Sorry I kinda lost steam in completing my travel logs the last few days of the trip.
To make a long story short, we went to Queenstown only to find out that the ski slopes were not open yet.
Hence, we had to make a decision - to make our next pit stop at the glaciers or to go back to Christchurch a day early and go to the nearby Mount Hutt slopes.
We decided to do the latter.
We rushed, got a speeding ticket, made our trans-coastal train & skiied.
Then it was time to get back home to Singapore & WORK... Argh...
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Monday, June 14, 2004
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Saturday, June 12, 2004
The Moeraki Boulders
After the Takiroa rock caves, we reached Oamaru after a fashion. Not seeing any interesting restaurant which sells take-away, we, or rather Robin, ended buying a McChicken Meal from a McDonald's drive-through. I usually need and do take a long time in deiciding my food, so I wasn't able to make up my mind to place an order in time.
Therefore, I only managed to get a banana milk shake (coz Singapore Mc's dun sell milk shakes anymore and M'sia dun sell banana flavoured ones). Thankfully, I did get these sausage rolls from the petrol station earlier when we had to refuel.
Arriving at the beach where the Moeraki boulders are, we first made a stop at the cafe's carpark. Seeing another carpark further down & nearer the beach, I thought we were at the wrong carpark. Only later did I realise that one should park at the cafe-aka-souvenir shop carpark. It's actually on a cliff overlooking the Moeraki Boulders and there are stairs leading down to the beach and boulders directly.
But since I directed Robin to the other carpark instead, we had to walk along the beach to reach the boulders. It wasn't a bad walk by half though. Long expanse of beach with slight wind and great wave music. Not too many people. And lots of shells to pick.
I just love the sea. If not for the long drive to Otago, would have loved to sit atop the boulder looking and listening to the sea the whole day. As it was, stayed till the sun was almost setting.
After the Takiroa rock caves, we reached Oamaru after a fashion. Not seeing any interesting restaurant which sells take-away, we, or rather Robin, ended buying a McChicken Meal from a McDonald's drive-through. I usually need and do take a long time in deiciding my food, so I wasn't able to make up my mind to place an order in time.
Therefore, I only managed to get a banana milk shake (coz Singapore Mc's dun sell milk shakes anymore and M'sia dun sell banana flavoured ones). Thankfully, I did get these sausage rolls from the petrol station earlier when we had to refuel.
Arriving at the beach where the Moeraki boulders are, we first made a stop at the cafe's carpark. Seeing another carpark further down & nearer the beach, I thought we were at the wrong carpark. Only later did I realise that one should park at the cafe-aka-souvenir shop carpark. It's actually on a cliff overlooking the Moeraki Boulders and there are stairs leading down to the beach and boulders directly.
But since I directed Robin to the other carpark instead, we had to walk along the beach to reach the boulders. It wasn't a bad walk by half though. Long expanse of beach with slight wind and great wave music. Not too many people. And lots of shells to pick.
I just love the sea. If not for the long drive to Otago, would have loved to sit atop the boulder looking and listening to the sea the whole day. As it was, stayed till the sun was almost setting.
The Moeraki Boulders
After the Takiroa rock caves, we reached Oamaru after a fashion. Not seeing any interesting restaurant which sells take-away, we, or rather Robin, ended buying a McChicken Meal from a McDonald's drive-through. I usually need and do take a long time in deiciding my food, so I wasn't able to make up my mind to place an order in time.
Therefore, I only managed to get a banana milk shake (coz Singapore Mc's dun sell milk shakes anymore and M'sia dun sell banana flavoured ones). Thankfully, I did get these sausage rolls from the petrol station earlier when we had to refuel.
Arriving at the beach where the Moeraki boulders are, we first made a stop at the cafe's carpark. Seeing another carpark further down & nearer the beach, I thought we were at the wrong carpark. Only later did I realise that one should park at the cafe-aka-souvenir shop carpark. It's actually on a cliff overlooking the Moeraki Boulders and there are stairs leading down to the beach and boulders directly.
