Our trip to the South Island ~ New Zealand (Part 1)

As I promised I've finally managed to prepare a few photographs to take you on our trip to the South Island of New Zealand. I've decided that it might be better to post this trip in increments, as I did for the North Island. There are quite a lot of photos so be warned. 
I just can't resist snapping away...especially when there's so much to see and appreciate. 

(If you'd like to take a look at the North Island then just click here...there's a few posts to the trip so make sure that you see them all).

So off we go...

This was our first glimpse of the South Island and immediately I was struck by how different it appears to the North Island. The South Island is the larger of the two main islands of New Zealand, but the least densely populated.
If you are reading this post whilst sitting in Scotland you may feel quite at home with some of this landscape.

The South Island also known by the Maoris as Te Wai Pounamu or Water of Greenstone, is a place of spectacular scenery as you will see.

At times the spectacular dramatic scenes render you speechless.

Right from our first view of the island I knew we were in for a treat. 

The photo on the left shows Queenstown enveloped by breathtaking mountains and based near the dramatic shores of Lake Wakatipu. Lake Wakatipu was formed about 15,000 years ago by a glacier coming down from the north-west which gouged out the lakebed.

Queenstown was to be our destination and the photo below shows the spectacular view from our apartment. The mountain range in view is called 'The Remarkables' which sort of gives you an indication of just how splendid they are. This photo unfortunately doesn't do them justice but I wanted to show you what I looked out on every day.

  The mountains were named The Remarkables by Alexander Garvie in 1857-58, allegedly because they are one of only two mountain ranges in the world which run directly north to south. An alternate explanation for the name given by locals is that early Queenstown settlers, upon seeing the mountain range during sunset one evening, named them the Remarkables to describe the sight which I can quite understand.
I used that term quite a few times myself!
They are one of the most photographed mountain ranges in the world due to the spectacular jagged shapes and the steep rise above the shores of Lake. (No surprises there once you see them).
The mountain range is also famous for The Remarkables ski field. 

Here is the view of the mountain range from a pathway in front of our apartment. The pathway leads down to Lake Wakatipu and if you follow the trail along the lake it leads into Queenstown.

Every few minutes the view from our window changed and I was seriously near to never leaving the apartment...choosing to stay to watch the ever changing display. 

As you can imagine my camera was extremely busy!

Maori culture is unique to Aotearoa.
Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud

These photos show more of the pathway along Lake Wakatipu.
The lake was such a beautiful turquoise-blue.
It's such a pity you can't breathe in all that fabulous fresh air.

How wonderful to slowly walk along the lake appreciating all the wonderful sights and sounds...filling all the senses to the maximum. I realised how lucky I was and so stopped numerous times to take it all in. 

You can't help but stop!

Every time we took this walk there was always something new to see...

I just loved this little red boat and the name 'Oops' appealed to my sense of humour :D

And so onto Queenstown...

One visit to Queenstown and it's easy to see why the resort town is known as the world's adventure capital. 

There are all year round activities so there's something for everyone in every season.

Whether it is golf to jet boating, skiing to skydiving, revitalising to partying! 

It's all here in Queenstown.

Enveloped by breathtaking mountains and based near the dramatic shores of Lake Wakatipu , Queenstown could quite possibly be the most appealing city in New Zealand...it's certainly picturesque.

Queenstown location is great for a base to then explore Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. 

In the south is Dunedin with its Scottish heritage, and diverse wildlife. 

To the north are sunny Nelson and Marlborough, famous for their wines and food. 

It's difficult to know where to start first upon your arrival.

So maybe I'll let you settle in before we carry on....

I hope you'll continue our trip and who knows you may see a bungy jump?!?!

Don't forget to have fun this week...catch you later! 

The Art Decor Town of Napier, North Island...New Zealand

Now we have to take a little pit stop here on our road trip around the North Island of New Zealand because I have something fascinating to tell you....

You may already know this and if you do then you get full marks and even a gold star but if you don't then this could be the best thing you hear today!

If you're going on a road trip and have a hire car or have a new car then this is for you!

Have you ever driven into the petrol (gas) station and wondered which side of the car the petrol cap was on? Straining your neck to see through the side mirror, winding down the window to check or worse still having to get out of the car to check...all very inconvenient if you've pulled up to the pump and the tank happens to be on the other side of the car!

Well problem solved!

Take a look at your dashboard....there's a clue...see below

 

The symbol of the petrol pump shows which side of the car the cap is on by displaying it.

The cap will be on whichever side the handle on the pump shows! 

For instance the display above shows that the tank is located on the right side of the car.  

How simple and clever is that! 

I've mentioned it to so many people and they didn't have a clue so there you go....

