The South Island ~ New Zealand

“There’s a real purity in New Zealand ….. It’s a unique place because it is so far away from the rest of the world. There is a sense of isolation and also being protected.” – Elijah Wood

Flying from Wellington to Christchurch was a surreal experience.  After checking in our bags, we walked to our gates at Wellington with no security to cross, bottles of water intact in our carry-ons.  The feeling intensified when we arrived in Christchurch and went directly to this newly restored area which was what the entire city looked like before a devastating earthquake wiped it out. 

Modeled for Cambridge or Oxford you have to pinch yourself to believe you’re not walking those venerable halls. The city even has an Avon River, where you can punt. I was looking forward to creating my memories of my visit to Cambridge but by the time I got to the river for punting I was too late and there was no one there. 

Another cute neighborhood around the corner from our hotel.  Apparently, this has been created to simulate California. To me it seemed more European than California but who am I to argue with a local’s perception. 

And no, I did not eat there.  While I did not go with the group to the downtown Market, food court I did eventually make my way there and had a fun time tasting a few different things from the various stalls that included Nepalese momos, Sushi, Samosas, and various other icecream, coffee and chocolate options. 

We set off from Christchurch on the scenic Transalpine Kiwi Rail Express for Arthur’s Pass.  The road to Franz Josef had been closed due to a rockslide and it was not certain whether it would open in time for us to make it to Franz Josef. 

Disembarking at Arthurs Pass we met our coach and made our way towards Franz Josef stopping at some of the gold mining towns on our way. Fortunately the road opened just in time for us.

Aaron our tour manager had been cautioning us that we shouldn’t have high expectations about seeing the glacier because the glaciers have retreated considerably.  And truly there was not much ice or snow to see from the glacier viewpoint

I split off from the group and did what was supposed to be an easier hike but ended up being the prettier one since I made my way to this lake and enjoy a visual feast. 

While a helicopter tour of the glacier was not something our tour company offered as an option a couple of my friends had done it and urged me to definitely splurge on this. What an experience to fly over the pristine white tops of the glaciers and see the Tasman Sea in the distance and waterfalls trickling along the hillside thanks to the snow melt. 

Then began the long journey through some spectacular scenery towards Queenstown.  I felt at times like I was in Switzerland with the sparkling blue of the alpine lakes that we passed and/or stopped at or in Norway with its magnificent mountains and myriad waterfalls. 

Perhaps I should have also included Canada to the countries the scenery reminded me off as we stopped at the Mirror Lakes and walked along the lookout points taking in the scenery and views. 

Then the quirkiness of the Kiwis, the Bra fence.  Don’t recall quite how it got started but it did. Then a local older lady complained, and the police cleared it but soon they were back. Now no matter what they do to clear off the fence, the bras are back and in greater numbers than ever before. 

Finally, Queenstown and our beautiful hotel on the lake.  The sunset that I could see from my room overlooking the lake. Three nights to wake up and go to sleep on this gorgeous view. 

Milford sound was the mecca, the most beautiful place in the world and we would be blown away when we visited.  Of course, that would be the day that the weather gods decided to extract their vengeance for all the gorgeous, beautiful sunshine we had enjoyed in New Zealand. 

While the boat trip down the sound did not meet all expectations, but if you braved the rain you were rewarded by a beautiful view like this.  And you got to see waterfalls all the way home to Queenstown. 

Then the day cleared up and beautiful sunshine greeted us on the other side of the mountain. 

Thus ends the tour portion of my New Zealand itinerary. A goodbye to all the new friends over dinner accompanied by fabulous wine. I still have a couple of days in Auckland before embarking on another portion of my epic adventure, so stay tuned.