a stop) boat cruise around the bay. We boarded a bit late so the outside spaces at the top were occupied, so we went to the bottom inside deck. This was a blessing in disguise as after the pick up from Russell, the front doors were open and we got a good place at the front of the boat. The people on the boat managed to spot some dolphins (it was guaranteed that they would) so we sailed to them and everyone took lots of pictures.

The dolphins were quite timid and did not really play around above the water at all. Rishul found the breeze whilst sailing too much so he kept on sheltering whilst we were sailing. We got to the “hole in the rock” and it was calm enough that we sailed through it. On the way back there was a stop on one of the largest islands there where most of the people stopped for lunch, but we went up one of the trails and had a superb view of the bay from there, it really looked like a tropical paradise.

Re-boarding the boat, it was only a short trip to Russel where we got off  (we got given tickets to get the next ferry to Pahia). This is where Terry’s family lives normally. We had an explore around looking at the old buildings and the old church there, before a spot of lunch at one of the Cafes there. Just before boarding the boat we went and got some ice-cream. I chose chocolate and chilly, which I much preferred to boysenberry that Bhavni had.

We got the car and then drove to the west down the SH12 on the way to the Kauri forest. On the way we had to pass Opononi, and as we came up to the town Rishul and I were amazed at seeing large sand dunes there. So much so that we woke Bhavni up and had to take some photos. Carrying on to the Waipoua forest we climbed a lot and stopped near the one of the walkways there where we had a short walk to see “Tane Mahuta”, the largest surviving Kauri tree, which is over 2000 years old. It is huge!

From there we carried on down the west coast, which is a much slower road than the SH1, eventually arriving in Auckland as the sun was setting – 6 hours of driving today and Rishul’s last night in New Zealand. Bhavni fried some pouri’s for dinner with dry fry potato shaak.

Monday 10th

While I was at work Bhavni and Rishul went to Mission Bay in the morning, but met me for lunch. We went to Cornwall park and had a picnic of  the leftovers from yesterday in the beautiful heat there. I inisted that we went to the top of one tree hill for some photos before they dropped me back to work and Bhavni went back home to sleep. In the evening I dropped Bhavni to work and had a couple of hours at home with Rishul before we had to leave at 10pm to drop him to the airport. Our first guest who jumped the queue!!

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Saturday 3rd November

Our morning started with a couple of tasks, a little last minute shopping and posing some letters, before popping into Sues house to ask about her computer. Near lunch time we drove to the airport, depositing our car with the suitcase at the short term car park, before going to the domestic terminal there. We found out that we could take the walking sticks in hand luggage so that stopped us having to wrap them to our bags in cling film. We boarded the Air New Zealand flight to Queenstown which showed the Hobbit tie in safety announcement film. The flight near the end had a really nice view out the window as the plane flew quite low – I think from before Wanaka – and we saw mountains and lakes all around. Eventually touching down, we exited the aircraft and were greeted to a quite cool air. Collecting the car we drove to the hotel – Kawarau Hotel, where we were given room 240, which had a decent view of a mountain. While we were checking in there was a light snow shower – the first we had seen in NZ. Leaving the hotel we decided to explore and carried on to the end of Peninsula Rd, where we went for a walk in the biting cold breeze from the lake.

Getting back to the hotel we had a nice cup of tea and got ready for going into town. Bhavni had booked the gondola ride and dinner with star gazing, and we got parking right next to it. The Gondola goes up 500m or so, so the views were superb, before dinner we had a couple of hot drinks after the cold outside, then sat for dinner – a buffet while watching the day turn into night. We really got full. Stargazing was still on, so we were ushered to outside and up the hill in a group to some telescopes, where we spent a while being shown clusters and galaxies. It was quite late by the time we finished, so we got back to the hotel and fell asleep with the really comfortable bed.

