Blogs from Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 3

Well we finally got around to updating the blogsite - first day we have had intenet access so far, looks as though our blogging may be hit and miss while travelling around New Zealand. Just had to add a picture for you all to see - my little snow angel, isn't he beautiful, even if he is a little confused. Donna... read more

68kilometros quadrados e a 700m de altitude. Ilha sul, 220km de Christchurch, direção sul.... read more

So, I pick up the car by one because they can't do an earlier pick-up from city central. Its nerve-wrecking getting into a tiny car that has gears on left hand and hitting a damn, bloody roundabout within 200 metres. Got through it, drove to intersection to get on highway and nearly pulled into the wrong lane with approaching truck. Quick jerk on the wheel, a bit of swearing and I am on my way to Queenstown. The first part, along Canterbury plane is flat with very few cars. I relax and crank up the radio. As the land gets higher the roads twist but the scenery gets lovely. I appreciate the gears now because I can gear down on the steep slopes. I wonder how many accidents are caused by the lovely scenery; when tourists ... read more

I decided to stay another night here. I am here on vacation and I feel like the whole time I've been rushing around. It's only day 6 and I have almost hit all the places I wanted to. After Lake Tekapo I am going to head to Mt. Cook Village and spent a night or two there, then down to Queenstown and Te Anu. There is supposed to be some really good horse back riding trails at a place called Dart Stables near Queenstown that I am excited for. If I finish Queenstown and Te Anu early I may go to a few other places. Currently I am catching up on my journal while watching the sun rise over the mountains and lake. The view from this hostel is spectacular. My butt is so sore today ... read more

I headed out for Lake Tekapo some time in the morning. I was sad to leave since the hospitality at the Big Tree lodge was so amazing. Lee said "Sad to see you go mate" in his thick NZ accent. I forgot to take a picture of the lodge, I also forgot my 12 bottles of beer I had bought. Lee called me about 10 minutes out to tell me I left the beer, I told him it was all his. The ride towards Lake Tekapo was very scenic. Gigantic mountains behind rolling green hills with sheep and cows oblivious to the scenery. I stopped quite often to take pictures. I am almost tempted to not even take pictures anymore. You just can't capture the full effect of actually being here. To stand up and just ... read more

For those living in caves who might not have heard yet, Britain has a new Primeminster - David Cameron. Now I don’t want to get into politics - anyone who knows John can probably imagine the rantings and ravings that could be heard emanating from our van over the past few days! For my part, I’m just so grateful that the uncertainty has been cleared and the exchange rate has finally become a bit more acceptable for us poor travellers overseas! However, I would wish “Call Me Dave”, his new best friend, Nick, and all their Cabinet the very best of British with any attempt to sort out the economy! Aha! We thought this morning when we peeked out of our windows at the glorious view of Lake Pukaki and the cloud topped mountains, ‘so that’s ... read more

Given the choice between no more chocolate or World Peace, I would dither. I am not proud and in fact I am thoroughly ashamed, but hey its chocolate and I am an addict. This week was perfect with two major opportunities for over-indulgence on chocolate and a whole bunch of “wow” moments with incredible scenery. Talking of addicts, Queenstown is called the adrenaline junkies capital and I think its my favourite town so far in New Zealand. Not because I was up for any of the death-defying treats on offer but because it seemed to have all of the elements you look for in a nice place to spend time. It has a fabulous setting surrounded by picturesque mountains including the towering Remarkables, is next to the large deep blue Lake Wakatipu, has a compact but ... read more