TravelStream™ news feed for member martinw on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/martinw en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 27 Apr 2005 10:27:24 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109966940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109966940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109966940/tpod.html Wed, 27 Apr 2005 10:27:24 -0400 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Kaikura, New Zealand

Got the 9:30 ferry from Wellington to Picton. The entrance to Picton is through a narrow channel with mountains on each side. Lots of photos being taken by everyone on board.

From Picton I drove to Kaikura. Went to the tourist information sight and looked at a map. The staff said the seal colony was worth going to so I drove there (luckily they warned me the map wasn't to scale and it was a long walk). Got there and saw two seals and about 50 people.

Next day I went whale watching. Nice fast boat takes you several miles out to sea in an area where whales have been spotted. Saw about 5 or 6 whales. They just cruise along the surface for a few minutes and then dive. None of them did anything spectacular but saw the tails go clear of the water as they dived, so it was a good trip. Worth doing.

Went back to the seal colony. Saw a few more seals and fewer people. Took a few photos, but I'll have to wait to get them developed in London so don't know if they are any good.

Had a couple of drinks (local wine) in the town in the evening and then a long walk back to the hotel. The sky was clear and there were a huge number of stars visible. I kept stopping to look - the difference to what I'm used to in London is incredible.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110160680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110160680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110160680/tpod.html Wed, 27 Apr 2005 10:23:51 -0400 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Mount Cook, New Zealand

After seeing whales, seals and stars I drove down to Mount Cook. Early(ish) start. Been driving an hour before seeing anything else on the road heading in the same direction.

In Kaikura the morning was nice and sunny. Further south I got the windier it was. Saw a signpost saying that the road was open but strong winds. Kept getting stuck behind vintage cars. For some reason only one of the drivers was letting people pass. The rest just stuck resolutely to 25KPH and the middle of the road.

On the way went past two lakes - Tekapo and Pukaki. They are an amazing colour. I was going to stop but having spent a huge amount of time behind vintage cars I had to push on.

Getting closer to Mount Cook it got more and more windy and then rain started falling. Huge amounts of rain. Finally reached the hotel and got directed to my 'motel'. Hotel has normal rooms and away from main block chalets and motels. Handily had a covered parking space. Nice place with (water logged) back garden, kitchen, sofa, TV, dining table.

Decided to have a walk even though the it was chucking it down. Got soaked. Went to a cafe and had a bowl of cappuccino (in NZ cappuccino is served in what appears to be a soup bowl with a handle- can't complain as it's nice coffee).Sat in the hotel bar near the log fire watching the rain and wind getting worse. So walked back to my room. Couldn't get any wetter so it didn't matter. By the evening it had settled down to normal rain - so went out and only got damp! TV said wind had reached 180KPH.

In the morning it was nice and sunny, went out into the garden of the 'motel' and discovered a mountain that I hadn't spotted through the rain. I then noticed I had a view of Mount Cook itself. Went out the front and could see more mountains. After breakfast went for a walk to Kea Point, taking several photos. It was lovely morning, but had to pack. Yesterdays clothes were still wet - that's quick drying shirt and trousers and waterproof jacket and boots! So they travelled on the back seat.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1108258980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1108258980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1108258980/tpod.html Wed, 27 Apr 2005 10:18:45 -0400 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Cairns, Australia

On last day in Canberra I went to the Australian War Museum. Another long walk without seeing any other pedestrians and precious little traffic. The museum has major displays on WW1 & 2 and smaller areas on other wars from Boer to Gulf from an Australian perspective. The aircraft area has a Lancaster bomber was crewed by Australians and theres a light and sound show covering one of it's missions. All very interesting.

Then it was off to the airport and a flight to Brisbane. A short walk on landing and a flight to Cairns. The flight to Cairns was busy and it was the first time I've had someone next to me on the trip - and I didn't get the window seat. Still the air crew seemed desperate to give us all the wine they had which helped make up for the lack of view.

Canberra's an odd place. There are massive distances between places, you can walk for ages and not see a soul and then turn a corner and what appears to be the whole population is packed in to one pedestrianised square. On the plus side the lake and the mountains in the background make it a nice place to sit with a drink and look at the views. Things like parliament buildings and the museums are worth seeing. It also has a pub which brews it's own (very nice)beers and sells them in pints! If I go back I think I'll hire a car.

