Peter and Xiaoli Tours

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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