Category: New Zealand

Land of the Long White Cloud

 

The Māori name, Aotearoa,  is a reference to the large, white cloud formations that helped early Polynesian navigators discover the country of New Zealand in the 13th Century and the clouds remain visible from its shores.

Anxious to visit New Zealand once again, we embarked on a New Zealand Odyssey with a small group tour. Odyssey is defined as a long journey full of adventures. The three incredible weeks we spent sampling New Zealand was indeed that . . . a mix of city exploration, wine tastings, outdoor adventures with breathtaking landscapes of stunning and diverse natural beauty including:  majestic and dramatic fjords, spectacular glaciers, rugged mountains, vast plains, farmland, wonderful sandy beaches and active geothermal regions.  The country boasts a rich cultural history history and incredible natural wonders that left us with lifelong memories. We are delighted that you can follow us along on our journey.

Truth be told, this is my fourth visit to New Zealand, the first was in 1986 to view Haley’s Comet from Mount Cook in the South Island. This time; however, we chose the months of  January/February as this is Summer in the Southern Hemisphere, which compares to July/August in the North. We experienced mostly sunny days with average temperatures of 65º to 77º. Not unlike many winter days in Sarasota, Florida.

Many will never make to trek to Australia or New Zealand due to the long plane flights . . . Big Mistake!

Flying from Tampa to Dallas and then on to Auckland covered over 8,400 miles and a combined 17+ hour flight time. With a 4 hour layover in Dallas, we had plenty of time to check in at the Mini-Suite in the airport for a shower and a light dinner. At 11 pm we boarded the 15 hour flight to Aukland knowing full well that we were going to get plenty of rest with the help of pharmaceuticals. So easy!

“Kia Ora” is a Māori  phrase that is widely used in New Zealand, and it translates to “be well” or “have life”. It’s a versatile greeting that can be used as a general salutation, like “hello” or “hi,” and also as a way to express thanks or acknowledge someone.

We arrived in Auckland on time and  were greeted by our Limo driver with “Kia Ora”,  as he handled our bags and navigated  the 30 min drive in very little traffic on this Sunday morning to the CBD (Central Business District) and delivered us to our hotel on the waterfront. We were fortunate to  have a room with a view of the Harbour and Princes Wharf. It was here at M Social that we would start the first of our 10 packing and unpacking sessions.

A tour of New Zealand across both the North and South Islands offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, Māori culture, adventure, and charming towns. We began our sojourn in Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’, which has a larger boat-to-person ratio than anywhere else on earth. It is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and has a vibrant waterfront that has flourished with the successful hosting of the America’s Cup. The trendy restaurants and waterside cafes are a constant hive of activity.

Auckland, a city of 1.7 million people has most culturally diverse population in the world. The entire country has about 5 million people and the indigenous Māori people comprise about 20% of that. The Māori are generally well-respected in New Zealand, with their culture and values interwoven into the national identity.

 

Auckland is also the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand, and acts as a major gateway to the rest of the country. Although it has about a third of New Zealand’s population, it has a friendly small-town atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life. Beyond the bustling downtown area, dominated by the southern hemisphere’s tallest building, the Sky Tower, the city sprawls outwards, with low-slung buildings and wooden houses among leafy parks and walking tracks.                            

On prior trips to New Zealand, mostly Cruises, we would only have 4 or 5  port visits in North and South Islands. We were anxious to get a more comprehensive experience, so we booked a 13-day tour with GoWay Travel of Canada with the help of our Agent, Donna, of Adler Travel in Connecticut.  We added a pre-tour day and extended the tour with a train excursion in the Southern Alps and some air travel.  We now had an incredible itinerary:

19 Day North and South Island Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Auckland, All Blacks Experience and Welcome Dinner

Waiheke Island Wine Touring

Auckland to Rotorua with Hobbiton and an evening Maori Experience

Rotorua, Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland and journey to Napier

Napier Sightseeing experience Art Deco Napier with a vintage car tour

Napier to Wellington, Cable car to Mount Victoria, Te Papa Museum

Wellington to South Island on Cook Strait Ferry

To Blenheim with Marlborough Sightseeing and wineries

Marlborough to Kaikoura with whale watching

Kaikoura to Christchurch, jet boat on Hrunui River, farm and family visit with Lunch, Tramway special dinner in Christchurch

