Queenstown to Wanaka – An easy driving day

I wish all days were as short a drive as today but that is not possible in New Zealand. A small population in a large land base.

Up to Coronet Peak to the ski fields to start the day off. Obviously no snow this time of year but it felt like there was. An exceptionally cold southerly breeze but no rain like the rest of the country has been having.

A photo opportunity then on to Arrowtown. I took no photographs there as I needed catch up on admin for this tour plus forthcoming tours. So the group had 45 minutes to explore at their leisure although only one used the full time to do so.

Next was the Crown Range Road to Wanaka. A stop at the summit lookout for more photographs. We seem to escape the wind up there which I was happy about as I was not dressed for winter.

Then into Cardrona and a stop at the old pub. No beers today as I offered to shout the group coffees or tea. I believe they needed that to get warm again.  A bit disappointed to see the condition the front of the building is currently in given I believe it’s a heritage building.

On to Wanaka for a lunch in a private house overlooking the lake. A beautiful stop, great food and superb view.

An early 3.30pm finish at the Edgewater Resort 30 minutes walk from the township and right on the lake edge. A washing machine and dryer in the room which I am taking advantage of. Good to know I will have all laundry up to date again.

Tomorrow Franz Josef. About 300km with many stops to be made. It will be a long day for everyone

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Two days no blogs. A little exhaustion issue

Mt Cook to Queenstown but first some went on the Glacier Explorer, others went helicoptering. Me, I spent time sorting out a few admin issues both for this tour and back home. It never ends.

We had our second picnic of the tour. This time south of Omarama. A salmon farm stop gave the group the opportunity to but some fresh salmon mostly in sushi. A fuel stop Omarama saw others stock up on café type food. And the picnic proper I added a couple of bottles of wine. All were happy.

On to Cromwell and as we drive in we see a mountain of black smoke appear. 2 minutes later we arrive at Jones Fruit Shop to see a 50 seat tour bus fully ablaze. 48 international tourists losing all their possessions including passports. A driver and tour guides nightmare coming true and then the poor tourists. Footage I shot ended up on television, that was a first for me and they contacted me, not me supplying the footage. Interesting. Social media for you.

Staying once again at the Heartland Scenic Hotel. Seems to be becoming a regular night stop but its okay. All except one guest are happy and the one not happy ideally would prefer we were staying 5 star.

Yesterday was the Milford Sounds day. I only needed drive the group to Milford as they were booked to fly back. They were lucky though as the planes were grounded yesterday morning due to weather conditions.

An early 6.30am departure from Queenstown so we could spend as long as possible on the Milford road. Timed it near perfect yesterday just cutting a little tight the Chasm walk. That was a pity. Normally I am taking the guests to and from Milford so we would have done the Chasm on the return drive.

149 photographs taken by me yesterday. Highlight was my Kea photographs. I have tried for a long time to get a decent shot of the Kea and finally yesterday I got numerous. Very happy about that. The Tui last tour, this tour the Kea.

Today is my rest day for legal reasons from driving. Already enjoyed an early breakfast with most before they head off jet boating and rafting. For me I will find a bus wash as it needs a good clean.

Tomorrow 7 leave us flying back to their countries. Yesterday 3 more joined so the next 6 or so days we are down to just 7. Still have the original 4. So a good small group to complete the tour.

Xiaoli tells me she has sold another tour for me in March. A Chinese group for 20 days. That is a long tour for Chinese. However first I have a 15 people group from England on completion of this tour for 18 days then a Swedish group for 14 days. I guess I am not going to see much of home for a while and sadly no fishing.

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Another day over and today just starting

Yesterday, Methven to Mt Cook. On one hand a straight forward route but we veered off for a farm stop on the south side of Ashburton and a beautiful lunch put on by the hostess. A 1,000 acre farm, mainly cropping with about 350 acres as dairy farm.

Lunch was superb and my group all drank to much wine so a few headaches developed as we headed for Mt Cook plus I needed allow a couple more toilet stops. Prior Tekapo I made sure using the microphone all were once again awake so they were able to be ready for the stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Many photographs taken.

