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Kia Ora - Aotearoa
  • Janette and John
nov. – des. 2023

Kia Ora - Aotearoa

Et 31-dagers eventyr av Janette and John Les mer
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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Moa please.
    View from room.Hokitika / Tasman Sea.Tribute to a local surgeon who loved mountaineering and photography.En route to Arthur's Pass.

    Franz Joseph to Christchurch.

    30. november 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Today we head back to Christchurch via the Trans Alpine Train.

    From Franz Joseph we head up the coast to Hokitika and then inland to Arthur's Pass where we catch the Trans Alpine into Christchurch.

     Had time to wander into town after breakfast as we weren't leaving till 11.00am. Some people had hoped to take a helicopter ride over the glacier, but there was too much cloud.

     We headed up the coast to our lunch stop at Hokitika where we had time to eat and have a look around. There are lots of gift shops and jade shops. There is a driftwood sculpture competition held here every year and a few bits remain by the water.

     From here we headed up into the mountains and Arthur's Pass.

     The train was due at 4.30 and scheduled to arrive in Christchurch about seven.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Franz Joseph Trans Alpine exiting tunnel at Arthur's Pass.
    The train exiting the 8.6 km long Otira Tunnel.1

    Trans Alpine train.

    30. november 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    We boarded the Trans Alpine train at Arthur's Pass to head back to Christchurch.

     First part of trip was very picturesque, with spectacular gorges and views. The second part across the plains was through farming country.

     Back to Rydges, Christchurch and salami, cheese and wine in room.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Seven year old hill.
    Public loos at Cheviot.One helluva climb! 😮‍💨White rock means it's new.View from room at the Picton Yacht Club Hotel.

    To the North of the South Island.

    1. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Left at 9.00am and headed north for our last couple of days on the south island.

     We had a wee stop at Cheviot. On parking, the coach driver, Tim, informed us that the mural on the toilet block had caused some controversy among the locals - looks OK to me.

     As we approached Kaikoura, Tim pointed out that some rock at the water's edge is black and some is white. Turns out the black was always there and the white was under water till the earthquake of 2016.

    The white rock was pushed upward by the quake. The locals virtually woke up to see white rock where there was previously a bay.

     We lunched in Kaikoura with the option to meet back at the bus and go out to the Kaikoura Peninsula. Here we could climb the hill at the end to get great views or to walk around the base and see seals - we did both. The hill is white rock so is therefore only seven years old!

     Then onwards to Picton where we will spend two nights before boarding the Interislander ferry to the mainland on Sunday.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Mussell farm.

    Picton.

    2. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Trish and Paul walked down to the marina and videoed a stingray lazing in the shallows - talk about being in the right place at the right time.

    We are booked on cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound at 1.30pm. The idea of this cruise is to sample local green lipped mussels and local salmon washed down with a wine.

     This means a free morning to catch up on washing and ironing.

     Dinner with Cathy and Ken & Trish and Paul at Oxley's Hotel.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John

    Straight Across Cook Strait.

    3. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    On the bus at 9.45 to join the queue for the inter-islander. Boarding started at ten for an 11.00am departure. We all had to stay on the bus until it was on the ferry and we were instructed to disembark.

     The crossing takes 3 1/2 hours.

     We had heard reports of very rough crossings but today it was really smooth.

     The weather was cool and wet. On arrival in Wellington, we were taken on a sightseeing tour of the city.

     Some people elected to be dropped off at the museum and then walk to the hotel.

     Six people left us today and six new ones joined, leaving the total number at 26.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John

    Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand

    3. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand's national museum and is located in Wellington. Usually known as Te Papa (Māori for 'the treasure box'), it opened in 1998 after the merging of the National Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery.

     John was suffering an ear infection so I went to the museum with Paul and Trish. With five floors and a viewing terrace there was a lot to cover in an afternoon. We soon separated - there were many fantastic exhibitions.

    The day was grey and gloomy so the rooftop views of the city were a bit disappointing. Phar lap’s skeleton is kept here but the exhibit was closed for some reason.

     There was a huge exhibition on Gallipoli and the New Zealander’s experiences during the first world war. The figures representing soldiers and nurses were 2.4 times human size and spectacular. The stories were interesting and were told very much from the point of view of the soldier’s experience.