Christchurch to Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak

Milford Sound Cruise return to Queenstown via Helicopter, Queenstown to Christchurch via air

Arthur’s Pass small Group Tour with TranzAlpine train in the Southern Alps

Christchurch to Auckland via Air, Hilton on the Water

Monday, 1/27/25

We met our guide Lucca in the lobby and enjoyed a 3-hour city sightseeing tour, including Auckland Harbour Bridge, Auckland Viaduct, the Central Business District (CBD) and then off to MJ Savage Memorial Park with its gardens and panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. Lucca has been a resident of New Zealand for over a decade and was very knowledgeable of Kiwi culture. As a group of only 16, we were never crowded on the spacious motor coach and our driver Terry was delightful.

 

 

 

We drove by the Auckland Domain the city’s oldest park with its museum and lovely Winter Garden displays beautiful variety of flowers and plants. The park has forests for hiking and a cafe to luxuriate in the surroundings.

 

Now on to the incredible All Blacks Experience. Not the story of racial difficulties, but a state-of-the-art guided encounter that showcases the “All Blacks”,  New Zealand’s national teams dressed in black, through exceptional innovation and technology. We felt the passion of the All Blacks story up close and personal. This engaging tour was a full sensory and interactive experience that allowed us to celebrate New Zealand’s record setting rugby heritage, achievements and culture.

For close to 120 years, the All Blacks have become renowned for pushing the limits of physical performance on the rugby field and while always upholding the honor of the team. Above all else, the All Blacks have developed a reputation for winning. In 591 Test matches, they have a 77.33% winning record. They are one of only two teams to win three World Cups (the other being South Africa).

This isn’t just about the All Blacks. It’s a homage to all those that wear the black jersey and represent New Zealand with the dignity, strength and the skill required to be the best of the best.

After purchasing some All Blacks merch, it was a short walk to the Sky Tower complex. The Sky Tower is a telecommunications and observation tower in Auckland, New Zealand within the city’s CBD. At 1,076 feet  it is the second tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The super-fast elevator whisked us to the 53rd floor and the Orbit 360º revolving restaurant .

Situated at the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower, the Orbit dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience with amazing 360-degree panoramas of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and beyond. Seated by the window, soaring high above Auckland, the truly iconic New Zealand brasserie offered sensational views with food to match. The three course dinner was preceded by a Bulleit Old Fashioned with Mike, my like-minded, bourbon-loving new found friend.

Tuesday, 1/28/25

Auckland, Ferry to Waiheke Island Wineries

After breakfast at the hotel, we walked across the street to catch the ferry from downtown Auckland to beautiful Waiheke Island. We sat on the top deck for the sunny, yet chilly 35-minute cruise from Auckland. Our sartorials included an appropriate light jacket, but we wondered at those who were dressed for a day at the beach with short shorts and flip flops. Waiheke Island boasts 57 miles of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, wineries, olive groves and seaside villages and is one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations. Waiheke Island has been rated as one of the top island escapes in the world.

On our day tour we visited three of Waiheke’s top vineyards and sampled a range of their wines. The first winery, Mudbrick, is a lovely terraced property with gardens and topiaries. They host 130 weddings a year in elegant surroundings and there we enjoyed a four-wine tasting.

Along the way, we enjoyed a commentated scenic drive, learning about the Island’s history, geography, people and culture from the knowledgeable local guide.

 

 

 

After our wine tasting experiences, we sat back, relaxed and enjoyed lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine at Charlie’s on Onetangi Bay.

 

 

After a stroll along the beach, we travelled back to ferry dock at Matiatia on west end of  Waiheke and bid farewell to this magnificent island. We made a short stop  at Davenport on our way to the Ferry Dock in Auckland and then prepared for the next chapter of our adventure.

Wednesday, 1/29/2025

Auckland through Waikato and  Hobbiton to Rotarua 

At 70º and overcast, our small group boarded a comfy motor coach at 8am with the ever affable Terry at the wheel and traveled south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Lucca and Terry provided just the right amount of narration to keep interest high.

We glided through undulating green hills signaling our approach to “The Shire”. We enjoyed the commentary on the way to Hobbiton with insights into the areas we traveled through, along with some background to the “Lord of the Rings” and  the Hobbit Trilogies.

