New Zealand ~ South Island

Posted by Ray

Posted on September 26, 2008

We arrived in Christchurch on the back of an action packed couple of weeks on the east coast of Australia. Expectations were high for New Zealand due to the numerous good feedback accounts and seeing how well Jonny and Joe had got on a month previous (see jealousofjonny.com in July)

One can see both islands in a number of different ways. Renting or buying a car\mobilehome for your stay is a good choice if you have a rough idea where all the good locations are. The other option is to take a package bus tour with either the Kiwi Experience, Magic Bus or Stray.

We picked the Kiwi Experience as it was the most reputable one and at the time had a 20% discount. The Gumbot Pass gave us a loop of both south and north islands including along the way the main attractions amongst the big towns and cities.

Flying into Christchurch was definitely a sight to see. With clear blue skies the Southern Alps range covered in fresh snow really stood out for all to see. The purchasing of heavy jackets in Sydney would be a very good investment after witnessing that. From a nice 25 in Australia the temperature would rarely see above 10 in south New Zealand.

We stayed at Base backpackers in the main Christchurch square. A perfect location for walking around town and taking in the sights. On our stay in New Zealand we actually stayed on three separate occasions. This was due to our bus trip starting and finishing in Christchurch and our return flight from Christchurch to Auckland for the WRC Rally.

Christchurch though a nice city had little to offer. We rented bikes one day and cycled to the coast and passed the Crusaders stadium on the way home. The highlight of the day being the amazing fish and chips, some portions. The seagulls got a good feed that day. Our calf's and behinds got some workout also. Ray getting the "Unisex" bike, as the lady from the rent shop put it. No, it was a girls bike, which had a really low broken saddle. Never again I tell ya!

Our stay in Christchurch was delayed by a day due to the bad weather forcing some roads to close. Not a good start to the trip, but we just chilled out. The following day we hit the road in a minibus with cups of soup in hand. We met up with our main group for the next few weeks after a couple of hours drive through the mountainous landscape.

Our first stop on the trip was Westport. I know its a small town and we were there on a Sunday but what a ghost town. Absolutely nothing going on or to do. The day leaving Westport we got our first activity under our belts. Davy and Ray went "Jet Boating" and young Tayto (Dec) went horse riding. Personally I found Jet Boating a complete waste of money, $70 that could of been spent somewhere else. Not exciting and a Jet Boat cant do a 360 turn. Dec however did enjoy his horse riding. He`ll be turning pro in the near future folks.

Our Next stop was the famous "Poo Party" in Punakaiki. This pub is located in the middle of nowhere, but has a big association with the Kiwi Experience bus. Run by owner Les, 87, each bus stays here for one night and gets dressed up. Our theme was "Dreams and Nightmares". With limited resources Davy and Ray came up with their worst possible nightmares, becoming scouse for a night. Davy turned into "Mickey" and Ray into "Jamie" for the night of fun. The Salvation Army shop threw up some interesting trackie tops and tacky accessories and only for a couple of bunks. Bargain. Dec found slim pickings at the Salvo shop and opted for the stock Dublin GAA outfit. Not a bad choice. The night itself was good fun where the group mingled around and got to know each other. Our mate, the real scouse, Andy, happily donned the Man Utd shirt for the night. Good sport son, you know its your true colours.

The following day we arrived into Franz Josef, a little late due to the bus breaking down. Dec went Kayaking for a couple of hours and thoroughly enjoyed. Franz Josef is famous for its large historic glacier and spectacular views. I decided on doing the glacier hike, which didn't disappoint. Something that ill never forget for awhile. A good challenge to complete the day long hike through a glacier which was dangerous at the time due to the recent snow fall. Our cool guide Kevin took the group on new trekking lines through some amazing ice formations and down deep blue crevasses. A definite must if you get the opportunity.

We moved further south along the west coast passing Greymouth and reaching Wanaka. A nice up and coming snow resort town, which has an interesting puzzle world, a definite challenge with a hangover.

Onto Queenstown then. This town being the most famous place backpackers visit due to the large number of attractions and busy nightlife. Theres not allot you cant experience here if money is no object. With funds tight we picked out the best activities to complete. Snowboarding on the Remarkables Peaks was a really fun day out. We weren't quite like ducks taking to water, but the more falls makes you more determined to get it right. Ray and Dec looking for something a little more heart stopping completed the notorious Ben Nevis Bungy Jump. At 134M, freefalling for 4 seconds and lasting for a total of 8 seconds, this folks is not for the faint hearted. I think we both experienced spiraling emotions before the big plunge. On the day though everything went smoothly and no one in the group backed down to the challenge. The famous words of "1,2,3,Bungy" rang out from the supervisor and you just launch yourself off the platform. With sensory overload you cant quite workout wants happening. On the way back up you only realise what just took place. Next on the cards is the largest Bungy in the world. Maccau just off Hong Kong. At 233M its the real deal.

After staying nearly a week in Queenstown we made tracks back to Christchurch to catch a flight to Auckland for the rally. The rally will be covered in the next post. Coming back from the rally we left Christchurch for the last time and stayed in Kaikoura for the night. A nice coastal town on the north east of the island. We stopped off to get a few snaps of the New Zealand fur seals. Cute but a tad smelly.

Next onto Picton where we caught the ferry to Wellington in the north island. The south island really puts New Zealand on the map. With spectacular scenery everywhere you luck, the mountainous landscape either covered in trees, rainforest's or snow to the endless rugged coastlines which attracts fishing enthusiasts to whale and dolphin watchers. I think we`ll all be back some time.

Flying Into Christchurch

Christchurch Square

Ray At The South Pacific Ocean

Fitz At The South Pacific Ocean

On The Journey Through To Westport

Jet Boating

Along The West Coast

Cool Rock Formations

Alright Mickey Calm Down

Mickey, Andy & Jamie

Thumbs Up Son

The Lads Enjoying The Poo Party

The Kiwi Gang

Just Outside Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier

All Kitted Out

The Hiking Group

The View From Mid Way Up The Glacier

At Mirror Lake

Getting Lost In A Maze, Puzzle World

Illusion Room

Lean Back

Looking Down At Queenstown

Davy Stoked About Snowboarding

Limbering Up

On The Kiddie Slope

Happy With A Long Day Boarding

Teapot Time

Enjoying Queenstown At Night

Big Ben Nevis

Before The Jump

No Turning Back At This Stage

Trying To Stay Cool

The View Down

Freefalling Tom Petty Style

Codys Bourbon Cola

Seals At Kaikoura

Its A Dogs Life

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