up close with Franz Josef

We arrived in Franz Josef after a relatively easy drive down the west coast. We were advised to stop off at the Bushman Centre for lunch. We found easily enough, as there was a massive sandfly hanging off the front of the building, but only stopped for a coffee. It was one of the crazy looking places both from the outside and the inside. A mixture of shop for clothes and souvenirs, a cafe and for good measure, a museum. The menu was the most entertaining as I had been told about the 'roadkill, possum burgers' not the mention the bambi burgers, bunny burgers and numerous other roadkill options. The chairs were all covered in possum pelts for authentic atmosphere.
We drove off as a group of bikers had arrived and occupied the museum to learn about the local natureal environment.
We drove into Franz Josef Glacier and found our accommodation. The room was onc again well equipped with cooking facilities and fridge, so a couple of beers fitted in the door nicely. We decided that we had time to drive to the Glacier and walk up to the face of it.
Once parked it took us just under an hour to walk to the face. Other explorer types were walking up the steep hill with guides to walk on the ice, but we were doing the helicopter ride the following day, so didn't have a desperate need to challenge oursleves right then.
We went back to the motor lodge and found something to eat and watched TV, after walking round the streets for half an hour.
It was a relatively small place occupied by mainly young backpacker types, walking in and out of the few bars that occupied the main street.
It was time to close down and prepare oursleves for the flight the following day.

full days activities in Punikaiki!

We woke to look out on a grey, low cloud looking day, but given assurances that the cloud would soon burn off by around 10 or maybe 11.
It was a leisurely start as we were served breakfast by the host Roli. The other guests had packed and departed and left us to organise our day. We decided to walk along a nearby beach, then time our visit to the pancake rocks and ‘blow holes’ at around 3.30pm where at high tide, the crashing waves would be projected skyward through the gaps (or holes) created by erosion. Between the beach walk and getting to the pancake rocks we walked for about an hour along a made up track that ran alongside the nearby river.
Unfortunately we did not see the blow holes perform as the swell was not adequately rough.
We went back to the accommodation for a brief rest, then went out to walk along the Truman Trail, which led to the Beach just below the accommodation. The eroded rock formations were captivating and we stood in wonder to think how any of them remained in place.
We sat with the host family and planned the following day, as although we were checking out, I had been invited to watch the All Blacks playing against Wales at the local pub at 6am in the morning.

The dawn of the following day came at around 5.30am and I was up ready to get to the pub, with Roli and Eva plus one other French girl who had, with her partner, tempted Caroline and I down to the beach to see if we could see Penguins coming onto the beach in the darkness. We didn’t see any though.

The pub was open and coffee was on offer on the bar as we took our seats, as the build up interviews were being shown on the big screen. Because of the Pike River disaster, there was a minutes silence which was respectfully observed in the pub. I really felt at the centre with people that knew people who had experienced the effect of the disaster.

The match started and a growing number of locals (some of whom were south Wales exports) started coming into the pub and getting involved as the game unfolded.

The game was a hard fought challenge and for 60 minutes or so, the Welsh gave their best and the lead was always possible. The final score reflected the ability of the All Blacks to change the tempo of the game and with 2 tries in succession they were out of sight. But that’s enough of the match report. The atmosphere in the pub was good spirited, applauding all points scoring by both sides.

We returned back to have breakfast and enjoy the final few hours before heading south for Franz Josef Glacier.