The day which started misty was now stunning to say the least and if you believe the temperature gauge on the bus it had now reached 26 degrees outside.

On to Pukaki where most took the opportunity to visit the salmon shop and grab an appetiser to eat prior dinner. Following that the Jasmine farm. Only 3 weeks ago it had been harvested when I went to visit, but on this occasion there were new heads on the plants. A beautiful fragrance as we exited the bus but the downside was the dust from vehicles coming and going.

On to Peter’s Lookout on the Mt Cook road. I gave them all long enough time to walk to the lake. As for me, a few quick pics and back in the air conditioning of the bus.

One more stop on the road for photography prior arrival at the Hermitage Hotel.

Over dinner a lot of discussion re our lunch stop but main focus was on the view of Mt Cook out the Hermitage windows.

Today for most it’s the Glacier Explorer trip. A close up experience with the glacier and for a few, a helicopter trip landing on the glacier.

For me its catch up time on admin before we head for Queenstown about 11am this morning. Tomorrow their longest day of the trip. Milford Sounds. A very long day for me in the drives seat.

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A 10 hour day today – too long

Today we left Nelson at 7.45am and arrived Methven at 6pm. Over 500km plus stops. A lot of driving for me and a long day for my group sitting behind me in the bus but we made it fun.

About an hour out of Nelson we stopped at a rest area. Once everybody had stretched their legs, taken their photographs etc we as a group sung happy birthday to my boss (Xiaoli – the wife) live over wechat. She was duly impressed. The best I could do for her she is at home at the top of the North Island (New Zealand) and I am heading down the centre of the South Island.

Next stop was Murchison for a coffee fix plus I instructed them all to buy a picnic lunch to bring with them for later.

A brief stop at the beautiful Muruia Waterfalls. Not sure I spelt that right but never mind.

A fuel stop then on to find an area for a picnic where they could all eat their food. I surprised with a couple of bottles of white wine which went down well with the drinkers. It was obviously who drank later as I saw them asleep in the bus.

Next several arranged a sing a long in the bus. That lasted longer than I thought it might.

An ice cream stop, ice coffee for a few. Then on to Methven for the night. To long a drive for me and the group but that’s okay, we completed it and we had a really fun day doing it.

Tomorrow it’s a lunch Ashburton area before we head for Mt Cook and the Hermitage overnight. That should be a great stop weather permitting

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Today I have a day off!

My supposed rest day but I was still up at 6am making sure my group were on the 7.10am Abel Tasman Shuttle bus. My work never ends.

Because my guests and other hotel guests are all destined for the Abel Tasman National Park today I have the day to myself. First up is use the hotel laundry to wash a week and a half of dirty laundry. Its hard to do it a tour day when we arrive at hotels as my group want to do theirs. So today my chance.

Next is wash the bus. Tidy it up inside and go buy some more water. This tour water is not supplied as part of the package so I have taken it on myself to stock the bus with bottled water. I know the group will make good later. Essential on tours bottled water this time of year is carried. The expense is not great and added benefit it means I am not getting requests to stop on route so much to buy.

Then its look at the next few days agenda. Tomorrow is a 500km plus day. A long day for me in the driver’s seat but also for the guests. So plan regular stops so they can stretch legs but make sure the stops are kept brief as we need keep motoring.

Its time to start planning the activity agenda for the tour that follows this one. Next tour is not for Moa Trek who book all the activities but a UK travel consultant and activities fall on my shoulders. An extra burden as it adds to the days work on the trip but just part of being a tour guide.

Tonight is New Years Eve. Nothing planned yet but given we are up very early the next day for the drive through to Methven, I doubt anybody is planning to stay up to see the New Year in.

The photographs other than Nelsons clock tower are from yesterday. The bus on the ferry then Marlborough Sounds followed by Forrest Vineyards.

