Derek, Jana & I
Back to Invercargill on the 2nd Jan – the return journey on the ferry was significantly calmer than the way over to Stewart Island - and we convinced Jana to join us for our “road trip” up the West Coast. First stop Queenstown – some tourist shopping, exploring the lake area, and up hill for the skyline views plus some fun luge rides (definitely worth a go!)…it was fantastic weather and a great day in general. We made some tremendous pizzas for dinner and tucked into our travelling bar which seemed to be decreasing in volume quite rapidly already. We went to a few bars, trying out NZ’s version of long island ice teas – interesting, but not as good as in the states (one of the few things J)
The next day we set off for Wanaka, and spent some time there reading the interesting historical facts on the millennium walkway. I was fascinated by some, and determined to remember several dates but by the time we reached the year 2000 my short-term memory had already forgotten almost everything I’d read. Oops. On to Puzzling World, where all conversation ceased as the three of us became engrossed in several annoying wooden blocks and strings, attempting to work out different puzzles. We travelled up to Haast Beach that night where we stayed in a motor camp and had a run on the beach the next morning!
Next stop Fox Glacier, but the weather changed and we got drenched on the valley walk! Driving through Franz Josef village with a quick lunch stop, we continued on to Punakaiki to see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. That was pretty interesting, but probably the most touristy stop we’ve made! We made it to Charleston to stay the night, and after cooking dinner decided the open drinks bottles needed finishing…something Jana rather regretted the next morning.
On to Nelson, with a short stop and walk around Lake Rotoiti area, plus some lunchtime entertainment playing hackysack (well, trying at least – my goal of 10 was reached and the excited dance to celebrate recorded on video). It turned in to a gorgeous evening in Nelson, so we walked around the town in shorts and t-shirt and checked into Trafalgar Backpackers (a new one this year, but one of the nicest I’ve stayed in).
We spent a full day in Nelson on the 7th – after running up to Center of NZ (Derek & I) we walked around the shops in the morning (had to make use of the final day of the Kathmandu Sale) and then strolled up the Maitai Valley in the afternoon and had a really relaxing afternoon by one of the swim holes. We all had a short swim, then I attempted to enhance my hackysack skills, while Jana & I tried to teach Derek to juggle – we all made some improvements but I don’t think we’d make money out of it just yet.
Pouring with rain the next morning, we set off for Blenheim, and luckily it cleared up just in time to do the biking winery tour (my second time in a month!) We hit 6 new wineries and basically found out that Jana & I have distinctly different tastes – everything she loved I hated, and vice versa! Riesling seems to be a favourite for me, and the sweeter wines are definitely more appealing (does that surprise anyone that knows me?!) Another nice backpackers in Blenheim...our last night all together before Jana headed back to ChCh, and Derek and I on to the North Island – more adventures ahead!!
The next day we set off for Wanaka, and spent some time there reading the interesting historical facts on the millennium walkway. I was fascinated by some, and determined to remember several dates but by the time we reached the year 2000 my short-term memory had already forgotten almost everything I’d read. Oops. On to Puzzling World, where all conversation ceased as the three of us became engrossed in several annoying wooden blocks and strings, attempting to work out different puzzles. We travelled up to Haast Beach that night where we stayed in a motor camp and had a run on the beach the next morning!
Next stop Fox Glacier, but the weather changed and we got drenched on the valley walk! Driving through Franz Josef village with a quick lunch stop, we continued on to Punakaiki to see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. That was pretty interesting, but probably the most touristy stop we’ve made! We made it to Charleston to stay the night, and after cooking dinner decided the open drinks bottles needed finishing…something Jana rather regretted the next morning.
On to Nelson, with a short stop and walk around Lake Rotoiti area, plus some lunchtime entertainment playing hackysack (well, trying at least – my goal of 10 was reached and the excited dance to celebrate recorded on video). It turned in to a gorgeous evening in Nelson, so we walked around the town in shorts and t-shirt and checked into Trafalgar Backpackers (a new one this year, but one of the nicest I’ve stayed in).
We spent a full day in Nelson on the 7th – after running up to Center of NZ (Derek & I) we walked around the shops in the morning (had to make use of the final day of the Kathmandu Sale) and then strolled up the Maitai Valley in the afternoon and had a really relaxing afternoon by one of the swim holes. We all had a short swim, then I attempted to enhance my hackysack skills, while Jana & I tried to teach Derek to juggle – we all made some improvements but I don’t think we’d make money out of it just yet.
Pouring with rain the next morning, we set off for Blenheim, and luckily it cleared up just in time to do the biking winery tour (my second time in a month!) We hit 6 new wineries and basically found out that Jana & I have distinctly different tastes – everything she loved I hated, and vice versa! Riesling seems to be a favourite for me, and the sweeter wines are definitely more appealing (does that surprise anyone that knows me?!) Another nice backpackers in Blenheim...our last night all together before Jana headed back to ChCh, and Derek and I on to the North Island – more adventures ahead!!
posted by Mhairi
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