Pelorus Bridge (67 Km + 92 Km ferry).A wonderfully smooth crossing of the Cook Strait for an hour and then gliding past the scenic bays and inlets of the stunning Marlborough Sound for 2 hours to the Ferry Terminal at Picton on the South Island.The information was correct it is one of the most spectacular cruise’s on a ferry in the world.The original plan was to stop the night at Picton, however we are going to drive towards the Abel Tasman National Parktoday.We replenished our larder in Picton and then instead of taking the main highway towards Nelson we decided to travel the (longer, twisty and steeper) Queen Charlotte Scenic Drive, a good decision as the drive along the bays, beaches and forest was excellent.Tonight sees us camping in a beautiful spot in the Rai Forest by the River Pelorus managed by the Department of Conservation with full facilities for $22.There are only 2 other Motor Homes here andit is so quiet.We didn’t reach Nelson because we kept stopping at the scenic lookouts, but we are only a few kilometres short and almost a day ahead of schedule so it doesn’t matter.
Thursday 27th March 2008
Pohara (172 km). A wet start to the day, but we still managed the short walk to the swing bridge on the River Rai. Jenny (as usual) was not keen on the idea of crossing it. At the swing bridge at Rainbow Falls at Kerikerishe accused me of making it swing on purpose (as if I would do such a thing). However this time she gritted her teeth and went across. Not told her yet but not far from here is the longest swing bridge in New Zealand, I will have to fabricate some story to get her there. We decided to pass through our proposed stop last night at Nelson and continue to the Abel Tasman Park northern part and Saturday (we are going to have a casual day tomorrow) drive back south through the park. Having pasted through it today with mist and low cloud we have our fingers crossed thatSaturday visibility will be a little better. We tend to forget that especially in the South Island it is autumn and we should expect some inclement weather. Funny thing that twice today we have spoken to Kiwi’s when it was raining and they said how nice the weather was, they have not had rain here for ages so nice weather is rain, not for us it isn’t!
Congratulations
To our Daughter Rhiain for gaining promotion to Cabin Manager.Pity now those passengers who get up when the “seat belt” sign is on.
Friday 28th March 2008
A great day out from the campsite to Farewell Spit Nature Reserve which is a bird sanctuary of international importance.It is 35 kilometres long although we (the public) can only walk the first 4 kilometres.We first of all visited the Visitor Centre, big mistake, they had a café and what should be on the menu but Mussel Chowder, now I love chowder and Mussel Chowder is not one I had tasted before, so we had to try it, it was delicious one of the best I have tasted and we certainly did not require our lunch afterwards.We then did a circular walk to Fossil Point, a place to see shells, creatures etc imbedded in the limestone but we did not see many, however, Jenny said she spotted a very large old fossil that “moved,” I didn’t see it.We ended the day at Farewell Point the farthestpoint north on the South Island having seen plenty of birds and some wonderful wild scenery.
Saturday 29th March 2008
Mapua (92 Km).We visited 2 scenic bays along the road from Pohara with wonderful golden sands before our drive back over the Takaka Hill back towards Nelson, we were hoping for good weather, but unfortunately the visibility over the hills was quite poor, so we didn’t see very much.We decided to stay at Mapua and make a decision which way we wanted to go tomorrow.The original plan was to go to place called Hanmer Springs which has thermal pools but it seems it is quite commercialised and not very natural so we may give it a miss.We are staying at a clothing optional campsite, (I thought that would raise your eyebrows and cause your mouths to open!)However, the only thing we have seen is a sheep without his woolly coat! (not that I was looking……..honest).
Sunday 30th March 2008
Kaikoura (311 Km)We did decide to give Hanmer Springs a miss and drove the greater distance to Kaikoura.An easy run first through the Golden Downs Forest then along the straight roads of the Warau Valley passing the many vineyards on the way, we had lunch in the Montana Estate Vineyard car park before visiting the Cellar Door to purchase some wine.We were going to stay in Blenheim but we were earlier than anticipated so continued along the coast to give us some extra time at Kaikoura.We hope to have an excursion out to seeSperm Whales but it is so dependant on the weather and sea conditions (they use a spotter plane) so we may need the extra day if the weather is a bit “iffy” or the tours are fully booked.We did have an interesting stop on the way at a New Zealand Fur Seal Colony, watching with great amusement at the young ones playing in a rock pool.We are staying tonight at the Top 10 Holiday Park in Kaikoura(clothing compulsory, pity really as Jenny is doing washing tomorrow and we could have washed everything!)
Monday 31st March 2008
First thing this morning we had a great chat with our daughter Rhiain and my brother Brian on Skype, before walking round to the Whale Watch booking office to see whether we could take one of their trips today.We were lucky to be able to book a trip for 12:15, this gave us time to return to the holiday park and for Jenny to do some washing at the laundry and for me to prepare our photography equipment before going.It was the perfect day to be out on the ocean (for us anyway as we are both good sailors) clear blue sky, warm sun and although there was a northerly wind causing a quite large swell it was very pleasant.We only managed to see1 Sperm Whale and he was asleep.However, we saw plenty of Dusky Dolphins having a great time somersaulting and performing all sorts ofacrobats and 2 different types of Albatross and we thoroughly enjoyed the day’s experience.Especially as they gave us a 20%refund because of the Whales lack of performance.We also visited a New Zealand Fur Seal Colony on the way back, they werealso asleep, must be something to do with the sea air.Yawn, Yawn, Goodnight!
Tuesday 1st April 2008
St Georges Bridge, West of Oxford (205 Km)We would have liked to have gone on an excursion to see the Albatross but the trip didn’t depart until 1pm and we wanted to be on our way by then.We got a bit delayed when we stopped at a Fruit and Veg’ farm shop because we stayed such a long time chatting to the owner, who cut up a New Zealand Orange for us to taste compared with an American one,We bought the New Zealand one’s!We did stop along the coast to watch the seals (still asleep) and the Dusky Dolphins (very much awake) before turning inland towards Christchurch.We stopped for lunch at a Wild Life Reserve called St Anne’s Lagoon and were lucky enough to see 6 Cape Barren Geese which are reputed to be rare in New Zealand.We did not make a decision on which way to go until we stopped for diesel outside Christchurch.The main highway?Or the longer “Inland Scenic Highway”?As it happened I did not trust the tyre gauge at the filling station so stopped almost next door at a Tyre Company, (another delay) again because we started chatting (gasbags!) and he suggested the scenic route.Another great “Kiwi” didn’t charge for the tyre check and would not accept a tip.For the first time we decided to “freedom camp” stopping in a rest/picnic area right beside the Waimakariri River.There were 2 other campervans there and we had a short(ish) chat with a couple with a camper coach who had been travelling for 4 years who freedom camp all the time.A great sight before we went to bed was watching the stars as it was pitch black and also seeing lightening vividly lighting up the sky and hearing the claps of thunder not to far away.
