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Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Christchurch
May 22nd 2007
Published: August 9th 2007
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Kiwi RouteKiwi RouteKiwi Route

This is the map showing the route we are taking around the South Island and then up North on the Kiwi Experience bus.
New Zealand

Hey all hope all is well at home. Here is the latest installment of our RTW trip. We have now been in NZ for a while.

The map above shows the route we are taking around NZ. We are using the Kiwi Experience bus which is a backpacker bus that loops around the two islands of NZ. The bus has a few free excursions / walks and also shows you a few places you might not otherwise see. You can hop on and off at the different stops providing you make sure you are booked on one of the next buses. We started in the South Island from Christchurch and looped up around the Island stopping at Kaikoura, Nelson, Westport, Lake Mahinapua, Franz Joseph, Wanaka, Queenstown and then both Christchurch and Kaikoura again for a night each before making our way up to the North Island via ferry. Travelling on the bus is pretty relaxed compared to travelling independently as the driver takes care of all your accommodation and the majority of the trip bookings for you so its all pretty straight forward. We all agreed that we couldn't do it for too long though as at
The Holy GrailThe Holy GrailThe Holy Grail

With Simon and a Giraffe of beer at the Holy Grail pub in Christchurch
times you just feel like you want to get away from the crowds.

There are also innevitably a few pretty annoying people/groups on the bus (who are away spending Daddy's money getting pissed and not really seeing anything). No one was that upset to hear for instance that one lad who was particulalrly annoying broke his arm whilst drunk one night and was also arrested and fined $400. Having said that it's never difficult to find a decent bunch of people on the buses and on the main bus we used in the South Island we had superb driver and a large group of people who were a lot of fun as you will read later.

During our stay in the South Island we were also blessed with a visit from Mr and Mrs Bowyer who arrived in Christchurch (with the returning Marie in tow). They arrived a day after me and Fraser arrived. They had a car hired for their trip as they had a bit less time and wanted more flexibility. Marie joined them in the car whilst Fraser and I spent some time with them at the start and end of their trip in Christchurch
Snow ploughSnow ploughSnow plough

The three of us on a snow plough in the Antarctic center
and Queenstown together with 2 or 3 random nights in the middle. We will only mention their trip where it coincides with ours so check out Laura's site on facebook if you want to see there pictures.

Christchurch

We arrived in Christchurch from Melbourne. On arrival we checked in to our hostel and had a fairly dossy afternoon much of which was spent in the hostel bar (and later casino). This night turned to be a rather heavy one and when Marie and the Bo's arrived the next afternoon we had to persuade Fraser to get out of bed to go for a catch up session in an awesome sports bar (it wasn't too difficult). We all spent the afternoon catching up and then met up again after dinner for a few more beverages before hitting the sack fairly early to be fresh for a big days sightseeing the next day.

The next morning we went to one of NZ's top attractions the Antartic Centre which was pretty rubbish. Had some penguins and a simulation storm which was fun but other than that it wasn't worth the entry fee and trip out of town. In the afternoon
Eskimo tentEskimo tentEskimo tent

Keeping warm during the simulated storm
we headed up a mountain on a Gondala ride. This offered pretty awesome views - although in hinsight these probably pale in comparison to other areas of the South Island. At the time we were NZ virgins though and hadn't yet experienced how beautiful the country is. Now on the other hand no one objects to driving past a snow capped mountain or awesome lake without taking a photo having seen so many. At the top of the Gondola ride Laura and Marie settled in for a glass of wine while Fraser, Andy and the Bow hired mountain bikes and did a 16km bike ride down (partially off road) before meeting the others at the bottom. In the evening the hostel crew headed over to the Bowyer's luxury appartment for some cards which was followed by a BYO curry. In the morning Fraser and I went our seperate ways on the Kiwi bus (though we did meet up briefly in the evening in Kaikoura).

