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Published: February 17th 2008
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Reefton
Stepping back in time 30 years! We flew into Christchurch, and had a long queue at immigration/customs. Not the best start to this leg. The weather was also a little dodgy so spirits were deflated.
Picked up the car and drove 1.5 hours north to Kaikoura. We arrived at our lodgings for the night - a place called Hapuku Lodge. The room was extraordinary; a fantastic treehouse overlooking a deer park! Steph immediately plunged into the whirlpool bath, while I lit the open fire and watched a bit of the news on the widescreen LCD (old habits die hard!). Dinner there was fantastic - the first of many great meals we were to enjoy.
The next day we had planned for a morning of whale-watching and an afternoon of seal-swimming. Unfortunately, due to the miserable weather, both of these were cancelled, so we took a chance on a 'whale watch' via light aircraft. A mistake. Not only did we spot not a single whale, but Steph was feeling very ill due to the bad turbulence. A small consolation was seeing a school of around 200 dolphins, but overall a great disappointment, particularly as this day had been planned 12 months ago! Still, we are beholden to
On the glacier
Proof we were there! the weather and therefore hoped that things would improve. However, there was a secondary consequence to the day, and that is Steph said there is no way she would ever want to fly in a small aircraft again... so I had to cancel the sky-dive (I wasn't going to do it alone as it is an experience that should be shared).
In the afternoon, we drove to Hanmer Springs and after checking in to the 'serviceable' Hamner Springs Hotel, we went across the road and luxuriated in a natural Spring Spa bath. Lovely.
In the evening, yet another spectacular meal.
We then spent most of the following day driving to Franz Josef for our Glacier Heli-Hike. It is a four-hour drive and due to the mountains, there is very little radio reception. I stopped at a garage and picked up a compilation Platters/Drifters CD (60's music), as this was the most contemporary thing they had (apart from Country & Western).
I had just inserted the CD when we arrived in a town called Reefton. It was like an episode of the Twilight Zone, as the location matched the music perfectly - it was like stepping back in time
Hiking The Glacier
We spent 2 hours in the bright, warm sun navigating crevasses and crannies - great fun! 40 years!! Reefton is an old mining town, and reminded us of an old (wild) west town. See the photo below.
In fact, we came to the conclusion that all of the rural towns in New Zealand felt at least 20 years behind (in a good way). It is really such a stunningly beautiful place, though where your jaw drops lower every time you turn a bend in the road to wtitness the next new extraordinary sight. Sadly, I have most of it committed to video and so have very little to show in photo form. Needless to say, it is the sort of place it is hard not to fall in love with. So natural, so unspoilt and so very picturesque. With each new view, one of us would exclaim 'If only (insert everyone's name here) could see this!'
That night we stayed at the Westwood Lodge next to Franz Josef. Once again, the accommodation was extraordinary - a beautiful pine apartment with fantastic facilities and a king-size bed to die for. It was a suite, with a separate living room and TV + DVD. Lovely!
The next day was the Heli-Hike on Franz Josef Glacier. We
Steph walks on water
I wanted to get a good shot of one of the many stunning blue lakes we saw. This photo looks like Steph is standing on the water... but she's not. Honest. were kitted out in boots, crampons (the spiky things attached to the soles) and waterproofs. The weather had turned and was now beautifuly warm and sunny - the perfect conditions for a heli-hike!
After the experience of the small plane, Steph was apprehensive, but she really enjoyed the scenic helicopter flight over the mountains and glacier. The chopper then dropped us off in the middle of the glacier with a guide, and we spent the next 2 hours hiking around the amazing ice formations... in the beautiful sunshine. It was fantastic!
We then drove all afternoon to our next destination - Queenstown, where we were to stay in the Glebe Apartments for 3 nights. The weather stayed wonderfully sunny and the views just got better and better as we progressed.
Well, we arrived about an hour ago and was greeted with the words everyone should hear once in their lives - 'I am your new best friend. I have given you the biggest upgrade ever!'
And our 'new best friend', Anne wasn't exaggerating. I am typing this in an unbelievable, 4-bedroomed Penthouse Suite overlooking the Queenstown Harbour. Probably the most luxurious place we have ever stayed in. Between
the 2 of us, there is a full-size bar, a dining room, a kitchen (with 2 dishwashers!) a laundry room and a huge terrace with a Hot Tub, overlooking the sort of view you would kill for!
The photos don't do it justice, but I've gotten the whole thing on tape, of course.
Well, that's it for the time being. We're about to crack open a bottle of champers on the terrace and enjoy the scenery from the hot tub. Please don't feel TOO sorry for us.
More soon. xxxxx
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rho rho and kyra
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green with envy
hello, just read new blog nice to hear you are having a good time --- with out us! Don't feel too guilty just arrived at rho rhos going out to the theater tonight to see "shout " michael bought tickets for us girls. miss you love you abandoned daughter and mother p.s dad (ive got mum a massive mothers day card dont tell her)