Friday, July 8, 2016

Christchurch (South Island Holiday) - To Do 30Jne2016 (TranzApline, Hokitika Gorge, Franz Joseph Glacier, Salmon Farm, Blue Pools, The Remarkables Skiing, Milford Sound Tour, Walter Peak, Gondola Ride,High Country Salmon Farm, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo

Christchurch - To Stay
Christchurch - To Eat
 Christchurch - To Do
Click here for part 1 continued from Auckland.
Christchurch South Island Holiday
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 Tranz Alpine Rail Trip
Christchurch-Greymouth
 30June2016
The tranzalpine train ride is renowned to be one of the most scenic rides in the world. Christchurch to Greymouth NZD182.58 per pax. Advance booking is preferred. There's light bites, drinks and desserts available on board. There's also an audio commentary running periodically at places of interest. (Headphones provided).
Up in the front there's a sheltered open carriage for unblocked views, and awesome shot opportunities.  
 Retrieving your tickets
Digital tickets are fine. The counter can also do a search for your name in the system and pass you your train tickets.
ABBATip:
 20mins prior departure is more than sufficient time. We got the tickets processed at the
counter and it was straight through to the train thereafter.
 The tranzalpine train ride is worth it if you have to get across to either coast, rather than a just a there-and-back journey which some patrons were doing. The route is exactly the same. Both sides offer a great view, and one is pretty much free to move around the train once on the go. The 4hrs30mins journey just melts away with the spectacular views and changing landscape.
Click here for ABBA route taken for Tranzalpine Rail Trip
Absolutely stunning. Although it seems along the way to our next pit stop, but the back tracking and no through road to the highway really makes this a large 1hr detour each way. However, a detour it maybe, but the view was well worth the trip. We spent good deal of time there, and the hike across and onto the rocks is a short and easy one. 

Once again, it is a detour, but if you do have the time, its really worth the extra hour traveling time to walk across the Gorge and see the beautiful waters. 
Click here for ABBA location of Hokitika Gorge
South Island West Coast Drive
1stJuly2016
 350km 4hr35mins aproximately
The drive from Greymouth to Queenstown in itself is an activity all onto itself. Watch the changing landscape as you make your way through the mountain ridges and lakes. absolutely stunning. Along the way there are several pit stops for side attractions and natural wonders New Zealand has to offer. Many of which requires some hiking to get to the actual attraction.
ABBATips:
- Be very aware of the speed limits. Its not a target and especially on cold, wet days, its a definite hazard. 
- Preload your destination first before starting of your drive. Though internet data is swell, but up in the mountains, there isn't any reception. You pretty much have your internet connection near townships. 
Franz Joseph Glacier, we were told is a 30min walk to the foot hills of the Glacier and the one that allows the closest view. Fox Glaciers is a 40min walk with a steep decent and its proximity to the glaciers itself isn't that close. This of course is the free option.
In all honesty, the best experience would be taking the chopper ride up the mountains to enjoy the glaciers in its totality. The glaciers have receded so much over the years that walking to the very end of the track gets you no where close to them. 
Click here of ABBA location of Franz Joseph Glacier

West Coast Drive
Salmon Farm
A pit stop joint along the way to stop and eat. It seems pretty much anyone and everyone can run a 'tourist attraction' of sorts just by putting up signs up front. I wouldn't call any of these legitimate full fledged attractions. The place is merely an active salmon farm serving up eats. One can't even head down to the ponds but rather are allowed to throw feed from above. Seems like many of the 'attractions' are like that whilst driving from point to point. Dining options are few and far in-between. 
 Click here for Salmon Farms visited in Tasmania.
Ordered On:
01July2016
Smoked Salmon Pasta NZD20
 *Way to salty. Sure the smoked salmon flavor is undeniably there, but it just doesn't work.*Salmon Steak with Rice, Bread and salad NZD30
 *The salmon was beautifully done. Not over cooked and perfectly moist on the inside, almost as though it were sou-vied. Beautiful piece of fish. The skin was crisped and season to perfection and the dish went well with simple rice and a squeeze of lemon.* 
 Hot Chocolate NZ4.50
Fed2

 West Coast Drive
 Blue Pools
The blue pools are truly stunning. Its the first for me to see live trout in the freezing turquoise waters. Despite the cold, it is a very nice pit stop to see this natural wonder, along the way. As mentioned previously, many of New Zealand's 'attractions' require some hiking and this is a short 30min round trip tracking to and fro location. Nothing too strenuous. 
There are tons of these creeks, and falls to choose from when driving along the way, but this was one of the better known ones. 
 Click here for ABBA location of Blue Pools
 
Skiing at The Remarkables
(Queenstown)
02July2016
*Coronet Peak was still closed, hence The Remarkables was extra crowded. 