Kaikoura, Nelson, Westport and Lake Mahinapua

On the journey to kaikoura we stopped at a seal colony for some photos before arriving in town and checking in. The afternoon was spent on a boat
SnowstormSnowstormSnowstorm

THe three of us with the Bows at the antarctic center
whale watching where we saw an enormous sperm whale a couple of times, together with dozens of dolphins and seals performing tricks. In the evening we had a barby and beers with some people from the bus before catching up with the Bo's and Marie briefly then finishing the evening with videos.

The next day we boarded the bus to Nelson stopping at a winery on the way and a doing a short walk by a lake. We stopped at a really nice hostel and had an awesome dinner and beer tasting session rounding the evening off with some beers in a pool hall with various mates from the bus.

The next day we headed to Westport stopping at Nelson Lakes National Park for a walk in the forest and a visit to one of the spectacular lakes in the area which was surrounded by mountains. Prior to arriving at Westport we stopped at an activity centre where you can experience jet boating, horse trekking ans quad biking, however we opted out due to a need to save money for future more adrenalin fueled activities. We checked in to the hostel, watched a couple of films (a good
Blue penguinBlue penguinBlue penguin

The only animals at the antarctic center - dissappointing, were hoping for polar bears. We nicknamed this one Swarbs.
way to save money) and then headed out to the pub for some drinks with the a group of about 40-50 from the two buses. It was a good night and we were both well behaved returning at 2ish which paled in comparison with those who stayed out all night and received a free breakfast for there efforts.

The drive the next morning was on what is described in the brochure as - "the spectacular West Coast Road that stretches 435kms along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through diverse landscapes, which never cease to amaze both locals and visitors alike." It was however raining and the windows steamed up so we listened to music and chatted, stopping for a few photos and at the lovely Greymouth to buy costumes for the evening fancy dress party (theme - anything but clothes). Fraser and I brought some fake grass and went as half a football pitch which won us Bungy DVDs and photos valued at $160 NZ. We finished 2nd to Sabrina one of our "front seat buddies" from the bus who had a superb Octopus costume. Well worth the effort. The fancy dress party is held at the
Up the gondolaUp the gondolaUp the gondola

At the top of the gondola in Christchurch - don't worry Simon, Laura had the camera strap around her neck!
legendary Mahinapua Hotel known as the “Poo Pub” (a traditional West Coast Pub) in a village with a population of 1). As there were two buses, there were about 100 people out and the evening as well as the feast layed on was a lot of fun. See the pictures for a better idea of the night. The place is run by an ex all black called Les who is a legend: out every night out till 3am and then awake by 8am to see the buses off. He aledgedly told someone I don't mind if you puke, fight, smoke, drink, but just don't get stains on me carpet. He also patrols his grounds to make sure nothing illegal happens and aledgedly caught a lad on the job when he had a girlfriend at home and posted the photo on the internet and named and shamed him. Class.

Aaaah, great days.

Franz Joseph, Wanaka

The next destination was Franz Josef stopping on the way at the Bushman’s Centre where we were given an insight into how people make a living on the coast with sphagnum moss growing, old timber-milling techniques, possum trapping and helicopter deer recovery. The
Biking down the mountainBiking down the mountainBiking down the mountain

Setting off on our 16km bike ride down the mountain
latter was the funniest with people jumping out of helicopters on to deer's backs. Franz Josef Glacier Village is nestled in the Westland National Park and is arguably one of the most spectacular places in the world. The first afternoon was spent Kayaking and being mauled by sandflies. The Kayaking was fantastic with awesome views over the lakes and of mountains. We were however slowed somewhat by a Japanese couple and boy who couldn't seem to work out how to paddle and who we constantly had to wait for. We had a fairly quiet night meeting the Bo's and Marie in town for some 2 for 1's. Apparently their latest night to date ending at 10pm (somewhat later than there standard 8pms).

The next day we did a full day ice treck on the Glacier itself and words can't really describe the experience. Pretty tired by the end of the day but well worth the money. You can see what an awesome place it was from the photo's. Fraser and I also jumped in an ice pool towards the end which was to say the least freezing. Tried to put on a brave face when jumping in but within
Sleepy fur sealSleepy fur sealSleepy fur seal

One of the many seal colonies visited around Kaikoura - they stink!
about 10 seconds, you are scampering towards the edge. Finished the day with a hot tub and some beers in the hostel bar (surprise).