Got a trip to the great barrier reef tomorrow, arranged a short time back. Went the official tourist information office today and arranged a day trip to the rain forest for Tuesday. Looked at the different offers and could hardly spot a difference. So went for mid priced one - not that any are expensive. Cairns has loads of tourist information offices, it took a bit of time for me to find the official one which isn't going to push a particular trip.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110658140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110658140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110658140/tpod.html Thu, 24 Mar 2005 03:13:04 -0500 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Christchurch, New Zealand

Left Queenstown early in the morning, raining again. The weather was interesting in places. I had planed to stop at those very blue lakes again but the rain was so heavy I would have been soaked in a minute. Once I got past the lakes the sun came out. Stopped for a bowl of coffee and a slab of a chocolate based tart thingy, very nice.

The traffic was light so I could enjoy the drive on the twisty roads round the mountains - in the areas that weren't rainy.

Got to Christchurch in hot sunny conditions. Went for a wander as my room wasn't ready. It turned cold and windy very suddenly so I run into a pub I was passing. It had VB, problem was it was a miserable pub so left after one. Went to go out in the evening and it started pouring down so run a few yards to the hotel bar. Sampled the wine list.

Next day sunny again with promise of good temperature later. Got a cab to the gondola which takes you up to the rim of an ancient volcano. There's a small port on the other side. in the distance behind Christchurch you can see more mountains. There are a few walking routes up there so I had wander along the crater rim. Then back down in the gondola. There's a little note on the side of these things. It tells you not to panic if it stops. Which it seems to quite a lot. Stopped three times when I was on it. Each time high enough up for me to enjoy the view for longer.

Back in Christchurch followed one of the city walks and went in to the Canterbury Museum (for those that don't know Christchurch is in the Canterbury region). Interesting place.

In the evening found a Belgian bar. Waiting for delivery of what I wanted so settled on Duvel instead. They also sold Talisker. Problem is the Duvel is so strong I can only have a couple. On the walk back I discovered a chocolate bar called Moro. Really really nice, think I may buy a few before the flight.

Next day nice and sunny. Visited the botanic gardens and had a tram ride. Found an 'English' pub - makes a change from an Irish bar. Watched cricket eating fish & chips drinking Newcastle Brown. Made a change.

It's now my last day out here. First of three flights is this evening. Sitting here in Cathedral Square. It's Sunday morning so the bells are ringing - couldn't have slept late if I'd wanted to as my hotel is in the square. Another sunny warm day promised - the hotel puts a weather forecast in your room each evening.

Christchurch really is like an English town in the centre. Except the river that runs through it is clear - saw an eel swimming along it yesterday. Nice place.

Going to have a bowl of coffee and then follow two of the city walks. Probably go to the art gallery - really smart building. Metal, glass and angles.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110483540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110483540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110483540/tpod.html Thu, 24 Mar 2005 03:05:05 -0500 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Queenstown, New Zealand

Drove from Mount Cook to Queenstown on 7th. Stopped several times to take pictures of the mountains and lake Pukaki. It is the most amazing colour, turquoise is the closest colour I can think of.

Then continued to Queenstown. Arrived to find it hot and sunny. Wandered into the town centre and booked a helicopter flight for that afternoon.

It flew to the Remarkables, a mountain range on the opposite bank of lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. Landed on the mountain so the passengers can get out for a walk. Fantastic views once more. For the next stage of the flight I was moved to the front (we were all told not to touch any buttons beforehand, apparently some people do). Flew over to the Shotover river and looked down on the jetboats. Then over some more mountains, some places where they filmed Lord of the Rings. Over Queenstown and back to the airport. I'd never been in a helicopter before. It was fantastic, I wanted another go.

Next day I was supposed to fly to Millford sound but the weather was foul so it was put off for a day. So had to cast around for something to do on a rainy day. Settled on going on the 90 year old steamship that goes across the lake. Got the first sailing which turned out quite lucky. The boat was packed and it was pouring down so stayed in my seat under cover. On the opposite shore all but a dozen passengers got off. So for the journey back there were a few of us with the boat to ourselves. I wandered everywhere, as the rain stopped the views improved. When I was up by the bridge the captain pointed out fresh snowfall on the Remarkables. Very nice experience having free run of a fair sized boat.

Got back to Queenstown and run round to the jetboat desk. They don't run in the rain but were just about to start again. Got the first run of the day. These things do 85kph, run over very shallow water and turn sharply. The pilot would aim at things and turn at the last second. Then the 360turns which usually result in the passengers at the back getting soaked. Sometimes the middle ones do as well. I was in the middle and got wet a fair few times. The bloke behind me was drenched. After 30 mins heading up the shotover it turns back to the lake. We stopped a few times to look at things and saw how clear the water is in the river Kararau. Very good experience.

