Final from NZ March 2009

Hi Everyone,

This is my final missive re: NZ.
We said goodbye to the beautiful South Island last Wednesday and flew into Auckland where we were met at the airport by our friends, Valerie and Richard Pennick. Two hours later we were in their holiday villa in the east coast town of Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula.

For two days, in perfect weather we leisurely toured some of this stunning area by car and walked the pristine beaches and through the nature parks along the Pacific coastline. John was in his element as just a short walk across a park outside the Pennick’s garden is a great beach with white sand, so he and Richard both enjoyed twice-daily ocean swims.

Beach at Whangamata

The normally sleepy settlement of Whangamata was hosting the annual ‘beach-hop’ adding much fun to our stay. The ‘beach-hop is a 60’s rock ‘n roll gathering which attracts acres of chrome - an amazing collection of American cars, bikes, pick-ups and other odd vehicles mainly from the 60’s era. All shapes, all colours, all types, all in top condition and all very much loved and expertly preened by their proud owners, these wonderful vehicles and many thousands of people descend on and are welcomed into the small coastal town for a few days.

This year the organisers set a limit of entry registrations to 800 vehicles but many more just turn up. Not sure if these people simply love cars or is it nostalgia for a bygone era when things seemed so much more simple that brings them here. They parade up and down the main streets of the town and in convey go to other coastal towns for beach parties and BBQ’s with rock ‘n roll bands (three bands from Australia). There was even a drive-in-movie night – how 60’s is that! From the villa balcony we overlooked the incredible motor line up and witnessed the camaraderie, and excitement of this eclectic group of motor fanatics (many dressed in fab 60’s gear) as they drooled over, under and inside each vehicle. Great fun and well organised.

Back to the South Island from where I left off the last email from Queenstown. Following our frustrating arrival in Queenstown which I wrote you about, all went smoothly. We did take the scenic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, the vintage steamship on Lake Wakatipu. Nothing like the QM2!

Elegant steamship TSS Earnslaw

The engine room TSS Earnslaw

It was like stepping back in time watching the stokers shovel coal into the fireboxes below deck, the graceful ‘ladies saloon’ and old world café. Known as “The Lady of the Lake” this elegant steamship was launched in 1912 and is the last surviving steamship on the Lake. It makes several trips daily to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. This working property with a magnificent stately homestead set in extensive gardens welcomes visitors to experience NZ farming lifestyle. Tourists can watch the farm dogs rounding up the sheep, see a sheep shorn, ride a horse and try spinning wool and have a homemade scones and pikelets – for a price of course.

Queenstown is a centre for adventure sports and attracts loads of backpackers from all over the world and campervans particularly “Wicked” vans by the dozen. Venturing out to the historic Kawarau bridge where the sport of bungy jumping was conceived, we watched many excited and brave tourists taking the headfirst plunge 44 metres to the crystal blue river water as we reminisced about our own bungy experience in Rotorua in1992. Consensus was that we were younger, braver or more perhaps just more stupid in that decade!

Historic Kawarau bridge

Bungy jumping

There is plenty to do in Queenstown even if you do not participate in the adventure sports, one can always watch. There are some lovely walks along the lake. The 800 metre Skyline gondola was worth it for a spectacular view of the city, the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. 

Lake Wakatipu

We watched ledge or swing bungy and kids of all ages having fun hurtling down the very fast winding Skyline Luge. We dined in some lovely restaurants and also had Fush ‘n Chups at the popular Lakeside Kiosk.

Leaving Queenstown, we leisurely worked our way north along the inland scenic route through the most beautiful undulating countryside that resembles a massive patchwork quilt in every hue of green to Christchurch. Alone the way we visited historic Cromwell town, Mt Cook National Park and stayed at Lake Tekapo. All very lovely.

Our final stay was Auckland. I spent some time just ambling in the brilliant sunshine in the grounds of Albert Park admiring the magnificent old trees and brightly coloured gardens. John went to see the match between the Waratahs and Blues. He was happy as he backed the Waratahs.

Garden in Albert Park

What a great country for a meandering holiday; so beautiful, diverse, compact and welcoming with an enviable effortless lifestyle. Can’t wait to go back, perhaps in a campervan next time!

Great roads & stunning scenery

Although NZ has the reputation of being slow and ‘country-like’, it is certainly progressive where tourism and fashion is concerned. Every opportunity is taken to attract tourists of all ages resulting in regional money-spinners. Right now, a cycle tract end to end of NZ is seriously being considered. I guess this proposal is based on the success of the 150km purpose-made cycle trail along the disused railroad line from Palmerston to Alexander that attracts many international and national tourists. Stats are interesting and obviously an incentive to proceed with the project. Cyclists stay an average of 49.2 nights, twice the average and spend 1.6 times as much as other tourists. The added benefit is the boom to the towns along the track which died when the rail closed but have been reborn to cater for the needs of the cyclist, B & B’s campsites, cafes, banks, supermarkets etc.
Yep certainly want to return. Could happily live there but right now it's back to the grindstone.!

Cheers
Jeanette 1.4.2009