On the next day we had to get up riduculously early to catch a shuttle to the sky dive centre. There were supposed to be 9 of us diving in total and we got taken up two by two in a tiny plane. It was very cramped with the two of us and two big instructors. We had a 20 minute scenic flight over the mountains and fox glacier which was superb and then both jumped out a plane from 12,000ft. The guy I had (Andy) was mental and appoached the landing strip at 40-50kph which was awesome. The views and the sensation of freefall were absolutely stunning and both of us can't wait to do it again sometime when we have more money (Australia and NZ have really hit the bank balance).

After our flight the last dive was cancelled due to weather conditions (our one almost was) and we boarded the bus which picked us up on the way through to Wanaka.

Wanaka was a superb little town and we had
Sperm whaleSperm whaleSperm whale

Sperm whale diving in Kaikoura
an evening at a pub where a party had been organised for our driver (Andy) who was on his last trip and was partying hard for the duration of it. He was a very good driver and really contributed to such an enjoyable South Island experience. Simon came along and joined us with Marie and Laura having a night in and proceeded to try and get us a little drunk by getting the absinths in. We did get fairly tipsy but it was Simon who ended up going home, almost getting in to bed with Marie, waking up Laura, plastering the bathroom and chucking Marie's hair straighteners accross the room. In the morning we went to puzzle world which has all sorts of illusions, a maze and various puzzles. It was actually a pretty cool place though the lack of sleep the previous night meant we didn't really have the patience for the maze.

Queenstown, road trip to Milford Sound and Queenstown again

By the time we reached Queenstown we had already had several large nights out with a lot of the people we got on well with from the bus and Queenstown was the culmination of this.
Dolphin jumpingDolphin jumpingDolphin jumping

One of over 50 dolphins we saw on our whale watching trip
Not much time was spent sleeping and we had a few really good nights. On our first evening there, there was a toga party and we purchased children's patterned sheets and made togas from them. Fraser made the top three and received a few free drinks. Won't go on a lot about the people we met as that would be pretty boring for those of you at home, but there was certainly a range of very funny people. See some of the pictures to get an idea. As well as drinking in Queenstown we also had a couple of meals out with the Bowyers, and did a few activities. We both did the Nevis Bungy (134m - 8 1/2s freefall - the second tallest in the world). This was a massive adrenelin buzz and a real challenge given neither of us are particularly keen on heights. The same afternoon we went to the Canyon swing which is similar to bungy with a swing at the end and various jumping styles (60m freefall and 200m arc). We both did a style of jump known as gimp boy where you are supended by your feet looking face down at the canyon when
Fur sealFur sealFur seal

Another stinky seal
you are released. Very scary. I (Andy) did a backwards jump which is one of the worst. You have to lean backwards and you see the platform disappearing away from you as you fall and you can't see the ground. Fraser started this one but changed his plan and went for a running jump. The nerves aren't helped by the friendly team who make comments like:
- This strap looks a bit loose but the other one should hold.
- Can you shuffle a bit to your left otherwise you might hit the cliff.
- Oh so you did the Nevis this morning I hear THEY have never had a fatality. I used to work for them before I got sacked for turning up drunk
- Did you see who I just took off 3 harnesses and replaced the with one (grinning sadisticaly)

Or my personal favourite just as you have leant to far backwards to stop your fall, "shit shit you are not attached stop." - Funny lads!

Whilst in Queenstown we also got a cable car up the mountain and did some luging which was fun and a few other bits and pieces.