Wednesday 2nd April 2008
Fairlie (177 Km)For the first time today, because we had not got a powered site and a toilet block, we used the gas heating and the motorhome shower and both were a success (although the shower cubicle is a bit tight for 2).Must mention at this point that the rest/picnic area toilets were immaculate and a pleasure to use.We drove to Geraldine (one of our intended night stops) and what a lovely little place it was, we stocked up again with food, before visiting the Vintage Car & Machinery Museum.It certainly makes me feel old when one of cars there was of the type I used to own and another 2 my father owned.I omitted to build into the time schedule “chat breaks”, today a farmer at coffee shop we stopped at told us to be up early at Mount Cook for good photographs.At a picnic areathis afternoon a young man ( with a lovely Golden Retriever puppy) told us of a Salmon Farm (more of that hopefully tomorrow) and we also spoke to the lady at the museum who left the U.K in 1973 and lived at Comberford, Tamworth! Just 7 miles from were we lived.
Thursday 3rdApril 2008
Happy Birthday
To our Daughter Rhiain.
Love Mum & Dad
XXXXXXXXXX
Lake Pukaki (175 Km).Actually we didn’t drive that distance from Fairlie but we wanted to travel to the lake to view Mount Cook as it was such good weather so travelled back to Lake Tekapu via the road to Mount Cook Salmon Farm.After a walk round the holding pens and feeding the Salmon ($3 for fish pellets) we purchased some Smoked Salmon for tonight’s tea.We then continued back to Lake Tekapu but we made the decision to drive up to (and I really mean up) to Mount John Observatory.We started to talk to the guide there and she was so helpful (and very pretty) we (or was it I) decided to join the last tour of the day.Now we have never taken a degree in Astrophysics but Eeva our Finnish guide explained everything so well even I could understand it.We visited 2 of the observatory’s both the old 1960’s one and the new one.What amazed us was how untidy the scientists are in their offices, wires, books, tools and shoes (yes) just strewn everywhere.Still if the information they are gathering takes millions of light years to come from the solar systems, I suppose they have plenty of time to tidy it up.We thought that Lake Pukaki was the better of the 2 lakes especially with Mount Cook in the distance so we drove back there and found a picnic area by the lake to “freedom camp” for the night.The view across the lake to the mountains from the motorhome was easily the best so far. Smoked Salmon with new potatoes and salad with a glass (well 2) ofNew Zealand Riesling watching the sunset ended a great day.
Friday 4th April 2008
Omarama (190 Km ) Wow!The difference from the calm of the lake last night to the large waves caused by the wind this morning.But, if the sunset was good the sunrise was even better so an early jump out of bed to take some photographs.For a short time the sky was a deep red and the reflection on the mountains opposite was terrific, however cloud soon gathered and that was it for the day.The itinerary was for us to drive up to Mount Cook village at the top of the lake and stop overnight and possibly do an aeroplane flight over the mountain & glacier but it was so windy with the odd spell of heavy rain, visibility was very poor and all flights had been cancelled so wedrove about 6 km along the gravel road to see the Tasman Glacier and Lake.The glacier was not visible but the lake was an astonishing sight with the icebergs floating on it.The very strong wind (2 steps forward 1 back type) prevented us staying very long, but the 2 hour round walk from the car park was well worth the effort.The weather for the area is only a little improved for tomorrow so we have continued today to Omarama for an overnight stop before heading back to the coast.
Saturday 5th April 2008
Oamaru (137 Km)A drive through quite pretty countryside passing several large lakes and high hills, the dull misty weather not inspiring us to stop for scenic views on the way and the long straight roads and no traffic meant we kept at the maximum speed limit of 100 Kph for most of the way, so despite stopping for the mandatory “elevenses” and at a supermarket we were here at lunchtime.We visited Bushy Beach to find out about the Yellow-eyed Penguin which although an uncommon endemic do frequent that area.However the information board stated they feed about 40 kilometres from land and only come back to roost at dusk.We did see several large seals basking on the beach, we shall have to find out what these are as they were far larger than a New Zealand Fur Seal.After settling in at the campsite (i.e. putting the kettle on) Jenny chopped cut my hair, the first time since leaving the UK, she is getting quite good at it now obviously the 39 years of practice is beginning to pay off and I only needed 1 plaster on each ear!We returned in the evening to Bushy Beach in the hope of seeing the Penguins return home, remembering the information we had read earlier that quietness and stillness were essential for these shy nervous creatures otherwise they stay in the water we walked quietly along the cliff path.Now obviously one Penguin could not read or had not read the notice board, because he/she was standing less than 20 foot away from us preening, screeching (they are supposedly the noisiest species) and posing to an audience of about 8 people.In fact because I had only taken my “super-zoom” lens with me (assuming I would be photographing from a distance) I had to move back to get him/her completely in the frame at the shortest zoom setting.After “the show” we returned to the town for a fish and chip supper, cooked fresh while we waited not served from a warming cabinet like in the U.K and the cost…………$6 for the both of us.We ate them out of the paper with some bread and butter sitting in the motorhome overlooking the small harbour waiting for the small Blue Penguins to come home.They didn’tmaterialise, but hey, you can’t have everything!
Sunday 6th April 2008
Dunedin (130 Km).We had an extra hour in bed this morning as the clocks went back an hour to GMT (or should we really say NZMT).I could get really confused with all these time zones if I hadn’t got a piece of simple software that I purchased in the U.K which shows us all the different times.We left Oamaru for the relatively short drive to Dunedin taking the scenic shore roads when possible instead of the main highway. We stopped at a place called Moeraki Boulders to look at the, yes you’ve guessed boulders, quite fascinating to see these huge spheres of rock on the beach, perfectly round (as spheres tend to be) very smooth and with “veins” in them, reminding me of the old leather football we used to kick about.I won’t go into detail on the whys and wherefores of their existence if you are interested look at http://www.moerakiboulders.com/We then continued to Katiki Point to look at the lighthouse and visit the Yellow-eyed Penguin Hide, although we didn’t expect to see them (see Saturday) there were plenty of New Zealand Sea-Lions on the shore and in the kelp and they amused us with their antics for quite some time.We then continued to Dunedin (after the customary tea/coffee stops) to be met with some heavy rain as we descended into the city.We shall decide in the morning which excursion to do from here rail or road/water, much will depend on the weather.