*Coronet Peak was still closed, hence The Remarkables was extra crowded. 
(Ski lessons+Equipment rental) goes at
NZD145 
additional charges ++
NZD5 (refundable on return) for the ID card to access ski lifts. 
NZD3 for insurance of loss/damaged equipment 
NZD10 for whole day locker hire with multiple access through the day.
The lessons with Greg were an absolute life saver for myself. You get two, 1hr50min lessons, with full gear and access to the magic carpet (pretty much a conveyor belt up to the top of the gentle slopes.) Lesson times are 1020hrs and 1400hrs. By the end of the second session, one should be able to take on the bunny slopes with ease and even progress to the green ones.
Lessons were structured, easy to follow, and progressive. Fun, encouraging and groups of tens. You should be on your way in no time and the faster learners or refreshers, a half day lesson (also available for purchase) is an option. 
A whack at their Green Slopes
ALTA
Sugar Bowl
*Some portions are quite steep.*
ABBATip:
- Invest in the lessons for absolute newbies.
- Don't worry about good eats. They've got really hearty and reasonably priced meals in the cafeteria. Loads of free water spots to re-hydrate oneself and take a bit of the rest from the snow. 
Ordered On:
02July2016
House roast of the day with vegetables NZD17++
Lemon Chicken sandwich with bree NZD19++
 *Great tasting and hearty portions to top up before carrying on the second half of the day.*
Click here for ABBA location of The Remarkables from Mecure Resort
Milford Sound Tour (with Real Journeys) 
 04July2016
NZD190/Adult Pax
Milford Sound is about a close to 4hr++ drive away from Queenstown. The tour we elected for comes with the boat cruise and a pick-up and drop-off from Mecure Resort Queenstown. Departed Mecure at 6.40am. Reached Milford at 12.30pm.
Returned back at Mecure at 7.45pm
A very long day.
*The tour agency books a taxi (no additional charge) for you and you cannot delay in
taking it on the way back. I.e. take a walk in town, have a meal and then come back to ask them to call a taxi for yourself. You need to take it as a transit, cocontinued to your destination.*
The bus may be a little snug, but they come with a USB charge point, which was very handy. As for our driver, he was pretty good at giving a running commentary and interesting factoids throughout. There are several pit stops along the way for a light brunch pictured above and side attractions (below).
ABBATip:
- Order you lunch on board the Milford Sound Cruise. The tour does come with a Pre-order
meal at NZD17.50 but in all honesty is the same thing. Onboard have a cafeteria of sorts and you pretty much choose what you want and charges are the same.
Mirror Lakes (5min track to enjoy the sights)
It's like a scene right out of Lord Of The Rings. A nice stop over to stretch your legs
whilst en-route to Milford Sound. The pictures very much speak for themselves.

Creek stop for natural mountain water
Another very short pitt stop. Here you get the real deal of unadulterated, mountain spring water, fresh from the flowing creek. 
Water falls and visit from a Kea (Ground Parrot)

Milford Sound River Cruise (Approximately 2hrs cruise time)
Good seating capacity paired with excellent, fun filled narration by the on-board tour guide. Engaging, educational and knowledgeable. Overall great fun with loads of highlights. 
Although in the pictures they may all look the same, but through the narration and being there, each of the waterfalls have their own particular charm. 

 *Personal Favorite falls. The Disappearing falls.*
Was the tour worth it? The cruise itself goes for about NZD100. So the additional pretty much goes to transport to and for per pax. The premium for hours of hassle free driving where roads are challenging and an opportunity to catch up on some rest. I would say a stress free and hassle free journey with some highlight points along the way. 
ABBATip:
- Sit up front and bring a poncho to get the best experience. The narrator stays up front
and directs one's attention to the attraction from the fore.
- Visit Milford sound when it is raining. Its then that the waterfalls are in it's full glory.
Milford Sound rains 2 out of every 3 days.
Click here for ABBA location of Milford Sound
Walter Peak, Gourmet BBQ Lunch
(With Real Journeys) 
10am-1.30pm Adult NZD99 and Child NZD44
05July2016
 TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak, gourmet BBQ Lunch at the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant and farm demonstration included, Bookings Essential.
Steam Boat Ride - 40mins
The only way to get across by boat is via the tour group. Alternatively it's a 5hour drive around to the Walter Peak. One unfortunately needs to take the same boat back but could delay departure 2hrs later in discussions with the skipper, but there's really no need for that. (The boat is limited to 400pax on board and they can't take much more than that, hence departing and returning passengers are accounted for) 
One gets about 2hours on Walter Peak highland farm and estate and of course the experience to ride a steam run boat with a view gallery to see its engine room. Dining and drink options are available on-board as well.
Sheep Shearing & Sheep Dog at Work
It isn't a New Zealand trip until you've at least seen a sheep shearing and sheep dog at work. A nice quaint demonstration which is enjoyed by all.
BBQ Lunch Buffet at Walter's Highland Farm
A relatively good deal in my opinion. It already costs about NZD55 for the transport alone. At NZD70++For the tea/brunch package, one gets to feed some animals and a light meal. For NZD99 you get a beautiful BBQ lunch Buffett in the elegantly decorated home estate.
ABBATip:
- Food spread is excellent, but the BBQ does run out very quickly. It's best to get your choice cuts on the first run rather than return of scraggly bits later on. If you're done with your wonderful lunch early, one can join up with the other group to feed and see the rest of the animals. Don't worry, wash basins with soap are available on-site. Alternatively one can take the time to explore the grounds freely. There's also a gift shop.
2hours is just about right, but three would have been better. There's nothing really beyond the estate. It was really nice that they put out old bread to feed the ducks and trout in the clear waters. The sheep dogs roam freely greeting guests along the way. A nice half day out which ends with a good meal.