 

Middle-earth comes to life at the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand.

We saw 44 hobbit holes, the Mill, double arch bridge, and the party tree.  At this stunning location, you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance.

The tour of the Hobbit Home with green door was amazing as it showcased incredible quality finishes from floor to ceiling throughout the 2,500 square foot domicile. The cost of construction for this unit alone was $15 million!

After immersion in the Shire’s picturesque landscape, we motored through New Zealand’s stunning countryside and stopped at the Rotarua Government Garden and Hot Spring featuring an incredible contrast of beauty and power.

Rotorua, a town set on its namesake lake on New Zealand’s North Island, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 95 foot-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools.

We checked in to Distinction Hotel with time to freshen up before an amazing evening at Te Puia and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute – where history is carved and woven into meeting houses, canoes, weapons and jewelry. We also experienced the wonders of the thermal area by stepping into an ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years.

It all began with the Māori people originating from East Polynesia and settling in New Zealand. Māori navigators were highly skilled and knowledgeable, using a deep understanding of the natural world to navigate vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean, they  arrived in several waves of canoe voyages between roughly 1250 and 1300. They relied on celestial navigation, as well as interpreting wind patterns, ocean currents, and wave formations. 

In the evening, we enjoyed a traditional Māori dinner, Hangi ceremony, a Haka performance along with other dances and songs before walking along well-marked paths to the site of the incredible active geysers and mud pools. We enjoyed hot chocolate as we watched nature put on a spectacular show.

Whakarewarewa  is known for its geothermal activity, and features geysers – notably the Pohutu Geyser and hot mud pools.

 

Thursday, 1/30/25

Rotorua, Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland and journey to Napier.

We departed at 9 am under sunny skies and 70º and traveled along the geothermal highway and past the edge of the largest man-made radiate pine forest in the world – the Kaingaroa Forest towards Taupo.

Along the way, we visited one of Rotorua’s most natural and popular geothermal parks Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal park featuring colorful hot springs, geysers, and New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool.

 

At Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland the amazingly colorful hot springs are primarily due to the presence of various minerals and microbial life thriving in the geothermal waters. 

 

We had lunch of fish and chips with our new friends Mike and Cathy on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, about the size of Singapore. It’s actually an ancient Caldera. From there, we  followed the Waikato River to Aratiatia Rapids and Huka Falls.

Huka Falls is a set of waterfalls on the Waikato River, which drains Lake Taupō . The volume of water flowing through it approaches 58,000 gallons per second, making it one of the highest flowing waterfalls in the world.

From Taupo we travelled  over the Ahiminawa  and Maungaharuru Ranges and constant scenery changes until we arrived in Napier. 

Napier, located in the Hawkes Bay region of the North Island of New Zealand is one of the country’s most attractive cities.

Known as the Art Deco City,  Napier has the highest concentrations of Striped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco building styles in the world. The commercial center was completely rebuilt following a catastrophic earthquake in 1931. Napier is also  known as of one of the largest and most vibrant wine-producing areas in New Zealand.

Palm trees line the streets and various parks, gardens and memorials give the water’s edge a distinct character.

We arrived at scenic Hotel Te Pania hotel boasting a stunning waterfront location on Napier’s Marine Parade. Here we would spend two nights and we had the evening at leisure,  so we enjoyed a casual dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant just a block away.

Friday, 1/31/2025

After breakfast, we discovered Napier’s Art Deco heritage in style in a luxurious 1930’s vintage car tour along with an exclusive opportunity of a guided walk inside some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Our deco-dressed driver transported us back in time as they relay the history of the area, including the devastating earthquake and fire in 1931.

 

We were impressed with the narrated drive through Napier’s famous Art Deco Quarter, historic Port Ahuriri and a delightfully quaint residential suburb. The city is known for Art Deco landmarks like the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building, National Tobacco Company and the Masonic Hotel to name a few.

We returned to the  Art Deco Center to meet our guide for a 1 hr walking tour through the city center which was followed by a movie depicting its destruction in 1931. While the earthquake struck on February 3rd, 1931, Napier was officially declared “reborn” during the New Napier Carnival in January 1933. The town center was rebuilt in approximately 23 months! World record time for such a large-scale reconstruction effort.

