Planning the 2016 trip

2016 is the year my long service leave kicks in (9 weeks of paid leave, yippee for Australian workplace laws), so we're planning a couple of trips. Rather than go on one long trip we're breaking it up.
The first leg is Europe - England, Ireland, Iceland and France for 4 weeks. Then back to Melbourne for 2 weeks. Pack up again and go to Alaska and Canada. We're doing a cruise of Alaska, driving a bit in Canada along the Rockies to Calgary and Lake Louise, then flying to Toronto for Niagara Falls.

As usual, I'll try and post every day and upload photos.

Day 11 - Paihia to Auckland

Up early to try and avoid the traffic, stopped for a coffee and then on the road around 0830. Drove back the same way as yesterday but this time the traffic was coming from Auckland and our side was pretty light. We drove through fog which looked nice in the valleys and on the hills but made the going slow.
We made good time but it still took about 3 hours. Dropped the bags off at the same motel as before then took the car back. Wandered around the city for a bit then stopped for lunch at the oldest pub in Auckland (apparently) where we both had fish and chips and I had a beer. The weather was sunny and warm. There wasn't much to do in the city so we took a ferry to Devonport, a small suburb with some quaint shops and cafes. Spent about an hour there, stopped for a strawberry smoothie then back on the ferry to Auckland. We went to get a bus back to the motel but the public transport was rubbish - the bus stops didn't have the bus numbers on them but a list of destinations with the number of the stop. We walked to the bus stop but there was no timetable. So we walked the 30 minutes up the hill.
Checked into the room and watched tv, and booked a pick up to the airport for the morning.
So that's our New Zealand trup. South Island was spectacular, the mountains and lakes incredible. The North Island wasn't as rugged but the rolling hills and valleys were nice.
Next year is back to Europe.

Day 10 - Auckland to Paihia

Up at 0800, stop for a coffee and a walk, the weather was Sunny and about 25 c, then on the road for the 2.5 hour drive to Paihia. 4 hours later we pulled into the motel. It seemed every one in New Zealand was on the same road as us. We'd drive for a while doing 100 then suddenly hit a queue of traffic crawling along or completely stopped. One 2km stretch took 30 minutes. The scenery was hills and valleys with some lake and sea views. We stopped for a coffee and sandwich on the way in a town that was basically closed because it was Good Friday.
Paihia was busy, all the motels (virtually every place on the beach was a motel) had 'No vacancy' signs. The beach was nice and the bay had some small islands in it. The place is called 'Bay of Islands', apparently there are about 140 in all.
It was too early to check in so we went for a walk along the beach. The place was really busy but quite small.
We had an early dinner at a place called Only Seafood. I had King Prawns in a garlic and chilli creamy sauce and a glass of Chardonnay. Song had a seafood platter. We also had dessert for the first time ; I had sticky date pudding with toffee and caramel sauce, Song had pavlova with berries. The meal was very good.
Walked back to the motel and watched tv. Drive back to Auckland tomorrow.

Day 9 - Rotorua to Auckland

Woke up around 08:00 to a miserable day,  grey and cloudy, but since we were leaving it wasn't a big deal. Had breakfast of toast and cereal then hit the road. 2 minutes later did a u turn to go the correct way. The drive was wet for most of the trip but varied between rain and sun. We stopped for a coffee and Song bought some fruit, then back on the road. Saw a sign for a beach and despite the weather trying to decide whether to rain or be sunny went to have a look. The weather made it look quite spectacular so I took some photos.
Carried on, then hit traffic outside of Auckland despite finding the first dual carriage way of our trip. Got off at the right exit but managed to miss the turning so had to drive around a bit before we found the motel. I think they should call Auckland the city of traffic lights.
The receptionist said a load of people had checked out so we were upgraded to a suite which had a big tv, a lounge and a spa.
Settled in and then went into town to visit the Air New Zealand office to try and get a refund again, which we did. Yay for us.
We decided to walk to a restaurant from Tripadvisor, number 2 in Auckland, about 40 minutes away. Walked around the park, then across a road, then along another road into the main part of the city. It was a bit muggy and sticky, and we carried on walking, up a steep hill. Then across more roads, up some hills, 50 minutes later and still going. Across some roads and finally saw the restaurant after an hour. I asked for a table for 2 - "Do you have a booking?" "No". "Sorry, we're full." "Ok, thanks."
Luckily there were lots of restaurants around, and Song chose a Japanese place. I had a beef teriyaki bento and Song had a Sashimi bento. It was really good, so the evening wasn't completely ruined.
Decided we'd done enough walking so got a cab back to the motel.
Driving to Pahia and the Bay of Islands tomorrow.

