South Island Part 2

Wah.... now I know someone said to me: go North Island then only come to South. My blessing was that I had a couple more days of this beautiful island. An island with only 1 million people and a few millions of sheeps .

You get to see them everywhere.

My Crib for the next 7 days.

Geraldine, 45 km south of Mount Somers and 35 km from Timaru. Seriously so small but it wiil reward you with beautiful cheese and jam. Yummy.Stayed in Kiwi Park so peaceful just the sounds of birds. It is like living in a park.

Lovely cheese just dunno think in Rm. So fresh.

A ram to remind us that we are in Mackenzie Country, a dramatic region of open sheep grazed grasslands that shimmer in green . But the best part :

Lovely weeds strands of purple, pink and white lupins. It is regarded as weeds in Nz but to me, rows and rows of them melted my heart. The lakes here are mesmerizingly blue, light blue and many more shades to even to describe. Seeing is believing.

It does look like from the postcard but I SAW it. Phew.Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are beautiful with vibrant colourfuls.

Next was the famous Lake Tekapo with the Church of the Good Sheperd. Since there was a wedding, we were not allowed in. Outside cukuplah.

Collie Dog Monument to honour dogs that make it possible to graze this harsh terrain.

For the first time in NZ... I spent a nite in a campsite by DOC. I was not keen but it really opened my eyes . NZD 10 per adult is required to spend a nite here with basic facilities but no showers. So pandai pandai sendiri.White Horse Hil Campsite is the place with a majestic view of Mount Sefton at the back. As I parked the campervan I could hear the avalanche of show.

A serene and informal DOC camping area. Next was walking to Hoover lake. Be prepared to walk but the walk will reward you with a surprise. Patience is required.

Auckland City II

A big and beautiful city but be prepared to walk. Joined the Auckland Explorer, a bus service to save time.

First stop: Auckland Museum
As usual, the entrance was skipped to the high fees. Walked around and lovely big building. For me, it is the Winter garden that was the moment.

I have never seen this type of lily. The purple is so rich and authentic.

A rainbow of flowers in a small area.

 

 

 

School trips. So well behaved waiting in the sun.

A fine park with rows of flowerbeds and spacious lawns.

Cute cute small white flowers along the way.

Within walking distances, Auckland Museum. It is on the highest point of the Auckland Domain. It has pillars reminding us of wars that had happened.

My lodging for my stay here in City Garden Lodge(mainly all backpackers from all over the world).This used to be the house of Queen Tonga but I di not feel like a queen.

The mess for 3 days before leaving for South Island again.

 

Auckland City Part I

It is taken from Skytower at 328m up. Admire stupendous views over the city. Cool place.

One very good choice is to visit KellyTarlton 's Antarctic to see penguin. Saw two types : blue and yellow. Feeding time.

Keeping all eyes on their eyes.

I just stood there to view the place.Trying to jimat, so it was a Touch N Go. Nearby was MOTAT.Museum of Transport and Technology entertaining walking by all the psat industrial machinery seeing all kinds of planes..The best was the tram ride from the zoo to Motat. Felt like a 5 year old kid again.

A group of new friends that I met after MOTAT.

I am sure it is not famous but it is fun to be here. The ducks, geese and even swans are here to welcome any visitors with food.

I cannot say what is this but I saw a lot in Nz. Chicken or duck? Very colourful.

North Island

Turangi to Hot Water Beach

Turangi was wet. It rained the whole day and the journey continued to Hot Water Beach. I was excited but the drive is so winding and winding.

One cool caretaker of Hot Water Beach. He watches all of us.

That was my bed, my store and car for nearly 2 weeks in NZ. By the way, I brought along my own sleeping bag which was indeed very useful.

Finally SAMPAI.Orakei Korako.

A thermal resort with beautiful setting. U take a boat to reach this thermal island. Serious a thermal island with exciting places to see.

Aladdin's cave . For me, it looked spokky.....

Next is a place not given much fame but I liked it . Huka Falls. In guide books ,not  much was written . A beautiful fall with its volume and power from gushing blue water will melt anyone's heart.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village( I could not roll my tongue)

This a Moari village with continual traditional way of life around geysers and the unique environment . Had a stroll the village and a free cultural performance . Heart warming.

A friendly Canadian lady travelling round the world by herself. My role model in 2014.

One scary face.

Next was long waiting Auckland... I arrived One Hunga.One Hunga is an outlet heaven to shop. Next was a stay for a night in City Garden Lodge in Parnell nearer to town since we had to say goodbye to the campervan.

City Garden Lodge is a crazy place filled with backpackers from the garden ( in tents) to the backyard.

Auckland's Volcanic Cones which has a wonderful viewpoints 360 of the city. But be prepared it was a windy .One Tree Hill is awesome. The best part is as you walked down you will be greeted with lots and lots of sheep.

Hot North Island : Wellington to Turangi

Ferry ride from Picton to Wellington about 3.5 hours of beautiful view.

A needed beauty sleep .

All excited to meet my classmate from Kota Baru and her family.

That is Chih and her dad . We were in a Japanese Restaurant. A good meal in Wellington.

Electric bus in Wellington. Cool.

 

It was 9 pm up in Wellington, winding and cold.

 

I looked fat after all the good food by Chih and her family. Haha.

 

Now that is yummy for breakfast in French Restaurant in Wellington. It comforted me so much.

 

After good food, you will need this place in Turangi. Why Turangi? Hot pool and trout.

 

A dip in Hot Pool at 8 pm. Went after dinner and the sky was still very bright. The smoke are from the thermal . Misty and hot.