Now on with our trip overwise it'll be Christmas before we know it!

Where were we? Are yes...Hawke's Bay in the North Island of New Zealand.

Before we arrive at our next destination of the town of Napier, I would like to give you a little history lesson about the location first. 

(I'm sure we all remember hearing the horrific devasting news about the 6.3 Christchurch earthquakes last year, which I certainly wouldn't want to trivialize those terrible events but I want to focus on an earlier earthquake today.)

The 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, was New Zealand's deadliest natural disaster. 

More than 250 people were killed, and the city centres of Napier and Hastings badly destroyed.

The earthquake struck at 10.47am on 3 February (the hands on the clock of the band rotunda in Napier froze at this time). The ground heaved upwards and swayed and then, 30 seconds later, there was a downward movement and violent shaking. In total, the quake lasted for two and a half minutes.

Most deaths in the quake occurred in the city centres, as buildings collapsed, trapping people, or as people who fled outside were hit by pieces of falling stonework. In Napier the newly built Nurses' Home collapsed, killing 12 people; 17 people died in Roach's department store in Hastings; and 15 people died in the Park Islands Old Men's Home near Taradale. Minutes after the quake finished fires broke out in Napier – these started in three chemist shops, where a gas jet was kept burning to melt the wax used to seal prescriptions. The fires burnt for 36 hours, destroying nearly 11 blocks of the central city before dying out. Fires also began in Hastings, but were more quickly put out. The navy ship HMS Veronica was docked in Napier harbour when the quake hit; the ship radioed Auckland for help, and sailors went into the city to join the rescue effort. Help quickly arrived from Auckland, with two navy ships carrying extra men, doctors and nurses from Auckland Hospital, and supplies. Following the destruction of the quake, a major project to rebuild Napier took place. The rebuilding was carefully planned, and the new town centre had many improvements, including some of New Zealand's first underground power and telephone lines. Guidelines were created to ensure that new buildings were safer; many were designed in the fashionable art deco style.

Today, Napier's art deco buildings have helped make the city a tourist attraction.

(for more information click on this link)

 As you drive along the decorative gardens which are located on a portion of the Foreshore Reserve at the southern end of the Marine Parade you can see the Gilray Fountain or more widely known as the Spirit of Napier...Hungarian born artist Frank Szirmay was inspired by characteristics of the Art Deco period and designed the naked form of an upward reaching young woman, which represents Napier rising from the ashes of the 1931 earthquake. 

(If you would like more details click on this link Spirit of Napier). 

  The town of Napier has been likened to a little piece of the Mediterranean Riviera down under; it is often referred to as the Nice of the Pacific. If you are a fan of Art Deco then this is the place for you to visit!

There are tour guides and events throughout the year...

This statue is situated on the high street and is modeled on Miss Sheila Williams, daughter of E A Williams of the notable architects of the era. Miss Williams led the "New Napier Week Carnival" in January 1933 to celebrate the town's recovery from the earthquake. 

We happened to be sitting having lunch when this cute vintage car came tootling around the corner...I'm so pleased that I actually managed to get a photo but apologise that it's out of focus.

In fact we saw quite a few vintage cars but I wasn't fast enough to capture them.

This information board had fascinating historical photos of the town from 1931...

...but then as you read this board and turn to the right...

there is the replaced fire station...

But it's no longer a working fire station now.

The town have organised walks and maps available which enable you to view all the art deco buildings. 

As you can see we had a beautiful sunny day for our visit.

I thought this shop would be ideal for fancy dress items....just look at all those hats for a start!

So after a wonderful lunch and leisurely wander around the town we headed up Napier Hill to overlook the town and harbour. The inner harbour has historical significance for the city of Napier.

The 1931 earthquake lifted parts of the inner harbour by some 1.5 metres. 

Illustrating that, West Quay and Nelson Quay were able to accommodate some fishing vessels at the turn of the century in areas which are now too shallow to take them.

I just loved this little tug boat....

As we look down from on high...it reminds me of another high beautiful sightseeing attraction that we visited...

Te Mata Peak which is at the western boundary of the wine-producing Heretaunga Plains and stands nearly 400 metres above sea level. 

 From the summit of the peak you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru Ranges and Cape Kidnappers. The volcano Ruapehu, in the centre of Tongariro National Park, is also visible on a clear day. 

It was incredibly windy up there and I had to hang on for dear life whilst taking these photos. 

 The nature trails on Te Mata Peak are great for hikers and mountain bikers!

Yes that's what 'they' say (whoever 'they' are?)  :-$

I have to confess at this stage that we drove up to the top and that was bad enough...stressful to say the least because near the top there is only just enough room for one car, so you have to say a prayer that you don't meet another car coming in the opposite direction! 