Sunday 4th November

After checking out of the hotel, we drove back into Queenstown, to do some last minute shopping. Bhavni’s aim was to find some decent socks as it was still quite chilly and I decided i should get a beanie. We eventually found some socks – I also got a pair, and I got a beanie – Try finding a cheap beanie without the equivalent of “I LOVE NZ” on it. Just in case we also got a new knee support for Bhavni and some blister plasters – just in case.

We had some breakfast at one of the little cafes around the lake front – some croissants with chocolate drizzled on top, before heading back to the car. On the way we found a bakery and got a muffin and some Turkish bread, for later. Taking our time we headed towards Te-Anau , stopping and taking pictures at the various look out points, with the stunning scenery around. The route goes from the mountains to plains and than back to hills. At Te-Anau we checked into the Distinction hotel, and into a room whcth had a waterfront view. We took a walk to the DOC center, just a 2 minute walk up the road and picked up the tickets for our walk. We had to pay for helicopter rides as they were not sure if a section would be closed due to avalanche risks. Walking back to the town center – one street from the hotel, we went to the I-Site for advice on what to do around the area for the one day we were there and some ideas for dinner. We walked up to one of the cafes – wierdly named sandfly cafe, we had some chips, before heading out to see the Bird Sanctuary, though we took a little detour first and looked at the start of the Kepler track, there were a few different birds there, and we came at feeding time, so saw arguing Kia. Back in town we went to the purpose built cinema there and watched “Shadowlands”, which was a nice artistic film with just beautiful shots about Fiordland. For dinner we went to an Italian restaurant – which was well reviewed. We had aglio olio pasta and a pizza – the pasta was really good.

Monday 5th

We had a little time in the morning before starting the trek, so after a breakfast at the bakery, we went and had a little explore of the area, driving to Manapouri, which is even smaller than Te-Anau, but we found out that this is where the trips to Doubtful sound start. We drove to the hotel which is just up the road from Te-Anau downs, and parked there for $6 a night, as this seemed safer then leaving the car at the DOC car park.We were an hour or so early for the ferry, so I just sat near the wharf, while Bhavni did a little photography. Just before 2pm, the coach with the rest of the people for the afternoon came – including guided walkers, and we boarded the boat. The boat ride was just over a hour on Lake Te-Anau and they pointed out interesting places including the marker for where Quintin McKinnon is thought to have disappeared.

The boat dropped us off at Glade Wharf, where we started our walk. This was a gentle one hour walk on a really nice track, taking us pass Glade house (where the guided walkers stay) and along some nice scenery to the first hut – Clinton Hut. We chose some bunks for ourselves and set our stuff down, before having a look at the rocks on the river nearby, (getting chased away by the sandflies). We got back just in time for the start of the guided tour by the ranger, who talked about the plant life around there. After we all went to the common room and cooked dinner – freeze dried pasta, before retiring to bed.

Tuesday 6th

The night was quite uncomfortable as I am not used to sleeping in bunks, and it got quite cold in the night. It was actually quite nice to get up for me, and after getting ready we had tomato soup and biscuits for breakfast with instant cappuccino. We stated the walk at around 8.00am after the ranger gave the all clear around 7.30.We both were wearing lots of layers – including gloves and beanies as it was bitterly cold, but most of these slowly got removed until we were both just wearing our merino tee shirts. It was a lovely walk, with us alone for nearly all of it – Although we kept on passing and getting passed by a teenager and his mother from America, when either one of our parties stopped. The ranges got even bigger as we walked and we had to go through many areas marked as avalanche zones – so we were not allowed to stop. Bhavni obviously wanted to go off track in one of these areas to the base of a waterfall !

At one of the bigger clear areas – which in retrospect must be avalanche related we heard a loud noise, which seemed to be a little like a low flying plane and lightning, which was a little confusing, until Bhavni spotted the source of  it – an avalanche on the upper peaks. We just stood and watched it.

A little later, just 2 minutes from one of the shelters (where the Americans were having lunch), we came to a boulder/dry river bed area, which was a nice place to stop for lunch, where we had a “One Square Meal” bar each – surprisingly filling – enjoying the serene surroundings.

