South Island, New Zealand

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I must admit that at this distance, my memories of South Island, New Zealand, are limited when compared with North Island. Arrival in Christchurch from Wellington called for a city tour. I do recall a drive past ChristChurch Cathedral, A wedding was just ending and bride and groom appeared at the porch. (The couple would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2014.) Another item I took note of was the fact that city busses had provision to carry prams on the front.

From Christchurch, we visited Dunedin and Invercargill. The latter city marks my southernmost point traveled at 46°24′47″S 168°20′51″E. At Queenstown our group shook up the local cab company. The proprietor had recently retired and passed the businesses to his son-in-law. However, he was recalled to active duty to assist taking our group of eight around the town.

From Queenstown it was on to Mt. Cook National Park. Travel in South Island involved many interesting modes of transport. The most interesting was flying aboard a DeHaviland Dragon Rapide aircraft of Mount Cook airlines. The 1930s fabric-covered airliner accommodated eight passengers, just enough! At Mount Cook, we stayed at The Hermitage hotel. Being from California, Mount Cook was my first experience with snow. Valene had advised us all to bring snow gear specifically for this visit. The Hermitage was indeed a ski resort, but a curious sight was two men in swimsuits sunbathing on lounge chairs set in the snow.

Returning to Christchurch, Valene arranged for us all to mail our winter clothes home. From Christchurch, we flew Qantas' Trans-Tansman Service to Melbourne.

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Photos

Dunedin, New Zealand
View over Dunedin, New Zealand in 1964. The view is out over Otago Harbour toward the Otago Peninsula. South Island.
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DeHavilland Dragon Rapide
Mt. Cook Airlines DeHavilland Dragon Rapide interior. The 1930s airliner seated eight passenger. That's me on the right.

The Hermitage
Aerial view of The Hermitage resort at Mount Cook, New Zealand.
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