Blogs from New Zealand, Oceania - page 2532

Leaving Australia was very sad for both of us. The flights from Sydney to Auckland, and on to Honolulu and Los Angeles were with United Airlines who had been plagued by accidents at the time. The Australians had taken great pleasure in telling me that I was making a big mistake and how they will only ever fly Quantas who had an impeccable record. However bad United's record was, it wasn't a patch on Aeroflot or Buraq and we had survived them no worries (Heaven help me, I'm starting to sound like an Australian, I mean an Aussie). The flight, however, was fantastic and they had obviously been working hard to counter their reputation. The hostel was one of the YHA efforts that expect you to do 'duties', and well early in the morning as well. ... read more

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 ... read more