But since I directed Robin to the other carpark instead, we had to walk along the beach to reach the boulders. It wasn't a bad walk by half though. Long expanse of beach with slight wind and great wave music. Not too many people. And lots of shells to pick.
I just love the sea. If not for the long drive to Otago, would have loved to sit atop the boulder looking and listening to the sea the whole day. As it was, stayed till the sun was almost setting.
After the Takiroa rock caves, we reached Oamaru after a fashion. Not seeing any interesting restaurant which sells take-away, we, or rather Robin, ended buying a McChicken Meal from a McDonald's drive-through. I usually need and do take a long time in deiciding my food, so I wasn't able to make up my mind to place an order in time.
Therefore, I only managed to get a banana milk shake (coz Singapore Mc's dun sell milk shakes anymore and M'sia dun sell banana flavoured ones). Thankfully, I did get these sausage rolls from the petrol station earlier when we had to refuel.
Arriving at the beach where the Moeraki boulders are, we first made a stop at the cafe's carpark. Seeing another carpark further down & nearer the beach, I thought we were at the wrong carpark. Only later did I realise that one should park at the cafe-aka-souvenir shop carpark. It's actually on a cliff overlooking the Moeraki Boulders and there are stairs leading down to the beach and boulders directly.
But since I directed Robin to the other carpark instead, we had to walk along the beach to reach the boulders. It wasn't a bad walk by half though. Long expanse of beach with slight wind and great wave music. Not too many people. And lots of shells to pick.
I just love the sea. If not for the long drive to Otago, would have loved to sit atop the boulder looking and listening to the sea the whole day. As it was, stayed till the sun was almost setting.
Maori Rock Art at Takiroa
Sorry for the brevity of the entries to follow.
Very tired. School started. Got to do up worksheets.
Anyway, back to Maori Rock Art.
Amazing to see the pictures on the original rock face instead of on a piece of rock on displayed in a museum. Sadly, some pieces were hauled out of the caves to be on display at museums in New Zealand, Australia, etc. And because of these dug-outs, erosion at certain parts of the caves is at an accelerated pace, destroying the honey-comb look of the limestone caves.
Sorry for the brevity of the entries to follow.
Very tired. School started. Got to do up worksheets.
Anyway, back to Maori Rock Art.
Amazing to see the pictures on the original rock face instead of on a piece of rock on displayed in a museum. Sadly, some pieces were hauled out of the caves to be on display at museums in New Zealand, Australia, etc. And because of these dug-outs, erosion at certain parts of the caves is at an accelerated pace, destroying the honey-comb look of the limestone caves.
Leaving Mount Cook
I was leaving Mount Cook with a heavy heart, when I told myself, 'Hey, you can always come again. In the summer. When it wouldn't be so treacherous to walk and it'd probably feel totally different.'
And with that thought in my head, the both of us left the spectacular dreamscape of snowy Mount Cook for the warmer & wetter lands of the Otago Peninsula.
I was leaving Mount Cook with a heavy heart, when I told myself, 'Hey, you can always come again. In the summer. When it wouldn't be so treacherous to walk and it'd probably feel totally different.'
And with that thought in my head, the both of us left the spectacular dreamscape of snowy Mount Cook for the warmer & wetter lands of the Otago Peninsula.
Friday, June 11, 2004
YHA Mount Cook
A lovely wood fireplace awaits us at the Hermitage to help thaw us out after our long walk. The souvenir shop was very enticing but luckily for me, it was closing time (5 pm) when we reached its doors.
Time then to check in at our YHA accommodation and man, it was a room with a view!
Kitchen was delightfully clean to cook in and we had pasta for dinner.
Have to really recommend YHA Mount Cook here (despite its higher-than-usual tariffs). It's a little far from the walking tracks but the distance is manageable, especically since we have a car. The place is really charismatic, built entirely like a giant wooden cabin with big windows overlooking either the snow-capped mountains (which we got) or dramatic black cliffs (on the other side).
The rooms are clean, with a mirror, desk and chair. Sadly, the heater is again timer-based and have to switched on every 30 minutes. And yes, it's again positioned at eye-level which makes it difficult to effectively heat the room. The toilets were nearby and pretty decent although one has to wait a while before the hot water spews out from the shower head.