Day 8 - Taupo to Rotorua

Another lie in, up at 0830, then pack up. Over the road for a coffee and a stop at the airport to claim the refund for the cancelled flight. The airport was the smallest I've ever seen, the cafe was bigger than the check in area, and the staff were nowhere to be seen, just a sign saying that the desk was unattended. Duh.
Left Taupo and drove to Rotorua, the weather was perfect and the drive pleasant - rolling hills and valleys. The roads here are very empty - only one or two cafes and no petrol stations at all for the entire journey - I saw a place that had a sign for emergency petrol. The drive took a couple of hours and we're building up a decent insect collection on the front of the car. We found the motel easily enough but were a bit early to check in so drove into the town centre to look around. 5 minutes later we'd seen it all so drove out to a couple of lakes - the Green Lake and the Blue Lake. These are next to each other but different colours (see if you can guess) due to the different beds. We stood on a hill between them and I took a panoramic photo that I've uploaded. We were the only people there for a while - the same thing happened at the Huka Falls - and had it all to ourselves.
Jumped back into the car and headed back to the town, stopping at the Redwood Forest on the way. If you've seen trees before you get the basic idea.
Drove to the spa to book a soak, found out we didn't need to, then walked around the Government Gardens. The whole town smells of sulphur and this area was the worst because it's next to the lake. There are plumes of steam and bubbling pools dotted around. Checked into the motel and relaxed for a while before going out for dinner. There were lots of the usual places - pizza, Chinese, Indian, but we picked a tapas place from Tripadvisor. It was in a precinct called Eat Street which sounds naff but was actually really well done, and busy. We noticed on the way back the 'traditional'  places were all empty.
We shared some plates - potato croquettes with chorizo, salmon sliders (mini burgers), slow cooked lamb, and a beetroot and fennel salad with goats cheese. I thought it was very good, Song thought it was nice. I also had a beer, a porter, which is a dark ale.
Drove down to the spa and got a private deluxe pool which overlooked the lake. It sounds expensive but was $27 less a 10% voucher from the motel. The water was about 39C, not too hot, and very relaxing. We sat there up to our necks in the hot water looking out over Lake, it was uncovered and the moon was out. We had to stand up every so often because it got a bit much, but it was very enjoyable. We had 30 minutes which was plenty. Had a shower and sat in the cafe to wind down while Song put a dent in the credit card in the gift shop to buy mud. Yes, mud. Apparently it's good for the skin or something. Mud. That wet dirt stuff.
Back to the motel, watched tv then sleep.
Off to Auckland tomorrow.

Day 7 - Napier to Taupo

Woke up around 08:00 to a bright sunny day, temperature about 15.
Went for a walk around Napier, a small town that was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1931 and had to be rebuilt. Since it was during the Art Deco period, most of the buildings were rebuilt in this style and are really well maintained and look amazing. Stopped for breakfast (bacon and eggs) and wandered around a bit before jumping in the car and driving to Taupo - there aren't many roads here so navigating is easy. The drive took about 2.5 hours through some nice scenery, although the South Island is more spectacular. Found the motel easily enough, dumped the gear then went for lunch. I had a chicken and cranberry pie with mash, Song had calamari, both nice. The waitress was from Maidstone in Kent, England; all of the service staff here are from overseas - we've had Irish, Australian, German, Chinese, Dutch and English. Hopped back in the car and drove 10  minutes to the Haku Falls, and took some photos. The falls weren't particularly spectacular but worth seeing.
Drove back to the motel and just chilled.
Didn't need dinner.
Tomorrow we drive to Rotorua and will partake of the hot springs.

Day 6 - Queenstown to Napier

So what was supposed to be an easy day flying from Queenstown to Wellington to Napier turned into a bit of an adventure.
Woke up at 09:00 and went for a quick walk along the lake before walking to the airport. Flight to Wellington was ok, had about an hour and a half before the flight to Napier at 16:00 so grabbed a sandwich and coffee. The flight appeared on the board, then 10 minutes later showed cancelled. In all our travels this was the first time we've had a flight cancelled. Went round to the information desk and was told we'd be put on a flight at 19:50 to Taupo, then a bus to Napier, arriving at about 23:00. We'd arranged to pick up a car at 17:15 in Napier which we'd have to cancel. Decided to pick up the car here instead and drive to Napier which would take 4 hours - or so we were told. The car was a Nissan X-Trail which was bigger than I'd booked but it was ok.
The trip actually took about 5 hours because of an accident (not us), road works and the fact that the road is single carriage way with passing places every so often. We drove along the coast a bit, through lots of small towns, and then through a magnificent Gorge. At least I think it was, it was dark by this time.
Got to the hotel to find reception closed, but luckily the lady was there to give us the key. The room was great - a lounge, small kitchen, King size bed, 2 televisions and a spa bath. Very welcome after the drive, unfortunately we only had one night here. Tomorrow we'll look around Napier, there are a lot of Art Deco buildings, then drive to Taupo.