 

 

 

 

We then  drove to the Church Road winery for a wine tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Chardonnay.

It was then a short drive to the Mission Estate Winery for Lunch with a wine pairing.

The Snapper paired with Syrah was incredible. Syrah wines are known for their full-bodied, dry character with notes of dark fruits, pepper, and spice, often aged in French oak .  . . Perfect!

Today was a special one for me. . . we are scheduled to meet a long time dive buddy, Quentin Bennett in Napier, his home town. I met Quentin on several Shark and Whale Diving expeditions spanning a couple of decades. He is an outstanding Marine Photographer, but also a respected local health care professional. His family has lived in Napier for generations.

Quentin arrived ahead of schedule  at the Te Pania hotel and we took a short walk to the adjacent Hawke’s Bay Club where he is a long time member. We all enjoyed a local Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and the views from  the veranda overlooking the Bay by the same name.

Quentin then took us on a tour up narrow, twisting roads to the Bluff Hill Scenic Overlook on Hawke’s Bay and got some great views including one of  Napier Port, one of New Zealand’s busiest. From here, they transport timber, local fruit and meat products to worldwide destinations. It is the North Island’s second largest export port by tonnage. All major Cruise ship lines are frequent visitors. . .  today, Oceania Regatta is in port.

After our tour, Quentin had booked an ideal table at Madame Social, a new modern Asian fusion eatery and bar located on the waterfront in Ahuriri, Napier. With its beautiful setting on the corner of West & Customs Quay and breathtaking views of the water, we enjoyed a unique dining and social experience that blended  the rich and diverse flavors of Modern Asian cuisine with a funky European twist. We had a grand time catching up and enjoying wonderful plates.

Saturday, 2/1/2025

Napier to Wellington

After breakfast at the hotel, we noted the 66° temps and cloudy skies, took our spots on the motor coach and drove a few short blocks to Clive Square which boasts Napier Urban Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning. Strolling through the gardens, we enjoyed a chocolate croissant and a cappuccino enjoying our last taste of Napier. Clive Square is frequently used as an outdoor concert venue during warmer months. 

 

 

 

By 9:00 am we left the 1930’s inspired city of Napier and travelled through the countryside of the Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu. We were off to Wellington on Route 2,  a 4-hour drive.

 

We made a couple of stops along the way for a break and coffee , enjoying the scenery along the way until we glimpsed the Te Apiti Wind Farm. This is one of the 20 or so wind farms in the country. New Zealand is advantaged with 81% of electricity generation from renewable sources, hydro (58%), geothermal (17%), and wind (6%). With more efficient alternate forms of renewable energy like geothermal and hydroelectric so prevalent in New Zealand, wind energy seems like virtue signaling to me. 

 

We continued our travel  along the Kapiti Coastline into the capital city of Wellington. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbor and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact at only 138 acres and exploring on foot is relatively easy. 

On arrival in Wellington, we had an orientation tour through the CBD, the waterfront, Mt Victoria including a one-way tour in the Wellington Cable Car. One of the city’s most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital.

The capital city of New Zealand is located at the southern tip of the North Island.  It is the second largest city in the country and the entertainment, commercial and political capital of New Zealand with an air of pronounced sophistication and vibrancy. Apart from its importance as the capital, it is the main departure point for the South Island.

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. New Zealand has a parliamentary form of government based on the British model. This means that the British Monarch is the head of State, acting on the advice of our Government. Legislative power is vested in the single-chamber House of Representatives (Parliament), the members of which are elected for three-year terms. Generally, the leader of the governing party becomes the Prime Minister, who forms a cabinet. The cabinet is the central organ of executive power.

We toured the Parliamentary grounds and visited Old St. Paul’s Cathedral. The church is known for its impressive timber structure, stained glass windows, and soaring arches that create a unique interior space. Old St Paul’s is one of New Zealand’s greatest heritage places, and is arguably one of the finest examples of timber Gothic Revival architecture in the world.

Following the tour, we checked into the Rydges Hotel and walked to the nearby waterfront to meet Cathy and Mike for dinner.