If you do then it's a very tricky challenge reversing down and thankfully not one we had to try. 

 I can't even begin to imagine the cardio workout going up hiking or on a bike, but the huge views might make the exertion totally worthwhile. But I'll stick with the car thank you very much!

Other hiking and biking trails in the Te Mata Trust Park lead through forest and along limestone valleys.

And so we'll head back to our little 'heaven on a hill'...

 I can give now give you a peep into Villa 1 of Telegraph Hill...

...this villa is a one bedroom

Simply stunning...

(the photos don't really do it justice)

And so the sun sets on our holiday...it's time to head home.

But we'll be back again for sure...hopefully soon.

And so on that note I'll leave it for today....

I hope you've enjoyed our trip and will stop by this way again.

I have another trip in the planning stages but in the meantime they'll be my journal, art work, Muffin's antics and anything else that catches my attention. 

 Have a wonderful week everyone and I'll see you soon

Auckland and Harbour Cruise...New Zealand

Haere Mai ~ Welcome to Auckland...the City of Sails.

So let's begin to get to know Auckland...

It is famous for its beautiful twin harbours and the scenic Hauraki Gulf Islands, New Zealand's largest city combines the very best of city and country living. 

There is something for everyone to enjoy in this cosmopolitan city.

Auckland City centre is situated 21 kilometres (14 miles) from the airport and takes approximately 45 minutes. I'll just briefly mention the weather...it's not a problem if like me you come from Melbourne because I hardly noticed any difference plus it's just as changeable! 

The city feels safe and I was extremely impressed with how polite everyone seemed to be.

Auckland offers a great deal from a sparkling harbour, scenic offshore islands, rugged ranges, wineries and beautiful beaches...

The heart of Auckland's CBD is based around Queen Street and surrounding streets. 

The Sky Tower seen in the photo below is the Southern Hemisphere's tallest!

As we wandered around the city we came upon the Auckland Diwali Festival of Lights celebrations. 

Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival and one of India's best loved festival. It is a time for celebration for people in India and Indians living abroad, where families light lamps, candles and fireworks to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness, and the renewal of life.

Traditional and comtemporary dance and music...plus activities, entertainment, food and many stalls selling colourful wares.

It's a pity you can't smell the aroma being carried on the breeze....
All the food presented was vegetarian. We tested the samosa and they passed the test ;D
(Samosa is a fried or baked pastry with a savoury filling such as spiced potatoes, onions, peas, lentils,
and can have ground chicken or lamb as an option)

Everyone had dressed up in their finery....can you believe the length of this braid?

Walking down Queens Street to the Harbour...

I don't think you can see very well from this shot but there's a flame coming out of the rock on the left...it was rather blowy at the time I took this...hence I got sprayed with the water from the fountain. 

 

After walking around enjoying the sights... 

We decided to try out the harbour cruise

Unfortunately, not on any of these vessels...
we caught the standard ferry but it did a great tour and the commentary from the Captain was quite entertaining....

It was rather blowy and it certainly blew the cobwebs off...so much so my hubby had to hold onto his toupee!
LOL...couldn't resist that...now I'll see if he reads this post...
he'll go up like a rocket if he does ;D

In fact we took two cruises...one of which stopped off at Devonport Island.

 Devonport is a picturesque seaside village only minutes away from downtown Auckland.
The stunning peninsula is a magnet for artists and craftspeople plus the very impressive collection of beautiful
restored Victorian villas.
Some even for sale which caught our eye... ;D

There are also a number of attractive little churches on the way to Mt Victoria.

Devonport is home to the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Victoria Picture Palace & Theatre is the earliest purpose-built cinema still in existence in the Southern Hemisphere. Now there's a few facts thrown in!

You can also explore Devonport's military history at North Head and the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum.
Yes...you guess it we HAD to visit the museum...but there was a time limit set before I walked over the doorstep.
(I have photos but haven't down loaded them yet...I'll do this tomorrow if I get a chance ~ sorry
I've been using two cameras and my phone to capture everything...
this holiday malarky can be both stressful and tiring!

Then arriving back after our cruise we needed a little light refreshment...
easy to say but it's not easy to choose when there are so many great cafes and bars to choose from...

We decided on an Irish bar in the end...very lively and the smell drew us in...

Well fed and watered we finally wandered back to our accommodation...
which I'll have to tell you about on another day.
I'm aware that this post has been rather long...but hey when you're on holiday you have to pack a lot into your day

I hope you do too...have fun and I'll see you soon.

We're leaving Auckland and moving on again...come and join us!