Monday 7th March 2008
As the weather forecast was for a dry day we decided on the wildlife tour with Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours.We managed to book it at the campsite and as a plus they were picking us up (saved moving the motorhome).John from Monarch was meant to collect us at 10.30 am, but actually he arrived at10.15 am, so came and found us at our site.Very amusing, he actually spoke like Fred Dibner the steeplejack (a hero of mine), yes, and he came from Rochdale!Having lived here (NZ) for 8 years, John, with just 2 other passengers we collected on the way took us to 2 bays on the Otago Peninsular to view the Wading Birds and scenic views before dropping us at the Northern Royal Albatross Colony at Taioroa Head where we were able to see the Albatross chicks from a hide.After a lunch at their café (Sea-food Chowder), we joined alarger group of people to visit a Yellow-faced Penguin colony a short distance away.Then at 4.30 we joined the Motor Vessel Monarch at Weller’s Rock for a cruise around Taiora Head before heading out into the Ocean. I was a bit worried at this stage because the boat captain was a young lady called Rachel (a very pretty young lady and the exact opposite from the traditional “Captain Birds-Eye”) and I knew that if we carried on straight the next piece of land we would see was Chile and we hadn’t got visa’s to land there.I need not have been concerned she knew her Port from Starboard and gave us some excellent sightings of different sea-birds and seals.After a interesting cruise we turned around for the 1½ hour journey back to Dunedin our coach waiting on the quayside to take us the short distance to our campsite.
Tuesday 8th April 2008
Portobello, Otago Peninsular (27 Km)This morning it was an earlier start to drive to the impressive Dunedin Railway Station (built partly from Scottish granite and local stone) to catch the Taieri Gorge Railway http://www.taieri.co.nz/ to Pukerangi.After collecting our tickets we had time to return to the car park ($5 all day) adjacent to the station and have our breakfast in the motorhome.It was then time to sit back and relax in our reserved seats for a spectacular rail journey.The round trip is 4 hours and the 60 kilometre trip is on the longest privately owned railway in New Zealand.We did have some work to do however, as there was a American film crew onboard from “Great Scenic Railways of the World” and the train stopped at a place called Deep Stream and we had to get off walk across the viaduct and join the train the other side whilst the film crew filmed it.I forgot to ask for payment as an extra or for royalties but the stop was in a very scenic place so perhaps I shouldn’t mind.A fascinating journey through the city, farmland, forests and the wild Taieri River Gorge.Over viaducts and through tunnels plus an excellent commentary from the Train Manager on all the interesting places on the way.If you come to New Zealand a “must do”.On our return to Dunedin we had a walk through the city centre before driving the very short distance to visit again the Otago Peninsular which we visited yesterday with Monarch Tours spending time at a lovely beach with a horrible name “Sandfly Bay” watching the Sea Lions on the rocks before finding a campsite at Portobello.Tomorrow we will spend some more time on the Otago Peninsular before moving on to “The Catlins”.
Wednesday 9th April 2008
Owaka (165 Km).Decided first to drive up to the Albatross Colony at Taioroa Head on the Otago Peninsular and walk towards the Lighthouse as usually happens we saw a sign for a place called Pilot’s Bay so we thought we would take a look.This bay joins a nature reserve that is closed to the public by a fence because of the Albatross Colonyplus also a Fur Seal Colony.Now the notice clearly stated that the public were not allowed past the fence, so we turned back,less than 10 foot away from us was a bloody big Fur Seal on the sand, which because of the direction of the sun and shadows neither of us had noticed.Another case of lack of education, the seal should have read that he was supposed to stay the other side of the fence.We then retraced our steps of our Monday trip with Monarch Tours visiting both Papanui and Hooper’s Inlets to watch Kingfishers and wading birds and look at the wonderful beaches, chose the right day as it is quite warm with hardly a cloud in the sky and the colour of the ocean just indescribable.We are staying right on the beach at Newhaven Holiday Park and this evening we walked along the beach at Surat Bay and a Sea Lion comes out of the surf on to the sand, as they are more aggressive than the Fur Seal and evidently can move very quickly despite their ungainly appearance we didn’t want to test him over a 100 metre sprint so we just quietly moved away.Then ran!
Thursday 10th April 2008
McLean Falls (100 Km).We obviously didn’t run fast enough last night, (but luckily it was probably his son) when we opened the door of the motorhome to go for a shower, in the creek next to our site which flows into the oceanless than 20 feet from us, there was a young seal playing around the rocks, he was quite the acrobat, gambolling, somersaulting, and performing all sorts of contortions before he headed out into the bay. This morning we drove to Nugget Point looking at the wave-thumped rocky outcrops and the lighthouse on the top of the promontory.From a quite cool walk to the top discussing using our body-warmers the weather changed whilst we were there and on the way back we discussed taking our sweaters off!In fact I took photographs of the Nugget Rocks themselves in 2 totally different kinds of light, dull and overcast and within 10 minutes bright sunshine.We stopped on the way down from the top at Roaring Bay (for a cup of tea) and watched a very lazy Sea Lion on the beach.New Zealand both with its weather and scenery is so diverse in such a short space of time and distance, from rocks, beaches and ocean within 20 kilometres we were in rain forest and viewing the Matai, Horseshoe andPurakaunui Waterfalls. For the first time tonight since having the motorhome we are dining out, the campsite/motel has a restaurant (The Whistling Frog) the lamb on the menu sounds good, and it will also save me washing-up!
