davewatson5

Friday 28th October Friday morning involved a short drive down the East Coast from Kaikoura to Christchurch. Unfortunately, it was a rather painful experience as Han had the most almighty hangover. Thursday night was spent at "The Whaler" pub in Kaikoura where we thought we'd try our luck in yet another quiz. After round 1, we had 100 percent correct, but the topic for round 2 was horses, so we thought we wouldn't stay ahead "furlong". However, somehow we scored full marks again. With no modern music round to expose our inadequacies, we won!! Ergo, we had to utilise a $50 bar tab before the place closed. As a result, Friday night in Christchurch was a relatively quiet affair, with Han retiring early and Dave frequenting a bar (after first vetting the occupants for sufficient displays ... read more

Tuesday 26th October: Up and out for brekkie overlooking the beautiful lake Wanaka. The sun is shining and this is the first day in New Zealand that feels like Summer. We decided that we're running a bit short on time, so instead of driving for a few days to see Milford Sound, we booked a flight from Wanaka over the Southern Alps and into Milford. We had to share our private jet with another couple, which was just not what backpackers of our standards expect!! This is the way to see New Zealand scenery - it was such a clear day and the lakes look really blue, even from 10000 feet. Dave allowed his co-pilot,Dean, to sit in the front with him, and I nestled in the tail with the machine gun. Dave reckons this is ... read more

Saturday 23rd October: Up this morning for our free brekkie (as negotiated by Dave at the Ibis). We then went to the internet cafe to book our crossing to Picton in the South Island. While there, Han decided to pursue the money-saving option by booking tonight's accommodation in Nelson in advance. Han spotted a "mystery hotel" option where you don't know what you're getting until you have booked, but it then only costs 45 pounds a night for both of us. Why not, eh? Upon confirmation of the hotel, we were awarded the Grand Mercure Nelson - voted the best hotel in Nelson and usually costing $300 a night. Yippee. We boarded the ferry at about 2pm and the water was like a mill pond. We got a good view of Wellington and the Westpac stadium ... read more

Thursday 21st October: After failing miserably to experience any thermal immersion first-hand in Rotorua, we got up early to explore the Lake Taupo region. Chauffeur Dave was given strict instructions to head for the first bit of steam you see. Luckily, the Severn Valley Steam Railway doesn't stretch this far, so the target burst of steam led us nicely to Waikiti Thermal Pools. It was a really cold, windy day so Dave was a little unsure about getting stripped off to bathe outdoors. However, a quick 360 degree spin in the closest phone booth morphed him into Dario (minus the ponytail, David!!) and he braved the elements like a trooper. Waikiti consists of 6 outdoor thermal pools, heated to between 39 and 42 degrees celsius, and set against the beautiful vista of the NZ mountains. After ... read more

Sunday 17th October: After a good flight, we arrived in Auckland at 04:30am where the hire car was ready and waiting. "Satnav Dave" with his in-built compass found the hotel with ease and we were granted early check-in at no extra cost and with a smile. So far, New Zealand is ticking all the boxes. We slept until 1pm but there are places to see and adventures to be had, so we dragged ourselves out of the very comfy beds and went to explore Auckland city. We headed for the Skytower as the most obvious landmark - Dave is scared of heights but very bravely stood on the reinforced glass floor 270m up(proud of you babe). However, we then watched a couple of people take a tower jump and Dave decided this was a step too ... read more