Back on the track we later found two of the DOC rangers sitting by the track and we had a nice chat about the walk and the surrounds – our next hut was less then an hour away. When we got to the hut – Minataro, we dumped our stuff at some bunks that we chose – downstairs in a room of 6 bunks and made a nice hot cappuccino, sitting outside and admiring the scenery. After the rest, we went to see the surroundings – there was a helicopter landing pad in the lake nearby with some ducks swimming around, so we watched for a bit before carrying on the path we would have to take tomorrow.

We got to the part of the path that just went up over the McKinnon Pass, and climbed a little, before deciding that this was a bit crazy to tire ourselves. As we started going down we met another couple going up, we said that they would go up rather than regret it if the weather was not good enough the next day – a few minutes later we were on our way up also. It was quite a tiring walk and we were wondering if we had made the right decision, but we met a couple from Andorra, who said that the view was amazing and that it was only another 25 minutes or so to the top, so we persevered, and eventually reached the top. The views were amazing and we sat near the edge, looking out into the next valley eating thepla. Getting back was harder then going up, but we made it back in good time and made dinner – freeze dried chickpea curry with rice, before listening to the talk with the ranger there – who wished us rain, as it apparently is more magical!

Just before retiring to bed, we got talking to the Canadians and Americans, who were told by the ranger that sometimes kiwis wonder around the track – well we went out with them to see if we could find any, but no such luck.

Wednesday 7th

It was a slightly more comfortable night, as the room was adjoining the mess hall and there had been a fire going as we went to sleep, though the sound of kia’s went on through the night After a breakfast of soup and biscuits, we stated our walk at 7.30, again with lots of layers on as it was quite cool. As we went along these were removed till quite quickly we were just in tee shirts again. The climb up the mountain seemed a lot easier then the fay before – due to us resting and knowing what to expect – allowing us to really enjoy the views in the differing light.

When we got to the top, we had a rest looking out over the view and enjoying a “One Square Meal” bar, before pushing on to the highest point and the pass shelter. The pass shelter had gas facilities, which allowed us to make a nice cup of cappuccino and relax a bit, while having a good view of nearly the entire Clinton valley which we had walked. Carrying on we encountered some actual patches snow, before beginning our downhill part. It initially was a bit hard and not brilliantly formed, but then we got to the part where they had shut of the main track – due to avalanche risks – having to use the emergency path. Well this was really tough going with really long steps and small trails. Coupled with the fact that there were really no great views, this was the most miserable part of the walk.

But eventually we got back onto the main path – better then the emergency track but still steeply descending and rough. The path passed right next to lots of waterfalls and the path was constructed in these parts with steps. We met the next ranger around here and had a talk about the walk and the emergency track. Apparently the worst part was over and soon we passed Quintin hut (where the guided walkers stay). The path to Stirling falls was closed due to rock falls, so we could not go next to them.

A little further on the trees opened up and we saw the falls from a distance – apparently 400m as 100m of the bottom is not visible from where we were. It was not too far to Dumpling hut from here where we were to spend the night – arriving at around 2.30pm. The worst part of this hut were the large amounts of sandflies, but it was lovely to finally rest.

We sat around playing Quiddler with the Americans (and later the Canadians also) while enjoying our thepla (and getting amused by the amount of Nuttela being eaten), before making a final track dinner of freeze dried noodles.

Thursday 8th

Again our morning stared with a breakfast of soup and biscuits. We had to cover 12 miles of walking and catch a ferry at 2pm. We start walking at 7.00am setting a good pace. The path was quite undulating all the way and we walked for a couple of hours pretty much none stop, vaguely following the Arther river until we got past “The Boatshed” and reached Mackay Falls with the “Bell Rock”. The falls were quite impressive and we stood at the viewing platform there eating the last of our theplas. We had a look at the rock, which is a hollowed out rock that somehow got turned upside down, so that you can crawl underneath and stand up in the cavity – only I did it.