Sunday, 2/2/25 

Te Papa Museum, Depart Wellington, Marlborough Wine Region

We started with breakfast at the hotel before a visiting The Museum of New Zealand ,Te Papa Tongarewa,  the national museum of New Zealand. New Zealand’s geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori, are celebrated in Te Papa’s permanent exhibitions. Te Papa’s Marae is a vibrant contemporary meeting house and a living communal centre, unique in a museum.

The Te Papa Museum,  showcases the country’s rich history, culture, and natural environment with an exciting range of exhibitions displaying New Zealand’s diverse art and visual culture.

Awed by the diversity of  the exhibits at Te Papa, it was time to head to the South Island!

Interislander’s Cook Strait Ferries travel between Wellington and Picton New Zealand. The 57 mile voyage takes 3 hours and has been described as “one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world”.  All the ships have bars on board, cafes, food courts and cinemas.

 

Our trip across the Cook Strait was relaxing, scenic and enjoyable.

 

We arrived at Picton Harbor, which we enjoyed last year as an early stop on our 2024 World Cruise. This picturesque port town is home to great cafés, restaurants, galleries, nautical history and specialty shops.

On arrival, our baggage was loaded on the coach along with our 16 fellow guests and we travelled just 17 miles to Blenheim which is situated on the fertile Wairau Plains in the Marlborough district. Blenheim’s varied attractions include its wine industry, the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, gourmet foods, adventure activities, relaxing recreation opportunities and much more.

We arrived at Scenic Hotel Marlborough in Blenheim and which was often the case, the bags were delivered directly to our room. Dinner was planned for tonight at the hotel at 7:30, but I had developed fever and chills and spent the night sleeping.

Monday, 2/3/25

Marlborough Sightseeing

The group enjoyed Marlborough wine tours visiting two wineries in the morning, followed by a waterside village lunch, then cruised  on a power Cat through Queen Charlotte Sound while sampling local seafood such as salmon, and green-lipped  mussels, with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for a definitive wine/food match. That was followed by a visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre which houses filmmaker Peter Jackson’s collection of World War I aircraft, displayed in sets re-creating their flight history.

Unfortunately, I “took to the bed” as Leanne Morgan of Netflix fame would say, to fight what I suspected was a Norovirus infection. Robin also stayed behind, but she ventured out to explore the town of Blenheim.

Tuesday, 2/4/25

Marlborough Region to Kaikoura

After Breakfast, we headed south to the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura with a few photo stops along the way to glimpse a bit of scenery and abundant wildlife. 

Kaikoura is where the mountains meet the sea. Lounging fur seals recline on rocks just yards from the shore, while dusky and Hectors dolphins (endemic to NZ) frolic in the sea within sight of town, meanwhile only a few miles further out, giant sperm whales glide through the depths.

Kaikoura is a the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean.   There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. We stopped in town for a coffee and light bite before the rest of the group went whale watching in the early afternoon. Whale watchers saw sperm whales, orcas and albatross. Being a water baby, I would normally be front and center checking out the whales, but my gastroenterologist would have strongly cautioned against it and recommended an antiemetic and imodium instead.

In lieu of medication, I went to the Sudima Hotel to check-in early and “took to the bed” again for a nap before dinner at the hotel at 5:30pm.

Wednesday, 2/5/25

Kaikoura to Christchurch

After breakfast and feeling tip top, we traveled to Christchurch, but along the way we paid a visit to a Tawanui Farm near Domet.

Arriving at Tawanui farm and the Hrunui river that runs through it, we jumped on Energy Jet for an exciting blast up the Hrunui River followed by a visit to the sheep and beef farm owned and operated by the Loughnan family for six generations in Cheviot.

 

We experienced in-depth look at their way of life, including meeting the farm dogs and watched in awe as we saw them herding the sheep and cattle with remarkable speed and efficiency. In addition, we learned about the economic pressures, environmental regulations, specialized skills and management practices needed to operate this farm successfully.

Sheep and cattle have been the most important farm animals in New Zealand since European settlement. The red meat industry, which includes sheep and beef, contributes 4.7% to total national employment and accounts for nearly $12 billion in industry value. 

 

From there, the Loughnans hosted us at their lovely home and garden for a delicious meal and a bit of relaxation before we hit the road once more.