first stop on the west coast

The journey down the west coast to Punakaiki was once again a delightful and relatively easy trip. We followed the GPS instructions even though there were times when it started to get lost and guiding us across open fields. There were a few scary moments as we crossed narrow 'one lane' bridges and passes that had poor visability. But we followed the rules of the road and beckoned the odd lorry through when it needed guidance.
We arrived at our next port of call. The Rocks, Homestay.
Well this was another experience entirely and in a different league as far as paradise was concerned. The place appeared to be suspended over a small section of rain forest and the hosts Rolie and Eva made the welcome all the more special as we were introduced to the living space and the options of what activities were available and where to eat.
There were 2 other rooms which were also taken as the 'no vacancy' sign confirmed when talking with Rolie.
we rested a while then considered where to eat. We had been recommended to the local tavern where all the locals seemed to congregate as well as other travellers were also eating. We arrived there just in time and ordered food. I opted for the rib-eye steak whilst Caroline went for the pasta with tomato sauce.
It was served to us by Ian the owner of the place and as Caroline identified herself as having the 'veggie' option, he responded with the best line of the day, "you can see a Doctor about that".
I nearly choked on my mouthful of draught Tui.
the food went down a treat, although during the process we had witnessed the locals all turn to the TV (the volume was turned up and the music stopped) as an interview with the Chief Executive of the Pike River Mine brought home the proximity we were to the recent disaster and how it was effecting everyone.
I had a second pint, this time Monteith's Black Beer whilst Caroline then watched a change of mood on the TV... Gordon Ramsey's Nightmare kitchens!! imported US version.
we returned to the Rocks and had a quick walk on the beach at the end of Truman track.
Then back for a get together with the other people staying and discussed and compared our adventures around New Zealand so far.

South Island experience starts here

Its starting to turn into a different trip now that we've crossed over to the south island and start to observe a completely different landscape and meet different people.
We had eaten on the boat... well, fish and chips.. and therefore didn;t bother going out for another meal once we had settled into the accommodation. After all it was gone 8pm now, and we had a long day. This morning we woke to bright blue sky and sunshine just coming onto the balcony, so we enjoyed a breakfast 'al fresco' and read for nwhile before setting off. The Equestrian Motor Lodge had delivered and was interesting to have met the couple who were from Northampton who moved over about 8 years ago, we made tracks to see what the next stop over would have install for us.

Wellington to Picton by Ferry

Its was time to cross the great abyss between north and south island. Commonly known as the Cooks Straight. But we had a morning to waste in Wellington, so we packed up, checked out of the Capital Gateway Motel and park up for a couple of hours before catching the 2pm ferry across to Picton.
We decided to visit the Te Papa Museum in the centre of the city. We learnt a great deal more about the NZ culture in one of the exhibition areas. Hadn't realised that the maori language had only been formally recognised since 1989.
The Ferry awaited and we after stocking up with a few items of food, we drove to the waiting lanes to watch the ferry come into the terminal and off-load the south island cargo.
The sun was shining and the ferry left only a few minutes late. The crossing was smooth despite previous anxieties about the weather conditions. The crossing was a little over 3 hours but soon passed by. We docked into Picton and within 10 minutes we were driving out of Picton and heading for our overnight stop in Motekua.

getting into Wellington

It was the final full day to spend on the north island, and it was time to set the Sat Nav to find Wellington. It was once again a trip that would take us through changing terrain and towns. Masterton, Carterton and Greytown were all well organised and fresh looking places, where attention had been paid to a community looking spirit.
We were heading on South highway 2 and making good headway, so we had time for a stop off for a picnic lunch. It was a commemorative garden area in tribute to world war 2 war heroes.
On the road again, we noticed the growing number of lanes as we arrived into Hutt city. Both Upper and Lower Hutt came into view on our left and we travelled across to find our way into the Capital Gateway Motel. A sternly looking receptionist went through the minimal formalities and we went to our allocated room 106 and unloaded the car.
We considered options after a short rest and decided to drive into the centre of Wellington and check out the attractions and whether there was anywhere to eat.
Parked up, we headed to the waterfront area and then across several streets into Cuba street, the food street. There was a veggie/vegan place mainly based on Malaysian style, so we tracked around for a half hour then went in and ate. It was hot, but it was well tasty and good.

