Napier to Wellington. Seems to get longer each trip!

Weather is perfect. Finally my group are getting to enjoy a New Zealand summer. Long may it last!

A late start today so the group had chance to wander around Napier city. First stop on route, Norswood Woollen Wear factory shop to buy as they wish, plus the essential toilet stop and coffee break.

From there on to Mt Bruce Native Wildlife Park run by our Department of Conservation. All paid the money for the shorter 30 minute walk around the aviaries and through the nocturnal Kiwi house.

A 1 hour 20 minute stop over so they could not only enjoy the park but buy lunch in the café. And low and behold a friendly native Kaka Parrot decided to try join us to share the lunch. That I made sure did not happen but lots of photographs taken. Then 2 of the critically endangered Takahe wandered out on the lawn below us. A great experience for all.

The long drive continued with a stop a top of the Rimutaka Hill. Traffic over it was really busy today so lots of stops for me today to let the faster vehicles past.

On into Wellington and head for Mt Victoria. I always seem to find the narrowest road up but most spectacular. Such a clear day today and little wind so cameras working overtime.

Tomorrow Te Papa museum then the cable car up and walk back down through the botanic gardens. Yet to decide if I will do as in theory it is my rest day which I may just take advantage of before we head across the strait to start the South Island leg

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

Rotorua to Napier

I have lost track of which day this is on tour. But must be about day 5 of 18.

In theory an easy days drive today Rotorua to Napier. But build in stops including vineyards and a 3 hour drive suddenly becomes all day.

First stop was the honey centre at Huka Falls area. A great stop point but personally I find pricing on the high side but that is part of a being in a tourist area. My group were happy and not only tasted product but made purchases. To them the price didn’t worry and I wasn’t going to say anything as they are here on holiday to enjoy themselves. If they are happy I am happy.

Next stop was Huka Falls. They must have just opened the gates at the dam up stream and there was a really good volume of water passing through. Then on in to Taupo for a 1.5 hour stop over. For me chance to refuel the bus. For them the chance to be lead by the woman shopping.

On to the Napier road and a stop at the only café on that road now open. Then on to Church Road and Mission Estate Vineyards for wine tastings before we headed for the Te Pania Scenic Hotel for the night stopover.

I admit to being a little tired but a day coming off from driving shortly in Wellington before we cross the Cook Strait to the South Island. I have been almost constantly on the road since November. I am fitter from all the walks plus lifting suitcases that I own up to. And I still have the passion for showing people our country, so that’s positive. The day doing this turns into a job I have lost the passion for, that is the day I say no more

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

The weather god smiled sweetly on us today.

A late start as I gave the group good time to rest or wander. Depart the hotel 11.30am for Waiotapu Thermal Resort and the rain comes down. I assured all that I talked to the weather gods and it would hold off for the 2 hours we would be walking at Waiotapu, and it did. Amazingly all got back in the bus and once again it rained.

The group are very happy with their day at Waiotapu starting with the viewing of the worlds largest boiling mud pool through to the time spent wandering the thermal park itself. By the end they had had enough of steam and sulphur smells but very happy they had good time to do at their leisure.

Next came the Redwood Park in Rotorua. Not on their tour schedules but much delight on faces when I advised we would be stopping for an hour. Apparently Trip Advisor rates it well. Only 4 decided to do the walk through the trees with the remaining 11 deciding to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground.

Tonight its Te Puia for a Maori hangi meal and concert followed by viewing of the geyser. Lets hope the wet weather continues to stay away for the geyser viewing.

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

Day 3 Hobbiton. What can I say
Lousy weather with the forecast not looking like greatly improving. Not cold, just wet and windy. What happened to our New Zealand summers?
We visited Whangamata Beach early on then made our way to Waihi to view the Martha Mine. Then my favorite place on tour (yeah right!) Hobbiton. For me I have visited many times and admit to being tired of it. But if you have not visited and a movie buff, then it should be on your agenda.
From Hobbiton on to Tirau and a late lunch stop plus refuel the bus. I have a feeling my group will not be happy if they need push it.
And on to Rotorua. A 2 night stop. I always enjoy 2 night stopovers. No need pack a case again. Today the opportunity to dry wet clothes. Tomorrow Waiotapu during the day followed by the Redwood Forest, and at night Te Puia hangi and concert. A good day tomorrow. No huge driving time which the group, not just me, will be happy about
The agenda for my next tour following this with a group from Sweden has arrived. So need spare time to digest.
http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

Day 2 of 18

Today in theory a short morning drive to a close by beach. A walk. Then a rest day afternoon. Somehow with my tour groups it never works out like that and all seem very happy I extend their time out.

A 9am departure for Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsular. I had warned them the walk was not an easy one. Actually emphasised that yesterday and again this morning and offered to take any that opted out of the walk to nearby Hahei Beach. But all said they would do it.