Continuing on we were walking through a meadow setting when I heard some sounds from the bushes on the side, waiting to see what birds the sounds were coming through, we eventually partially saw 2 birds walking, with long beaks – kiwis ! Well after that treat we carried on enjoying the views around for another 2 hours when we reached the Giant Gate Falls. This was a really nice spot especially in the sun to have lunch. We sat on some boulders out in the river and had some food. Bhavni and I both took off our shoes and socks and immersed our feet in the water – though we could not do it for that long at a time as it was numbingly cold – but wonderful.

After leaving it was just under a couple of hours to the end. The path was in places quite rocky with parts having been cut from sheer cliffs by prisoners. The path took us around lake Ada and eventually we got to the end part which was a really smooth easy to walk path – again built by prisoners. We suddenly found ourselves at the end – Sandfly point – I was not expecting to have finished the walk quite then! Luckily unlike its namesake Sandfly point had no sandflies as there was a stiff breeze, so we sat at the end of the wharf and admired the superb view from there, seeing all the group slowly arrive.

It was not too long before the boat arrived and we all got on to get to Milford sound – only a 20 minute ride. When we got there, most of the group we were in decided to catch the bus back to Te Anau (leaving at 2.30). We had booked on the 5pm bus (though we also could have left early), but we wanted to have a look around as we were at this famous sound. We asked one of the boat companies about a boat tour and we booked ourselves on for one – which was leaving at 3pm. Talking to the Andorians – the only others from the group left, we told them we had booked a tour and they did the same – well why not!

Freshening up it was amazing finding warm water in the bathrooms. Anyway at 3pm we got on the boat and it set sail around the fiord’s and around the famous Mitre Peak. We stood at the top deck in the front of the boat getting a really good view out. We got to see some penguins and some seals basking in the sun as well as getting close to one of the big falls there. I think the hanging valleys were one of the most coolest parts there. The tour ended at around 4.40 and we went back into the main building to catch our bus home. The bus driver was quite friendly, but had to spend a little while searching for some other passengers that were booked, but they were ones that had gone back on the earlier bus in out group. The Andorians also caught the bus, and we told them to get the bus to Te Anau Downs as we could give them a lift to Te Anau after. The journey was really nice as the views were quite spectacular, and we saw the place where the road was closed recently due to an avalanche and the Homer tunnel through the mountain. The bus driver dropped us directly to the hotel where our car was parked. Dropping the Andorians to the backpackers, we then checked into our hotel – The village Inn, a simple hotel without lakefront vies, but ample for just the night.

We quickly re-packed all our stuff and then went for a shower – so good ! For dinner we went back to the Italian restaurant and ordered a plate of aglio olio pasta each, but I asked for it to be extra hot as we had been having less floavoured food on the hike and I was craving it – I enjoyed it with a Peroni. Superb. We then got back and fell asleep by 10pm.

Friday 9th

It was nice waking up in a proper bed. We got ready and headed out to the hotel restaurant for our included breakfast. The sky was looking really interesting with lots of lenticular shapes, with an approaching front. Our breakfast included coffee, tea, toast and preserves. After checking out, we got in the car and stopped just at the DOC center to get our refund for the helicopter flights that we did not need on the Milford Track. It was amusing looking at the photo books of the track and seeing lots of the pictures with rain and low cloud and people wrapped up in their rain gear – we were so lucky.

We drove back to Queenstown, stopping on the way to take lots of pictures. There was much less snow on the peaks, with the hills having completely lost their covering. We drove right into town, parking up near to the bakery and went to get some food near the waterfront. I ordered an Eggs Benedict (remembering Shamil describing it fondly), while Bhavni ordered an Holoumi Salad – and the obligatory plate of chips. It took a little while to arrive and I was getting a little worried as we had a flight to catch. When it arrived and I stared eating my eggs – it was apparent we had over ordered – surprise. Anyway, finishing up Bhavni went to the bakery to pick up some muffins while I got the car, before going to the airport and checking in. We returned the car and had only a little while before we boarded the plane and flew to Auckland.