Day 5 - Queenstown

Nothing planned today so woke up around 09:00. The weather seems to be the same every day - overcast but with the sun poking through in several places.
Decided it was decent enough to walk into Queenstown so headed off, stopping for a coffee. The path followed the lake shore, with great views across the lake so more photos were taken. The walk took about 2 hours but that was mainly because Song wanted photos every couple of minutes; one with sunglasses on, one off, one portrait, one landscape, and a final one of me with a fake smile. We ended up in the Queenstown Gardens but decided to go for some food and a sit down. We found a place in one of the 3 main streets. I had a steak sandwich and Song had bacon and eggs. I had just about finished mine when I discovered it came with a side order of caterpillar which I didn't order. I'm sure Bear Grylls would have enjoyed it but I wasn't too keen so pointed it out to the waitress who said the meal was free. I suppose it could have been worse, I could have found half a caterpillar.
We poked around the shops for a while, then went for an ice cream, my first of the trip. We realised we're generally having one meal a day, maybe the portions are bigger here, but we've not been hungry.
Went back to the gardens and walked around a bit, more photos were taken, then back to the bus for the last time. I think we could have bought one for the amount we spent on fares.
Last night at the hotel, flying to Napier on the North Island tomorrow and picking up a hire car.

Day 4 - Queenstown

After the early start yesterday, woke up around 09:00. Weather was a bit grim, very grey and a light rain. But by the time we'd got ourselves sorted the rain had stopped and the skies were looking lighter. Discovered a sign for a cafe near the hotel so stopped in for a coffee - the place was packed and had lots of tempting cakes but I managed to resist.
We had nothing planned so headed into the town to visit a tourist shop to see if there was anything we fancied.
The weather had broken and now it was warm, t shirts again. We didn't see any activities we were too interested in, they mainly seem to cater to the young crowd - bungy jumps, speed boats, parachuting and so on.
We decided to head up to the top of the mountain by cable car, which turned out to be a good call because the views were fantastic - I've uploaded a couple of photos.
Spent a couple of hours up there, went for a walk and sat down for a while just enjoying the views. Also saw a couple of insane people do bungy jumps.
Started to feel a bit hungry so went back down and found a restaurant on the lake called Pier 19. I had a dark ale and fush and chups, Song had a venison burger - a bit of a role reversal, but we shared. The burger was nice but mine was average.
Wandered around a bit and popped into Ferg Bakery for a piece of blueberry pie to take away. Next door is Ferg Burger, and there is always a queue - one time there were about 50 people. I do like a burger but don't like to queue, so I think I'll give it a miss.
Went back to the hotel and because it was still early went for a walk around the lake for about an hour. Found some blackberry bushes on the way back so grabbed a handful. Back to the hotel and relaxed.
No plans for tomorrow, but Song wants to walk into Queenstown which is about 7km from the hotel. Depends on the weather really.

Day 3 - Milford Sound

Woke up at 06:00 - and I thought I was on holiday - to get the coach to Milford Sound, a journey of 5 hours that I wasn't looking forward to. Popped over the road - 0700 and still dark - to wait for the bus to pick us up which was on time and only about half full. It was a bit chilly so we had jackets on today. After about 40 minutes it started to get light so we could see the scenery; we were driving along the side of a lake surrounded by mountains. I won't write much this time because it was all scenery and I can't do it justice - I've uploaded some photos. The trip went quickly, lots of incredible views to keep us interested, plus a couple of stops for the toilet and coffee as well as photo opportunities. Arrived at Milford, a very small town with a few shops - apparently there are about 30 people there in Winter.
Got on the boat and it took us around the Sound and out to sea, then back in. Again, the scenery was amazing, plus we were joined by a pod of dolphins that were swimming around the boat. Learnt a couple of things ; it's not a Sound, it's a Fjord. Sounds are created by water, Fjords are created by glaciers, and Milford Sound was created by a glacier, so it should be called Milford Fjord. Captain Cook sailed past it twice without seeing it, because you can't see the entrance from out at sea, it's basically hidden. Some guy discovered it by accident during a storm.
We were really lucky with the weather, it was cloudy but the sun came out every so often to shine on the mountains.
The trip back allowed us to see the sights in the afternoon light, and it went quickly.
All in all a great day, and my initial worry about spending so long on a coach was unfounded.
I also discovered we are not in the country I thought we were - we're actually in New Zillend.
Nothing planned for tomorrow, we'll head into town and decide whether to do a trip or just chill.

