Kia Ora (Part 3 of 3)

                             

Missed to read the previous part of this blog? Then Click here before you proceed.

Day 14                        

Wanaka is one of the best adventure towns in the world with access to the stunning Southern Alps. Are you looking for an adrenaline rush???? Then why delay, choose from the options like skydiving, canyoning, horse riding, mountaineering, climbing the world’s highest waterfall via Ferrata, or skiing.

Dileep always wanted to go skydiving whenever we went to New Zealand. So, this was the right time. I fear heights & could not fight against my fear. I was scared for him as well, but did not stop him from doing something which he wanted to. He has attempted Parasailing when we had been for a trip in Thailand. Adventure sports are not my cup of tea. 

After a scenic 15-minute flight to the altitude you have chosen, you will nudge towards the edge of the plane with your tandem instructor secured tightly to your back. A moment later, you will be free falling through the sky! Before this you will be given a briefing on safety video & instructions. He jumped from a height of 12000 feet. 

  

You can view the full video of the skydiving if you are interested, the links for which has been shared towards the end of this blog. Do you also want to experience the absolute thrill of freefall??? Click here. 

                                    Wanaka -> Arrowtown                                    55.4 Kms, 53 min

After this we headed to Queenstown. We had stopped for a coffee at Arrowtown on our way. Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town with a rustic charm in the Otago region. The main street is lined with heritage buildings left from the gold rush era and now have been transformed into clothing shops, cafes, souvenir shops, wine stores and restaurants. Even though it is crowded, the place has been maintained well & clean.

                                    Arrowtown -> Queenstown                              19.4 Kms, 19min

Queenstown is a hub of adventure, bursting with adrenaline and fun. There are a wide range of activities to choose from. This includes seasonal activities like skiing (winter through spring), to activities that are available all year around like bungee jumping, skydiving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting. The adventure capital of the world is also known for vineyards & historic mining towns.

Lake Wakatipu is surrounded by mountains and its crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding landscapes like a mirror. We were staying on the opposite side of the lake which was quiet & away from the bustle but at the same time providing an access to lovely beaches of Lake Wakatipu. We spent 3 nights in Queenstown. Queenstown Ferries is a scheduled ferry service operating daily between Queenstown Bay and Frankton with a stop at Bayview & Frankton Marina. This ferry service through this lake was fun which took only a few minutes for us to reach the city centre.

Day 15                         Queenstown -> Glenorchy                               60.1 Kms, 1hr

Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu & is the gateway to hiking trails and Middle-earth magic. This is another drive which I loved. Even though it was just an hour’s drive, it took more than 2 hrs for us to reach Glenorchy. We were travelling alongside Lake Wakatipu. We did not know where to look. It was just WOW around us. A biking trip to Glenorchy would have been a better option than driving. It was a scenic drive along braided rivers, through farmland and forest.

It was on this drive I found clouds suspended over the lake. I was clicking a photo of Dileep, mountain & the lake as a beautiful backdrop when suddenly I noticed the cloud. It felt like the lake was feeling cold and the clouds formed a blanket to protect the lake from freezing.

Wilson Bay - This being a lake beach, sand is substituted by stones. The water is so clear that you can see deep down which has stones, stones & only stones.

Bennetts Bluff Viewpoint - The walk which is around 600 meters loop, winds up on a steady easy gradient. Starting through natural shrublands the track leads to a high rock knoll. At the top of the track, enjoy the stunning lake and mountain views.

These are the only stops for which I could find out the names. 

The return journey is even more scenic because it is then you get to see the winding roads along with lots of ups & downs. This place would be like Heaven in my imaginations.

Day 16

The day started with our visit to the Gondola ride. It takes you 480m up over Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak. Enjoy panoramic views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak, and Queenstown as you traverse up. There is an option for thrilling rides on Luge. Click here to book your Gondola ride or Luge Ride.

On our way to the Gondola ride, we saw Anita Gelato and promised to hop in on our way back. Anita's world-famous gelato has its roots in a modest kitchen nearly 20 years ago. Mama Anita, with the help of her youngest son Nir, crafted delicious frozen treats for their friends and neighbours. Nir focused on the base, while Anita made her special jams that gave her ice cream its signature flavour. Click here to know the locations nearby you.

Queenstown Gardens Loop takes you to a beautiful botanical garden on Lake Wakatipu's shores with Rose Garden, manicured lawns, and ponds & mature trees. It is a nice shared path with benches all along the way. The trail is popular for walking, running, and cycling.

