New Zealand - its Ireland on drugs!!

Hi all,


Well, since our last posting we've managed to cram in loads of driving and sight-seeing in the north island and have made it safely across the Cook Strait with our van. At the moment, we're in the wee town of Fox (about half way down the west coast of the south island) and are ready and waiting for the clouds to do one and let us get up, up and away on a chopper to have a look at the world famous Franz Joseph and Fox glaciers. Fingers crossed we get airborne later today, we'll let you know next time how we get on!!

(Us in Oakura, with the camper van)

So, back to the north island to recap on the many great places visited up there. From what we've seen so far, New Zealand could be described as a sort of Ireland on drugs, or a bit of an extreme version of the Emerald Isle (we mean this in a good way!!). Yes, there are the green fields and rolling hills but then look over your shoulder (or out the back of the van), and there are dormant volcanoes, thermal hot springs bubbling away and black sand beaches that'll scorch your tootsies.


Our first stop after bidding farewell to the O'Hallorans in Auckland was at cousin Dan's farm in Keri Keri. Dan and Michelle welcomed us with a BBQ, the proverbial cow from the farm having been made ready for our arrival (Old girl number 606, we salute you). It was here in Keri Keri that Marty lost a 30-minute struggle with an elusive fish (a ray, we think) but at least the proof was captured on camera, have a look for yourself!

(Dan and a snapper)


From here, we made our way right up to the northern tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. This is a significant site for Kiwis as its where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet and where the spirits of the Maori dead are believed to leap off. It was a mighty blustery day as the photos will show...


In the space of a few days, we tore down the coast, one highlight being Mount Taranaki and its surrounding wee coastal towns. The Mt Taranaki volcano dominates the landscape here and although we didn't climb it, it looks impressive from afar. It is also supposed to be a double of Mt Fuji in Japan, so much so Mt Taranaki was used as Mt Fuji in the Tom Cruise flick, The Last Samurai. We'll look forward to checking this out when we're in Japan in a couple of weeks!

(Marty in front of Mt Taranaki)


Time was by now pressing on, and so we were forced to leg it down towards Wellington to catch the ferry over to the south island. Right from landing in Picton, the pace slowed down and we were pleased to have a bit more time on our hands to take in all the south island has to offer.


First stop, the wine region of Marlborough! Manys a fine pinot gris and sauvignon blanc (2 specialities of the region) were sampled here, as the sun poured down and we travelled from coastal town to coastal town. Kaikoura stands out for its fine beaches and good fishing spots (the fun is in the trying, right?). It was on the Kaikoura Peninsula that Maori demigod Maui sat as he fished the north island up from the depths of the sea. As Maui and scenes of this legend are painted on our van, this was a good place to spend a couple of relaxing days. We also did a spot of whale watching, and were successful in seeing 3 magnificent sperm whales as they came up from the depths for a bit of a breather. Very cool indeed.

On our way down here to Franz Joseph and Fox, we stayed in a couple of fine spots including Hanmer Springs (more hot thermal baths), Westport (lovely beach and friendly folks) and Hokitika (the jade carving capital of NZ). Typical of the contrasting scenery and weather is the fact that you can travel from glaciers to the beach in under 20 km - something really NZ.

(Susie at Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki)


So after spending some time admiring the glaciers here, we'll be headed for Queenstown, home to all sorts of adrenalin sports invented in NZ and Milford Sound, supposedly some of the most stunning scenery in the country.


(Maui fishing up the north island)

Hope you're all well, more again soon! xx