Gondola Ride to the Top 2500ft
05July2016
 *There's a range of activities to do whilst at the top. This was a bit of an ad-hoc go to as the ski slopes weren't as snowed in as expected. We elected for a great meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant, but a luge together with the meal would have been better.*

Drive over from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo


 High Country Salmon Farm
(2 night stop over before Christchurch)
 06July2016
Located along highway 8 whilst en-route to Lake Tekapo, the high Country Farm offers a great pit stop. Featuring, beautiful sashimi grade salmon, cold smoke and regular smoked salmon. There's also a free salmon feeding pond, but it was more entertaining to feed the ducks than the fish. 
Ordered On:
06July2016
Salmon Sashimi 200g NZD20
Salmon and tomato Pie NZD5
Salmon Chowder NZD6
*The sashimi though good, but it came off as a little bit pricey considering it's locally produced. The rest were more of stomach fillers*
Total Fed 2
Nice pit-stop and nothing more to it really. The sashimi is good and the cold smoke was really quite delectable.

 Lake Pukaki
#asiansquat 
Further down at Lake Pukaki, there's a nice look out, and another last chance salmon shop again which sells King Salmon Sashimi. There's also a rest stop for travelers. 
Lake Tekapo
Pretty much Lake Tekapo is to 'lepak' (relax), recharge and recoup. There's not a whole lot to do here. It take 5mins to walk to town and another 5 to walk through it.
This place offers the best chance for viewing the southern lights, as well as on a clear night, the stars. Absolutely stunning. 

There are a myriad of activities available that involving tramping, or forking a sum for skiing and/or scenic flights. Depends on where you stay, you could have a nice lodge to do some home cooking and enjoy the night sky.
Click here for ABBA review of Lake Tekapo Cottages.
Mount John Observatory and Cafe
at Lake Tekapo
07July2016
Mount John offers a fantastic panoramic view of the small village of Lake Tekapo. There's a 5NZD road usage charge to bring you the top of Mount John which stands about 3000ft high. (The road up to the observatory is a privately run one hence the charge for its donation towards research and maintainence of the road. Similar concept to the world famous 17mile drive in SFO.) The observatory also runs day and night tour, as well as night viewing of the stars. 

There's also food dining options at the top, but really you're up there to enjoy the view.
Lake Tekapo - To Eat
Kohan Restaurant 

Ordered On:
06July2016
Kohan Bento NZD26.50

Salmon Don NZD20
Medium Sashimi Platter NZD20

Tekpo Roll NZD5

Asahi Beer
One scoop of ice-cream
Good, authentic Japanese bentoes and dons. Most of the staff and chefs are from Japan. Honestly just go for their King Salmon dishes which has a distinctly different flavor and texture to it. A more robust tasting salmon that's superb. Prices are reasonable and the place is packed to other tour groups as well, so its best to be there before 6.15pm. We went there on the second day as well and at 6.30pm the wait for a table is at 8pm. The place is completely booked up by the tour groups. Remember go early!

We ended up with take away as the other restaurants too were booked out by tour groups but none as popular as Kohan. They do pack the meal nicely and its just as good to have a meal in front of the TV.
07July2016
Click here for ABBA location of Lake Tekapo

Christchurch post 2011 earthquake


*Taken 14Sep24*

 Re-Start Mall 
 08July2016
Aptly named since the 2011 quake, the re-start mall has been home to the once bustling shopping district in Christchurch. Now its been reduced to container boxes. The place has its own hippy charm and where else can you spot container boxes which double up as banks! There's load of street eats by way of food trucks and some sampling of shopping. Icheon has the same concept of using container boxes for shops, but it looks way cooler. Click here for review.
Briscoes 
08July2016
The place to do most of your home ware/kitchen needs. 

Day2
Drive Down towards Queens Town
Frans Joseph Glacier
Salmon Farm
Blue Pools
 
Day3 & Day4
 Skiing at The Remarkables

Day5
Milford Sound Tour

Day6
Walter Peak gourmet lunch and farm demonstration
 Gondola Ride with Stratosfare dining.
Day7 and 8
 Drive to lake Taekapo and a 2 night stay.
Mount John Observatory on second day.
Day9
  A night stay at Christchurch prior departure and shopping

Day10 
 Departure day.
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