A lovely wood fireplace awaits us at the Hermitage to help thaw us out after our long walk. The souvenir shop was very enticing but luckily for me, it was closing time (5 pm) when we reached its doors.
Time then to check in at our YHA accommodation and man, it was a room with a view!
Kitchen was delightfully clean to cook in and we had pasta for dinner.
Have to really recommend YHA Mount Cook here (despite its higher-than-usual tariffs). It's a little far from the walking tracks but the distance is manageable, especically since we have a car. The place is really charismatic, built entirely like a giant wooden cabin with big windows overlooking either the snow-capped mountains (which we got) or dramatic black cliffs (on the other side).
The rooms are clean, with a mirror, desk and chair. Sadly, the heater is again timer-based and have to switched on every 30 minutes. And yes, it's again positioned at eye-level which makes it difficult to effectively heat the room. The toilets were nearby and pretty decent although one has to wait a while before the hot water spews out from the shower head.
Heavy body, heavy heart
Thankfully, there was only time for a quick lunch before we had to turn back. For once, I'm thankful for the limited daylight hours in winter. Anyway, the lunch spot was fantastic. It was right next to the Hooker river and overlooks Mount Cook, the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere. It was dreadfully windy and cold but the view is really worth it. At that point, I just remember how the cold helped me to appreciate how peaceful it was and how far away from civilisation we were.
At 3 pm, it was time to turn back and along the way, the elderly couple overtook us on the way back again. The merits of having the best of nature at one's back door. *sigh* But I guess it also requires a self-discipline (which I lack) to make full use of this proximity. I also have a jogging track near my place back in Singapore but I can count the number of times I have used it on one hand. Of course, I can always blame it on the heat and humidity of the Singapore weather. After all, I very much enjoyed my walk today. And without any sweat too! *grin*
Thankfully, there was only time for a quick lunch before we had to turn back. For once, I'm thankful for the limited daylight hours in winter. Anyway, the lunch spot was fantastic. It was right next to the Hooker river and overlooks Mount Cook, the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere. It was dreadfully windy and cold but the view is really worth it. At that point, I just remember how the cold helped me to appreciate how peaceful it was and how far away from civilisation we were.
At 3 pm, it was time to turn back and along the way, the elderly couple overtook us on the way back again. The merits of having the best of nature at one's back door. *sigh* But I guess it also requires a self-discipline (which I lack) to make full use of this proximity. I also have a jogging track near my place back in Singapore but I can count the number of times I have used it on one hand. Of course, I can always blame it on the heat and humidity of the Singapore weather. After all, I very much enjoyed my walk today. And without any sweat too! *grin*
Daunting path to lunch spot
Along the way, we climbed an icy escarpment to view a memorial to the guides and people who have perished at the Mount Cook National Park (and other mountains, I think). Then it was walking across 2 suspension bridges spanning the stunning (and violent) Hooker River which is fed by the Hooker Glacier.
One had to pay attention while walking the track as not a few stretches were icy and slippery. The track is sometimes just along the edge of a cliff so I had this perpetual fear of slipping and falling off the mountain. (Unknown to me, it would be nothing compared to the amount of falling I would experience while skiing at Mount Hutt a week later.)
The way to the second suspension bridge was the worst as it is along the cliff face and overlooks the Hooker River. It is made even more difficult with the track covered totally with ice and us wearing inappropriate sports shoes. In the end, we were pulling ourselves along via the railing and walking along the wires on the railing. It was also not a straight track but one going upwards and downwards, therefore resulting in much pulling on the railing and slipping on the wires. Needless to say, I was really impressed with myself for making my way across to our destination successfully.
Along the way, we climbed an icy escarpment to view a memorial to the guides and people who have perished at the Mount Cook National Park (and other mountains, I think). Then it was walking across 2 suspension bridges spanning the stunning (and violent) Hooker River which is fed by the Hooker Glacier.