Congratulations
To our niece Joy, husband Jason and their daughter Olivia on the arrival ofbaby Freya on 4th April 2008
Best Wishes, Alan & Jenny
XX
Friday 11th April 2008
Invercargill (130Km).Last nights Lamb and the Rhubarb Crumble for “afters” at the Whistling Frog was delicious, we were able to use the laptop before and after our meal for the website etc in the nice ambient surroundings of the restaurant whilst having a pre-dinner drink and coffeeafterwards.First thing this morning it was the short drive almost out of the back of the campsite to McLean Falls a comfortable 50 minute walk through the rainforest to the end of the trail to see the impressive falls. Again a very short drive to the coast to visit Cathedral Cove then a 25 minute bush and beach walk to the spectacular caves, which we timed just right as they are only accessible at low tide.We then continued to Porpoise Bay and Curio Bay which are adjacent.We parked on the headland to have lunch and were lucky enough to see4 Hectors Dolphins, which although rare do frequent that area.Then overto Curio Bay to see the fossil forest, a Yellow-eyed Penguin was walking over the rocks, another one who didn’t know he/she was supposed to be shy!We are now at Invercargill hoping tomorrow to catch the morning ferry over to Stewart Island, at latitude 47 degrees south (the “Roaring Forties”) we hope for a smooth crossing.
Saturday 12th April 2008
Stewart Island (Ferry).Well the “Roaring Forties” didn’t live up to their reputation more like “Squeaky Forties” as the hour long ferry crossing was quite calm, we did not even have sweaters on and stood on the rear deck for most of the crossing of Foveaux Strait.We arrived in Oban (yes true) and booked on the 1:00pm Paterson Inlet Cruise.After having breakfast (no time this morning to eat in the motorhome) we went on a walk to one of the many beautiful beaches nearby, we had intended to walk further but we were so comfortable, relaxing soaking up the coastal scenery and the sun’s warmth we were reluctant to move.We joined the boatfor our cruise around the inlet, the tour also including a 1 hour visit to Ulva Island (No, we are not touring Scotland) a renowned wildlife sanctuary.We had great fun watching a large Sea-Lion continuously swimming around the boat and it was the first time on the trip we saw Blue Penguin.Ulva Island is a bird paradise as there are no predators on the island, Rats, Possum, Stoats, etc being systematicallyeradicated by the Department of Conservation.So we saw birds (with the help of Ivan our guide) which we had not seen before in New Zealand.There was nobody on board that needed to depart on the earlier ferry back to the mainland, so the captain of the boat was able to lengthen the tour so we had more time on board than advertised, (would that happen in the U.K?).We had a short walk around the small harbour before departing for the mainland with the same crew that had taken us on the tour (The ferry and tour operated by the same company).We hope to book our overnight cruise along Doubtful Sound with the same company, if our Stewart Island experience is anything to go by we are going to have a great time.
Sunday 13th April 2008
Manapouri (172 Klms)Got pulled over this morning by the local fuzz!I was travelling at 100 kilometres and he was coming in the opposite direction, now we had not seen another car on the road for about 30 minutes and when I saw him in my mirror tyre’s smoking doing a handbrake turn I new a pursuit would ensue.Well our Transit motorhome didn’t stand a chance against the supped up police car, with headlights flashing, blue and red strobe lights like Blackpool illuminations filling the rear view mirror, I surrendered and stopped on the side of the road.He asked me if I knew the speed limit of the van (I nearly said I have never pushed the throttle to the floor to find out, but thought better of it) 100 kilometres I replied, he then proceeds to check all the documentation on the front screen (like a UK tax disc but with more information)Anyway he asks for my driving licence and rental agreement and after perusing them, he undid the handcuffs (Iexaggerate) wished us a good holiday and drove off.Saw him later coming in the opposite direction he gave us a wave, I sort of gave him one!For the first time this morning we stopped for breakfast on the way, a proper English breakfast in a picnic area at Monkey Island (no, I don’t know why its called that).Then later we stopped at a historic suspension bridge called wait for it…………Clifden Suspension Bridge (for those none U.K people we have the famous “Clifton” suspension bridge at Bristol)the oldest bridge evidently of its type in New Zealand.Finished the day sitting on the bank ofLake Manapouri watching the sunset.Looking forward to tomorrow as we have managed to book a cabin on the overnight cruise along Doubtful Sound hope this fantastic weather holds.
Monday 14th April 2008
Should tell you about the eccentric ManapouriMotels & Motor Park (motor park being the operative word) we stopped at last night with about 12 Morris-Minorsand various other old cars abandoned in various places around the site, but it will take to long.Took a quick trip into Te Anau to buy Jenny a new cap, the old one having been whipped off by the wind on our Stewart Island trip, last seen being worn by a Sea-Lion in Paterson Inlet (reward for safe return).Then we drove back the short distance to Manapouri to the “Real Journeys” Jetty to start our Doubtful Sound Cruise.We first of all joined the Manapouri Express Catamaran for the 60 minute cruise across the crystal clear lake to pick up the coach to take us across Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove to join the “Fiordland Navigator” for our overnight cruise.A great start tea and warm muffins on our arrival!We were then allocated our cabin and were lucky to have an outside cabin, we were really surprised at the size and comfort of it especially the two windows (expecting 9 inch portholes).We cruised first to “Crooked Arm” for activities opting for the ride in the tender craft with the nature guide rather then the kayaking.On arriving back we had the option of going swimming in the 12 degree centigrade water, only about 6 idiotic, brainless people were stupid enough to try it.OK, I own up I was one of them!The Spicy Tomato soup was very welcome on our return (I would have preferred a Brandy).We then continued the cruise out of Doubtful Sound, for a short time motoring along with two sails up into the Tasman Sea (the “Roaring Forties” still only squeaking).We returned in the twilight into the entrance to the sound and anchored up in “First Arm” for the night.The evening meal was absolutely stupendous everything you could wish for and the desserts we over indulged on.We also had delightful company at the table with Katie and Dave a young couple who live in Melbourne.After dinner a slide-show was presented in the observation lounge by Ben who does the cruise commentary, it was one of the most amusing and interesting slide-shows we have been to, some of the audience were almost wetting themselves, with his interpretation of Maori legends and the animals that have desecrated the bird life of New Zealand.After joining Katie and Dave for another chat we retired to our cabin.