My first tour this tour season this walk taxed me and I swore under my breath I would not do it again. But there was bus parking in the car park so on with the back pack with jacket, camera etc and off I go leading the way. Once I neared where the steeper decline and steps started I waited to make sure all were still with me. And suddenly I realised my fitness levels had greatly increased since the season started just 3 months ago.

2 in particular I was worried about as I had noted yesterday their difficulties. They as I thought would be the case, were last to catch up. So I accompanied them on the most difficult part of the walk.

Cathedral Cove was as always spectacularly beautiful. Some of the group took a dip while others just rested. I talked to one of the group who I thought through a previous conversation know a little first aid to have her follow as tail end Charlie on the return walk. All made it back. A number obviously out of condition and my concerns over 2 were with good reason. But they 2 made it but obviously it did take a beating on them.

Following that walk I now know how to recommend who does which walks in the next 16 days.

They all dug for hot mineral water on Hot Water Beach while I sat back in the bus due to difficulty with parking. All loved it although commented some of the water was scalding, but they had been warned.

A 3pm return to the hotel. 3 hours later than on their schedules but all very happy. Tonight a group dinner with most again. Tomorrow Hobbiton then Rotorua

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

Day one. New Tour. 18 days

An easy day today. Lots of talking as we stayed around Auckland for the first half a day. I am not a city tour guide and I openly do not enjoy cities but sometimes need give tourists the impression I know lots. And in all honesty I do have pretty good knowledge.

A drive over the harbour bridge so we can do a U turn at the Birkenhead off ramp and head back across the bridge so they can see the CBD from the North Shore side. Then on around the water front and up to Bastion Point where we join the parade of tour buses. After the photography its on to MT Eden for 360 degree shots of Auckland. An English group and the first thing they notice is Eden Park our famous fortress for our All Black rugby team.

The weather was holding at bay with rain and wind forecast. Fortunately other than some drizzle it has just threatened all day long and not really had a heavy shower on us.

Now Tairua for 2 nights. Tomorrow I will offer them the opportunity to walk to Cathedral Cove but weather forecast is not looking great. A swim at Ha Hei maybe but looking at the Pacific Ocean here at Tairua that’s not looking wise either. Hopefully a dig for the hot mineral water at Hot Water Beach maybe a go. Just wear togs of a jacket because I suspect the skies are going to open with some heavy rain.

Tairua is partially meant to be rest time to recover from the long haul from England. From Tairua its on to Hobbiton, then Rotorua. 18 days later an ending in Christchurch where I get 3 nights resting before starting a 14 day tour with a group from Sweden in reverse, finishing in Auckland. That will be the end to tours for this season. Well maybe!

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

A very sad tour ending

Yesterday I left the group after 22 days at their hotel in Christchurch as all were flying out day at different times to their respective countries. One of the group was a Countess from Germany. A lovely 74 year old lady who at times challenged us with her ways but a delight.

We gave each other a big cuddle as I headed out for the airport to fly homewards bound. Unfortunately by the time my plane landed in Auckland she had suffered a severe stroke. At the time of writing the hospital says it a wait and see but very serious.

It has for those of us that saw the tour through to the end given the tour a sad ending yet it really was a great tour. A reminder that we never know what tomorrow holds. We must live life fully, be happy, have fun. And I know if my Countess friend could say it she would be saying the same thing. She certainly lived life.

So a sad end to the tour. Tour notes for the next 18 day tour arrived today so its move forward. Monday back to Auckland and on the road once again. Xiaoli after Monday wont see me again until about February 20 as there are 2 more tours in a row. And she tells me in March she joins me on a 20 day tour with 10 from China. It will be nice to share my experiences with Xiaoli. She has only ever had 6 days in the South Island so a good chance to see her beautiful adoptive country.

www.peterandxiaoli.com

1. Why the shot of the Countess from the rear I am sure you wonder. I promised her from day 1 never to use shots of her face. In group shots she always hid. I respect her wishes

The weather was kind to us today

I was afraid I would wake this morning to more rain but it appeared although very overcast, it may have rained itself out overnight so just maybe a walk to the closest viewing tower to Franz Joseph Glacier was possible.

A 7.30am breakfast at a café in Franz Joseph village. Mixed opinions on the breakfast although maybe it was the service that was the main issue. I think the waitress was having what I would term a bad hair day or maybe others would say she got out the wrong side of the bed. If you are going to work in a service industry like a café it needs be service with a smile. Just my opinion.

Our first stop was the walk to Franz Joseph Glacier. An hour 45 return walk. We were lucky with rain staying away and clouds staying just above the mountains. Another bonus was because the cloud ceiling was only just above the mountains there were no helicopters flying. So no constant noise from helicopters. Just the noise of the glacier river plus birds singing in the trees. Add to that we were one of the first on the track. By the time we returned from the walk the carpark was full.

Because of all the rain in the past day the glacier itself was very clean with a blue sheen to it. Not sure the camera captured that as I have not looked at my many photographs yet.