Napier Delivers in art deco style

It was a long drive from Stratford. 300km and a couple of stops meant we arrived just after 3.30pm to be directed to room 5 of 12 in a courtyard of car spaces (1 for each room). Each room named, ours being the CHB Press Suite (CHB = Central Hawkes Bay).
Again well furnished but slightly falling short of the previous accommodation but that was a tough act to follow.
We had plans for visiting Napier (about an hours drive) to see the capital of Art Deco for New Zealand, so after sorting ourselves out with food, we settled down to watch TV… (actually seeing New Zealand being well and truly beaten in the third day of the third test cricket).
We made our own breakfast and loaded the car and set off. The sun wqas shining with no sign of clouds, so it was time for shorts again.
We arrived in a central car park and ventured around the city and were absorbed with building after building that demonstrated the real ‘art deco’ themed design that has been so recognisable icons in the last century.
The camera was snapping skywards as the skyline attracted my attention every few steps. The sky-blue backdrop was ideal for the different colour schemes that paraded before me.
Whilst walking around part of the shopping precinct we heard, then observed, the results of an elderly ladies attempt to ram-raid a fashionable dress shop. We assumed she engaged reverse in her automatic instead of drive, and the result of her mistake had caused and one of the pillars was demolished.
Fire engines arrived to add drama to the event. We didn’t stop to observe, but turned a few corners and ended up talking to a resident of Palmeston North about life in New Zealand. His father was in Napier in the early 30’s repairing the buildings around us. His wife joined our conversation briefly and headed off to the next fashionable dress shop! and we bid our farewells.

We were due back to the car park (2 hours limit) and re-parked the car on the sea-front and had a picnic. Then we drove off to Hastings, about 12km inland, for more exposure to art deco buildings.

We drove back to our motor lodge and did the laundry, shopped and after a short rest had tea. Other residents at the motor-lodge started to congregate outside our door. There was a BBQ which was being fired up by the owner and there were some fisherman arriving, as well as a couple of others who were sat at the table, who after the meat had been cooked devouring their meal in the rain. I went outside to observe and admire their determination to eat in the rain (under a large parasol).
One guy turned out to have just returned from living near Sevenoaks in Kent for the last 10 years, working in the meat trade, alongside his colleague Jean Michael (from France) who were wheeling and dealing as we spoke. There was a container full of meat in north france waiting for transportation. But they took time out to share their experiences on NZ culture and history, sport and other related topical issues as well as their bread and special sheep cheese! Meanwhile I was being fed with some venison burgers that the owner had been hunting for. We stood and chatted as the rain ceased for around an hour. The India cricket team had beaten New Zealand in the meantime, but we didn’t make an issue of this. It was time to clear up and head back to our respective rooms.

Napier Delivers in art deco style

It was a long drive from Stratford. 300km and a couple of stops meant we arrived just after 3.30pm to be directed to room 5 of 12 in a courtyard of car spaces (1 for each room). Each room named, ours being the CHB Press Suite (CHB = Central Hawkes Bay).
Again well furnished but slightly falling short of the previous accommodation but that was a tough act to follow.
We had plans for visiting Napier (about an hours drive) to see the capital of Art Deco for New Zealand, so after sorting ourselves out with food, we settled down to watch TV… (actually seeing New Zealand being well and truly beaten in the third day of the third test cricket).
We made our own breakfast and loaded the car and set off. The sun wqas shining with no sign of clouds, so it was time for shorts again.
We arrived in a central car park and ventured around the city and were absorbed with building after building that demonstrated the real ‘art deco’ themed design that has been so recognisable icons in the last century.
The camera was snapping skywards as the skyline attracted my attention every few steps. The sky-blue backdrop was ideal for the different colour schemes that paraded before me.
Whilst walking around part of the shopping precinct we heard, then observed, the results of an elderly ladies attempt to ram-raid a fashionable dress shop. We assumed she engaged reverse in her automatic instead of drive, and the result of her mistake had caused and one of the pillars was demolished.
Fire engines arrived to add drama to the event. We didn’t stop to observe, but turned a few corners and ended up talking to a resident of Palmeston North about life in New Zealand. His father was in Napier in the early 30’s repairing the buildings around us. His wife joined our conversation briefly and headed off to the next fashionable dress shop! and we bid our farewells.

We were due back to the car park (2 hours limit) and re-parked the car on the sea-front and had a picnic. Then we drove off to Hastings, about 12km inland, for more exposure to art deco buildings.