    There was a most interesting exhibition called “Passports” which covered those who settled in New Zealand from the original islander nations to the present day. Those early islanders were very clever with great navigation skills in negotiating the vast Pacific Ocean.

    The more recent migrants have come from all over the world. The British, and particularly the Scottish, came to settle and live a good life in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Later migrants have included many refugees, for example, Polish children escaping war in 1944, Hungarians fleeing Communist regime in 1956, Chileans fleeing Dictatorship in 1974, Somalis and Tamils fleeing civil war in their home countries in 1992 to name just a few.

     The Art Galleries were on the top two floors and ranged from a wonderful oil painting of a Maori woman from the 19th century to an installation to reflect light and spaces - quite different.

    Walking back to the hotel I met up with Cathy and Ken from Canada who had also enjoyed their afternoon at the museum.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Bank building.Bank interior.Sheila.

    Onward to Napier.

    4. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Today the weather is really bleak so it was a case a driving to Napier for lunch with a couple of wee breaks on the way.

     Quick lunch of pizza - we had to muster at 2.30 for a walking tour of the town.

     Napier was flattened by an earthquake in 1931. Most of the rebuilding is in the ArtDeco style of the era. We watched a short film showing before and after earthquake scenes. The town was flattened.

     The government quickly realised that the Napier borough council would be overwhelmed with organising the rebuild and appointed two commissioners for this task, John Barton and Lachlan Bain Campbell. Nicknamed the benevolent dictators, they took charge and the town got on with rebuilding - hence the reason so many buildings were rebuilt in the Art Deco style.

     A Wave in Time is made up of two bronze sculptures, located in Napier’s city centre on Emerson Street. Both pieces of artwork were created by Mark Whyte of Lyttleton commissioned by the Napier City Council.

    The first installation was commissioned in 2009. The statue is modelled on Miss Sheila Williams, daughter of E A Williams, one of the notable architects of the era.

    The second bronze piece is of a little boy who appears to have climbed a pole and is waving. It complements the first art deco piece, as the little boy appears to be waving to the sculpture modelled on Miss Sheila Williams

     As with bronze sculptures worldwide, patting the dog's nose is purported to bring good luck ??? I patted it just in case…    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    1

    Lunch in Taupo.

    5. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    The day has finally arrived when we are to meet up with Chris and Paddy Carl. We will be able to 'bring home' a pocket watch we've had for decades.

     Chris is the grandson of Jack Carl, one time licencee of the Empire Hotel, Christchurch. His own grandson, also Chris Carl, is to be married in Adelaide.

    The pocket watch that was originally owned by Jack Carl, can now be given to Chris, possibly to wear on his wedding day. That will be fourth generation!

     They were very pleased to see the watch and said they will get a watchmaker to check it out and make it operational.

     Possibly a more emotional reaction was when Chris saw the glass from the Empire Hotel. It will obviously mean a great deal to him.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Waikato River out of Lake Taupo.
    Waikato River exiting Lake Taupo.Jetboat at base of rapids.Water exiting Lake Taupo.

    Napier to Rotorua via Taupo.

    5. desember 2023, New Zealand

    Taupo is located on the banks of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.

     Lake Taupō was formed by a series of eruptions, the most recent of which - around eighteen hundred years ago - blasted out about 60 cubic kilometres of earth, rock and mud, leaving a massive crater.

     More than 30 rivers and streams flow into the lake, with only one outlet – the Waikato River. This means there is an enormous volume of water exiting the lake constantly.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Spillway from Aratiatia Dam opening.

    Aratiatia rapids.

    5. desember 2023, New Zealand

    A little further downstream is the Aratiatia dam which is used for hydro electricity generation.

    A few times each day, spill gates from the dam are opened at the top of the Aratiatia rapids and the narrow gorge fills with turbulent water surging past at up to 90,000 litres per second. Then, as the gates are closed about thirty minutes later, the turbulence recedes to a placid stream. By seeing the transition to full-flow and back again, visitors can fully appreciate the power of nature.

     At Aratiatia the Waikato River falls naturally through 28 metres in the space of one kilometre. This natural drop has been harnessed for environmentally-sustainable hydroelectric power - headwaters are diverted through a tunnel to the power station. Each day at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm - and also at 4pm in summer - the flow through the Aratiatia rapids is allowed to resume its natural rate. There are several excellent vantage points on the high rock bluffs that dominate this turbulent stretch of the river.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    1

    Te Pa Tu Maori Village.