Today the weather is overcast with a chill. As I finish this blog my laundry is now complete. The bus washed and more drinking water purchased. Soon time to look at the insides of the eyelids again I think. The feet are suffering this trip as they do most but it’s a matter of grin and bear the pain and continue on

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Today, the InterIslander from Wellington to Picton. A stunning day as we left the capital of New Zealand.
From Picton we traveled the Queen Charlotte Sounds road. The road that more than once I have struck a tourist travelling on the wrong side. Today a few campervans cutting corners but I took the bus slowly knowing this may be the case.
On to Forrest Vineyards in Renwick for a light lunch. Obviously my under standing of the word ‘light lunch’ and theirs was different. A full lunch and pretty good if I may say so. And my group enjoyed a little wine tasting.
Back through Havelock and on to Nelson. But Havelock I had found them a local bone carver to visit as several had said they were very interested in looking at bone carving. It was not on our agenda but all enjoyed and several purchased.
Nelson we have a beautiful hotel. Tomorrow the group head for Abel Tasman National Park why I look at the inside of my eyelids. Maybe I will clean the bus but first its rest the body. Somewhat exhausted. 2700km this tour so far. About 3500km to go. Another 11 days. The day after tomorrow over 500km.
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Napier to Wellington – Another day over

I just worked it out I have 12 days left out of the original 23 days of this tour. I am exhausted but day after tomorrow I get the whole day off in Nelson why the group go on another day tour. I will take the opportunity to wash clothes. Running thin on clean clothes now. I will wash the bus. Last did that in Rotorua and since then we have had terrible weather so the bus is filthy. Time to make it look new once again.

Today we left Napier in abysmal weather. I knew it wasn’t going to be great so ave an early start time for the group. They had already seen Napier so better we head south and try get away from the bad weather and we did that.

First big stop was at Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre. A new stop for me and I am glad I made the effort. Just wish in hindsight I had known how good it was and I would have built more time into our agenda. The next tour starting just after this one I will make sure I allow a minimum of one hour.

Various native birdlife but for me I believe I got some good pics of the Kakariki, a New Zealand native parakeet. I haven’t looked yet but will later if I can keep my eyes open that long. Really am feeling it now.

Saw the white Kiwi bird they have in its nocturnal area. That was worth viewing. Unfortunately you cant photograph but the experience I have implanted in my head and I know in a bit over 2 weeks I will see again.

On to Wellington over the Rimutaka’s . A very long steep twisting hill with very impatient drivers passing me in absolutely stupid places. And people wonder why the accident numbers on our roads are so high. Shame on you that passed me on double yellow lines. Learn patience as I always pull over when I find the opportunity.

I dropped the group at Te Papa why I dropped cases to the hotel. All were disappointed not at Te Papa the little they saw of it, but the sheer number of people, in particular children. New Zealand school holidays plus 2 cruise ships sitting berthed in Wellington.

From Te Papa it was up Mt Victoria. I think I really must stop using the winding narrow road to the summit and use the main road. My group love the views but not sure they enjoy the drops on the side as crawl up. For me I don’t have an issue with it.

Back at the hotel 5pm. A nice and early finish but its an early start tomorrow to catch the Inter Islander

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Tongariro to Napier

An uneventful day really. Weather is not great. So far no rain but very cold winds. Weather causing cancellation of some activities which I guess means I reschedule somewhere later on the tour.

My body has reached exhaustion stage and one foot is swollen. Could do with some of Xiaoli’s oils to rub on it but I guess that’s not possible so just grin and bear it.

Yesterday up the mountain cuts I had that I thought were healing well bled in the freezing cold. So the Chateau on check in happily supplied me with some band aids. Looking at the offending areas they now look well healed but that is not the way they were up the mountain yesterday.

An early departure today saw us head back to Taupo before turning to head across to the East Coast and Napier. First stop was Waimunga Falls. A rather spectacular water falls and one I always enjoy getting the camera out to capture. I never can remember the name of the smaller falls to the left.

Next was a café/toilet stop. We were all cold and all I believe like me got some hot food and a coffee or tea. Not a bad long black coffee either I must say.

On into Napier with the only activity now being the walking art deco tour. Not a first time for me and I am sure it wont be the last. Some good photography before one of the group took a little ill so I walked her back to the hospital. So with cancelled activities my day ended early. Now sitting in Te Pania Scenic Hotel and shortly will head for a beer as I know some of my group will seek me out.