One had to pay attention while walking the track as not a few stretches were icy and slippery. The track is sometimes just along the edge of a cliff so I had this perpetual fear of slipping and falling off the mountain. (Unknown to me, it would be nothing compared to the amount of falling I would experience while skiing at Mount Hutt a week later.)
The way to the second suspension bridge was the worst as it is along the cliff face and overlooks the Hooker River. It is made even more difficult with the track covered totally with ice and us wearing inappropriate sports shoes. In the end, we were pulling ourselves along via the railing and walking along the wires on the railing. It was also not a straight track but one going upwards and downwards, therefore resulting in much pulling on the railing and slipping on the wires. Needless to say, I was really impressed with myself for making my way across to our destination successfully.
Feeling right at home
Started on the Hooker Valley Track at about 11.30 am.
There was this elderly Caucasian couple who was behind us but they started to overtake us not long along the track. This was because the both of us were making such frequent (and long) stops along the way to take photos. *grin*
In addition, I also stopped quite often to just breathe in the fresh (albeit cold) air and admire the beauty of mother nature all around us - the towering snow-capped mountains, the gleaming blue glaciers and contrasting black cliff faces, the evergreens contrasting with their snowy jackets, and the utter peace of not seeing any other human beings in the vicinity once we got started on the track.
Started on the Hooker Valley Track at about 11.30 am.
There was this elderly Caucasian couple who was behind us but they started to overtake us not long along the track. This was because the both of us were making such frequent (and long) stops along the way to take photos. *grin*
In addition, I also stopped quite often to just breathe in the fresh (albeit cold) air and admire the beauty of mother nature all around us - the towering snow-capped mountains, the gleaming blue glaciers and contrasting black cliff faces, the evergreens contrasting with their snowy jackets, and the utter peace of not seeing any other human beings in the vicinity once we got started on the track.
Onward to Mount Cook
Woke up bright and 'early' at 9 am to make our way from Twizel to Mount Cook. The sunrise awaiting us at the Motel Office was spectacular and we spent some time taking photos. It was our 3rd day in New Zealand and our first morning out in the embrace of its natural 'wilderness'. Boy, was it different from any other morning I've have had, at Ubin or elsewhere. The frost on the ground, in the air, the low sun and the rows of evergreens...
Got on our way around 10+ am and reached Mount Cook about 11 am.
Woke up bright and 'early' at 9 am to make our way from Twizel to Mount Cook. The sunrise awaiting us at the Motel Office was spectacular and we spent some time taking photos. It was our 3rd day in New Zealand and our first morning out in the embrace of its natural 'wilderness'. Boy, was it different from any other morning I've have had, at Ubin or elsewhere. The frost on the ground, in the air, the low sun and the rows of evergreens...
Got on our way around 10+ am and reached Mount Cook about 11 am.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Arrival at Twizel
We managed to arrive at Lake Tekapo at dusk. Wanted to stopped for late lunch at Lake Tekapo but I guess we left Christchurch kinda late.
Anyway, such delightful scenery awaited us! The colours of the setting sun and the surrounding water and mountains were just glorious to look at.
We stopped for a while, taking photos, photos and more photos.
Then onward to our accommodation at Twizel, Mountain Chalet Motel.
At first, we had the Backpackers' Lodge all to ourselves. However, a hitch-hiker decided he wouldn't be able to get a ride out after all and we had to share the lodge with him. But well, can't complain - it was the cheapest of all our accommodation. And NZ$18 is an unbeatable price for long hot showers and beds with electric blankets.
Dinner was at the 'nearby' township of Twizel. Went to this cafe that the owner of the motel recommended. Robin had the mixed grill while I had a burger and a lasagna topper. Wondering what a topper is? It's basically a palm-sized fried batter filled with cheese, ham, tomato sauce, etc.
Drove back to the motel after dinner, and nearly got a crick on my neck from staring at the awesome stars above us.
Can't imagine how much better the stars will look tomorrow night when we stay at Mount Cook itself. *grin*
We managed to arrive at Lake Tekapo at dusk. Wanted to stopped for late lunch at Lake Tekapo but I guess we left Christchurch kinda late.
