1. Aoraki/Mtn Cook (2-20)
from Oamaru, all along the Waitaki river with its many hydro-electric dams, the turquoise water on this warm clear sunny day was positively the most beautiful drive the Hippo's ever taken, in all her travels around the world.
The following morning, from Omarama, the drive along lake pukaki, the gorgeous views like the day before continued to be spectacular. never seen water this clear and blue. Like the blue sky fell into the lake. the unobstructed views of Mtn Cook edged closer and closer and with a day fine as this, even with just an occasional white cloud, Mtn Cook showed all its glories. We've hiked up the Tasman Glacier viewpoint and caught Mtn Cook first summit peeking out from the clouds. The Tasman and Hooker valleys looked refreshing and glorious in the early morning sunlight. A horizontal band of white clouds like a string of cotton floated between the tops of the mountains and the valleys below.
Finally in Mtn Cook village, we stood in front of the Hermitage hotel and the 3,724 metres Mtn Cook's south facing peak was in full view. The adjacent peaks had hanging glaciers in permanent stained orange/brown from the australian bushfire smoke on top and clear blue on the bottom. All in clear view. many had said, normally Mtn Cook National park is covered in fog and drizzle. We were so very lucky.
2. doubtful sound overnight (2-16/17)
Halong bay overnight was on top of boating trips. doubtful sound superseded it by far. but getting there was an effort. First we drove from Wanaka to fjordland and boarded a boat at Lake manapouri to traverse to West Arm. Then we boarded a bus to Deep cove where the Fiordland Navigator was waiting for us. 5 decks, ample viewing spaces. The twin rooms were just like the ones on cruise ships albeit a bit smaller. the quad rooms had double bunkers, no doors to the rooms, just a curtain and stairs to a porthole. of course we had the luxury twin rooms. We got caught in the warm storm but the rain and wind only made the journey more spectacular and the views hauntingly gorgeous. Didnt I say I'd have preferred halong bay to be in a rainy foggy day? Well I got it at doubtful sound! we stood on the bow deck
braving the howling winds but the wind felt warm. the views of the triangular glacious mountains in the rain were so beautiful, and at night, pitch black with only 2 other boats anchored just far enough. The only lights were from these boats. Fantastic buffet dinner, variety of salads, pesto chicken, lamb and beef, sweet and regular potatoes. Stuffy looking out the window from our twin cabin the whole time. heaven!
3. beautiful drives, probably the best in all my trips - the drive leaving queenstown along lake wakatipu, so gorgeous. drive along wanaka and hawea lakes, water so blue. drive along lakes Waitaki and pukaki from oamaru to mtn cook - breathtaking! Stuffy stuck to the bus window with eyes and mouth wide open. Never so elated!
4. cook strait crossing (2-10)
We've missed the morning ferry but the 4pm one proved to be a much better choice as the pre-dusk sunrays gave the first view of the south island a surreal sight. Crossing the strait was spectacular as Wellington was finally sunny and the coastline finally free of fog and totally clear. the capital city skyline finally appeared visible. Approaching the south island, the first hills of the arapawa island were lush green, the tops a golden color and the shadows ghostly. the ferry boat entered the Marlborough sound slowly and the late afternoon sun gave both shores an other world look. We were sitting at the bow with unobstructive floor to ceiling window views as the ferry approached Picton, our destination on the south island. I've been to many ferry rides in many countries. This one was the most enjoyable and sentimental one as it was done during my favorite time of the day. it even beats my all time favorite star ferry from hongkong to kowloon. Picton harbour was illuminated by the late sunrays, magical as the eye could see. had we taken the morning ferry, we'd have not encountered Picton so magical.
5. Catamaran sailing on Tasman Bay (2-11)
The Hippo had actually never been on a catamaran with sails. The day was warm and blue skied and the bay water calm and quiet. Not much wind but enough to set the sails for a smooth float on the bay. I sat on the forward crossbeam and could hear the water lapping underneath the tramp that was strung between the bows. Wind and sun on my face. a few fur seals sunbathing and swimming near the rocks. then coffee and cookies came. never so relaxed.
6. hobbiton (2-4)
Does the beer come in pints? I had always wanted to visit all the LOTR sites. hobbiton was exactly like in the movies. of course, it was the actual movie set. Our guide was a very funny Canadian girl who quizzed us on LOTR along the way. At the end of the guided tour, we're offered the included drinks, beer or ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn. Rosie Cotton had the day off, so our guide served as bartender. unbelievable that I was actually there!
7. whakatane (2-4/5)
small town next to the river, 1 street town center, vibrant. Very comfortable spacious motor lodge with individual eco friendly cabins. Stuffy delighted. The serene walk along the river with the view of the enormous hill of the Moutohora whale island. Really liked the town a lot.
8. wanaka (2-15)
the views of the hills on the wanaka lake were so gorgeous I sat by the lake for a whole hour admiring it. the small town spilling out from the lake valley onto the hills. hotel room with view of the lake. so many restaurants offering different ethnic food and bars and shops. Sat with stuffy on the room balcony every evening with icy coke admiring the views of the mountains and lake. very pleasant enjoyable place.
9. franz joseph glacier and fox glacier (2-13/14)
The walk on the moraine to see the now much receded franz joseph glacier. the fox village was so tiny but the surrounding hills so gorgeous. in the clear morning, the hills looked so close and imposing, i just couldnt take my eyes off them. Air was crisp and cool.
Franz Joseph Glacier:
Fox Glacier:
10. hokitika (2-12)
another small town but this one with NZ jade shops. hotel room facing the beach. at night absolute quiet and the beach pitch black. Wonderful hotel room with very nice bathroom. Gorgeous sunset. Stuffy euphorious looking out to the beach from the hotel room. It rained the following morning and everywhere looked romantic.
What a trip! Loved loved NZ! Love to go back!
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