DSC_1242.JPGAround noon, we were getting hungry, so we wandered over to "the containers" to look for some lunch.
Towards the end of October, Eliz & I took about three weeks holiday in New Zealand, having signed up for Haka Tours North-South island adventure tour. This was my selfish birthday present to Elizabeth, and I had insisted despite our busy schedules that we go before the end of the calendar year. We had a terrific time, and met a wonderful group of young people who had also signed on. (While Haka assured us we wouldn't be the oldest ones on our tour, we had at least a quarter century on all of them.)
Between us, we took almost 3000 photos, which I've winnowed down to about 750. I've further broken these into 24 pages, which you can jump between more easily. A few of the pages have linked video, or will have when I get around to uploading them.
Page 1, wherein we arrive to Auckland and explore the town and harbor.
Page 2, wherein we meet our tour group and head in the bus for our first destination on the north island, Whtianga.
Page 3, wherein a handful of our group go on a "black water rafting" adventure and check out a glow worm cave.
Page 4, wherein we check out a swing bridge and the Blue Spring, where the majority of New Zealand's bottled water originates. That night, we dine with the Mitai tribe and are treated to a demonstration of some Maori traditions.
Page 5, wherein Elizabeth and I go zip-lining in a native rain forest.
Page 6, wherein we visit the Waiotapu Thermal Park and check out the natural hot springs and Huka waterfall in Taupo.
Page 7, wherein we sail Lake Taupo on a boat that once belonged to Errol Flynn.
Page 8, wherein we enjoy a group barbecue and try our hands at Gumboot Throwing. We arrive to Wellington and enjoy a nice dinner.
Page 9, wherein Eliz and I hike to a view atop Mount Victoria, then check out the Wellington museum and the botanical gardens.
Page 10, wherein we meet the others for some street food and fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day. The next morning, we leave our bus for a ferry ride to the south island. (Just in time as it turns out, since Ronnie lost her rear suspension towards the end and broke down completely when the next group took her over.)
Page 11, wherein we travel to Kaikoura, and Eliz & I swim with some dolphins. We end the day at a nice Haka lodge in Christchurch.
Page 12, wherein we go hot-air ballooning with Yen & Brian, then check out the Christchurch Art Museum.
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Around noon, we were getting hungry, so we wandered
over to "the containers" to look for some
lunch.
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There, we found most of the rest of our group.
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They offered us a confusing list of recommendations,
talking mostly over each other.
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We ended up going to the closest food caravan that looked
good. It was.
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We got a little lost on the way to our scheduled rendezvous
at a massive playground in the midst of even more massive
contruction projects.
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They had a cool glide ride.
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We took tandem turns.
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I was planning to leap onto it with some momentum.
Turned out not to help.
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We spotted this car at one of our rest stops on the
way to Lake Tekapo. I wanted to put it in my bag, but
it wouldn’t fit.
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Lake Tekapo was windy and cold, but gorgeous.
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Eliz wished she’d brought just a few more layers...
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Kids!
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Jess trying not to be blown off Selfie Rock
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I wanted to climb up the rock the *hard* way!
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Quite the accomplishment
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This church is famous for wedding photos, although this
didn’t seem the ideal day for it.
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Our room was super nice, with a small living area and
a kitchenette.
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AND a jacuzzi!
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Dinner was at a nearby pub, which was convenient but
not very well–staffed. It took about 45 minutes
to get a sandwich.
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The next morning greeted us with falling snow! While
it was predicted, no one thought it would stick.
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The immediate discussion surrounded how to build a snowman,
something the Aussie girls were all eager to try.
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Lynette had never seen snow before, and said this about
made her trip.
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Snowman in progress with Jon, Patricia and Lynette
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Presenting Msr. Snowman
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There were also some other ideas flying about on what
to do with snow...
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Lake Pukaki
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West stoped at Lake Pukaki on our way to Queenstown,
where there was a statue of a long–horned sheep
(I think).
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It was a beautiful day and a beautiful scene to be photographed
in front of.
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Jess on a calmer rock
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Yen & Becca
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Jon & Marc
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Yen & Brian having a moment
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Greg & Eliz
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Defying gravity, as usual
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On the drive over Lindis Pass, we got out again to take
pictures of ourselves with a snowy backdrop.
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The summit was about 3000 feet above sea level, so not
terribly high for a spring dusting.
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Although the lupins that we saw everywhere were introduced,
they’re still pretty.
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This store sold local fresh and dried fruit, some covered
in chocolate. We left with a full bag.
Page 14, wherein we enjoy our first afternoon in Queenstown and take a gondola up to Bob's Peak to be amazed by the view and learn how to luge.
Page 15, wherein Eliz & I are joined by Lauren on a horse trek near Glenorchy.
Page 16, wherein Jon, Brian, and Yen join us in a "canyoning" adventure that was more than we'd signed up for.
Page 17, wherein Eliz & I enjoy a leisurely day on Lake Wakapitu.
Page 18, wherein we drive over a mountain pass to get to Wanaka. The following day, most of us take a hike up Mount Iron. Some of us also go to see "The Lonely Tree"
Page 19, wherein we make a number of stops for beauty on the way to the Franz Josef glacier.
Page 20, wherein some of our group hike to see the glacier.
Page 21, wherein about half of us go on a final group kayaking adventure on Lake Mapourika.
Page 22, wherein some brave singers stand up for karaoke night at the pub. The next day, we stop in Hokitika and see some live kiwi birds on our way to catch the train in Greymouth.
Page 23, wherein everyone but our leader boards the Alpine Express bound for Christchurch, the final destination for the organized part of our trip.
Page 24, wherein Eliz & I have a final day on our own in Christchurch, which we spend wandering in search of good eats and take a ferry to Diamond harbor. We also finally get a chance to check out the Christchurch botanical garden, which is definitely worth the visit.
Page created Nov 27 2017