Blogs from Otago, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 2

Apr 25, 2017

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Queenstown April 25th 2017

PhilandSusie

Geo: -45.0311, 168.663... read more

Back to Queenstown

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Queenstown February 19th 2017

Previous evening at anchor in Milford Sound

John M

Geo: -45.0311, 168.663We woke aboard the Milford Wanderer around 6:00 am. It was a little overcast but steadily clearing. We rose anchor around 7:00 am and headed out of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Along the way we were joined by dozens of bottlenose dolphin surfing our bow wave. It was incredible.On the way back into the sound, we found the fur seals sunning on the rocks along shore. We arrived back to the dock around 9:15 am, and made the 3-1/2 hour trip back via motor coach, back to Queenstown. Once we we got back to Queenstown, we got a call from Sean and Mandy to let us know that Sean proposed and Mandy said "yes". We couldn't be happier. And, we are glad that we were back in Queenstown because they probably could ... read more

The Land of the Hobbits

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Queenstown February 15th 2017

Flying from Christchurch to Queenstown

John M

Geo: -45.0311, 168.663We arrived in Queenstown after a 45 minute flight from Christchurch, and took a 4WD excursion to the filming location for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.Queenstown is an incredible place....very cool! In the evening, we just happened to walk by one of the many bars in town, and they had a replay of the VT/Pitt game on (from the previous day). So, we had to hang out and watch it.... read more

Gondola, luge and relaxing

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Queenstown November 20th 2016

Heading up in the Gondola

thehayses

Geo: -45.0311, 168.663Went out for a yummy breakfast at the Bespoke Kitchen.Then the boys, caught the Gondola up to the Luge track for some downhill fun.A quiet relaxing afternoon, then out to a Vietnamese restaurant for dinner.Back up the hill to the camper, and another Voice episode before bed.... read more

Lake cruise and Marathon

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Queenstown November 19th 2016

Out on the lake

thehayses

Geo: -45.0311, 168.663Rob went off early via bus to run his marathon.We slept in and cruised around the lake by boat, then had pizza for lunch and watched him finish the run.Did a load of washing and went out for dinner at Pier 19 to celebrate Rob's run. ... read more

End of the scenic road

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Queenstown November 18th 2016

The Chasm at Milford

thehayses

Geo: -45.0311, 168.663Last night was COLD, put the heater on at 4am.Sunny drive back to Te Anua, then on to Queenstown via the scenic route again, stopping on the way for lunch, camping style.Queenstown is crazy busy, with 10,000 people running 2moro.Wandered around town, then met up with Jen at her hotel.Back to the camper to get dressed for dinner, then out to the Captain's Restaurant for a seafood platter.Up the hill to the camper, to walk off dinner.A bit of Fixer Upper before bed.... read more

Quakes and a bit of rain.

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Dunedin November 14th 2016

Dunedin Railway Station

thehayses

Geo: -45.8746, 170.503Kate had a rough night, and then felt the van rocking - Derek slept thru it, but we were both woken up shortly after with friends checking up on us. Luckily the quake was far enough away that we were not effected directly by it.Replied to all the messages in the morning, and headed off to Dunedin, a bit rainy, but still a pretty drive.Arrived in Dunedin, and had to sort out a power problem at home. The main fuse needed to be replaced. Many thanks to Julie next-door for organizing the electrician.Headed into Dunedin for a bit of sight seeing, had burgers at Velvet Burger, then off to the Early Settlers Museum to ride a Penny Farthing bike.Back to the van for a cuppa, and walked to the beach before the rain returned.Chicken ... read more

Big sleeps = happier tourists

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Oamaru November 13th 2016

So many rolling green hills

thehayses

Geo: -45.0977, 170.971We slept 11 hours, woke up and had a lovely hot shower and breakfast, then hit the road.Heading for Oamaru, we decided to detour vua Kurow, a lovely drive thru the countryside and into the hills. Lunch at a cafe in Kurow, then stopped near Duntroon to see the Takiroa rock art site and Elephant Rocks. Then on to Oamaru and checked into the Top10 park. Had a lovely walk into town thru the Botanical Gardens and explored the main street.Back to the van for a cuppa and catchup writing the blog. Out to The Last Post for dinner. Kate had the Lamb Shanks and Sav Blanc. Derek had Chicken Curry and Guiness.Back to the van and and early night, reading and uploading photos.... read more

Chicken, cranberry and brie pizza fir lunch

Dunedin & surrounds........

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago October 28th 2016

Otago Harbour

NoahGenda NZ

Well we have spent the last 10 days exploring the beautiful Otago Region. Visiting some top spots and catching up with family has been great. Leaving Waikouaiti RSA on Wednesday (19/10) we headed out to Huriawa Peninsula. Parking near the edge of the Waikouaiti River we walk around the waterfront to the track that leads out onto the Peninsula and Huriawa Pa. From the track you get superb views up and down the coast. The story/information boards placed around the track add to the interest of this place. High Cliffs, blowholes and little bays, then the lovely view down to Karitane beach make this walk worth the stop. As you drive up and over the hills south from Karitane there is a fabulous lookout on the side of the road that rewards you with another great ... read more

Wrapping up with beautiful wrapping paper

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Queenstown September 19th 2016

davidjean1971

Geo: -45.0311, 168.663We left beautiful Te Anau and drove about 3 hours to Queenstown.Because we have to drop off the car so early - and can't find the contract !!! - we stopped by the rental place at the airport before coming to the B&B. Q''town a/p is like Pgh in 1983 - compact! And they said (something that we've heard lots) "no worries." In fact, David extended the contract one day for about $24 US - a good deal - which means we don't have to pay for buses, shuttles or taxis from and back to the a/p in Auckland. And it means we won't be stranded at the hotel alll day tomorrow. We THINK we are all packed ok for tomorrow - with the big suitcase 50#, and one of the carry ons inside ... read more

Brief history of New Zealand

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year...more history

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