    5. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    This evening we were taken to a Maori Village where we were given a traditional welcome.

     A series of 'workshops' followed aimed at demonstrating how warriors hone their skills and agility. This was followed by traditional song and dance.

     Last but not least was dinner.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Geyser, rainbow springs and terraces.
    Eruptions in the mud pools.Sulphur LakeDescent to lower lakes and thermal springs.Steam can be seen just eminating from the ground as well as from the hot spring water.Too hot for a swim!Trish walks with our guide across the bridge over the boiling lake.Rainbow LakeWaimangu - Frying Pan Flat ExplosionWaimangu pre 1917Geyser prior to eruption.

    Rotorua.

    6. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Unfortunately John had to visit a doctor to get some treatment for an ear infection this morning. Paul opted for a “Hobbit” experience and so Trish and I headed off on the Thermal Tour of the boiling mud pools, colourful hot springs, followed by a visit to a geyser.
    The mud pools were very hot and it was amazing to see the mud bubbling up from the earth. Really convenient cooking facility for early Maori.
    The hot springs were colourful due to the different minerals in the various springs. The yellow / lime green colour was produced by sulphur. Some pools had multiple colours.
    We had walked down a significant way when we were told there was a bus waiting to take us back to the top as we had to go to see the geyser eruption. Phew - we were quite pleased not to have to undertake the mountain climb back.
    Off to the geyser which erupted on cue thanks to a very entertaining Maori chap who added soap powder to create a chemical reaction which sped up the process.
    We saw a mural done of a view before the 1917 “Frying Pan Flat Explosion”. Prior to this event there was a hotel on the site and guests would walk down a path to view the Waimangu Geyser. You can now look at a very different view. Hotel, footpaths and vegetation were all destroyed by this explosion.
    Mother nature is truly awe inspiring.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Stunt doubles
    Inside the new "Hobbit Hole".

    Hobbiton

    6. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    The Hobbiton Movie Set is a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film trilogy, serving as a stand-in for the town of Hobbiton in the Shire in both trilogies. It is situated on a family-run farm about 8 kilometres west of Hinuera and 10 kilometres southwest of Matamata, in Waikato, New Zealand, and is now a Tolkien tourism destination, offering a guided tour of the set.

     Hobbiton is part of the movie set for The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The experience includes a nice drive in the countryside, a guided tour of the movie set and the village and a sumptuous buffet lunch with a local beer 🍺.

     Luckily we were there shortly after the new "Hobbit holes" were opened. The experience now includes a tour of "houses" A masterpiece of set design and construction.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John

    Auckland.

    7. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Travelled from Rotorua to Auckland arriving about midday. Checked into the Crowne Plaza, had a quick snack in the foodcourt and got back on the bus to go down to the quay. We had elected to have a cruise in a sailing ship on Auckland Harbour.

     On return we walked through the Maritime Museum, also quayside.

     We walked back to the hotel along Queen St.

     Dinner tonight was in the hotel.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Getting up close and personal with a Weta Workshop creation - "be creative and make cool stuff".
    Getting up close and personal with another Weta Workshop creation.

    Weta Workshop Experience

    7. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    The Weta workshop is a fantastic example of the moviemakers creativity. It guides you through examples of horror films, “Fauna", sci-fi “Origin” and fantasy “Age of the Ever Clan”.

    We experienced the making of props, suits of armour and weapons, animatronic action and a dose of the brilliant film footage that they produce.

    And wonderfully convenient, opposite our hotel and up the escalator    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Michael Savage Memorial.
    Domain, Aukland.Domain, Aukland.Domain, Aukland.Kauri tree.Kauri log.Warkworth.Whangarei Falls.Whangarei Falls.

    North from Auckland.

    8. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    First on the agenda, a bus tour around Auckland. There is a memorial to New Zealand's first Labour Prime Minister, Michael Joseph Savage, at Bastion Point, overlooking Waitemata Harbour.

     Savage was born in Tatong, Victoria, Australia.

     Next, the Domain, a coffee and a look at the hothouses.

     On the way to lunch, we visited the Parry Kauri Park with its two massive old Kauri trees. The 'Simpson Kauri' is 600 years old and the 'McKinney Kauri' is 800 years old.

     We lunched in Warkworth and then headed for Whangarei Falls.

