October 19, 2012 - Auckland, NZ to Christchurch, NZ
Today was a travel day. We left some of our luggage at the hotel we are staying at when we return to Auckland. I hope it is there when we get back.
We took the bus to the airport and caught our flight to Christchurch. We then got our Jucy Rent A Car. Driving on the left side of the road wasn't a problem at all.
After checking into the hotel we took a walk around town. You could still see the devastation from the earthquakes. The Botanical Gardens were amazing. The azaleas the rhododendrons were in full bloom. We had dinner at a Thai restaurant that was very good.
Back at the hotel we went to sleep on heated mattresses.
A common sign near the earthquake destruction
12 foot high azaleas
Was this a sign for Obama?
Today we drove from Christchurch to Queenstown, over seven hours on the wrong side of the road. The scenery was beautiful from plush green to baron hills. It was amazing to see the snow covered mountains. We stopped at five cities along the way so I could add new cities to my chart. At one stop in Farley we saw an antique car show.
During the drive we saw millions and millions of sheep.
We are now in our Queenstown Chalet overlooking the lake, the mountains and the snow.
We had an excellent meal at Fishbones - not related to the USA chain.
October 21, 2012 - Queenstown, NZ
Today was the much anticipated Lord of the Rings tour. We stopped at about six locations where the three films were shot. Our tour guide was actually in the first two movies so we got even further insight into the filming. He had photos from the movie where we could see the exact trees, lakes or rivers used in the shots.
I will have to re watch the movies when I get home. Eric is much more of a LOTRs fan and even guessed one of the locations. All I remembered was Frodo and Sam.
At the end of the tour we got to see some of the costumes and swords. The weather was perfect for the tour.
We walked into town for dinner. Had two types of salmon for dinner - one hot, one cold.
Lord of the Rings Tour
Lord of the Rings shot
Beautiful scenery
October 22, 2012 - Queenstown, NZ to Te Anau, NZ
After a nice B&B breakfast, it was off to the cable car to the peak of Queenstown. It went straight up, or so it felt. The panoramic views were awesome. Then came time for the luge ride, so up the chair lift we went. Our feet went wobbly as we exited the chair lift. All first time riders must take the scenic route. We got lessons on stopping and starting the luge. Off we went straight downhill with 30 degree banks left and right. I lost sight of Eric as he rounded the third turn. But I kept going as fast as I could. About three miles down the track I approached the finish line. Yeah.
For lunch we went to the famous Ferburgers. Wouldn't you know they were out of beef so we had chicken burgers. We walked through town before our drive to Te Anau.
What a drive - sun, rain, sleet, clouds, snow and everything in between. The snow peaked Alps were awesome. We found our motel and I was off on a tour of the city - well maybe it took me 20 minutes.
There wasn't much open for dinner since it was labor day. So we had lousy expensive pizza.
View from top of Queenstown cable car
The Luge
October 23, 2012 - Milford Sound, NZ
The weather was absolutely perfect for our ride to and cruise on the fjord at Milford Sound. We left at 8:00 am to avoid the bus loads coming from Queenstown. It was a two hour ride from Te Anau.
The mountain passes were amazing with the snow capped peaks. We stopped many times for the best picture ever. But the best was on the fjord. Not a cloud in the sky which the locals said was unheard of.
We took a two hour ride through the fjord seeing more picturesque waterfalls then you could count. We reached the Tasman Sea where we started our return journey. After over 200 pictures the cruise was over. The pictures really only show half the beauty.
The ride home was easy, following a tour bus most of the was. The local driver knew when and where to slow down. I hope I remember how to drive on the right when I get home.
Milford Sound Fjord
Reflection
Sailing the fjord
My favorite view
October 24, 2012 - Te Anau, NZ to Duniden, NZ
Today was a driving day - from Te Anau to Duniden. The scenery was spectacular. Going from snow peaks to rolling hills. I drove more this week then I do in three months at home.
Duniden was larger then I expected. We walked to the port and saw some giant teeth. The train station was beautiful, with the NZ Railway logo everywhere.
We walked to the Octagon, the town center. It was nice and warm for the first time in over a week.
I almost bought a set of china, but the shipping charge was outrageous. So I will search online when I get home.
For dinner we started at a Chinese restaurant, but it smelled bad and no one else was there. We then opted for kabobs.
I almost left without a picture of the millions of sheep
The Teeth in Duniden
Duniden Train Station
October 25, 2012 - Duniden, NZ to Auckland, NZ
It was my last day driving Jucy Lucy. I was glad to see her go.
The scenery on the flight from Duniden was beautiful - beaches, snow capped alps and volcanoes.
Back in Auckland we have a two bedroom apartment with an amazing view of the harbour.
For dinner we are splurging for NZ crayfish - $55 each. Dinner was on the pier with a great view.
It was early to bed - Eric had an early flight and had to catch the 5:00am bus. I left later. We will meet again tomorrow night in Hobart, Tasmania.
Flying back to Auckland
Clouds on top and bottom, snow covered peaks in the middle
Snow covered volcano from the plane
October 26, 2012 - Auckland, NZ to Melbourne, Australia to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Today was a day full of travel. Eric left at 5:30am in the morning and I went back to bed before my 2:00 pm flight. Luckily we're back to traveling business class so we got to use the Qantas lounge. I started my day with a mimosa.
The flight from Auckland to Melbourne took 4 hours. I watched 2 movies Snow White and the Huntsman and the Three Stooges. The first was good not so much for the second.
In Melbourne I spent another two and a half hours in the lounge. I probably ate two or three dozen olives.
Following the short flight to Hobart, Tasmania I took a 50 dollar taxi ride to the hotel. The adventure continues tomorrow.
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