We drove back to our motor lodge and did the laundry, shopped and after a short rest had tea. Other residents at the motor-lodge started to congregate outside our door. There was a BBQ which was being fired up by the owner and there were some fisherman arriving, as well as a couple of others who were sat at the table, who after the meat had been cooked devouring their meal in the rain. I went outside to observe and admire their determination to eat in the rain (under a large parasol).
One guy turned out to have just returned from living near Sevenoaks in Kent for the last 10 years, working in the meat trade, alongside his colleague Jean Michael (from France) who were wheeling and dealing as we spoke. There was a container full of meat in north france waiting for transportation. But they took time out to share their experiences on NZ culture and history, sport and other related topical issues as well as their bread and special sheep cheese! Meanwhile I was being fed with some venison burgers that the owner had been hunting for. We stood and chatted as the rain ceased for around an hour. The India cricket team had beaten New Zealand in the meantime, but we didn’t make an issue of this. It was time to clear up and head back to our respective rooms.

moved on to Waipukurau

we set off this morning for a 300km drive from Stratford to Waipukurau and saw our first flock of hillside wind turbines. Putting good use of the recent strong winds which was good to see. Stopped off at a cafe (Sassy cafe) which doubled up as a post office... 'a novel and unique combination' I commented to the girl behind the counter as she calculated what stamps we needed to send a postcard home.
'gets a bit annoying at times though' she responded.
Didn't seem like the most perfect of combinations then.
We're now sitting in a our new digs for 2 nights and driving into Napier tomorrow.

touring the 'Surf Highway'

As mentioned earlier, we woke to see only some brief glimpses at the nearby mountain from our balcony. Several options were considered, but thought we would head across eastwards and navigate ourselves around the mountain. The road running along the coast is known as the Surf Highway, and several roads led from it towards the coast, where the sea was looking particularly rough.
We went through several showers, but stopped around 12.30 and had a picnic. Chatted to a couple walking their dog. picked up that their accents weren't local NZers, and discovered that they had moved over here 6 years ago from Yorkshire, originaly from Leeds.
We made our way back through New Plymouth and then towards Stratford to return to our room.
Then we were out again to see the clock in the centre of stratford which, on the chimes of 3pm performed a short piece from Romeo & Juliet. It appears that this place was named after the Bard and the glockenspeil chimes are shortly followed by life-size models appearing at various windows of the clock tower....
It was time for more mountain spotting and found a nearby road that led to the mountain plateau 6km away and 3 pops in our ears high! (its the official way we measure altitude). we arrived to find one other vehicle in a large car park but the top of the mountain came into view. The first time we'd seen it all day, as it had remained wrapped in clouds all the time during our drive.
we walked to a look-out platform, then back to the car as we saw the summit disappear again.
At least we can say we saw the summit!!

Mountain spotting

woke this morning to watch the rugby match, NZ vs Ireland being shown live here at 6.30am.
opened up the roller blinds in order to check if the mountain would come into view, and eventually caught a glimpse of the summit. at 2518 metre high with a secondary peak on its south side, fathoms peak.
Managed to get a few shots of the peak, so will upload it for those mountain fans. Apparently it was used as the backdrop to the film 'The Last Samurai'... just in case you thought it was all Lord of the Rings out here!!
will be venturing out shortly and finding our way closer to the mountain.

more miles on the clock

Its been an interesting couple of days.
We left Rotorura and headed for a relatively short journey to Turangi via Taupo, where the lake was looking magnificent as predicted.
We were well ahead of schedule and took a turning off the route where signs indicated some more geothermal springs and of all things, a 'devonshire cream tea'. We sat in the car park outside deciding whether or not to go in. We did, and didn't regret it. We discovered a middle aged guy stood behind the counter and on introduction told us that he was just passing 21 years ago and bought it and hadn't been able to get out. He humoured us with several class jokes (you had to be there) and then pointed us in the direction of the back door for a 30 minute walk around several spectacular steaming holes named as the porridge pool and the chocolate pot, which were not so active. We got back to the cafe and chatted to a young lad who served us drinks and had time for some insightful experiences of living in NZ.
after over an hour we headed back to the main road with recommendations to visit the Huka Falls and some thermal pools a little further where you could bathe in hot pools by the side of the river that ran out of Lake Taupo.
Caroline dipped in the pools of steamy water and then we headed to Turangi and checked in for our overnight stop before getting up this morning and heading fro Stratford.
This morning was wet and we found good use for the wiper blades for most of the journey. We arrived at around 3.00pm and checked into one of the most amazing room we've had for both this trip and the previous Canada trip. (see pics!)
A room with kitchen/cooking facilities and all the usual mod cons, but I walked out onto the balcony we discovered a hot tub bubbling away at a steady 37.5 deg!!
the balcony looked south towards a cloud of misty grey rain, behind which is Mount Egmont... will we see it.. watch this space.
In the meantime, we've driven into New Plymouth this evening on the recommendation of the owner of the motel here, to visit the 'loving hut' a veggie/vegan cafe, that was just what Caroline needed. The chap helping out there apparently did some of the tiling in our room... Fred was his name and he was a real character and another on the list of New Zealanders that all have a story to tell.

