You can explore the Queen Charlotte Sounds at the top of the South Island of New Zealand by foot, by mountain bike or by boat. Queen Charlotte Walkway is famous Stretching between the Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sound. A 70km track renowned for its stunning views and contrasting landscape, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife. Last … [Read more...]
Blenheim – a great biking town
We are staying in a cabin at the Top 10 Holiday Park on the edge of Blenheim, central, clean and friendly. This is definitely a great biking town We have brought our bikes along, but we could have hired them here or several of the bike shops in town. We quickly discover the trails beside the river which go for miles on both sides, for some of the time alongside a small … [Read more...]
Wine – Organic and Marlborough
We have often enjoyed Peter Yealands Wine and heard that it was organic and sustainably produced, so the chance to visit the Vineyard was too good to pass up on our way north to Blenheim We turned off towards the coast from Seddon, the sun was low in the west casting a beautiful glow over the rows of vines in their autumn glory – yet to be pruned, their leaves reflected the … [Read more...]
Westport – Foulwind, Fritters and Seals
North of Punakaiki you drive into the small settlement of Charleston and you can not miss a huge four story concrete building. First question - what is it? As we drive closer we see an open cafe sign, so seems a good excuse to stop. We have found Underworld Adventures and Cafe. A business that has been going for 20 years and has just invested in this amazing building. It … [Read more...]
Punakaiki – One of the Jewels of the West Coast
I have lived in NZ 40 years and have never been here, so it is a real treat - there are not many corners of New Zealand I have not explored. We have some Pancake Rock formations at Waipu in Northland which are pretty special and one of my favourite places. But they do not compare to the towering cliffs of limestone and wild west coast scenery here at Punakaiki. We are … [Read more...]
Kumara – A Warm Welcome at The Cyclist’s Rest
Our host Mandi used to live in Christchurch, but she is now a West Coaster through and through. They built their home here on the outskirts of Kumara 14 years ago, and the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail runs past their property. So they have renovated some of the buildings and made room for the strangers who cycle past - appropriately named "The Cyclists Rest" Kumara … [Read more...]
Christchurch to the West Coast
I love the train journey on the Trans Alpine Express - truly one of the great railway trips of the World - I can not recommend it highly enough (see the video at the bottom of this post) This week we are taking the car across for an extended exploration of the South Island of New Zealand's West Coast. We will cross the Canterbury plains, drive into the foothills of the … [Read more...]
Night Sky Wonders – Astro Tourism Is Here and it is HOT
Exploring Lake Tekapo and the Mount John Observatory The Night Sky is HOT. New Zealanders take for granted that we can often see the stars and milky way, not so in most of the world. And apparently people around the world are adding a visit to Lake Tekapo to see the night sky to their bucket list. This small town in south Canterbury has less than 500 permanent … [Read more...]
Banks Peninsula Track
This 35 Km track was one of New Zealand's first private tracks, walked over 2 or 4 days it covers 35 Kms along the coastline of this long extinct volcano near Christchurch in the South Island. Maori arrived on this ancient weathered volcano with fire and adzes, dogs and rats and soon a third of the forest was gone. Early European settlers quickly cleared the rest of the land … [Read more...]
Onuku Farm Hostel – the first night
The Banks Peninsula Track bus picks us all up from outside the Old Post Office, packs are loaded up and we are given an introduction to the tramp before heading off to our first night. On the way we introduce ourselves to the other trampers, and read the booklet about how we are going to spend the next few days. All of us are kiwis, a family of four, a woman and her very fit … [Read more...]