Hey there everyone,
Sorry for the lack of blog, this has been due to our whistle stop tour of the south island, so here’s where we’ve been…
Having arrived in Nelson and met old friend Ben, Kayleigh and Ashley continued in their adventure west towards some of the most exciting scenery so far.
The first stop made was at an impressive ‘falls’ (Maruia falls) where a pair of dare-devil kayak’ers attempted to survive the drop (there is some quite worrying video footage of this which we will force you all to watch… no panic though it turned out OK!). From the falls we entered the quiet little fishing village of Westport (famous for its sunsets). It is important to note that this is day two of our country tour in the Bongo and we’ve yet to encounter free showers…. It was, therefore, only fitting that we should proceed on down the coast to Cape Foulwind to gaze at some lazy seals… we also caught sight of the pancake rock formations and ate some pancakes. At this point (day 2) we realised we hadn’t taken advantage of the petrol stations at Westport and coasted into HokiTika on fumes (schoolboy/girl error). At HokiTika we popped into a Jade factory to see some lathes…. And Ashley tried his new fishing rod out (with the usual consequences….). We spent the night in Hari Hari with the van (and us) tucked out of sight in the middle of the town park (busy day).
Day 3! We race away from any glimpses of sunshine down the West coast into Glacier country. We took a stroll up to the foot of Franz Joseph glacier and were suitable awed by its size. From there we stopped off at Lake Mapouriaka (the lake of reflections) which Ashley was keen to show Kay, however we were unable to see the stunning mirror like reflections as it was a windy day and the lake was mere ripples…. (Fortunately we did, however, get to make friends with an eel in the lake and spent a good half and hour poking it with sticks). By the late afternoon we both began to get a bit grouchy so we decided to stop at a campsite and pay for the luxuries of long hot showers and the chance to watch Harry Potter on TV….
Day 4! (Fresh from the campsite) We continue south and stop in Wanaka to visit puzzle world for a dose of mazes and illusions (recommended age 22). We continue further down to Queenstown stopping at a few little scenic stops here and there. Queenstown provides us with no showers but a great chance to have a drink and watch some live music (and then have a second drink and realize we’re not big drinkers and that two drinks would be enough to warrant a kebab).
Day 5! Saw us kick starting the day at an 18 hole crazy golf course, the result was far too close to call (?!) and I seem to recall Kay cheating in some way or other, surely…. After lunch we headed to Te Anau for a boat ride to some glow worm caves on a little island in the sounds. After we head to a little hidden rest stop which provided Blair Witch style camping with sinister toilets (yes, toilets can be sinister).
Day 6! Friday. We head down to Invercargill stopping at Cliffdon suspension bridge and Orepuki which is renownd for having a gem stone beach… (we are now dragging a good half ton of pebbles around in the van, might be next Christmas sorted out?...) Ash went for a second fish in Riverton (again, no) and we got Bongo stuck on a grass verge caking Ash in mud as we struggled to set Bongo free. Invercargill arrived as a welcome stop at Kay’s distant relatives’ (Beverly and Lawri) house, we were treated to a Kiwi sized meal, with Grandson Joseph, at the local and long hot showers (that’s worked out at a shower every 3 days… that’s better than at home).
Day 7! We head to the very south (Bluff) and sit in the car (don’t bother), then we set off back into town and potter about for the day.
Day 8! We set off, pack lunches at the ready, thanks Beverly and head up the east coast stopping at the Petrified Forest, the cathedral caves and a few other spots before coming to rest in Dunedin. We spend a good deal of time searching for a rest stop and finally find a picturesque spot in some sand dunes near the beach.
Day 9! A bit of a write off, saw Dunedin and crashed Bongo… you win some, you lose some.
Day 10! Visited Lake Tekapo (further inland) and stared at Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, lakes and lord of the rings countryside (the plains of Rohan). A good day for photographs. That night we stayed in Rakaia, wedged between the main highway (busy with trucks ferrying milk and supplies) and the cargo train line (also surprisingly busy! Probably with milk).
Day 11! Christchurch brought us art galleries, live music and the full English breakfast. It also marked day 4 without a shower and so again found us getting grouchy. After getting a little lost we stopped at a little truck driver rest stop where a little angel in the shape of a barman told us about a lawn bowling club that it was possible to stop at and use their toilets and showers for a small donation, we found it (after a while!) and spent a pleasant night there in isolation from the world.
Day 12! This was the day before Waitangi day and we headed to Kaikoura to go Whale watching and see some dolphins and splash around. Unfortunately it was far more costly than anticipated so we had to make do with strolling by the seaside and taking in some of the Waitangi anniversary celebrations that were already kicking off. Then we met Andrea (Beverly and Lawri’s daughter) who kindly invited us to stay in their house in Blenheim, which two nights later is where we now find ourselves.
We are currently job hunting and taking in the beautiful beaches… Tomorrow might offer work but we’re not too optimistic, the vineyard picking season is yet to start and the orchards are full…. even so that’s the plan. Wish us luck!
Hope you are all well, missing you all and sending our love (in place of postcards)
Ash and Kay
xxx
Posts
It's a Brum Ting...
3 days ago