Rainbow Springs

Rotorura offered a great day out to see the native animals of NZ. The main attraction was the Kiwis, and for a few dollars extra, we were shown eggs being incubated and then where they hatched. There were some rather frisky ones that wre a few weeks old, cared for. We then returned after 8.30pm and saw a few others as they were waking up. During the day, the woodland walk offered an insight into the varied fauna not to mention the flora.
We also went around a nearby park in the centre of Rotorura and saw steam rising from hols in the rocks. A bizarre sight.
After we had our second visit to see the Kiwis, we stumbled on a street market selling all manner of foods. Found a guy selling cornish pasties.... the real thing. He had moved over here 5 years ago and was making a go of it. "hard work and its expensive" he told me, but well worth it.
food for thought.

the kettle's boiling

Drive to Rotorura

This was another of those drives that almost required the scenery overload trip switch to be re-set. After the Coromandel Pensinsular, we had around a 4 hour drive south and see some more of the changing landscape. Not only the scenes however, but the odour also made a dramatic change also as we drove into Rotorura and parked up outside the hotel. The heat had been increasing as we drove south again, but hadn't bargained for picking a hotel just on the lakeside with the most alien looking landscape we coulod have imagined. Then, just as we opened the door of the car, the smell of rotten eggs (commonly known as sulpur) hit our throats.
My memory hit back to school days when somebody would set off a stink bomb, and we would have to evacuate the assemembly room at the start of the day. I so wanted to complain at reception, but realised that nobody commented on the strong stench. nobody apologised about the smell. Nobody spoke about it, and although I was expecting it, I must admit after a day of it, the aroma was becoming less noticeable.

Anyway, we set off for our first explore around the steaming pools next to the lake. WOW!!! seen lots of documentaries about these natural geothermal phenomenon, but to see it in front of your eyes was amazing.
during our walking tour, we discovered a Thai Restuarant and decided to go back there for a meal that evening.
we then considered plans for the following day.

does exactly what it says on the sign

Day at Hot Water Beach
One of the main attractions to this coast line for us was the aptly named ‘hot water beach’. One of those geothermal phenomenon that you see on documentary programmes back home, but never witnessed in the flesh.

Its only around 7Km from where we are staying, so it was a natural expectation to visit. Even the reception where we are staying has the low tide times, as it was more likely that we could experience the full effect if we visited at low tide. We were up and ready to go by around 9.30am as the tide was turning. We arrived and parked the car and walked across the sand and saw in the distance the gathering crowds (may about 30 or so) where some had dug themselves holes to sit in and others who were standing just as the tide lapped their feet.

We were to find out that there was a narrow area where there was virtually boiling water was bubbling up through the sand, and if you wriggled your feet a few inches below the surface on the shoreline, you could feel the intense heat of the water below. Quickly extracting your feet meant that you had survived, but tempted to keep trying it again and again.
Caroline wanted to submerge herself in one of the pools, and experience the full hot tub effect. I sat back on the rocks and shaded myself from the intense heat that was increasing as midday grew nearer.

We soaked up the rays a while longer and then returned to the car and drove back to our accommodation and had some lunch. Sitting out on the veranda consuming some recently purchased bread, humous and veg meant we were ready for the afternoon trek.
The afternoon challenge was to walk to Cathedral Cove. Again hardly 3Km away although once parked up, the half hour walk was, for some steeper parts, a bit of a challenge. An amazing collection of rock formations awaited us as well as the large cavernous hole which for those who were brave to walk into in (despite the warning signs not to) experienced the cathedral like experience no doubt.