We had booked our tables at Botswana Butchery for lunch. It offers a diverse menu full of flavour with locally sourced ingredients and fine cuts from the Butcher’s Block. 

We spent the rest of the day shopping as we were close to the end of our trip.

Day 17                         Queenstown -> Te Anau                                  171 Kms, 2hr 5min

Instead of driving directly to Milford Sound, we decided to stay at Te Anau – a gateway to Fiordland National Park. One can stay at Queenstown & opt for coach options to Milford Sound instead of staying at Te Anau. We neither wanted to spend a whole day sitting on a coach nor drive to & fro Milford Sound. The coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound also passes through Te Anau. Te Anau is a beautiful, quiet, quaint town with limited restaurants & super markets. 

We reached Te Anau after passing through deer, cattle and sheep farming landscape and decided to take an easy walking track along Te Anau Lake edge to the start of the Kepler Track, which was 3.5 Kms one way after our check in. This walk starts from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre on the edge of Te Anau Lake passing through the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. The Kepler Track carpark is at the lower end of the lake which marks the start of the Kepler Track, a 3–4-day Great Walk. Just past the carpark are the control gates, where there is a view of the lake water flowing into the Waiau River. The control gates regulate water flows between Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri for the West Arm hydroelectric power station. After spending some time over the dam, we decided to walk back.

Day 18                                                 Milford Sound

We opted for a coach + cruise option from Te Anau. We wanted to enjoy the views without getting distracted by it. It takes half an hour to reach Fiordland National Park from where the spectacular journey begins. The driver cum guide was an amazing storyteller who shared the secrets of the beautiful country & about Fjordland. The coach stopped at Elginton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and Monkey Creek providing an opportunity for photography, stretching legs & toilet visit. After a dramatic journey of 3 hours through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel – a 1.2 km long tunnel through solid rock, we reached Milford Sound. 

Milford Sound is the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand, and one of the wettest places in the world! The mean annual rainfall in Milford Sound is 6,813mm, and it rains there on average 182 days a year. Over the course of 24 hours, 250mm of rain can fall in the area. If visiting Milford Sound, it is wise to be prepared with rain-proof clothes & accessories. 

The two-hour cruise through the fjord's towering mountain peaks, sheer cliff, hanging valleys, then feeling the cold-water spray from the waterfalls which flows through the ancient rainforest was altogether a magical experience. The sharp edges of these tall mountains looked scary & beautiful together, whenever the boat went up very close. At the pinnacle of Milford Sound is iconic Mitre Peak – standing a proud 1,692 metres above sea level, it is certainly an impressive sight to behold. Passing the seal colonies & dolphins swimming close to the boats occasionally, we reached an end or rather an opening out to the Tasman Sea. This ecologically significant area, with a wide range of geographical features and an unspoiled ecosystem allows unique and rare wildlife to flourish. On our way back, the captain steered the boat very close to the Stirling Falls to feel the water and to get wet. There were several other waterfalls but Stirling Falls & Lady Bowen Falls are said to be all around the year. We heard that it is a different experience to visit the sound during rains, as the number of waterfalls will be more. 

The return journey was one hour less as we had no stops on our way back. Even then it was 6.00 PM when we reached Te Anau.

Day 19                                     Te Anau -> Dunedin                            287 Kms, 3hr 21min

Dunedin is a city along Otago Peninsula with rich Māori, Scottish & Chinese heritage. The peninsula contains several fine beaches, and is home to a considerable number of rare species including Yellow-eyed and little penguins, seals, and shags. Taiaroa Head on the peninsula's northeastern point is a site of global ecological significance, as it is home to the world's only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross.

Baldwin Street is the steepest street in the world. Baldwin Street has steps, which makes it easier to get to the top. We made it to the top even though it is strenuous. But it was climbing down which made it even harder. If you sway and miss your balance, then you will reach the bottom rolling. 

