Something to write home about … Tranz Alpine Railway

Something to write home about … Lake Reid

Across the Ditch in 2012: Winding it up!

Thursday: Our last day! We drove down to Akaroa, having lunch on the way. Although it wasn’t too far, it seemed to take forever. At the outset, it was getting out of Christchurch. At the other end it was the hilly, winding roads. But of course we had the WOWs around every corner to compensate.

Across the Ditch in 2012: The Beginning of the End

Tuesday saw us start towards Christchurch, though not aiming to get there. We didn’t get too far down the road before we saw a sign to the Moeraki Boulders so we stopped for a look. This would have been a lot nicer without the rain but cool rocks and a nice spot anyway.

Across the Ditch in 2012: Chocolate and Beer – Who Wouldn’t Come Here?

Monday – you would think we could manage one quiet day over Easter, wouldn’t you? Maybe for our 29th anniversary today. Nope, not us.
We arrived early for our 9.30 tour for the Cadbury factory which gave us time to walk to the Railway station and admire its beautiful architecture and decoration.

Across the Ditch in 2012: A Little Bird Told Me

Sunday was a better day and we had considered driving out to the wetlands that we’d passed on our way in on Friday. Browsing through brochures at reception we found one for Orokonui Ecosanctuary and decided to try it instead. Excellent choice!

This sanctuary has 300 hectares enclosed in pest proof fencing and they believe they have now excluded all pests such as rats, mice and possums, have eliminated most of the introduced plant species and are regenerating with natives.

To help ensure you don’t take any pests in with you, there is a double gate system. Once in through the first gate you must open and shake all bags. Hopefully no small vermin like mice will run out. I guess it does happen, otherwise there’d be no need for that system.

We didn’t see a wild kaka (which are, apparently, there) but we did see paradise ducks, tui, bellbirds, brown creepers as well as some introduced finches – impossible to keep the birds out. We also heard a rifleman, fantails and tomtits. The 1-hour guided walk we took was excellent and our guide explained many of the native plants as well as birds and other animals. We were allowed to sample some berries and the she had some leaves for us to sample as well.

Across the Ditch in 2012: Not To Be Mist

Saturday must have dawned but it was hidden in fog. Never daunted by the weather we headed to Larnach Castle anyway. Inside, of course, it didn’t matter about the fog. An absolutely amazing place that cost a fortune to build with so many of the components coming from overseas. And is probably costing another fortune to restore.
After enjoying the house we had morning tea at the café and hoped the fog would have lifted enough to let us appreciate the views from the gardens. It hadn’t, but it didn’t dampen our enjoyment.
This is a place to come back to some time and enjoy the stories and, with luck, the views.

Across the Ditch in 2012: One Friendly Local and More Than One Fun-gi!

Thursday: We got away a little earlier this morning. Not much, but enough to beat the “crowds”.

We’d decided on the Lake Sylvan circuit (via Tramway) – purported to take about 1.5 hours. With no major holdups (fishing stops) and just a few stops to admire the views it took us about 2 hours.

Access to the circuit is via a swing bridge. I used to be terrified of these but back in 2007 I crossed the Carrick-a-Rede bridge, simultaneously attacking my fears of heights and swing bridges. This one is a breeze in comparison. They still scare me but I know I’ll survive.

Across the Ditch in 2012: Elusive Fish and One Angry Bird

Tuesday was another fairly relaxed day of mainly driving to Queenstown then on to Kinloch.

Queenstown is a pretty town in a superb location but busy, busy, busy! I’d hate to see it at the height of the season.

There’s no end of places to eat. We chose Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza Bar where we sat upstairs on the verandah and watched the passing parade while enjoying our pizzas – Moroccan Lamb and Zucha – followed by a walk round town before heading to Kinloch.

Last year’s snow was still in the mountains and it looked like we were driving straight into it. But no, though we can see it and feel its effect from the lodge which is the YHA.

It seems we’ve been slightly misled about the nature of the rooms. We’d been told that we’d be sharing a bathroom and kitchen with one other room but those rooms are taken so it’s just a normal hostel situation with shared facilities. No matter. More opportunity to meet other travellers.

Our room is a bit pokey, but we did opt for the king size bed. There’s also a single in the room which is where our suitcases will fit. It would be VERY cosy with 3 people.

What a gorgeous spot – yes, another one – right at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Stu has already had his line in the water. No luck, but it doesn’t really matter. We can see the fish rising, but they might be smarter than Stu.

We had only booked 2 nights but immediately liked it so much that we booked an extra night.

Across the Ditch in 2012: Sound Track

Monday – The bus to Milford Sound was coming from Queenstown so it would have been an early start for them. Not so for us. Our shuttle bus picked us up at the hostel at 9.30 and took us all the way … around the corner. We could have walked.

Our tour guide gave an excellent commentary on the drive and at the stops along the way where we had a chance to experience more of the magical scenery.