The sun remained hot as we returned back up the hill to the car. All boxes ticked for today.

heading in a southerly direction

Driving south
Sunday morning and we were up and ready to drive south and find some nursing friends who had moved out here 3 years ago.
It was around a 3 hour drive, but with a few stops, we arrived at their place around 3pm. Caroline’s highlight was a toilet break in Helensville where the modern facilities welcomed her and informed her that she had a 10 minute limit during which to use the loo.
We drove on and arrived just in time for afternoon cream tea (with home made scones) not to mention some home made beer by the end of the afternoon.
One of the main attractions of moving to NZ was in clear evidence as soon as we walked to the rear of their house. The panoramic views across the valley below was amazing, where in the distance we could make out the outskirts of Auckland.
The remainder of the afternoon was full of conversation and general catching up with news back in the UK and discussing the challenges of emigrating to New Zealand.
A few interesting facts we discovered:
The New Zealand people celebrate Guy Fawkes night.
There is hardly any investment in the railway system in Auckland and surrounding areas. (in fact, we’ve yet to see a train, although been over many crossings)
You can purchase and brew with a distillery
You get very little holidays, although when it comes to Christmas and new year, everything closes down and everyone is on holiday.

We were shown plenty of interesting areas to visit as we journeyed south and now have them marked on our map for future reference.

The evening drew to a close as tiredness crept around the room, and slumber became the major attraction.
Zzzzzzzzz

The next morning our hosts had gone to work, and we thought they may have stolen the view and good weather, as we could hardy see 50m across the garden, which after that was shrouded in heavy grey misty cloud, which converted to rain during the next couple of hours.
However, by 10am, there were indications that the weather was lifting, and we decided to depart.
Heading for the Coromandel peninsular, we had been advised to stop off at the driving creek café. After some directions in the centre of Coromandel we found the place, which was a haven of vegan cuisine, where we sat and feasted ourselves on the veranda.
Another hour and quarter drive with views that were amazing in every sense of the word, we arrived in Hahei, near hot water beach. The accommodation comprises of small single wooden units that are very quaintly equipped. Think this might be a good 2 night stop over…

The Dolphins in Bay of Islands

As if my encounters with perfoming the Haaka wasn't good enough,we had booked ourselves on a saturday trip around the bay of islands with an option to swim with Dolphins. Well those of you who know that my swimming capabilities meant that it something I wasn't planning to do, however Caroline was keen to do it.
We joined a boat load and set off to the islands to deilver and collect post with some of the inhabitants, and then onto to an area where a pod of Dolphins were performing.
Unfortnate for caroline, the advice given that unless you were strong swimmers, you should not be getting into the water. However what we saw was something amazing enough, as the dolphins came around the boat and entertained those who did get into the water as much as those looking on.
Feeling a little sun-burnt now as the sun goes down, we realised that we had experienced another special day and would remember this one for some time.

Treaty House and Haaka

It was just a short 10min drive to the Visitor Centre at Waitangi where we spent our second day.
A selection of additional attractions were given careful consideration, but we decided on the Haaka performance which would be presented in a small theatre area at 12.30.
A small crowd congregated and were introduced to the short presentation made by 2 male and 2 female Maoris who offered the opportunity for us to join them and learn the basic movements of the haaka.
It was one of those special privileged moments to stand alongside these guys and stomp out and thigh slap the rhythm of this traditional tribal dance.
Afterwards we walked around the grounds and absorbed the historically importance of how New Zealand and the English people agreed to assist a peaceful future.
An hour or so later we had a picnic and embarked on a walk to discover the nearby Hurura Falls. It was a track that would lead through a mangrove, however when we found a sign indicated that we had walked only 1km of a 5km walk, we considered that our footwear would not be adequate and that we would not be able to complete the walk.
We turned back and decided to drive for a while, before heading back to the hotel.
Its Friday… so it was time for fish and chips, so that completed the day.. plus a few beers.

this is NZ calling

New Zealand – day one

Arrived into NZ on Wednesday morning after an express flight from Hong Kong. Just over 10 hours, which meant that we landed at Auckland airport at around 10.30 and went through the ‘are you bringing UK mud to NZ on your shoes routine’ which we had expected, but in reality was just as demoralising as entering USA.
Having reported to the car rental company that we’d arrived, a shuttle bus arrived and took us to an off site lot and obtained our allocated Nissan Bluebird, which had almost 125,000 km on the clock, which we quickly installed out road Sat Nav (GPS) to the windscreen and headed north to the voice of Billy Connolly asking us to switch lanes at strategic points along the motorway as we circumnavigated our way around Auckland.