 

 

Somehow, it wouldn’t be a travel day unless we stopped at a winery and today was no exception. The Greystone Winery in the Omihi Hills of New Zealand’s Waipara Valley produces Pinot Noir Chardonnays that are 100% certified organic . They believe that the wines capture the heart and soul of North Canterbury in every glass.

The most English of New Zealand’s cities, Christchurch, was named after an Oxford college. Appropriately, the atmosphere is reminiscent of an English university town, with elegant Victorian architecture, numerous parks and exquisite gardens. After arrival, we enjoyed  an orientation tour with a loop around city before checking into the 4-star Distinction Hotel.

We relaxed for 1 hr. before meeting the group at the Tramway Station a couple of blocks away.

 

We boarded the elegant Tramway Dining car with new friends for a fabulous meal while circling through the city on the authenticity decorated car for a formal wine paring dinner.

The Tramway Restaurant offers curated seasonal dining combined with evening sightseeing in central Christchurch for a truly unique experience. The luxury of the air-conditioned, colonial style dining tram with the fine service, cuisine and beverages was totally unexpected. The fine dining-style menu changes seasonally and includes a welcome drink, starter, entree, desert, tea and coffee.  No doubt, the finest meal of the entire trip!

The city itself has a relaxed and cosmopolitan centre with historic trams rattling along the streets of the bustling downtown area, a lively pub and restaurant scene, theaters, street buskers, museums, and art galleries.

Christchurch was devastated by a major earthquake in February 2011, and some of the damage is still evident, but the city has rapidly risen from the rubble and now frequently graces lists of the top cities to visit in the world. With the least rainfall of any of New Zealand’s cities and plenty of sunshine, it is a perfect base for a diverse range of activities, including a Canterbury skiing experience.

Our visit to Christchurch this day was brief, but we would return in a few days to visit Hagley and the Botanical Gardens after the organized tour concludes.

Thursday , 2/6/25

Christchurch to Queenstown

We experienced the beauty of the South Island on a scenic tour drive from Christchurch to Queenstown. It would be our longest trip, covering over 300 miles and lasting about 8 hours; however, it included several stops and stunning scenery along the way with incredible views of the Canterbury Plains, including a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo.

We stopped at Geraldine for a break and went to Barker’s shop. It was a open, airy, friendly shop in a lovely little town with coffee, pies and pastries . We met a lovely older New Zealand couple, who were huge MAGA fans!

Next stop was at the Fairlie Bakehouse to try a famous pie. Meat pies are incredibly popular in New Zealand, deeply embedded in the nation’s culinary identity. Kiwis consume an estimated 70 million meat pies annually, making them a beloved staple.

They are readily available everywhere, from bakeries to sporting events and roadside stops. The traditional steak and cheese pie, in particular, is a well-loved classic, with many variations found across the country.

 

From Fairlie, we set off to Lake Tekapu were we enjoyed the warmth of the sun and got the obligatory Church of The Good Shepherd photos.

The Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo on the South Island of New Zealand is a small Anglican church used by various denominations. Built in 1935 as a memorial church to commemorate early settlers, it is one of the most photographed buildings in the country.

It was then on to Lake Pukaki to view Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand, standing at 12,218 feet. It is part of the Southern Alps mountain range and where I got a glimpse of Haley’s comet in 1986.

We  then travelled past Twizel and stopped at the Wrinkly Ram in Oarama for a light lunch, we had coffee and muffin and left at 2:30pm for yet another stop at Cromwell where some purchased local honey and jams, but I opted for a popular Hokey Pokey Chocolate bar.

Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Renowned for adventure sports, it’s also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.  In winter, there’s skiing on the slopes of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.

Shortly after 5 pm, we arrived at the Millennium Hotel in central Queenstown for a three night stay. It was just a short walk to the local shopping and entertainment areas. After freshening up, we took a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere.  We were carried 1,600 feet above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak for views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and, of course, Queenstown.

Queenstown’s popularity is also due to the fact that it is a year-round resort, a renowned alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders in winter and activities such as jet boating, bungee jumping, luging, white water rafting and paragliding in the summer months.

 

When got to the top, we enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dining experience at Skyline’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar with panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Friday, 2/7/25

Milford Sound Cruise with a Helicopter Flight

We had an early pickup at 7:15 am at the hotel and boarded our coach for the 288 mile trip to Milford sound via Te Anau. The trip was studded with spectacular scenery and we made some stops at interesting spots for some photos.