Tuesday 15th April 2008
Anchors away before 7:00 am so we got up early so we didn’t miss any of the early morning scenery.We had a most enjoyable cooked breakfast and then braved the cold, windy fore-deck with our cups of tea.Despite the increase in the wind the anticipated rain did not materialise and we continued back up Doubtful Sound to turn to starboard (right to a landlubber) for “Hall Arm” passing a school of Bottle-Nosed Dolphins at the entrance.This part of the Sound was majestic and the sheltered parts enabled the photographers on board to get some good “reflection shots” of the mountains and rain forest.At the end of“Hall Arm” Ben spoke about the real world and Dave the Skipper switched everything off on the boat and we stood in total silence for about 5 minutes except for the sound ofbirds and the trickle of a waterfall. Ben is quite right, this place, the silence, mountains, rainforest and the water completely unspoilt by man, THIS IS THE REAL WORLD.
Te Anau (22 Km).After arriving back at Manapouri via the coach and express catamaran we have driven the very short distance to Lake Te Anau where we will stay for a couple of days.We had built into the itinerary extra days in case we couldn’t book a trip at a particular time but having been lucky at both Stewart Island and now Doubtful Sound on being able to book for the next day, we have a couple of days spare so we will take the opportunity to stay here by a delightful lake for an extra day before continuing.
Wednesday 16th April 2008
We are having a leisurely day at Te Anua, all we have done is sort out all the lockers and our clothes (we think we can safely put away our summer clothes now we are on the West Coast), cleaned the motorhome inside and out, caught up with our laundry, plus cleared out the assortment of literature we have accumulated from various visitor centres etc, that are no longer relevant to the area.Did I say we were having a leisurely day? I’m worn out thinking of what we’ve done!We then walked to the visitor centre and picked up even more literature.We thought we would sort out our medication with the local pharmacy as we could only bring limited supplies from the UK.He informed us we would have to see the doctor, so off to the local Health Centre we walked, no problem seeing a doctor, but it would cost us $85 each! We got an appointment straight away and both went in, after taking both our blood pressures (which were surprisingly ok after the shock of the cost) we then both bored him with our ailments from 6 years old and after a hour and a half we thought we had got our monies worth and left with prescriptions in hand.The receptionist took pity on us and only charged us $75.We haven’t asked the cost of the prescription yet as we have to collect them from the pharmacy tomorrow.After such a strenuous day we decided to indulge ourselves in the spa for 45 minutes so we were both pretty cooked when we came out.Tomorrow we are driving the steep and windy road to Milford Sound and will probably stop overnight and return to Te Anua the following day.There is only one road in and out which none stop takes 2 hours one way, the amount of times we stop it could take us 2 days!
Thursday 17th April 2008
Milford Sound (120 Km).As we thought the normal 2 hour drive time to Milford Sound took almost 5 hours we stopped that many times for photographs linked with our tea/coffee stops including lunch at a pretty little picnic area called “Cascade Creek”,acouple of short walks, together with a lengthy chat with a young couple originally from the Czech Republic.We finally reached Milford sound at 3:30 to late to go on one of the cruises so we will go on one of the first ones tomorrow again with Real Journeys which although dearer than some other company’s their cruise stays out longer on the Sound.The weather has been great today warm with blue sky’s and just the odd fluffy clouds, there is a chance of snow tonight on the higher elevations, however the receptionist told us they clear the road very quickly if it does snow because obviously if the tour buses can’t get in they will not make any money.If it goescolder we have 3 types of heating in the van, (excluding the van heater) electric fan heater, air con’ heater and gas warm air so we will be snug as bugs in rugs, (or in this area sand flies).
Friday 18th April 2008
Te Anau (120km).Well I should have kept quiet about the “Roaring Forties” squeaking because during the night it was like a pride of hungry Lions, the motorhome was swaying on the suspension with the wind as the rain thundered down (this area can have more rain in a day than the UK has in a year!)The morning dawned with the wind calming down and the rain stopping and then surprise, surprise there was snow on the mountains all around us (the first of the winter here) it was a magical scene.We had breakfast in the Milford Sound visitor car park after first visiting the Real Journeys office at the Visitor Centre and booking the nature cruise at 10:30.These cruises at the UK/NZ$ exchange rate are very reasonable and very good value for money.Although it was quite cold and sometimes quite windy with an occasional shower thrown in for good measure the trip was fantastic and one not to be missed, with the snow on the mountains and waterfalls cascading down hundreds of feet from them, rainbows arching over the deep aqua marine water and the occasional bird song from the rain forest it was something really special. We were also spot on with our choice of cruises thanks to Kenrick of New Zealand Frontiers our motorhome supplier who suggested if we were to take a night cruise Doubtful Sound was the one to do and Milford Sound for a shorter one.Thank you Kenrick.An amusing site greeted us when we stopped for lunch at the east portal of the Homer Tunnel, a group of people young and old were having a great time in the snow, from their accents we could only presume they were Australians who had never seen snow before.After a steady drive back along the Milford Road we are back at Te Anau, stopping at the same campsite as Tuesday andWednesday,well it has got under-floor heating in the shower block and a spa!
Saturday 19th April 2008
Snow on the windscreen when we got up this morning!However by the time we had showered and had breakfast the snow had melted and the overcast sky had given way to some sunny periods and that was how it has remained for the rest of the day.From the motorhome we can see that a lot more snow arrived on the higher slopes of the mountains opposite over night.It has certainly turned colder in the last two days so I suppose that winter is nearly upon the people of South Island.We walked down to the main street to the “pie shop” and bought two Venison pies for our dinner tonight, the shop is quite famous for its home made pies and they are only $5.In the afternoon we walked along the shore of the lake to visit the wildlife centreand that is all we have done today, a real relax, getting ourselves “hyped” up for our next destination, Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand.I haven’t decided yet which activity to take part in, I have narrowed it down to two, either bungee jumping or dominoes having greatdifficulty deciding which!
Competition Time
Just for a bit of fun, although there may be a small prize for the winner on our return to the U.K.
Add a caption to the photograph.
The best I can do is
“The South Pole is to my right”
We will have an independent judge who will not know the entrants.
Queenstown (172 Km).A pleasant drive which as usual took us longer than we anticipated. There were some photographic opportunities with snow on the mountains and although at times it was also on the side of the road as we climbed higher by the time we got to Queenstown the snow was only on the mountain peaks.We were surprised at how straight the road was from Te Anau we thought as we would be in the mountains we would be on twisty roads, however, the road seemed to go between them along the valleys floors, only getting more twisty as we drove along the side of Lake Wakatipu.After a walk around the town and sorting out the campsite for tonight we decided to hop on the Skyline Gondola to see fantastic views of Queenstown, the lake and mountains.We stopped at the viewing platform at the top and watched some bungee jumping and the people on the luge (a three-wheeled cart) and also the tandem paragliding.Now who could be so stupid as to hurtle themselves off the side of a mountain sitting in a large nappy with an over-sized handkerchief above them with string attached between that and a belt around the waist?Then land 10 minutes later on what looked like a under-sized handkerchief 3,000 feet below in the middle of the town.Are they bonkers or what?Well Jenny and I had to find out, and it was terrific!! An experience we shall never forget.I’m going to save the dominoes for another day!