Anyway, such delightful scenery awaited us! The colours of the setting sun and the surrounding water and mountains were just glorious to look at.
We stopped for a while, taking photos, photos and more photos.
Then onward to our accommodation at Twizel, Mountain Chalet Motel.
At first, we had the Backpackers' Lodge all to ourselves. However, a hitch-hiker decided he wouldn't be able to get a ride out after all and we had to share the lodge with him. But well, can't complain - it was the cheapest of all our accommodation. And NZ$18 is an unbeatable price for long hot showers and beds with electric blankets.
Dinner was at the 'nearby' township of Twizel. Went to this cafe that the owner of the motel recommended. Robin had the mixed grill while I had a burger and a lasagna topper. Wondering what a topper is? It's basically a palm-sized fried batter filled with cheese, ham, tomato sauce, etc.
Drove back to the motel after dinner, and nearly got a crick on my neck from staring at the awesome stars above us.
Can't imagine how much better the stars will look tomorrow night when we stay at Mount Cook itself. *grin*
Onward to Twizel
Woke up at 9+ and got a lift to the car rental office. By the time the paperwork was filled out, it was about 11 plus already. Stil haven't eaten breakfast, so went hunting for food. But first, had to revalidate our air tickets or we wouldn't be able to get back home.
Went to this shopping mall next to the Air New Zealand office. Was very tempted to buy Mac's but it's a little pricey. Bought fresh baked ham & cheese and mushroom & cheese buns instead.
Then it was going to the huge Pak N Sav for groceries shopping for our road trip.
At 1.45pm, we set off from Christchurch Pak N Sav for the first leg of our holiday. Yippee!!! Onward to Twizel.
Woke up at 9+ and got a lift to the car rental office. By the time the paperwork was filled out, it was about 11 plus already. Stil haven't eaten breakfast, so went hunting for food. But first, had to revalidate our air tickets or we wouldn't be able to get back home.
Went to this shopping mall next to the Air New Zealand office. Was very tempted to buy Mac's but it's a little pricey. Bought fresh baked ham & cheese and mushroom & cheese buns instead.
Then it was going to the huge Pak N Sav for groceries shopping for our road trip.
At 1.45pm, we set off from Christchurch Pak N Sav for the first leg of our holiday. Yippee!!! Onward to Twizel.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Arrival at Christchurch
Brrr...
Hopped over to the Antarctic Centre from the airport via a free shuttle. The place is rather pricey but very informative. Forked out a hefty NZ$18 (first expense in NZ$) for a (fake) snowstorm, slide down an ice slope, and the viewing of several videos and info boards on Antarctic. But actually spent 2 hours inside the place.
Then took the Airbus over to the city centre. Transfer cost NZ$5. Nice driver. Told him that we were staying at Rolleston and he stopped at the most convenient place for us to get off. Accent similar to the British.
Christchurch was surprisingly very cold, despite it being the start of winter only. But maybe because it was that I wasn't used to the weather yet. Can't imagine how cold when we get out of the city. Thank goodness I decided to buy and bring the handwarmers.
Fish & chips as first dinner in NZ. Were the last customers before the shop closed. It was only 7.30pm. 2 big slabs of fish & too much chips. For only NZ$3. Very good deal. Fish meat was very thick and coarse. It was almost like chicken. And bought a lamb slouvaki from The Greek Recipe. Small shop overlooking the cathedral. Very good slouvaki.
Came back to hostel & had dinner watching Simpsons. Actually fell asleep after dinner at the couch. Thankfully, Robin was at hand to wake me up when the show finished. Went back to room after washing up the dishes and tried to repack my bags. They looked a little better. I think. *grin*
Conked out. Brrr...
Stupid heater has a time-switch. Goes off after every 30 minutes.
Brrr...
Hopped over to the Antarctic Centre from the airport via a free shuttle. The place is rather pricey but very informative. Forked out a hefty NZ$18 (first expense in NZ$) for a (fake) snowstorm, slide down an ice slope, and the viewing of several videos and info boards on Antarctic. But actually spent 2 hours inside the place.