     Back on board for the last time today to drive to Paihia at the Bay of Islands.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Heading in.Through.In a cave - note fault line going up."Hi there".On Urupukapuka, Bay of Islands.On Urupukapuka, Bay of Islands.Sharon and Tim at the farewell dinner.

    Hole in the Rock cruise.

    9. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    The morning today was taken up with a Cruise on the Bay of Islands to the Hole in the Rock.

     There are 144 islands in the bay. To qualify as an island it has to be above the waterline and have some vegetation, otherwise it is a rock.

     We had lovely weather, calm seas and sunshine. The Hole in the Rock was our furthest point and it looked spectacular. To my surprise we actually went through it and further around this rock, we went into a cave.

     As we headed back, we were let ashore on Urupukapuka Island for an hour. This island has a cafe right on a beach so we had coffee and a sandwich.

    Back on board, we headed back to Russell where it was possible to disembark and later get a ferry back to Paihia.

     We hadn’t really gone far when it was noticed that some bottlenose dolphins were approaching. It was such a good photo op that most of us had taken enough photos and we just watched them.

     Time pressures meant we had to leave them and head back.

     Tonight was our farewell dinner as tomorrow we end the tour in Aukland.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    Pompallier
    No.9 The StrandMuseum at RussellMuseum at RussellBeautiful Bay at RussellMoreton Bay Fig - very old.Duke of Marlborough HotelNew Zealand Christmas Trees put on a show.

    Russell

    9. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    After our cruise around the Bay of Islands we could elect to go back to the hotel or take a stopover at Russell on another island and make our own way back by ferry later in the day. I decided to take the stopover whilst John needed to rest up a bit. Trish and Paul also took the stopover at Russell - a lovely little historic seaside village.

     A walk along the foreshore known as “The Strand” revealed beautiful old homes and commercial buildings as well as small museums and places of historical interest. Along the roadside were a couple of huge old Morton Bay Fig trees. The street was also lined with New Zealand Christmas trees all out in bloom - beautiful.

     Russell holds an important place in New Zealand’s history, being the country’s first seaport, its first European settlement, and New Zealand’s first capital was in nearby Okiato.

    New Zealand’s first licensed hotel is located on the foreshore and is still called ‘The Duke of Marlborough’. It is a beautiful old weatherboard building with antique dining furniture.

    They had a busy lunch trade whilst we were there and were setting up for a wedding.

     Paul, Trish and I had a snack in a waterside cafe before catching the ferry back to base at Paihia.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John
    A final farewell.
    Waitangi - where the treaty was first signed.Whangarei Basin.Whangarei Basin.Whangarei Basin Gallery.Whangarei Basin Gallery.Top of Sky Tower, Auckland.In the hotel lift.

    Final tour day

    10. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    It's all over bar the shouting as 'they' say. Today we needed to drive from Paihia, Bay of Islands to Auckland to arrive at the Crowne Plaza about midday.

     A short detour at the start took us to Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed and then we headed south.

     On the way we stopped at Whangarei Basin for a comfort stop. We had a coffee and a pit stop. Tim told us that over the last few years this area has become quite trendy.

     On arrival back at the Crowne Plaza, those flying home today stayed on the coach. Those of us staying longer gathered our bags for the last time and headed in to check in again - in our case for two more nights.

     After lunch in the food court, we headed for the Sky Tower - it cost a lot of money for Janette to be terrified when really all it took was a ride in the hotel elevator.

     Found a little Indian restaurant just around the corner for dinner.    Les mer

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  • Janette and JohnKia Ora - AotearoaJanette and John

    One extra day.

    11. desember 2023, New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    One full day remaining in Auckland on our own. Decided to buy a day ticket for the hop on - hop off bus.

     We decided our first stop should be the zoo. As we approached the zoo bus stop, the commentary on the bus explained that from there it was possible to walk through a park to the next bus stop. We decided that's what we would do.

    After a walk around the zoo and a coffee, we headed out to the park next door and navigated our way to the next stop.

     Next was to be lunch at Verde Cafe in the suburb of Parnell, a village with trendy boutiques, galleries and cafes.

     Back on the bus, we completed the loop and alighted one stop past our boarding point, the Art Gallery. From here, it was just a short walk back to our hotel.

     For dinner, we walked around the corner to a cobbled laneway that once housed stables, and had a wine and a pizza.

     Tomorrow at 7am we will be met and taken to the airport for the trip home…    Les mer

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