From Queenstown
Center of NZCenter of NZCenter of NZ

In Nelson at the center of NZ viewing point
we
decided against doing the Kiwi trip to Milford Sound which involved 10hrs on the bus for 2hrs at the sounds. We instead hired a car between 5 of us (us three, Ally - a girl from near Heathrow who consumed a lot of vitamins and Luke). We drove to a place called Te Anua where we stayed for two nights and used as our base for visiting Milford sounds and other surround sights. It was a really fun trip and nice to get away from the constant partying/crowds and relax a bit. Having said that, Ally and Andy did manage to drink till 3am one night in one of the quietest places we have been to. Milford Sounds was beautiful (if a little cold) as were many of the other sights we visisted including a lake myself (Andy) and Luke decided to swim in which was very cold (the beach was called 'Frasers beach'). Another personal favourite place was 'Knobs Flat' - see the photo. We also visited a fantastic museum with exhibits such as a washing line with mouldy toast clipped to it. Barely worth the 40p entry. Fraser and Marie did the driving and loved the roads
GreymouthGreymouthGreymouth

Night out in Greymouth - we left at 2am, others didn't go to bed!
which were empty, straight and beutiful. As you would expect Marie and Fraser obeyed the speed limit (in places such as when coming to a stop and leaving a parking spot). Luke and Ally were a really good crack.

We arrived back in Queenstown and had one more night out with Ally and Luke and some of the others still around. It was a huge night which was unwise with the 450km bus journey the next day. Oh well. It was also the night of our second Fergberger - the best burgers around (see the menu at the bottom).

Christchurch, Kaikoura and beyond

The one night stops in Christchurch and Kaikoura where pretty unevenful. A few films, bit of internet shopping etc. We had visited them before and done most of the main things so were happy enough to relax. From Kaikoura we headed up to Picton to catch the ferry to the North Island. On the way we stopped at yet another seal colony - we didn't even get off the bus! We boarded the ferry at 1pm and arrived in Wellington (North Island) 6 beers later at 4pm having spent the journey playing cards on
Greymouth pubGreymouth pubGreymouth pub

With Sabrina, Jan and Ally from our Kiwi bus
the ferry with some new buddies (Cathy, Hazel and Lydia) two of whom we decided to room with in Wellington. Thats where we will pick up on our next blog.
Random facts:

- A peanut is not actually a nut rather a legume.
- Swarbrick lost fanatsy football.
- Luton missed out on the playoffs.
- 18 year olds in groups can be annoying.
- Marie is concerned about her age.
- Adrenalin activities cost money - a lot!
- Whilst beer is cheap in NZ the cumulative cost is expensive.
- NZ beers are much better than neighbouring Australia.
- NZ pubs are much nicer that the Australian counter parts.
- Throwing yourself off things is a lot of fun.
- Swimming can be very cold.
- It can sometimes make you upset to look at your banks.
- Sand flies are irritating.
- Marie has a new nickname.
- The worlds best burgers are made in NZ at Fergburgers.
- If you're lazy and need a fergburger but can't be bothered to walk it is possible to pay a broke 19 year old to fetch it in exchange for half the burger (Marie).
- Fergburgers are a
ChristchurchChristchurchChristchurch

Andy in deep conversation with them about something. Apparently even though Fraser wasn't that way inclined he would do because they had "found a mountain bike rider"
way to a ladies heart (Marie's knees were weak).
- There is a Fergburger appreciation society.
- The local authorities in Argentina are gearing up for Sanjay's arrival.
- Jimmy is still joining groups on face book, but less than Michael Goddard.
- Simon did a shoe in Wanaka.
- Steph and Steve Burgin still haven't accepted Andy and Fraser's invitations for them to join facebook.