A short break at a service station then had us driving the 3hr journey to Paihia, although not without some concerns as we saw signs for a road toll charge of $2, but then found there were no indications as to where we could pay our money. (more on this later)

We arrived at the Heartlands Hotel (Motel) and greeted by a smiling Canadian receptionist who proceeded to explain basic routines of the hotel. It felt early season, as we entered our room which on 2 sides were completely windowed overlooking the bay of islands. (5 star views)
But sleep was more important than views at this moment. It was about 4.30 and sleep deprivation was kicking in. We collapsed onto the bed and I switched off soundly for around 2 hours.
Showered and changed it was time to explore the small fishing village (maybe town) of Paihia and walked the small wharf where we saw the Ferry arrive from across the bay at Russell.
We found a Pizza (Le scalata) restaurant and devoured a 12in Julius Ceasar Pizza. Although the waitress responded with the quote of the day when I was feeling smug and proud that I had eaten it by saying, “it took you a while though” 
Beer consumed – Speights Dark Ale x 2
Advice on tipping – as much or as little as you like, (or can afford)
Cost - £12 each

Caroline drove the 5 min back to the hotel as we were uncertain about the drink/drive law. We had asked the waitress for her knowledge on the topic, to which she responded with “I feel alright to drive after 1 drink” which wasn’t that clear, as the strengths of none of the alcohol was marked on the menu.

On the topic of alcohol, the sister hotel to the one we are staying at, have a bar that offer a ‘happy hour’ period. However you can chose whenever you want it to start. So I suppose you can never be late for happy hour there.

Anyway, we’ve had a relatively good nights sleep, and now ready to explore the local shops and some tourist attractions, after a hearty cooked breakfast.

final sunset on Hong Kong

Now sitting in Hong Kong airport waiting for flight to Auckland. Just seen amazing red sky sunset across the control tower at airport, but unable to get camera to capture the event... a few others did however.
Had a great final day visiting the giant Buddha high on the hill, after a 20 min cable car ride crossing hills and river.... that I have got photos of, and will upload a few samples as soon as we get to NZ.
The airport here is a credit to Norman Foster the British architect who designed a very pleasant environment in which to watch people eat with chopsticks and relax thing before a long haul flight.
Everything feels very far away... but tomorrow we'll be 12 hours ahead... now that will be a long way from home.

Hong Kong - more facts and observations

population - nearly 7 million
average density - 6500 person per sq km
most dense - Kwun Tong 53000 persons per sq km
Cemetry space much sought as cremation burials encouraged now.
average earning - 11000 HK$ per month

subway system - MTR - very easy to navigate, costing approx. £1.50 to travel for 30min journey from airport to centre.
very clean. fines of 2000 HK$ for eating or drinking on subway
5000 HK$ for smoking in non designated area.

Many residents wearing face masks.
Driving appears to be very territorial although no evidence of road rage.
very much a dog eat dog attitude and even buses have to fight and claim their piece of the road. (no allowing the buses to pull out)

Tourism is a top priority to the financial stability of the area.
employs nearly 200,000 people
10.5 million visitors in first half of 2010

Feng Shui is very influential in design of buildings and generally the people's way of life.

lucky number is 8
indicates wealth
Jacky Chan's personalised number plate 'JC 1' is worth 16 million HK$ !!!

stay tuned for more fun

first full day in Hong Kong

With a little taste of jetlag waking us up early, it was inevitable that we would need to occupy us for the day.
We consulted the hotel’s business liaison lady who booked us onto an afternoon tour of Hong Kong Island. We had to find our way across to the another part of Kowloon and meet up with the tour at the Sheraton Hotel.

