New Zealand South Island Part II

April 13, 2016
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Remarkable Mountains from Queenstown Bob’s Peak

I wrote an initial New Zealand blog shortly after arriving home from that beautiful land: New Zealand Part I.

Since then I’ve had time to process my photos: Click here.

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Gwen and our guide

On this trip we toured the South Island only. Our first stop was Nelson at the very top of the Island.

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The forest from The Lord Of The Rings outside Queenstown

Our next major stop was Christchurch which was a 6 hour drive through brilliant scenery.

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Franz Joseph: Leaving the rainforest headed for the Glacier

Our next stop was Franz Joseph Glacier which is on the other side of the Island. Our journey there included a ride on Kiwi Rail through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Then we drove South along the coast to reach our destination – another day long journey.

  • Hotel: Glenfern Villas
  • Best restaurants: The Landing which was quite tasty for a town of 300 people
  • Favorite Activity: Why the hike up to the glacier through a rain forest of course
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Milford Sound

Our final destination was Queenstown. This was our longest drive, probably around 10 hours with me stopping constantly to snap photos.

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Lake Wakatipu

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New Zealand Rumminations

February 18, 2016

New Zealand! Always wanted to go there. Shortly after moving to Australia in 1978 I heard about the legendary Milford Track and told myself: Self, someday you are going to walk the Milford Track. Well, this year Someday came at least partially. We just returned from New Zealand and visiting Milford Sound. I usually wait until I’ve processed and published all my photos to post our trips but this time I wanted to post a few miscellaneous thoughts on the trip.

We trekked the South Island of New Zealand for a little over two weeks with friends. I’d visited the North Island in 1980 (A story for another day) so decided to forego it this time around.

The Journey and the Outdoors are the attractions on the South Island.

  • The scenery is magnificent; Thus the Journey!
  • Outdoor activities predominate things to do in Kiwi Land; Thus the Outdoors!

Our Itinerary:

  • Nelson is the sea.
  • Christcurch is recovering.
  • Franz Joseph is simply amazing – a glacier in a rainforest.
  • Queenstown is Mecca for young people or seems to be and is the capital of X-sports New Zealand style.
  • Milford Sound scenery is other Worldly.

Everywhere we traveled we met young people working their way around the World. From Brazil, Norway, Canada, USA, etc. Really enjoyed getting to know them.

Oh yes, if you love seafood you’ll love New Zealand. From whitebait to blue mussels to crayfish (lobster) to cod there is quite a variety. If you tire of seafood there is always lamb or red deer venison.

Another highlight of the trip: we used a travel agent and did not kill ourselves planning. We told here generally what we wanted to do and she handled all the details. Thus the trip went off glitch free.

I enjoyed our trip so much I’m considering relocating to the South Island of New Zealand if either Trump, Sanders, or Cruz win the election.

Last but not least – No U.S. Presidential debates or news to speak off.

Note: will publish photos later

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Victoria, Vancouver Island, & Butchart Gardens

July 29, 2015

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For more photos visit my Flicker Album: Vancouver Island Album

Victoria is a wonderful July destination especially if you reside in Texas. We’ve visited Victoria before but never rented a car. This time we did rent a car and ventured out into the Island.

Upon arriving we checked in at Abigal’s Hotel.  Its a fantastic bed and breakfast just a short walk to the Government Street restaurants and shops as well as the harbor.

Victoria

Our first tour was along the coast in Victoria proper through Beacon Hill Park and the Oak Bay area along the coast. Scenic drive along the coast and some high rent neighborhoods. That evening we attended Taste, a wine and food festival. I guess there were 20 vineyards offering the furit of the vine and maybe 10 restaurants. Outstanding! Good thing we walked to the festival.

Sooke

The next day we drove to the seaside village of Sooke for some hiking and to dine at the West Coast Grill. By the time we arrived back in Victoria the International Busker’s Festival had commenced.  In case your as confused as I was a Busker is a street performer.  The Festival last 10 days on numerous stages on the downtown streets and around the harbor. Its all free and quite entertaining.

That evening we ate at our favorite establishment in Victoria Il Terrazzo On Saturday we drove into the Island to Chemainus for a bluegrass festival. We had lunch at Odika Cafe, very good, strolled the town to view the numerous wall murals, and listened to a lot of bluegrass music.

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That night we ate at Aria in Victoria and then drove out to Butchart Gardens. The gardens are world famous and deserve their reputation. Words can’t describe their beauty so I’ve included a few photos. In the Summer on Saturday nights they also have a concert and then a fireworks show. This is Canada and for the geographically challenged its way North of Texas. Therefore the Sun sets late – after 10PM. So you have to stay up pretty darn late to view the fireworks. They were more than worth the late night.

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The next morning we rode the Victoria Clipper ferry back to Seattle.

Victoria Clipper

Footnote: See Victoria/Seattle 2011 for my post on our last visit

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