Monday 21st April 2008
After yesterdays adrenaline charged paraglide we are having a quiet day to recover and keeping our feet firmly on the ground.We walked to the town which is just 5 minutes away from Lakeview Holiday Park (15 minutes back as it is up steps and a hill) and booked a Photo Safari for tomorrow at the iSITE Visitor Centre we would have preferred to have gone today but it was fully booked (they only take a maximum of 4).The safari is with a international award winning photographer/guide so hopefully we should get some real expert tuition.It does mean an extra day in Queenstown, but we had a spare day anyway so we will be exactly on schedule.We did a bit of grocery shopping and attempted to buy a new pair of walking sandals for me (the “Teva’s” having finally gone to the great cobbler in the sky) unsuccessfully, as the winter season stuff is in the stores so I might have to wait until Sydney.The afternoon was spent driving to Glenorchy (yes I know you all think we are in Scotland) a wonderful scenic 44 kilometre drive along the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Cascading rivers, mountains almost 360 degree around us, plus the many different shades of blue of the lake. Great stuff.
Tuesday 22nd April 2008
Just a walk around the town this morning, purchasing some postcards and a battery for Jenny’s watch.Mike from Photo Safaris http://qccp.co.nz/ picked us up from the holiday park reception at noon and we then collected Paul the other member of our trip in the town before driving along the same road as yesterday to Glenorchy and then taking the 4 wheel drive track including negotiating four fords to Paradise (noun not adjective) stoppingto take photographs with some expert tuition and tips from Mike.Jenny borrowed a Canon camera and quickly got to grips with the various functions that are obviously in different positions than those on our Nikon.The scenery around us was again superb some of the places being locations for both “Lord of the Rings” and “The Chronicles of Narnia”.We also had a stop for tea and delicious Blueberry Muffins supplied by (not cooked by) Mike before making our way back to Queenstown stopping on the way to take other photographs of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu in the early evening sun.Having put both our collection of photographs on the lap top we are very pleased with the results and feel that we have taken another forward step in our photography, which should hopefully show in our future photographs in the website galleries.
Wednesday 23rd April 2008
Lake Wanaka (126 Km).I think we were a bit premature putting our shorts away, we have the most fantastic weather clear blue skies and warm temperatures.After leaving Queenstown we drove just 30 minutes to Arrowtown a place we were told we must see.It retains about 60 buildings from the 1860 gold rush and after being in busy Queenstown found it very quite and peaceful.We indulged in some bread, cakes and pies from the bakery that Mike (the photographer) had recommended, the bread and cake were delicious, the pies we have still to eat.We then continued via the Crown Range Road a very twisty and steep alternative to the main highway, but very much more scenic. One thing we I did miss on the way (and I had my eyes really peeled) was the “Bra Fence” at Cardona (look it up in Google) I can only think that the authorities have had it removed.Spoilsports!SlightlyVery disappointed(me), we arrived in the lakeside town of Wanaka and after getting a good deal on a book exchange at a “second-hand” book shop we had our lunch with the rear doors of the motorhome open,looking out over Lake Wanaka.Having decided to camp on a DOC (Department of Conservation) camp site we found one right on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the Mount Aspiring National Park, for $12 we had a relaxed evening watching the sun go down over the lake and snow-capped peaks. I am sure I have written this next word before, paradise!
Thursday 24th April 2008
Lake Paringa (147 Km). We had plenty of places to see and walk to this morning in factwe only achieved 36 kilometres in the first 3 hours, having stopped at Blue Pools Walk, Haast Pass, Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, The Gates of Haast and Pleasant Flats Shelter, all this in a short drive, we can only imagine what the rest of Mount Aspiring National Park must be like.We are now back on the West Coast and the Tasman Sea although we are just inland at Lake Paringa another DOC campsite with the lake “beach” just yards away.The sunset looked promising with the reflections in the lake, but in the end it was disappointing, however I did have a good chat with a couple of people from Germany and the Czech Republic on the merits of our respective camera tripods as the sun sank down below the mountains opposite. Tomorrow we will be at Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, hopefully this weather will hold so we can visit the glaciers, although we haven’t decided yet what mode of transport and what type of trip to do.
Friday 25th April 2008
Fox Glacier (70 Km).Another great camp-site at Lake Paringa, these DOC campsites are great, just putting your $12 in a honesty box and being right on the lake.The German lad and an English lad both went into the lake for a early morning swim, if I had not already had a shower in the motorhome I may have joined them (or perhaps not) the water seemed colder than Doubtful Sound.We arrived at Fox Glacier and walked the short distance to the glacier terminal face.The sheer size of it we could not comprehend, the solid ice standing so high above us showing the blue colour of the compactness together with the “dirty” colour of the pulverised rock within it.A short drive to the Visitor Centre at Fox Glacier Village to pick up some leaflets on the tours.After a great deal of study we chose the“The Mountain Scenic Spectacular” flight by “The Helicopter Line” and managed to book a flight for the afternoon, taking us on a helicopter flight (a first for Jenny) over Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and the Tasman Glacier, flying first up Franz Josef Glacier, landing on Fox Glacier for a photographic stop (snowball fight included) and then flying back down the Glacier.A trip we thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend.Late in the afternoon we drove the 22 kilometre gravel road to Gillespies Beach and walked along thebeach to a deserted gold mine, kicked the earth a bit to see if they had left any nuggets behind with no success.It was our intention to stay there to watch and photograph the sunset over the Tasman Sea, but the sun on Mounts Tasman and Cook looked so right for a photograph we decided to drive back to one of the scenic lookouts.In the 20 minutes it took us to drive there the cloud had covered most of the mountains and we also missed the sunset over the sea.Oh well, there’s always tomorrow!