Next day another foul morning so went by coach to Millford. The coach had a glass roof so didn't feel as unpleasant as coaches normally do (well to me, I hate coach travel). The weather improved as we went along. The area gets 9 metres of rain a year and after heavy rain there are waterfalls running down the mountains. Looks spectacular.

Got to the boat. It goes along for 45 minutes and out into the Tasman sea. You can then see why nobody knew the sound was there, it just looks like a bay. We then sail back along the opposite bank. The mountains go straight down into the water. Having had heavy rain there were quite a few waterfalls going. Boat has a bar so I could have a beer on yet another streach of water. Good trip.

Get back to land and the weather hadn't improved enough for the flights to start. So another coach trip. Still the views were impressive as we got back towards Queenstown. I actually preferred the views out of the coach to what I saw at Millford Sound.

As I was setting off early the next day that was my visit to Queenstown over. Had a good time, the scenery is spectacular with the lake and the mountains. Also found a bar that stocked VB, which was handy.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110889440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110889440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1110889440/tpod.html Thu, 17 Mar 2005 10:42:51 -0500 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Christchurch, New Zealand

Went on two city walks in Christchurch on the last day. There is a printed guide and the streets have markings on which match with the guide.

It takes you past modern as well as historic sites. Took lot's of pictures. The third walk finished at the hotel, which was handy. Also worked out I finished a reel of film at the last spot. Took a detour to New Regents Street. It's a narrow pedestrianised road, although trams go down there. On the first floor the building fronts are painted bright colours. The building style is that of the Spanish in California.

Then got on a tram to the art gallery. Lot's of good stuff including one called 'is that you Caravaggio'. It's by a New Zealand Artist Kees Bruin and is absolutely brilliant. Put his name into an NZ search engine, he has a web site. The image on there doesn't do justice to the original but it's worth looking at all the same. Quick visit to the Botanic Gardens then off to the hotel bar for a coffee and catch up with the cricket ('what happened?' I asked when looking at the score, New Zealand had collapsed).

Set off for the airport nice and relaxed, not really wanting to leave. Hardly any traffic - never is apparently. Got to the lounge, had a VB and watched the end of the cricket.

Flight to Sydney was smooth, then a two hour wait for the flight to Singapore. Gave me a chance to shower, change and watch TV. Even squeezed in a draught VB!

Flight to Singapore 7 1/2 hours. Managed to get a few hours sleep. Other people seem to spend the whole flight asleep, don't know how they do itThree hours wait to the onward flight. Went to the lounge and made the mistake of reading an English newspaper. Got all confused with what day was what. It's yesterday was my four days ago.

Finally back on the plane and back in my seat. Again people go to sleep, I'm wandering up and down as it's 4pm to me. Drink lot's of water and a couple of VBs. Finally nod off, it's mid-night to me. Problem is we're just about an hour away from London. Feel wrecked after something like 24 hours of flying and being 30 odd hours since I set off.

Then customs at Heathrow. Why are they so grumpy? In Australia and New Zealand customs are polite and friendly. They smile and speak to you. They hand checked the fast film I was carrying without complaint. Here they all look as if their dogs just died and grunt at you. Everythings too much trouble. Charming welcome back home.

Still had a fantastic time out there. Australia and New Zealand are both well worth going to. Want to go back. See some places again, get to see places I didn't see this time.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109815380/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109815380/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109815380/tpod.html Thu, 17 Mar 2005 02:10:12 -0500 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Wellington, New Zealand

Set off for Wellington in the morning. Yet again encountered lots of road works. Road works in the UK and New Zealand a very similar. You sit for ages in a queue then drive past a couple of miles of cones, now and then you spot a workman but not always.

The road takes you up a mountain. I spent most of it cursing the gearbox, engine, breaking and handling of the hire car wishing I had my own car. Still the views were nice.

Much to my surprise I negotiated the one-way system in Wellington and found my hotel without trouble - even getting a parking space. The area is what some people would call Bohemian, lively or trendy. I was just glad I didn't make my living selling shampoo in the area.

Went to the information centre and got a tourist map. Went to a gallery and had a general wander along the water front. Very nice. Much better than Aukland I thought. Then I found a brewery with bar and restaurant attached. Sampled some of the beers, all very nice.

Next day went on the cable car up a hill and walked back to the city through the botanical gardens. Pleasant walk. Very very windy day. Had a look at some buildings, including a huge wooden buiding that looks like it's made of stone. Also had a look at Old St Pauls. A wooden church. Went to the Maritime museum. Watched two films. One was holographic and the actors interacted with the stuff that actually was on stage - smart. The other film was a fascinating account of the sinking of a ferry in 1968 where over 50 people died. Afterwards I did wonder if it was the smartest thing to watch as I was going on the ferry next day! Left the museum to find it had gone from cold, cloudy and very windy to hot, sunny and windy. Somewhat changeable weather.