 

The drive is long, but we enjoyed the scenic views and several stops along the way. Keep in mind that 1/3 of New Zealand is national park!

We meandered through mountains, slipped by cliff faces with waterfalls and tunnels then dropped through a temperate rainforest toward the Fiord.

Milford Sound actually not a sound, but a fiord and is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” due to its breathtaking landscapes, towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters creating a mesmerizing and picturesque environment. A fiord is a long, narrow inlet of the sea with steep sides or cliffs, typically created by glacial erosion and subsequent flooding. These inlets are often very deep and extend far inland. 

After a 5 1/2 hour trip we arrived at the welcome center for Milford Sound. However, there were 5 or 6 very large tour boats with 500 tourists each, a far cry from my first Milford Sound Cruise 40 years ago. We had a reserved interior table for our group and elbowed our way through the Buffet while the boat departed the pier and the commentary began over the sound system. The crowd inside was very loud, so I  ventured outside for photos and entered the Milford Sound I remembered.

Exploring the length of the fiord we learned  about the history of the region from a specialist nature guide.  The Milford Sound Cruise  is the perfect way to experience this wonder of nature.

We experienced the cool spray of a waterfall as we moved in close to sheer rock faces while watching for dolphins and seals.

At the end of our cruise we had the option of returning to Queenstown by coach for another 5 + hour trip, or we could upgrade our experience with a scenic helicopter flight back  . . . get your flight suit on Mama! After just a few minutes ride to the Heliport, we strapped in for a fabulous scenic flight through and above the Southern Alps.

 

Along the way, our Airbus Helo pilot Jono explained and demonstrated helicopter controls and guided us through a great scenic flight over mountains, glaciers and braided rivers. One highlight for sure, was tramping around in the snow at 9,950 feet on Mount Aspiring.

The return to Queenstown took only 45 minutes. Back in time for an early dinner at a local restaurant just a short walk from the hotel.

Saturday, 2/8/25

Group Tour ends in Queenstown

The Group Odyssey Tour officially ended after breakfast this morning at the Millennium Hotel, but Robin and I would continue on for 5 more days, returning to Christchurch by air, then on a train trip through the Southern Alps, followed by a  return to Auckland by air for a couple of days.

After confirming flights and tending to a bit of laundry, we enjoyed the sunny and 72° for a walk downtown for coffee and a bit of sightseeing. I’ll never forget that walk back to the hotel was sooooo steep.

We enjoyed cocktails and dinner with Mike and Cathy at Botswana Butchery on Marina drive, but we learned our lesson and took an Uber back to the Hotel. We would be going our separate ways tomorrow and will miss the company of our new friends, but we continue to keep in touch.

Sunday, 2/9/25

Queenstown to Christchurch

We had a limo scheduled to the Queenstown airport for a mid-morning departure for our return to Christchurch. The Air New Zealand agents were very helpful at check-in ensuring all went well with baggage and seating for the 1 hour and 15 minute flight to Christchurch on an ATR turbo prop with only 70 passengers.

Hallmark Limo was there waiting to whisk us to the Rydges Hotel and a large king room. We enjoyed a lunch at the hotel before getting an Uber to  the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863 and located in the center of the city.  The gardens sprawl over an area of 51 acres and lie adjacent to the loop of the Avon River next to Hagley. The Gardens have a variety of collections of exotic and local plants of New Zealand.

We were lucky to board the open air tram to get a great park tour and overview, then back tracked to the New Rose Garden and lovely Dahlia Gardens.

 

The Gardens were just as wonderful as I remembered from my first visit decades ago.  After an Uber back to the hotel, we walked to Francesca’s Italian kitchen. Our waiter was a guy with eyeliner and a side-swept hairdo, but he served a wonderful Focaccia and fresh, crisp salad so I’ll overlook it. Wonder how I would look with eye makeup?

Monday, 2/10/25

Arthur’s Pass Small Group Tour

We were picked up at the Hotel by Canterbury tours at 7.20 am with 6 others in a new Mercedes van by our guide for the day,  Dave. After a short drive to the  train station, we transferred to Arthur’s Pass by the world famous TranzAlpine train. Luckily, we were in a single row facing forward. We departed 8:20 am for the scenic 2 1/2 hr ride to the Pass.

