Chritchurch
Trip Start
Jan 28, 2008
1
10
42
Trip End
May 27, 2008
Aukland,
New Zealand
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Busy, busy and computer connections not as available as I thought. After Rotorua there was a long 6 ½ hour trip down through the middle of the North Island past more thermal springs,deep dark forsts, around a big lake (Taupo) with sailboats, and all this along the main north/ south highway just a one lane each way round. Some of the bridges only have one lane period and signs that say which way has priority. Watch out for the next tandem trailer truck coming around the corner and he has the right of way,
We spent 3 nights in Wellington the capital, a little cool and a bit of rain but only heavy rain when we were safely back at the hotel and overnight. We spent Sunday morning abourd the Interislander over to Picton on the South Island. We passed the Cunard Queen Victoria cruise ship arriving in Auckland on her maiden voyage, turned the corner into the Cook Strait and encountered heavy seas, Sounds of upchucking everywhere. Cheryl and I were alright, not having had a big breakfast and staying up top in the fresh air. just as quickly the seas stilled, and we passed through many islands, steep hills on other sides.
We got our other rental having left the Outlander in Wellington. This time we got a Ford Focus. Not the same standard but quite all right and better on gas. Nothing is cheap here. Gas is $1.70 a litre which, wheen converted works out to about $1.16 CDN.
We followed the north coast on a windey and very scenic drive to Nelson. Unfortunately we missed the Wine Festival and open air opera presentation but perhaps it was just aswell as we may not have found accomodations on Sat. Nelson is a great place warm(24C) and the home of the world's most famous ring,,,The Ring from the Lord of th Rings. We were supposed to take a picture but forgot when the stores opened the following morning.
We've been lucky leaving our bookings to early afternoon each day, Hope the good luck continues. Motel costs range from $100 to $165 NZ but include most kitchen equipment, once a hot tub and two other tims a pool. One other motel on the North Island was right on the beach.
Today we drove through the interior, more mountains, great views, and along the coast....seals basking on the rocks 30 feet off the main highway. This place is full of surprises. Sure hope I can upload my pictures.
Comments
Gas creeping up
Glad the motels have worked out for you so far and that you are getting around well. Gas is creeping up here as well, we're not far behind now at $1.05.
Enjoying following along with you.
John & Cindy
Up again
Up to $1.09 now. Hope it goes back down before you come back.
John & Cindy