The little Blue Penguin tour began with a gathering for an educational talk about the penguins. We were also given instructions to remain silent & no flash photography and to be careful when walking. After which we moved to the viewing platform which is set up so close to the penguin, but without causing any trouble or obstacle to their movement. We waited for quite a long time and it was almost dark, when few of us noticed two stones dashing to the shore along with the waves. Then we realised they were the little creatures we were waiting for. Again, it took quite a long time for a group to arrive. It's only then the two penguins which came first started to move in our direction where their burrows were, flapping their wings. Then in another 5 minutes, another group arrived. Meanwhile, the first group had reached very close to the platform we were standing on. We kept swapping the positions so that the entire group of people could see & enjoy. It was very cute to see them navigating over each boulder to reach their home. The penguins were delightful, and completely unbothered by our presence, as long as we stayed quiet and respectful on the platform.

Day 20                         Dunedin -> Katiki Point Lighthouse                80.4 Kms, 1hr 8min

Our host at Dunedin was an elderly couple. Seeing our interest in penguins, they suggested we stop at Katiki Point which is home to Fur Seals & Yellow eyed penguins along with other many coastal species. The reserve is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm. We had seen penguins in South Africa, that too during bright sunlight. But the penguins in New Zealand are seen after sunset. That is when they return home. So, this place will not help you to see the yellow eyed penguins. But we saw numerous seals lying on the rocks and enjoying the view of the Pacific Ocean. Regardless of place, if you want to see the penguins, you need to visit their habitat in the dusk. Morning they would be out in the sea for fishing. 

Katiki Point Lighthouse -> Lake Pukaki                     207 Kms, 2hr 29min

On our way we had 2-3 stop overs to stretch our legs & have a snack break. Lake Aviemore is one such point. You can never get over the water sources of New Zealand irrespective of it being a lake or river or creek or stream. The colour & clarity of those sources pull you towards them. Till Oamaru, the Pacific Ocean was always on the right and once you take a turn, it is all about mountains & lakes. Slowly you will start to see snow-capped ranges of Mount Cook. We passed the Twizel Canals & salmon farms.

The turquoise blue lake with Mount Cook. What more do you need for your eyes??? All the tiredness of driving vanished in a second. Lake Pukaki is perfectly positioned at the foot of the Southern Alps. There are several viewpoints all along the route to Lake Tekapo and you will have an urge to stop at every point. Lake Pukaki gets its spectacular blue colour from fine silt particles, called glacial flour, suspended in the water. The silt is ground up by glaciers slowly sliding along rock beds. 

                                    Lake Pukaki -> Lake Tekapo                          62.9 Kms, 42 min

Lake Tekapo is known for its night sky. Just like Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo is famous for its colour & the reason being the same as that for Lake Pukaki. But unlike Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo is quite busy. We walked around Lake Tekapo for quite a long time & then visited the Church of the Good Shepherd & the sheepdog monument & after sunset we had our dinner & returned to our accommodation. We kept observing the sky and were waiting for the town to become a bit quiet & darker. We stepped out around 10.00 PM & chose a place near the sheepdog monument where it was pitch black. We could see people around us with telescopes. But we enjoyed the night sky with our naked eyes & it was alluring. It was very cold, but the sky was so captivating that we were hesitant to leave. We have never seen so many stars and the sky appeared to be very close. It felt like we could touch the clouds & pluck the stars. There was a bench nearby & we both laid down on it as our neck started to hurt. We even saw shooting stars. We returned to our accommodation with a magical spell.

Day 21                         Lake Tekapo -> Christchurch                          226 Kms, 2hr 47min

We visited Lake Tekapo again in the morning before we started for Christchurch. But it was filled with clouds & even the town was foggy. It turned foggy every now & then on our way too. It felt as though the Sun & clouds were playing hide & seek. But things changed suddenly in 15 minutes. A bright sun came, winning the game as we passed Burkes Pass. Also, scenic roads gave way to normal roads from Geraldine after which that sinking feeling also started to creep in. It's time to go back home. But we were not that sad, because we had the best time in New Zealand.

We returned our car at Christchurch airport after checking in at hotel & unloading all our luggage. Even though it was not round trip, the return process was hassle free. P.S. Till date, we have done only roundtrip. So, pickup & drop-off of car happens at same place.

We chose to rest in our room relishing the moments we spent all these days. We went out only to have food.

Day 22                                                             Transalpine

The TranzAlpine train operates between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass for a short break before descending through the Otira Tunnel to the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, through lush alpine beech rain forests to Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. This is the best option for people who have less time & cannot drive. You get glimpses of the views which we had enjoyed in the last few days. Take it as a trailer of a movie which starts at 8.15 AM from Christchurch & reaches Greymouth the same day at 1.10 PM. 

