We flew into Christchurch to 6 degrees, rain and gale force winds. Beanies, scarfs and extra socks were quickly retrieved from our luggage as we questioned our sanity. As luck would have it; we actually only had 2 days of rain and we acclimatized quite well.
After picking up Jucy, we headed north toward the old whaling town of Kaikoura. Set up camp at the sea side and then set off to explore the area. Tramping along the coast was an orgy of delight from the colony of seals at Otumatu Rock to the spectacular coastal walk.
Onward bound past Nelson to Able Tasman National Park. Here we booked a short cruise into the national park, where we were dropped off to tramp out. Again , mesmerizing scenery confronted us at every turn.
Down the west coast to Fran Josef Glacier. Our camp was a surrounded by snow capped mountains and over looked Lake Mapourika . The township of Frans Josef Glacier is very picturesque but the tramp to the glacier itself was not lush. Granite mountains tower above the glacial rivers and waterfalls trickled from the cavernous alps. Having been to the Grandaddy of all glaciers (Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina), we found it very enjoyable but not thrilling.
Gateway for the ski bunnies; Queenstown is such a delightful place. We did however have an unfortunate encounter with a hobbit of a man demanding that we move Jucy 2 steps over as we were taking too much space. Brad inquired if he was using metric or imperial as his little hairy feet stepped out the alleged overhang.
Marvelous Milford was a highlight. The scenery; sensational. We camped for 2 nights in the DOC camping sites and much to Brad's delight; campfires were allowed. Time here was spent exploring and tramping through this garden of eden. The Gods must have been with us as the sun shone for our cruise on Milford sound.
Cross country to the east coast, Oamaru was the surprise package. We meandered through its Victorian precinct; sampled scotch, ale and fudge. Once again the camp site was beautiful over looking the inlet. This region is also home to the amazing Moeraki boulders. These unusually large and spherical shaped boulders lie on a stretch of Koekohe Beach . reminiscent of dinosaur eggs.
Akaroa; our final stop before bidding our dear Jucy adieu is a little yuppie, seaside town with boutique restaurants and bars. reminiscent of Sorrento in Vic.
In summation. NZ is breath taking. The panoramic views as we motored around the South were recurrently wonderful. The land of the Hobbits is truly a must do!
After picking up Jucy, we headed north toward the old whaling town of Kaikoura. Set up camp at the sea side and then set off to explore the area. Tramping along the coast was an orgy of delight from the colony of seals at Otumatu Rock to the spectacular coastal walk.
Onward bound past Nelson to Able Tasman National Park. Here we booked a short cruise into the national park, where we were dropped off to tramp out. Again , mesmerizing scenery confronted us at every turn.
Down the west coast to Fran Josef Glacier. Our camp was a surrounded by snow capped mountains and over looked Lake Mapourika . The township of Frans Josef Glacier is very picturesque but the tramp to the glacier itself was not lush. Granite mountains tower above the glacial rivers and waterfalls trickled from the cavernous alps. Having been to the Grandaddy of all glaciers (Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina), we found it very enjoyable but not thrilling.
Gateway for the ski bunnies; Queenstown is such a delightful place. We did however have an unfortunate encounter with a hobbit of a man demanding that we move Jucy 2 steps over as we were taking too much space. Brad inquired if he was using metric or imperial as his little hairy feet stepped out the alleged overhang.
Marvelous Milford was a highlight. The scenery; sensational. We camped for 2 nights in the DOC camping sites and much to Brad's delight; campfires were allowed. Time here was spent exploring and tramping through this garden of eden. The Gods must have been with us as the sun shone for our cruise on Milford sound.
Cross country to the east coast, Oamaru was the surprise package. We meandered through its Victorian precinct; sampled scotch, ale and fudge. Once again the camp site was beautiful over looking the inlet. This region is also home to the amazing Moeraki boulders. These unusually large and spherical shaped boulders lie on a stretch of Koekohe Beach . reminiscent of dinosaur eggs.
Akaroa; our final stop before bidding our dear Jucy adieu is a little yuppie, seaside town with boutique restaurants and bars. reminiscent of Sorrento in Vic.
In summation. NZ is breath taking. The panoramic views as we motored around the South were recurrently wonderful. The land of the Hobbits is truly a must do!
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