I promised myself after my last tour I would not do any more of these walks but I guess my fitness is picking up with being constantly on the go, walking, driving and loading and unloading suitcases. I did the walk and so happy I did. I have many photographs of Franz Joseph over the years and many tours but I suspect todays will be some of the better. Shot some video as well.

From the glacier walk we boarded the bus again and headed into the township for refreshments and the essential toilet stop. Then the rain came and it remained all day until we got into Punankaiki at which stage it stopped long enough to do the walk around Pancake Rocks. A beautiful walk and with one of our party aboard into geology he really appreciated. The rain is now back again so all are invited to my room at Punakaiki Resort to help finish the 3 bottles of wine that remain.

In Hokitika I gave the group an hour 30 to wander including finding some lunch. Visited Westland Greenstone, the original Greenstone factory shop. One carver was working so our group could watch. Some bought some greenstone jewellery to take back abroad. So everybody happy I believe.

Tomorrow its back over the Arthurs Pass to Christchurch. And for me I will leave the group who mostly fly out the next day. For me it’s a flight back to Auckland the 4 hour 30 minutes drive hoime. Hopefully get there by 2am on the 11^th. Must warn Xiaoli so she is aware it will be my lights coming down the drive. The 4 beautiful nights in my own bed, own pillow with Xiaoli one side and my little dog the other. Then the next 18 day tour

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

2 nights in Franz Josef – a new experience

Never before on a tour have I had the luxury of a 2 night stay at Franz Josef. It really is rather pleasant.

The weather is not the best. A little chilly and there is a constant light drizzle but prior that starting we did a 2 hour plus cruise of the lagoon at Okarito which went into the wetland. A totally new experience for me and one I will try to build in the occasional tour we do.

We saw a multitude of bird life but in particular interest to me was the White Heron and the Spoonbill. Never before had the opportunity to photograph and not sure today I managed to do that the best I could.

Saw a native Wood Pigeon which is a regular occurrence but yet to capture a great photograph. The light today did not do me any favours. A pity.

Half my group went on kayaks while the rest of us went on a flat bottomed boat. I believe we had the better experience although they may argue that. For me I am really interested in the photography side and that is hard in a kayak.

This afternoon if the group are willing given the consistent drizzle we will head for the walk to Franz Josef Glacier. You cannot not get up and close due to the risk of large sections breaking off but we will get to the nearest viewing platform. An hour 40 minutes return walk. My exercise for today.

I am told I will get the agenda for the 18 day tour I start on the 15^th January today. Current tour still has a few days to go but time to be studying the next. Preparing trip notes for myself and timing schedules. The work never ends. 3 days off as of the 11^th but that’s really only from driving as mentally I will be into the next tour. But most important I get to see my family. My beautiful boss and wife, Xiaoli, and our 4 children, the dogs.

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

An error today, not happy about that

Just about pumped petrol into the bus this morning. Was ever so close when the attendant spotted me. I have had diesel vehicles for over 30 years and have never done that before. A wake up call that exhaustion/tiredness is creeping in.

Just 3 days to go on this tour then fly back to Auckland then drive the 4.5 hours home to the far north and bed for a full 3 days I think. Reality is that is highly unlikely to happen but that’s the way I feel right now, Kicking myself all day as I drove from Wanaka through to Franz Josef. Just not like me.

We had a great day the fuel episode aside though as we drove from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Stops beside Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka as we headed towards the Haast Pass. Then a toilet stop at the rest area just past Makora before the real scenic part started.

Today I did not leave the bus much for photography as all the main stops were just so busy with tourists. I guess it is kiwi summer holidays then add the international tourists. So for security plus sometimes parking issues I stayed in the bus. Its not that I have not photographed all places we visited many times before, but I like to capture my tour group enjoying the scenery they see. So not many photographs to show for a full day on the road.

First stop was Fantail Falls followed by the other falls and of course Haast Bridge otherwise known as the gateway to Haast.

Mosquito’s did not disappoint. Fortunately I made sure the group exited the bus relatively fast each time so I could shut the bus up. I made sure all sprayed themselves with the repellent I carried and I know all were very grateful.

The Westland Salmon Café for lunch. It may be very remote but it never disappoints and service with a smile. Normally I have the Salmon Chowder but today I opted for the Salmon Pasta. It did not disappoint.

Never had 2 nights at Franz Josef before so this tour is a little different in that regard. Tomorrow morning off early to Okiarito (probably spelt that wrong) for a couple of hours kayaking or boating in the lagoon to view the wild life. Half have opted for the kayak experience, the other half will accompany me on the boat.

The afternoon we have one heading away for the experience of flying on a helicopter to the glacier then a half walk over the glacier. His first time he tells me to experience a helicopter so he is for a double thrill. A helicopter trip plus a walk on the glacier.

The rest of us will do the one hour 40 minutes return walk to the nearest point to view Franz Josef Glacier. Every tour I swear I wont do these walks yet I always do. I guess they are good for me.

So tomorrow I have time to take many photographs. The boat trip on the lagoon to see white herons and other wild life is new for me so must make sure the camera is well charged.

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com