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Published: June 22nd 2005
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Mini Chuck
Smallest car in the world!! It was a beautiful morning to cross the sounds, although I felt decidedly dodgy, which was compounded by the twistyness of Queen Charlotte Drive - but what a drive. The view from the road was spectacular. We arrived in Nelson and opted to stay at the Palace, a victorian house overlooking the town. We went out for a couple of drinks and met a girl from Arran - we scots get everywhere!!! The following morning we went to the local market - loads of organic food and arts and crafts (we only made a couple of small purchases). An early start for our kayaking trip along the Abel Tasman. We drove to the base (it was cheaper than getting picked up!!) and arrived in advance of our youthful companions on the Kiwi Experience. Decked out in rubber skirts, splash jackets and life vests (we looked gorgeous - as usual) we had a very brief (on land) rowing lesson and then it was out to the open waters of the Tasman Sea. Once again we were blessed with a beautiful day (Ally) and musically entertained by our guides Harold and Andy (singing Queen and Maori songs). It is really impossible to describe
just how amazing the coastline and beaches are. After coffee and penguin hunting (searching!!) on the beach we headed off to walk a very small portion of the track back to town. On the way back to Nelson we stopped off to see the Split Apple Rock. Our last morning in Nelson was spent climbing to the top of an observation point over the whole town, which is marked as the Centre of NZ.
It was back in the smallest car in the world (see photo) and off down the wild West Coast of the South Island. At Buller Gorge we crossed the longest suspension bridge in New Zealand, but decided against returning across the river by zip wire....We stopped at Woodpecker Bay to watch the sunset over the sea, before stopping in Punakaiki. We headed to the Pancake Rocks via the Truman Track in advance of high tide, hoping to see the blow holes in action, however, the sea was calm, so there was no action!!! That evening we sampled the delights of Monteiths Celtic and Original Ales (yum). Another fabulous sunset over the sea.
As we are not the richest travellers, nor are we experienced glacier
walkers, we opted to walk on the cheaper of the two - Fox Glacier (a saving of $40). Fox is a two pub (one road) town and we watched the rugby in one and crossed the road to finish the night in the other. We couldn't walk to following day as it was full - so we walked around Lake Mathison (famous for the mirror images of Mount Cook and Tasman in the water), viewed the Fox Glacier from a distance and had a wander down to Gillespie Beach. Were entertained by a guy, Mike in the hostel teaching us new card games in the hostel before retiring early (with hot water bottle) in preparation for our glacier walk. After getting decked out in supposed waterproof gear and crampons we headed up to the Terminal Face of the glacier. Unfortunately it had rained the previous night (and was still going), however we were able to climb up into the glacier, slide through ice caves (one of us) and walk through ice baths (the other one of us) and despite being soaked to the skin had a fantastic experience.
The following day we headed off for Wanaka (with a new
passenger, Ian in tow). Yet more spectacular wild coastline on the drive south. The hostel had a picture perfect view of a crystal clear lake and snow capped mountains and the town was preparing for the start of the ski season. Once again HAD TO GO TO THE PUB (Irish bar) to watch the next lions game. We were joined by Ian and our new other friend from the US, Kelly (who we met on the glacier!!).
Had an entertaining evening enhanced by meeting some local Kiwis. Feeling a little jaded the following day we took a wander to Puzzling World and tackled the infamous maze (some faster than others) and experienced the weird sensations created by all the optical illusions. A blast of fresh air up Mount Iron and a view over Lake Wanaka and the Treble Cone Mountains cleared our heads.
A short overnight (but late) stop in Queenstown to catch up with Laura and Danny, bumping into Kelly again in the pub and midnight burger and chips. Before heading to Te Anau we, and Kelly drove in convoy to site of the original bungey jump to watch people throwing themselves 43m off a bridge attached to
an elastic band.
On arrival in Te Anau we bumped into Ian again (we think he must have missed our chat). Our newly formed adopted family pooled resouces and had dinner together complete with flowers on the table. Once again WE HAD TO GO TO THE PUB TO WATCH THE RUGBY!!! We were entertained again by the locals and some other people that we had met in Wanaka, but opted for an early night after watching another Lions win.
Wary of the everchanging weather conditions we got up early to make our way down to Milford Sound. Kelly's car being significantly larger than ours was voted as the transport for the trip. After a 2 hour drove we were rewarded with a perfect cruise on the sound. The previous days rains meant that the waterfalls were in full flow and we also were lucky enough to see wild dolphins playing in the wake of the boat and a seal basking on the rocks. Another family dinner tonight and then WE HAVE TO GO TO THE PUB (ok no rugby but good beer).
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Katie Livingston
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hey there
Hi Guys, Sara got your message last night, thanks so much for your concern. I sent a text back but not sure if you received it. Sue and Paul are fine. It's awful what's happened but London seems to be getting back to normal this morning. Seems like you still having a fab time over there. Lots of love, Katie xx