Saturday 26th April 2008
Woke up this morning to what I thought wasrain thundering on the motorhome roof, it took me a while (because I was still half asleep) to realise what it was, a Kea (Alpine Parrot) with hob-nail boots was walking up and down on the roof.WhenI got up to investigate the cheeky xxx was peering through the open roof skylight.I can only think he had heard of Jenny’s breakfast fresh fruit salad’s.Because we were able to go on our glacier excursion yesterday it enabled us to have a free day today.We wanted to go to Mirror Lake (another one) and yesterday we were unable to find it, on investigating (Googling) we found Lake Matheson 6 kilometres down the road was one and the same.A 50 minute walk from the car park took us to “Reflection Island” a part of the lake where Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and Fox Glacier reflect in the water.Alas there was cloud over Mount Cook and the local duck population decided to have a frolic, disturbing the mirror calm water, so the photograph we wanted didn’t happen.We walked back to a café for tea and a “Rib-Eye” steak open sandwich and chips, Jenny refused to allow me a slice of Chocolate Mud cake for afters, I suppose one of us must think about my figure.Whilst we were having lunch the cloud started to clear off Mount Cook so we decided to walk back to “Reflection Island”, by the time we got back the cloud had covered it again!We sat on the seat and relaxed, waiting in anticipation of the cloud clearing, it finally did at exactly the same time a breeze sprang up and the ripples put paid to any reflective photo’s.We did take some photo’s from the lookout of the last rays of the sun glowing on the twin peaks ofMounts Cook and Tasman, we also did get some reflective shots of the mountain peaks in the lake so we weren’t disappointed.
Sunday 27th April 2008
Punakaiki (243 Km).Our first stop this morning was Franz Josef Glacier, unfortunately the weather has changed from yesterday and this morning it is quite misty and showery.We did walk along to the glacier terminal but unlike the Fox Glacier where you can walk to within 50 metres of it, the closest you can get to Franz Josef is 200 metres, so all we could see through the mist and rain was very murky terminal ice.We continued to the Visitor Centre in the village to check the weather forecast as we are still a day ahead of our schedule and would have stayed an extra day to see the glacier properly, however the weather forecast for the next couple of days is very similar to today so we have decided to carry on.We had some super close-up views of the glacier as we flew up it in the helicopter on Friday so we are not disappointed.We travelled up the west coast between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, again because of the poor visibility we didn’t see some of the magnificent scenery.We are now at Punakaiki a place we wanted to see for the “Pancake Rocks and Blowholes” because of the diminishing light we only had a quick look and we will return to them tomorrow.Meanwhile “Bangers and Mash” for tea whilst the rain hits the motorhome roof and the heavy seas pound on the beach just the other side of the campsite.
Monday 28th April 2008
Hawdon Valley, Arthur’s Pass National Park (182 Km).A return visit this morning to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes, plenty of pancakes (the rock formations) no blows (the waves being forced through holes inthe rocks creating a great plume of spray.As usual you need to be in the right place at the right time. 10:30 am and the wind coming from the North was not the ideal. 4:37 pm (high tide) and South Westerly is the optimum.We continued the drive back along the coast road before turning inland for Arthur’s Pass again taking the scenic route when we could instead of the main highway.Arthur’s Pass is one of two main routes from the central part of the South Island from East to West and vice-versa, the town of Arthur’s Pass being the highest town in the whole of New Zealand.As you can imagine the road was full of twists and turns and very hilly, the weather not being to kind with mist and rain, we have however stopped for the night free camping on the East side of the mountain range and this evening is dry with clear skies, despite the mist and rain we have had in the last couple of days the weather is still very mild, so I won’t wear my socks in bed just yet.Tonight also we have done some real camping we are by the side of a river with a camp-fire blazing away, the only thing we forgot were the King Edwards!
Tuesday 29th April 2008
Akaroa, Banks Peninsula (196 Km).A wonderful night at Hawdon Valley a true valley where two rivers meet and is completely surrounded by mountains, other than one other campervan there couldn’t have been another person for miles and apart from the odd train on the transalpine track in the distance, not a sound could be heard.An unscheduled addition to our itinerary today as the weather in the mountains towards the West at Arthur’s Pass was not going to be very good andas we are ahead of schedule by a day we have decided to visit the Banks Peninsula South of Christchurch on the East coast a place we did originally have on our “see list”,but drove inland before visiting.So after a leisurely drive stopping for tea and Carrot cake at a bakery in Darfield (thus no further lunch required).We continued our drive to Akaroa and we are stopping at a campsite with a wonderful view over Akaroa Harbour and town andhaving arrived early afternoon we are relaxing in the warm sunshine before exploring the area tomorrow.
Wednesday 30th April 2008
Another one of those advertised “10 minutes to Town Centre”, true, but that’s downhill it takes 30 minutes back (although there were two seats on the way we rested on).What a charming place Akaroa is, a small main street with gift shops, restaurants, and tour booking offices.Then the large bay with the mountains surrounding it, a few years ago, well perhaps millions of years ago it was formed by a volcanic eruption, its obviously left a lasting depression (sorry).There is also a French influence here, with lots of French street names, evidently theFrench tried to nick it some years ago but the British stepped in.It was before Maggie Thatcher’s time so I don’t think any blood was shed!Why is the word bakery like a magnet to me?I was forced to buy tea and a large apple thingy at the local “Bakery and Café”.Nearly lost my cake to a “red-billed Gull” but the chair I swung above my head changed his mind. We continued our walk (or tramp as it’s known in N.Z) to the lighthouse and then returned to the town for lunch.No Cod, Plaice or Haddock here, Blue Wahio and Chips freshly cooked, which we shared between us sitting on the picnic tables outside.Another encounter here with wild life, well actually three pretty kittens, I offered them a chip which they weren’t interested in.They actually wanted some of our fish, no chance, the table I picked up, gave them that message!Actually, as some of you know I am not a great lover of cats, but I must admit I did take a liking to these little creatures.AaaaaaaCHOOOOO!!!Well obviously they didn’t like me!