It must be one week since the tour started so about 14 days to go. The group are all great. Just need rest my body a bit. The driving foot is not looking great but I will keep it up and all will be fine I am sure.

Tomorrow night Wellington then its across on the Inter Island ferry to start our South Island leg of the tour

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Rotorua based today! Yeah!

A morning off for my tour group to shop or do whatever. Unfortunately it was raining then so I believe there were none that ventured from the hotel.

For me I took the bus and washed it as the rain had stopped and I like a clean vehicle. But unfortunately the rain started again. It may not be as dirty as it was but its not pristine either.

Lunch today was at the Buried Village on the edge of Lake Tarawera. A stunning area and rich in volcanic history. Lunch was picnic style second day running, but okay.

A museum tour to hear about the large volcano that happened in the 1800’s. For me we learnt that many years ago in school and as a tour guide I obviously have a little more knowledge than some. The group enjoyed which is always important.

We had time to kill so we headed for the Redwood forest and the treetops walk. Not all did a walk but those that did, loved it.

On to Lake Roititi for a cruise on a 16 metre catamaran yacht to the lakeside hot pools accessible only by boat. Other than get off the boat for photography I did not join those that partook in a soak in the mineral pools.

All the group rated the cruise and the pools 10 out of 10. I agree it was up there. Maybe the sparking wine I supplied helped. Haha

Back to Rotorua for dinner. I am not sure the group are impressed I requested cases by 7.45am. A big day with a lot planned as we head to the centre of the North Island and the ski fields. No snow being summer but spectacular anyway

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Another work day – Christmas Day

Today our tour group grew by another 7 who joined this morning in Auckland. Americans plus a Swiss couple to join the man from UK, a lovely lady from Germany and a Swiss couple I already had aboard for 3 days up the Northland region.

The roads were relatively quiet being it was Christmas Day and most New Zealand people would be spending that day with their families. For me, a work day. It started with collecting the 11 in the group from the Sebel Hotel Auckland and taking them to the Grand Mercure Hotel for breakfast. The Sebel being Christmas Day were not open for breakfast.

Following breakfast we headed for Mt Eden to allow the group to get photography on Auckland. It hadn’t been on their tour agenda so that was the start of us running in catch up mode all day.

Off we head after the photographs for the Karangahake Gorge near Waihi for a walk on one of the gold mining tracks. But first we tried to find a café on route for a coffee stop but being Christmas Day we needed end up settling for McCafe at MacDonalds in Paeroa. All normal cafes remaining closed.

At Karanghake first issue became a very crowded carpark including cars in the tour bus parks. So I told the group to go ahead and I would catch up, maybe. A confrontation but patience remained as I confronted those in the bus stop and basically told them shift or I will double park right alongside and there the bus shall remain until I return. It seemed to work, they moved.

Now in theory all 11 of the group were ahead of me. First I caught 2 and 1 being elderly I suggested a partial walk on level ground which they appreciated. I caught 1 of the Swiss couples up and the 3 of us stayed within proximity of each other for the walk. Low and behold we reached the bus first. Still not sure how we got in front of the others but over an hour later they turned up. We were already behind schedule and that added to it.

A phone call to Rainbows End who advised being Christmas Day were shutting at 5pm. We were booked to arrive 3pm. We agreed on 4pm and finally arrived 4.20pm. The bus does not seem to keep up with times on the GPS. Obviously designed for cars.

Rainbows End were very cooperative and a lovely Chinese guide that works there took us on a guided tour of the nocturnal Kiwi House plus their breeding centre. The latter even for me was fascinating.

Quickly back to the bus and off to check into the Novatel. 15 minutes to find the rooms, do whatever they required and back to the bus. We had an appointment for Christmas Dinner.

Te Puia at the southern end of Rotorua was our venue for Christmas Dinner. A traditional Maori hangi feast but first a Maori concert. The evening went well and seemed to be enjoyed by all the group.

Tomorrow they get the morning off and don’t need join me in the bus to midday.

Certainly a different sort of Christmas Day for me but very enjoyable. A little hard work. Not good being in catch up mode all day but it is typical of a first day with a new group. I will get them better organised, well maybe

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