We ran the usual expected gauntlet as we walked Nathan Road as we were continuously approached by offers of copy Rolex watches, tailors to fit suits or shirts and a number of other restaurateurs with tempting menus….
I resisted the temptations and sat for a while in Kowloon’s Park, where we observed resident Chinese people enjoying relaxing in the green and peaceful surroundings during their lunch. A group of small children (approx 2½ old) with parents who supervised as they chased between a collection of bizarre sculptures as well as an immaculate maze.

We headed off to the hotel and at 2pm were ushered into an awaiting 16 seater bus with a collection of tourists.
Firstly heading to the peak of Hong Kong Island in Victoria Park, we had around 20mins to take shots of the views below.
Then off to Aberdeen fish where an awaiting sampan took us for a journey around the houseboats scattered around the waterways.
Then the peak of the trip? A visit to a jewellery factory, where we were introduced to the hand made techniques of one of the leading manufacturers. It was a sprat to catch a mackerel as we were then set free in a large showroom where no less than a dozen assistants picked us off one by one and gave their best sales patter to secure a sell.
The rest is history, but self control prevailed as Caroline only purchased one of their specially discounted pieces.
And finally, we were ushered off to Stanley Market where the most timely event was watching the sun setting over the bay.
We asked to be dropped off near Temple Street market and walked through a colourful parade of stalls.
But…. time to eat, and we were tempted to sit down at a ‘classic’ Chinese open air street restaurants and conversed with follow customers, one of whom were heading back to England on Thursday after 3 months touring the south east and New Zealand and another couple (from US and Bulgaria) who were also heading back home after a couple of months touring in the same area.

We paid up and made tracks towards a nearby subway and headed to the hotel. The jetlag battery charger is now on, and are planning to Ngong Ping Village via the Cable car, which is a 5 minute walk from the hotel.
Then its off tomorrow afternoon to the airport for our flight to Auckland.

the chopstick challenge

The Chopstick challenge!
All went to plan as far as the flight out here to Hong Kong.
The waiting was kept to a minimum and we took our seats and settled into relatively spacious seats and started to review the available inflight movie entertainment.
The meal options and complimentary red wine was flowing, whilst I got stuck into the film ‘Salt’.
It was after midnight (GMT) before the lights were dimmed and passengers encouraged to take some sleep. Eye pads, pillows and blankets were being thrown in all directions, but could I get comfortable despite the reclined status..? no.. not really that easy, although did feel myself dozing off for some short spells.
The pilot, upon departure, had announced that we would be taking an hour off our flight time due to there being a tail wind. And this is what happened…. landing around 4.30pm (Monday afternoon).
We connected with the free shuttle bus to the hotel. A short 5 minute ride and checked into room 1203.
We looked at the view and watched the sun setting over the nearby hill, where gondola were traversing the landscape.

After a ‘power nap’ we were off to explore an evening in the centre of Hong Kong. A 25min subway ride for 21HKD (>£2)

Then it was time to wander a few streets and soak up the atmosphere, and considering which restaurant was going to benefit from our new crisp Hong Kong Dollars. After 45 mins of walking our stomachs demanded we stopped to eat. We eventually stumbled upon a very pleasant restaurant where we were presented with chopsticks… it was the ultimate challenge which didn’t attract the attention of waiters as I thought it would.
For ate an extremely tasty meal and settled our bill which came to around £40. Money well spent.

Now back at the hotel, we are deciding which tour of the city we will take tomorrow.

countdown for take off

There's more than enough to do this week, as we prepare for our next part of the journey.
The most notable is the idea of writing out Christmas cards this week. The Christmas stamps are out tomorrow, so everyone should be getting into the swing of Christmas soon. Just to make it feel more so, was seeing a Christmas tree with decorations in the local Tesco shop!
There are already some interesting facts and figures to be considered with the trip. I've calculated that we'll be driving over 3000Km from each of the destinations in New Zealand. Just hoping that we get a good car!
Just caught sight of the weather forecast in Hong Kong next week.. looks hot... in the 80s!!
And just to add a little frustration, I discovered that U2 are playing in Auckland about a week before we arrive back there after traveling around the south island. Had I realised that before, I would have drawn up a completely different schedule.
Ah well.... stay tuned and will keep you posted as to the final preparations later in the week.