From maritime along the waterfront to brewery to try the food and the remaining beers. All very nice.

Then on to Te Papa (?) the museum of New Zealand. First thing I saw was the tale of how a Possum went from road-kill to fossil as it reacted with the tar. Had a laugh at that. The place is brilliant - there's a section devoted to the 70's. I managed to spot several items I rememer including two matchbox cars I used to have (probably still have!).

What a great place Wellington is.

Went out in the evening and found that Wellingtonians shared my opinion of Aukland and Wellington(odd that).
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109728140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109728140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109728140/tpod.html Thu, 17 Mar 2005 01:51:03 -0500 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Napier, New Zealand

After a day in Rotorua I headed off to Napier. A city on the east cost that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931. It was rebuilt and a lot of the buildings are in the Art Deco style.

The drive takes you past Lake Taupo (spelling?). The views are terrific. I found out later that it is a flat volcano with a lake in the crater.

Got to Napier and had a look around. There is a shop dedicated to Deco so I got a walking guide from there. Some beautiful buildings - if you like Deco that is, which I do. There's also a steep walk up to a look out point for views around the bay.

I the evening had something to eat and went in search of a pub. Found one, settled down with a beer (can't get VB!) and got invited to join a team for the quiz night. As they were locals I learnt a bit more about the town. It used to have a nice beach but the earthquake pushed up the seabed so they have more land but a not very attractive grey shoreline. Every year it has a deco weekend where lot's of people dress up in 30's gear. Very popular by all accounts. I missed it by a week.

Came second in the quiz then went for a walk along. There's an illuminated fountain near the sea from. The lights change colour as do the water spouts. Looks really good. Some of the trees have lights in them as well.

As the night was clear there were lots of stars on display and the moon was low over the sea lighting it up. Very pleasant walk back to the hotel thinking what a nice place Napier is.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109648520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109648520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109648520/tpod.html Thu, 17 Mar 2005 01:34:17 -0500 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Rotorua, New Zealand

Woke up to very heavy rain on the last day in Aukland. Had to go out so got soaked. Hire car was delivered to the hotel, another automatic with a useless gearbox!

Never really took a liking to Aukland, don't know why. Wherever I ate or drank was good, the staff were all friendly, just didn't find the place itself that nice. It looked better from Devonport. The previous day I had got the ferry across and walked up a couple of extinct volcanoes. The views over to Aukland were great.

Drove down to Rotorua. Drive was easy, fantastic views, got stuck behind the odd truck, but they always pulled over whenever it was safe for them to do so. So can't complain.

Found my hotel despite the map I had having road names one block out. Once I figured out why the map didn't match the scenery I turned round. My hotel room had a balcony which overlooked one of the thermal parks. I could see the 'prince of wales feathers' and the 'pohutu' geysers from my room as well as some boiling mud. Fortunately I couldn't smell them. Could here the boiling mud though.

Visited a thermal park anyway. Snapped away with a camera - lots of steam and discoloured rocks.

In the evening walked into town (30 mins but no hills hurray!). Found a pub/resteraunt which brewed its own beer. So tried a few different beers with my dinner.

Walked back to the hotel and had another couple of beers watching the geysers as night fell. Very relaxing. I liked Rotorua, even if it does smell of sulpher.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109533620/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109533620/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/martinw/oz-nz-2005/1109533620/tpod.html Wed, 16 Mar 2005 06:16:05 -0500 Ilford to Australia and NZ (and back again, pity)

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Aukland, New Zealand

Had a few hours to kill in Melbourne as at was a late flight. Thought of going to watch some cricket at the MCG. As the weather was a bit changeable decided to go to the botanical gardens instead. Pleasant place for a walk. Then went to the pub I'd been using for a few very slow VBs.

Got to Aukland at 1 in the morning. As seems to be the norm as soon as I started eating on the plane we hit turbulance. Made a quick grab for the wine. Funny thing was that everytime the hostess went to top up my wine or water the turbulance got worse. Spilt lots of water - no wine though!

Been to the top of the Sky Tower to get views over the city. Yesterday went over to Devonport by ferry and went on a walk that involves two extinct volcanoes. Neither are very tall so easy to walk. Give good views though. I think Aukland looks better from the bay than up close. The Sky Tower definately looks better at night than it does in the day.

Pick up my hire car in an hour and start the drive southwards. I think I've got an automatic again. Hope it's a better gearbox than the last one.
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