The view outside was quite cloudy until we got to the North island, where on approach I was able to recognise the Bombay Hills and Drury. After landing an collecting our bags, we had a little fun remembering where our car was parked, but were soon on our way – just a little after 4pm. Unfortunately I forgot to account for the fact that it was rush hour in Auckland on a Friday – it took nearly an hour to leave the traffic of Auckland. Well we were on our way and generally we made good time, getting to Taupo as it was just getting dark. This meant that the road to Napier from there was in the dark and it was quite a curvy road, but it was quite enjoyable – but difficult. We arrived at what we thought was the place, but the property numbers did not go up to what was required, so we stopped and asked at a house. It is amazing how friendly the people are; they asked us to come in, while they taked to us and tried to find out where we were trying to get to – eventually it transpired that we did not want to be on the other side of the river off the Tuki Tuki Rd.

When we finally arrived, the party was winding down, but Sivia got a pizza in the oven for us and I got some cheese to eat. We were staying a little up the road at a different place, so we followed one of Silvias friends to the place, which turned out to be an amazing house on a vineyard, where we got a superb room.

Saturday 10th

We managed to have a little bit of a lie in, and awoke to a lovely day and a nice view of a small valley with a river running through it. We got ready and had a lazy breakfast round the table with all the others in the house. I had forgotten how to tie a double Windsor.

A bus came around 10am to pick us up with all the other guests on board and took us to the venue. Bhavni and I tried to lend a hand where we could – laying out the chairs etc., before the ceremony started. It was a lovely ceremony with live classical music accompanying it.

After the ceremony had finished we all went into the pavilion for a nice lunch, then chilled while photos were taken. Mid afternoon we went with the couple and lots of the guys to the beach in the bus. The “Ocean Beach” was a little bit of a drive away, and really busy in the great weather – though I definitely prefer some of the beaches closer to Auckland. We watched with amusement as the couple had photos taken, including some with the water around their feet.

We headed back, and at the venue we helped out and mingled until dinner in the pavilion. The air stated getting a chill to it, especially after the heat of the day, so it was nice, a space heater was there. Dinner was nice and another large meal. Afterwords we spent time mingling until the bus arrived near midnight and we got dropped back to our accommodation. Everyone knocked out very quickly.

Sunday 11th

We woke up again and had another nice lazy breakfast around the table with the others, before packing up and driving to the venue. Quite a few of the people were leaving early and came and said goodbye, whilst we had said we would stick around for a while and go for a vineyard cycle with Silvia and the gang – including her father. We all drove down to the cycle hire place and got onto “Beach Cruisers” which were fixed gear, had big handlebars and were quite upright. We went in a group – Silvia, James, James, Silvia brother and girlfriend, Silvia father, Bhanvni and I – for a nice leisurely cycle and eventually we reached the Clearviewwinery, where we stopped.

All James family came over and we sat on a large collection of tables having some nibbles. I joined some of the guys doing wine tasting, but because I was driving I had to use a spittoon – I felt guilty wasting the wine! Its amusing seeing how you slowly get to know about wines, as I was able to explain why we drink wines in order and the differences between some of them. The person behind the counter even gave me a try of the house special wine – not normally on the tasting menu.

Eventually at 3pm Bhavni and I decided we had better go as it was a long drive to Auckland – we cycled and returned them to the hire shop before getting in our car and returning home with a little sight seeing of Napier by going to the top of a hill by the port. We got to see the road on the way to Taupo and saw how windy  and hilly it was – no wonder it was fun driving down on Friday. After stopping in Taupo for fuel we carried on making quite good time all the way back.

When we got back, the power went out just as we got in, but Bhavni really felt like paratha, so she ended up making it by torchlight and we ate in the dark.

 

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