Thursday 1st May 2008
Christchurch (108 Km).The Tourist Route Summit Road from Akaroa sounded a good idea as the road off the peninsular is the same as we came in on. 37 kilometres and one hour later we arrived at a “T” junction and Akaroa was still only 7 kilometres away!However it was a fantastic drive, probably one of the most twisty and steep we have been on in New Zealand and with just a few wooden crash barriers on some of the curves certainly not a road for the faint-hearted!Or those with heightitis (the fear of heights???? Made that up).We stopped at a Caltex to fill up with diesel and top up the LPG.Before I had hardly got the bottle out, the assistant took it off me and filled it while I was at the diesel pump, again that fantastic New Zealand service.We arrived at the Holiday Park and we then decided to travel into Christchurch City for a look around, $2.50 for the bus right outside the park.However, just before we left I decided to clean my glasses and a lens fell out!Out came the spare pair and the first stop when we arrived in the city?An Optometrist.We soon found one and the technician repaired them FOC.We just window shopped as we shall be doing the touristy parts of Christchurch tomorrow.As we have now reduced our provisions ready for leaving on Sunday, we need a few bits of groceries, so when we returned on the bus back we walked up to the local Supermarket, not realising, surprise, surprise that it was a full size Shopping Mall like a mini Merryhell (spelling mistake intentional as trying to parking there is hell), so a happy hour was spent wandering around there.The spa beckons so we will now soak in that for ½ hour. It’s a hard life!
Friday 2nd May 2008
A bit of a lie in this morning as we are just going into the Christchurch for a look around.The weather has now turned distinctly colder, despite the sun being out and people are saying that autumn has arrived.We had another look around the shops, bought a spare battery for my camera (same price as U.K) and then walked up to the Air New Zealand offices to confirm our flight to Sydney on Sunday.Walked passed three “adult” shops on the way but Jenny wouldn’t let me go in (said I wasn’t an adult), some of the clothes in the windows were interesting though!After a customary cup of tea and a cake (what diet?) and people watching (Jenny’s so nosey) we walked up to the touristy part, the cathedral, a square with entertainers, and the scenic tram.We decided to take the tram ride through the centre, the driver pointing out different interesting places on the way (no mention of adult shops).After this journey back in time we were quite hungry so we decided to have a “slap-up meal” expense no object.It’s a long time since I’ve had A Burger King “Whopper and Fries” and thoroughly enjoyed it.The tram-driver was right, he said the weather was changing, when we came out of the BK it was pouring down so we decided to return to the Holiday Park. Tomorrow is our last complete day in New Zealand and we have chores to do, laundry, van washing and cleaning plus starting topack.Jenny is going to be very busy with all that, so I have suggested she has an early night.Me?Got to save my strength for my “Sherpa” impression Sunday, when I carry the luggage through the airport.
Saturday 3rd May 2008
We obviously are departing New Zealand at the right time, today has been the wettest, windiest and coldest in all our time here.We (yes we, because Jenny had my arm up my back) finished all our cleaning of the van and started packing.We have moved into one of the holiday park chalets for this evening, it was so convenient to just take our baggage out of the motorhome and transfer it to the chalet and with all mod con’s is very comfortable.This evening we drove the short distance to Christchurch Airport to pick up Kenrick of New Zealand Frontiers arriving from Auckland and then went back to the holiday park.We had a good chat with Kenrick until 11.30pm, he was staying overnight in the South Island before catching the ferry to Wellington to return to Auckland.We shall miss our Ford Motorhome our “home” for the last 2 months, it has been extremely reliable and comfortable and also very economical.
Sunday 4th May 2008
A much better morning weather wise, still cold but at least the sun is shining.Afterfinishing ourpacking this morning I went to order a taxi at the reception, however there was a shuttle bus that was available on demand so we decided to use that as it was nearly half the price of a taxi. I am now typing this in the departure lounge of the airport.The security whilst still strict was so much more relaxed than at Heathrow and Los Angeles and at both passport control and baggage x-ray the staff were happy to chat and pass the time of day with you.
Some thoughts on the New Zealand part of our trip.
Our stay in New Zealand has been fantastic, the weather was much better than we anticipatedespecially in the South Island where we expected it to be a great deal colder.We also expected, from the information we had received that we would be bitten to death by Sand Flies, thankfully that was one Kiwi resident that we didn’t see very often.The excursions we went on especially the “Real Journeys” tours were so professionally run and would not hesitate to recommend them to anybody that visits.The most notable being our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, the accommodation was first class, food superb and the crew were tremendous, especially Ben with his commentary both thought provoking and at times very amusing.The helicopter flight around Mount Cook and Mount Tasman with the glacier landing was also a highlight.
With the exception of just two the holiday parks we used were all to a very high standard especially the “Top 10” sites and buying the discount card early in our trip was a wise move, having saved the initial cost of it within a couple of stays.On reflection we wished we had “free camped” more as the places we chose were so isolated and scenic.We also enjoyed the DOC (Department of Conservation) camp sites these to were in some super locations often by the side of a lake or river and we also met some interesting folk from different parts of the world at them.
We anticipated seeing some wonderful scenery but nothing could have prepared us for what we have seen. There seem to be a “wow” factor around every corner, from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South.The amazing thing being that the countryside could change within a few kilometres from flat plains to mountains, lakes and rivers, golden sands to rocky headlands, Rainforest to meadow land.Driving was a pleasure (the cost of diesel even more so), the roads especially in the South Island being so quiet, often we would drive along not seeing another vehicle for ages, the drivers on the whole were much better then those in the UK, the only criticism is they did not feel confident in overtaking, but for the most did stay within the speed limits (with one or two exceptions).We were a bit worried about travelling the gravel roads but some of them were smoother than a tarmac road in the UK.It was quite amazing seeing a gravel road with normal road signs with a 100 km limit.
Finally the people of New Zealand such a cheerful, friendly and helpful nation everybody will speak to you and are interested in where you are from and what you are doing and when they say “have a nice day” they mean it. We met and chatted for ages with some people at various locations, we have heard from some by email since speaking to them.A special mention must be made of Brian and Judy from Wellington who we met at the camping ground at Lake Waikaremoana.Although only knowing them for a couple of days, when we arrived in Wellington took us on a sight-seeing drive around their city andto their home for a barbeque, we nowkeep in touch and they sign their emails “from your Kiwi friends”, we hope we shall either return to New Zealand or they visit us in the UK in the future. Incidentally having seen some of Brian's black and white photography at is home (some taken in London) and the mood that he has captured I have included two of his photographs in the North Island Photo Gallery, take a look you will be impressed.
E noho ra New Zealand People and Thank You.
All images on this website are copyright of Alan and Jennifer Morris and may not be used without prior written permission.
Lake Pukaki (175 Km).