Then took the Airbus over to the city centre. Transfer cost NZ$5. Nice driver. Told him that we were staying at Rolleston and he stopped at the most convenient place for us to get off. Accent similar to the British.
Christchurch was surprisingly very cold, despite it being the start of winter only. But maybe because it was that I wasn't used to the weather yet. Can't imagine how cold when we get out of the city. Thank goodness I decided to buy and bring the handwarmers.
Fish & chips as first dinner in NZ. Were the last customers before the shop closed. It was only 7.30pm. 2 big slabs of fish & too much chips. For only NZ$3. Very good deal. Fish meat was very thick and coarse. It was almost like chicken. And bought a lamb slouvaki from The Greek Recipe. Small shop overlooking the cathedral. Very good slouvaki.
Came back to hostel & had dinner watching Simpsons. Actually fell asleep after dinner at the couch. Thankfully, Robin was at hand to wake me up when the show finished. Went back to room after washing up the dishes and tried to repack my bags. They looked a little better. I think. *grin*
Conked out. Brrr...
Stupid heater has a time-switch. Goes off after every 30 minutes.
Singapore to Christchurch
Alritey!
Flight's retimed. There was a medical emergency and flight got delayed.
Had to wait for Robin to get to airport before checking in and was really hungry coz didn't eat the whole day. Not bad. I actually managed to 'pack' my bags in less than 5 hours.
Was occupied with TV the past couple of days coz I knew that was all the TV I was gonna get from then on. Dun anticipate much TV during the trip and certainly won't be able to catch any TV once I get back to Singapore and start TEACHING!!! Argh!
Anyway... Robin managed to arrive before I fainted due to sugar deprivation and we checked in. Flight was actually a combination of 4 flights but it turned out it was still pretty empty. And we were too slow to 'chope' the empty seats at the back so we had to sit up & sleep during the flight.
And there was no personal entertainment system onboard. Sigh. Luckily, I was quite tired after staying up late to pack my bags and I actually slept pretty much of the long-haul flight (for once!). Watched a bit of Starsky and Hutch while having dinner but can't say it was a captivating show.
Had to rush to catch our connecting flight from Auckland to Christchurch since our Singapore-Auckland flight was delayed. Fortunately, we were just in time for the shuttle bus between International and Domestic Terminals. But it was still a hassle to re-check-in our baggage, get our boarding passes, etc. In the end, we arrived at the plane even before our luggage did. It was quite funny to think that the plane had to wait for our backpacks before it could take off.
Then it was an easy 1 hour plus flight onward to Christchurch! Yippee!!!
Alritey!
Flight's retimed. There was a medical emergency and flight got delayed.
Had to wait for Robin to get to airport before checking in and was really hungry coz didn't eat the whole day. Not bad. I actually managed to 'pack' my bags in less than 5 hours.
Was occupied with TV the past couple of days coz I knew that was all the TV I was gonna get from then on. Dun anticipate much TV during the trip and certainly won't be able to catch any TV once I get back to Singapore and start TEACHING!!! Argh!
Anyway... Robin managed to arrive before I fainted due to sugar deprivation and we checked in. Flight was actually a combination of 4 flights but it turned out it was still pretty empty. And we were too slow to 'chope' the empty seats at the back so we had to sit up & sleep during the flight.
And there was no personal entertainment system onboard. Sigh. Luckily, I was quite tired after staying up late to pack my bags and I actually slept pretty much of the long-haul flight (for once!). Watched a bit of Starsky and Hutch while having dinner but can't say it was a captivating show.
Had to rush to catch our connecting flight from Auckland to Christchurch since our Singapore-Auckland flight was delayed. Fortunately, we were just in time for the shuttle bus between International and Domestic Terminals. But it was still a hassle to re-check-in our baggage, get our boarding passes, etc. In the end, we arrived at the plane even before our luggage did. It was quite funny to think that the plane had to wait for our backpacks before it could take off.
Then it was an easy 1 hour plus flight onward to Christchurch! Yippee!!!
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