We chose the return journey also by the same train. There are several stops for the train so that you can break the trip part by part or choose to fly one way. The nearest Airport to Greymouth is Hokitika. Click here to book any of the scenic train journey. 

Day 23                                                 Christchurch to India

The feel of homecoming is different. But this time I truly felt like making New Zealand my home!!!

During our travel, we found an option of smaller campervans, especially on South Island. We found that even a single person driving the campers which are more liked converted versions of Innova or similar. There are Holiday Parks where you can park these campers and sleep in it. But you will be given access to their common kitchen & wash rooms. So, you no need to worry about accommodation. If you want private rooms, such options are also available in some of the Holiday Parks. We were planning to hire one during our next trip to NZ, just for 2-3 days to experience the journey by camper vans. But the reviews were bit disappointing. People who are interested can try their luck & that option too. It is called Jucy. Click here to know more.

Click here for more photos from the trip & Click here for the videos from the trip.  

Acknowledgements & References

1) Department of Conservation, New Zealand

2) Bruised Passport

3) New Zealand Tourism

4) Local Visitor Information Centre

5) Tiaki Promise 

Kia Ora (Part 2 of 3)

                             

Have you read the first part of this blog? If not, Click here before you proceed. 

Day 7         Rotorua CBD -> Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland           29.4 Kms, 23 min

The geothermal reserve is not just confined in Rotorua. The spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, hot sulphur springs, natural mineral spas continue all along the route known as the Thermal Explorer Highway which starts from Auckland & extends till Napier. 

Unlike Hells Gate where everything is grey, Wai-O-Tapu offers a colourful geothermal experience. Sculptured out of volcanic activity which took years & years to what it looks like today. Due to dramatic geothermal conditions beneath the earth, the area has many hot springs noted for their colourful appearance, in addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette, Primrose Terrace. This even reminds me of the water colour box which we used to get during our childhood. Each pool is a colour block in that water colour box which is filled with water when we have dipped a wet brush several times. Plan your day in such a way that you walk at your own pace and enjoy the view of these unique sinter terrace formations, steaming ground, bubbling mud, expansive vistas & huge volcanic craters.  The intensity of the colour depends upon the geothermal activity inside, minerals present & the sunlight. The best time to test your knowledge in chemistry. Just try to remember the presence of which mineral gives you red, green, blue colours etc. The large pools have more than one viewpoint and each reflects shade different from one we saw earlier. These colours are unique because they are a combination of several colours and appear beautiful like a rainbow. The Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10.15am. If the Hells gate reminded me of hell, Wai-O-Tapu reminds me of heaven.   

                  Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland -> Huka Falls              47.7 Kms, 35 min

Huka Falls is a set of waterfalls on the Waikato River, which drains Lake Taupō in New Zealand. It is a pleasure to see icy blue water flowing thunderously and forming white lathers. This pressure is due to the water being forced to narrow to just 15m wide as it passes through a hard volcanic canyon. This increases the flow pressure immensely, causing the water to burst out with great force as the gorge ends. The raw energy, crystal clear blue water, swirling white foam and roar of the torrent make the visit to Huka Falls an unforgettable one.

The water flows down to Aratiatia Dam. Aratiatia is the first of nine hydro-electric power stations on the Waikato River. The powerful water of the river is harnessed by a dam to create hydro-electric energy. Every day the dam gates open at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM & 4PM(extra opening in summer months) flooding the peaceful gully below with water and transforming it into raging rapids. It must be seen to be believed! Huka Falls River Cruise trips depart 30 minutes after the gates open which gives you enough time to enjoy the raging rapids before or after your boat trip. There is an option for Jet ride as well which takes you even closer to the Huka falls if you want to have an adrenaline rush.

Click here for Huka Falls Jet Ride & Click here for Huka Falls River Cruise. 

 

                        Huka Falls -> Taupo CBD                                                       5 Kms, 8 min

Lake Taupō is a large crater lake in New Zealand's North Island, located in the caldera of Taupō Volcano. It is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, and the second largest freshwater lake by surface area in geopolitical Oceania. The water level of this lake is controlled by the dams across the Waikato River. Tongariro Alpine crossing is a must for adventure lovers which is only hours’ drive from Taupo. Other options for activities include trout fishing or skiing.

