We reluctantly left Milford sound and headed back to the east coast and the city of Dunedin. The name Dunedin is Celtic for Edinburugh and the city was founded by Scottish settlers. As a result the city has a very scottish feel to it complete with shops selling kilts and a statue of Robert Burns in the main square. We spent two nights in the city and also spent a wonderful day out in the Otago peninsula. Highlight of Dunedin- bowling- they had a bowling alley and since it has been years for both of us we could miss it! Alex won by one point, and I am glad too. I didn't want to play best out of three if I had won!!
It was then north to our last big highlight of the South Island - Mount Cook. The area is spectacular with a very alpine feel to it. We were blessed yet again with great weather and set off for the three hour hike to one of the many lookout points.
On the road to Mount Cook
Me and Sara hiking to the lookout point looking properly granola I think.
After a couple of hours we reached the lookout point and had great views of the summit and glacial lake. The whole area is dotted with glaciers including the largest in New Zealand The Tasman glacier. Once again, dirty glaciers, but this lake had huge muddy ice blocks floating around it.
Alex at the lookout point - amazing! His "I'm the king of the world pose!"
We made our way back home (our campervan!!) and after a stormy night we set off the following morning for the Banks Peninsula southeast of Christchurch.
Waving goodbye to Mount Cook from the Campervan!!
We stayed in the town of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsular which was founded by French settlers. As a result all the street names are in french and many of the shops have a french feel to them. We had great weather and spent our last couple of days in the South Island relaxing here. We also made a visit to the local cinema which is kitted out with big comfy armchairs and serves crepes and lattes and shows budget art house movies. A great way to end our time on the South Island.
The view from our campervan to Akaroa bay Can you believe, a view like that and we only pay about NZ$25 a night!!!
Hello Auckland!
After four weeks of staying in small towns in our campervan it was a nice change to be back in a big city again when we flew into Auckland. Not to mention the luxury of our hostel which had en-suite room!! Of course we did all the usual things like ummmmm stocking up on books in Borders and sipping lattes in Starbucks. We both loved this city and had a good wander round including a look at the famous Sky Tower landmark. As is everywhere in New Zealand - if it is high you can jump off it. We avoided leaping off the top, oh well there is always next time!!!!
Auckland's famous Sky Tower
The Auckland skyline
On Sunday afternoon we took a ferry across the harbour to the town of Devonport. The ferry ride gave us a great view of the city and allowed to view New Zealand's other passion (after jumping off high things) - sailing. There are boats everywhere and also many references to the Americas Cup which they are preparing hard to win back off Europe!!!!
Taking the Ferry to Devonport
The town of Devonport harks back to the Victorian era with its old houses and shops. We spent a quiet afternoon walking around and enjoying the beatuiful Autumn sunshine with the locals. We also had to gobble up the local delicacy of boysenberry ice cream - yummmmm!!
Glad to see the Britsh Empire influence is thriving!!
"Look Owen it is a post office box just like your pen!!! "
Monday morning and we headed straight to the Chinese consulate to apply for our China visas. It was as crazy as we expected with people everywhere and and not much organisation. We will be going to China in May so this was the time to get our paperwork sorted.This also gave us a small taste of how fun China will be. I never had so much fun sitting in a waiting room before. We have to return next week to collect so we will see if either the Yank or the Brit get rejected - I know who I am betting on!!!! Nice that I have to pay $100 for my visa and the Brit pays $60. I guess you get for what you pay for and I'm not cheap!!!
We are off to explore the Bay of Islands next and then south to experience so thermal activity in Rotorua. That's all for now folks, stay tuned for more and we look forward to hearing from you.....
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