Day 2 - Queenstown

Woke up around 08:00, discovered that one of the insects we let live took a liking to my ear and I had an itchy red lump. I also had a headache, probably from the beer the night before - I had one beer and have a hangover, my younger self wouldn't believe it. Left the hotel and got the bus into town, begrudgingly handing over the extortionate fare. We'd popped into a tourism place the night before and booked a lake trip (or trup as it's called here). Stopped off for my obligatory coffee and waited by the boat. For a while I thought we'd have it to ourselves but then 4 guys with motorbikes turned up and a few tourists as well - still, the boat was basically empty which was surprising. It was also clean and looked new, which I hoped meant unlikely to sink. The crew were really friendly and we had a good chat with the captain who looked about 60 something but he told us he was 73. The weather was overcast and around 20c again and we'd decided against jackets and just wore t shirts and jumpers, which turned out to be a mistake once the boat got moving. Still, it wasn't too bad if we kept out of the wind, and the sun soon came out. The views were incredible - the lake is surrounded by hills and mountains. The water was flat and the sun was shining on the hills. The boat pottered along pleasantly and we got some good photos which I'll post at some stage. The trip stopped at the other side of the lake to unload the bikes and a couple of tourists to look at a farm which we decided to skip, I know what sheep look like. Sun still shining, back across the lake, just sitting on the  boat looking at the scenery. Arrived back and said goodbye to our new best mate Steve the captain and went to find lunch.
We both felt like a pizza so found a place and had a large half and half - I had Morrocan lamb and Song had seafood. It was good, but not cheap - $39. Prices here are more expensive than I expected, but it is a bit of a tourist trap.
Decided we'd skip dinner but walked around to a supermarket to get some stuff. Parachutists were floating above us, jumping from the top of the hill and landing on a sports field every few minutes. It was still sunny and warm, we were back to t shirts and put sun screen on.
Wandered around the town a bit more, looking in the shops and then decided to head back to the hotel and relax. Despite not really doing much we were both tired, so just crashed.
I've now put some photos up, click on the link at right of the page called 'photos'. Only 3 new ones at the moment.
Tomorrow we're getting up early to take a coach to Milford Sound. It's a 5 hour drive there, a cruise and about 4 hours back. I wanted to take a plane or helicopter but Song doesn't like flying in small planes. So we're taking the bus.

We're in New Zealand!

I wasn't going to do a blog this time because we're only going for 11 days, but I thought that I should put something down as a record, so here we are.
Got up early, checked the paper as usual and read the cheery news that a plane had crashed in Europe. Not a good start to our holiday.
Out of the house, on the train, then the Skybus to the airport with plenty of time to spare, I think it's a record.
Saw a huge queue for the check in, only to discover it was for a different flight. Checked in using the kiosk, no luggage to check in so things were going well.
The flight to Christchurch was only 4 hours, then another 1 hour to Queenstown. Since the flight was so short the screaming baby a couple of rows behind me didn't bother me too much, but I still scowled at the parents every so often,  just in case they weren't aware that their kid was annoying me.
Flying down to Queenstown was spectacular once we dropped below the clouds - the plane was flying below the top of the mountains as it approached the airport.
Getting through immigration took longer than I expected - we used the e passport gates which made you stand and stare at a camera, but it took each person about 5 minutes . Song got bored and went to the counter and was through before me.
Out of the airport, we checked the map and the hotel was only down the road, so decided to walk it, it took about 20 minutes. The hotel is next to the lake, we didn't have a great view and the room was a bit small but comfortable. It was also a bit warm and humid so we opened a couple of windows. We went for a walk along the lake and took some pictures. The weather was overcast but pleasant, just needed a shirt, around 20c.
Hopped on a bus to the town and got a bit of a shock - it was 6km away and the fare was $13 for the 2 of us. I think that's pretty steep.
5 minutes later we were in the town which was quite busy. We wandered around a bit and were feeling hungry, there were restaurants everywhere so had plenty of choice. I spotted one that was about no 3 on Tripadvisor so we popped in. It was quite pleasant, not too busy. I ordered the cauliflower and blue cheese soup to start, Song had salt and pepper calamari. She had pork belly for main, on a bed of mashed potatoes. I had venison with roast beetroot and potatoes, and feta. Mine was very nice, Song said hers was ok but not great. I also had a dark ale that was really good. Decided against dessert, waddled out of the restaurant after paying ($108 without tip, which was probably about the same as Australia), then went to catch the world's most expensive bus back to the hotel; a bit disappointed that we hadn't seen any Hobbits or Elves, but it's only our first day here.
As soon as we opened the door of our room we realised we made a mistake by leaving the windows open because the entire insect population of Queenstown had moved into our room. There were big ones, small ones, fat ones and thin ones. Some had short legs, some had big wings but all were not welcome. We spent the next 30 minutes in a mad swatting frenzy until we got the number down to single figures.
Tomorrow we're going on a cruise round the lake and wander around the town a bit.
I should be able to upload some photos tomorrow, assuming the remaining insects don't carry me off somewhere in the night.