Fergburger menu. (roughly $2.6NZD to the pound)

The Fergburger $8.50
Prime New Zealand beef, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli & tomato relish

Fergburger w/cheese $9.00
Prime New Zealand beef, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli & relish with your choice of Edam, Blue, Brie or Swiss cheese

Southern Swine $10.00
Prime New Zealand beef, streaky bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, aioli & tomato relish

Tropical Swine $11.00
Prime New Zealand beef, American streaky bacon, edam cheese, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli & tomato relish

Mr Big Stuff $14.00
1/2 lb of prime New Zealand beef topped with melted edam cheese, American streaky backon & bbq sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion & aioli

Little Lamby $10.00
Prime New Zealand lamb, mint jelly, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli
Pancake rocksPancake rocksPancake rocks

One of the spiritual sites in NZ
& tomato relish

Sweet Bambi $10.50
Prime New Zealand cervena with a thai plum chutney, lettuce, tomato, red onion & aioli

The Codfather $12.50
Fresh Blue Cod, beer battered with Ferg’s dill tartare, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and aioli

CockadoodleDoo $10.00
Grilled chicken tenderloin with sundried tomato tapenade, lettuce, tomato, red onion & aioli

Bombay Chicken $10.50
Grilled chicken tenderloins marinated in a chilli, ginger & coriander yoghurt with cucumber raita, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli & mango chutney

Cockadoodle Oink $11.50
Butterflied & crumbed chicken breast, American streaky bacon, avocado, lettuce, red onion, aioli & tomato relish

Sweet Julie $10.50
Grilled chicken tenderloins marinated in a ginger soy sauce dressed with sweet chilli, lettuce, tomato, red onion & aioli

Cock Cajun $10.50
Grilled chicken tenderloins rubbed with cajun spices, cooled with a lemon yoghurt, lettuce, tomato, red onion & aioli

Holier than Thou $10.00
Tempured tofu with a spicy satay, coconut coriander sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, alfalfa & aioli

Bun Laden $11.50
With falafel patties dressed with a lemon yoghurt and chipotle chilli sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, avocado & aioli

And here it is...
The
At the pancake rocksAt the pancake rocksAt the pancake rocks

With Aly and Sabrina at the rocks
Big Al $15.00
Al delivers a double serving of prime New Zealand beef (1/2lb), lashings of bacon, a whole lotta cheese, 2 eggs, beetroot, lettuce, tomato, red onion, relish & a big wad of aioli


Additional photos below
Photos: 104, Displayed: 35


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Football pitchFootball pitch
Football pitch

Our fancy dress outfit - fake grass, goal made from shelf brackets and netting - won us 2nd prize
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Poo pub party

With Sabrina (1st prize winner) and Ally in her first aid kit
Lake MahinapuaLake Mahinapua
Lake Mahinapua

Arguably one of the best nights we have had over here


25th May 2007

think the antartic centre being one of NZ s top attractions might be their own publicity version..basically dont think there s much to do in christchurch, and my friend who lives in christchurch,uk, agrees that would fit with why they re twinned..! wish we had got to see a sperm whale too during our kaikoura trip, a conservation boat came past saying they d seen them and we circled for bout 30mins but no luck :( the dolphines made the trip more than worthwhile though, and it ll be good reason to repeat the trip. see the good thing about travelling with loads of you on that bus is that the pubs will stay open for you, and you dont get told at 930pm that they re closing cos not enough customers..! looking forward to hearing your verdict on the north island! keep up the having fun!
27th May 2007

Andy!!!!
Hey Andy - so random - just found this through google looking for some kiwi e stuff!!!!! How are you doing!!?? Hope you guys had a good time down in Milford Sound!! My email address is smackdown206@hotmail.com, or im also on bebo and face book if you are on either of them!! Been missing the kiwi bus as we are up in Auckland now - meeting up with Amy, Naiomi etc and Ed and Hugo hopefully over next few days tho!!! Hope you guys are still having fun!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
28th May 2007

Shop around
Hey ya... nothing better to do on a rotten day than to read others blogs - to see what I might try next. Tried the Bus thing - know where you are coming from! 1 piece of advice... be careful about getting bus driver or accommodation to book activities. They often go with highest commission, not necessarily the safest or the best. Oh, the world of big business!! Most reputable places have free phone numbers - or have you tried Lonely Planet? They are independant!
28th May 2007

Fergburger
I remember Fergburger- what an awesome burger bar, the Codfather was my favourite! Looks like your having a great time guys, enjoying the photos! Claire xx

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