The journey through the gorge was spectacular as we made our way to the high mountains of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass.

On arrival at Arthur’s Pass Village, Dave was there to collect us and continue with the rest of the tour.  Arthur’s Pass is named after Arthur Dudley Dobson, who discovered it in March 1864. The park has an area of some 242,000 acres comprising magnificent bush and mountainous country.

We first visited the  National park visitor center for orientation then drove in the new MB van with 8 of us down into rainforest. Arthur’s Pass National Park features short walks that we took to experience forests, rivers and mountain vistas before lunch at an historic high country hotel.

We stopped to photo Kea birds which are highly intelligent, large, olive-green parrots endemic to the alpine and forested regions of New Zealand’s South Island. Known for their destructive behavior, the kea is famous for its ability to eat almost anything, including plants, animals, and even attacking sheep.

In addition to the endemic Keas and Kiwis, Moa are an extinct group of flightless birds formerly endemic to New Zealand. They reached about 12 feet in height and weighed about 500 lbs. They were the largest terrestrial animals and dominant herbivores  in New Zealand’s forest, until the arrival of the Maori and were hunted to extinction by the mid 15th century, primarily due to overhunting.

We continued travelling on the West Coast Road through Craigieburn Forest Park for views of picturesque mountain ranges and braided rivers.

 

We traveled on and visited the incredible Castle Hill Rocks, unique weatherworn outcrops of limestone regarded sacred by the Maori. Located in the high country, this site features large, scattered limestone boulders and is a popular destination for walking, climbing, and photography.

Tuesday, 2/11/25

Christchurch to Auckland

Hallmark provided our limo service once again and we were collected by Tony at 8:25 am for our 10:30 flight from Christchurch to Aukland. Not only did Tony provide us with a ride,  but he checked us in at the kiosk and tagged our luggage for us. . .what service!

After a 1.3 hr comfortable flight, we arrived in Auckland and Hallmark was there once again to help with our bags for the 2 min walk to car and our 30 minute ride to Hilton Auckland on the Harbour.  On arrival, we had lunch at their chic “Fish” restaurant and by 2 pm we entered for our fabulous suite with wrap around deck on 7th floor with great views of the harbour. 

Wednesday, 2/12/25

After breakfast at the hotel, we walked the Red Fence Heritage Walk along the Harbour. This magnificent glossy, red, wrought iron fence runs for much of the length of Quay Street in Central Auckland. We then took advantage of a beautiful sunny 75º day to meander once again through this modern, safe city.

We visited Woolworths, similar to our Publix or your Safeway for a great chicken cranberry sandwich and then loaded up on “Pineapple Lumps” and Whittakers chocolate . . .  fabulous New Zealand chocolate treats!

 

 

After returning to the hotel, I checked in for flights leaving tomorrow and Robin spent the afternoon on the deck overlooking the Harbour, reading while enjoying the sun and perfect temperature . . .  Beautiful!

Time to pack for the final time and soak in the nighttime vibe of Harbour activity. What a spectacular city!

Thursday, 2/13/25

We woke to another mild, sunny day and after breakfast at the hotel, we were transferred by Hallmark to the Auckland Airport at 9:45 am. Check-in and security were efficient and friendly and we made our way to the Quantas Lounge after breezing through the Duty Free shops.

After boarding, we prepared for the 7,600 miles to Dallas with an estimated flight time of  13 1/2hrs. We did experience a delay in take off due to and avionics issue. We departed 1.5 hrs late, but the Captain made up 45 minutes in the air. With the added comfort of our seats, the trip was a pleasure, then we breezed through customs in Dallas with Global Entry and continued on to Tampa after a short 2 hr layover. 

It was an incredibly busy tour with so many varied experiences including numerous highlight dinners, lunches, wine tours and tastings not to mention the scenic cruising and helicopter touring. The featured visits to Auckland, Waiheke, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Art Deco Napier, Wellington, Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, the Milford Sound and the Southern Alps via the TranzAlpine were all unforgettable.

I hope that you enjoyed the journey as much as we did and  look forward to having you along on our next adventure . . . just a leisurely cruise circling the Caribbean over the Holidays.

Wishing you perfect health and safe travels!!