Day 8               Taupō -> Wellington CBD                                           373 Kms, 4hr 35 min

This day via the desert road was a long day for driving. It was a dramatic change because there was desert on one side and there were mountains on the other side of the road. It rained as well even though it was very short which lasted for hardly 2 minutes. The sudden changes in the panorama from a desert landscape to a volcanic mountain which gave way to icy/snowy mountains in no time and along with dark clouds and rain, then dry land to green vegetation which includes vineyards along with sheep scattered here & there. Altogether we did not realise when we reached Wellington. The only thing which bothered us was the lack of a filling station which we thought would be available all along the way. Luckily, we reached Foxton where we stopped for gas.

Wellington is the cultural centre and political capital of New Zealand. We stayed in Wellington for laundry. Some of the car rental companies do not allow you to take your car on the Interislander ferry. If that is the case you will have to drop off your car at Wellington & pick another from Picton. We had checked for the options and that is how we chose Budget Cars. We had the same car throughout our trip which we picked up from Auckland & dropped off at Christchurch from where we had our flights back home. Click here to book your Budget Car.

Day 9               Wellington -> Picton via Interislander                         100 Kms, 4hr 4min

Interislander is a road and rail ferry service across New Zealand's Cook Strait, between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. It is owned and operated by state-owned rail operator KiwiRail. We took our rental car on the ferry from North to South without any hassles during embarkation or disembarkation. 

There are two operators which run ferries connecting Wellington & Picton. Click here for Interislander Ferries. Click here for Bluebridge Ferries.

Are your eyebrows raised???? Thinking about a ferry service that is 4 hours long, then wait. The road trip which we had so far was just a trailer. The initial part of this journey itself was exciting for me which was driving the car onto the ship which had multi levels of parking. Also, I did not even imagine that crossing a strait would be so much fun & spectacular. I was standing on the deck most of the time clicking pictures & enjoying the breathtaking views. These seascapes were nothing enthusiastic for Dileep, who is a sailor by profession. He slept throughout the sail while I went in only to warm myself as it was very cold outside. We chose the first ship after sunrise so that we could reach Picton at Noon and at the same time not miss any views.

                        Picton -> Nelson Lakes National Park                         129 Kms, 1hr 35min

Here begins our tour on the South Island of New Zealand which is renowned for its mountains, lakes, and glaciers. The Southern Alps dominate the landscape, and glaciers, fjords, and pristine lakes are strung throughout the South Island’s mountains. The scenery is more dramatic, with everything from lush rainforest, misty mountains, lots of waterfalls and the golden alpine region. The population of South Island is very less compared to North which makes it more remote & wild. The South Island is an epic destination for hiring a campervan and many stunning campgrounds to choose from that can get you immersed in the landscapes.

One thing which I forgot to mention earlier is about dogs & cats. There are several reasons that domestic animals are prohibited from national parks in New Zealand. The biggest reason is due to the unique wildlife in New Zealand, including many vulnerable bird species such as kiwis. Dogs may injure or even kill wildlife. Even just the smell or sound of dogs may cause distress to wildlife, and cause them to leave their homes. Other reasons include potential harm to dogs from traps and poisons used in conservation areas to control introduced species, the potential transmission of diseases to wildlife from dogs, and an increased risk of spreading kauri disease. However, pets are allowed inside several other areas in New Zealand that are looked after by the Department of Conservation. Some places require dogs to have a permit that needs to be applied for in advance. In all cases dogs need to stay under your control and often on a leash, not causing a nuisance or injury to protected wildlife. Dogs are also not allowed to enter inside any huts, lodges, cottages, or cabins.

The spectacular landscape of Nelson Lakes National Park was sculpted by massive glaciers during the most recent ice ages, and many glacial landforms remain. The lakes are surrounded by mountains & forests & the water reflects an incredible turquoise blue colour. This lake has many nice Mandarin Ducks, Black Swans, Longfin Eel - all happily swimming near the shore. And even a few seagulls roaming around the shore area.

Walking and hiking are the primary reasons to visit Nelson Lakes National Park. Day walkers can follow a network of short tracks to enjoy lake views, birdsong, and native beech forest. Serious hikers can strike out for Lake Angelus on a loop that generally takes 3 days. The Travers-Sabine circuit, which takes about 5 days to complete, includes soaring mountains, remote lakes, and an alpine pass. There are walks that one would finish in 15 min or longer ones which would take 7-9 hrs. Most of the days during our South Island trip, we would end up walking 5-7 kms daily around lakes & national parks.

                        Nelson Lakes National Park -> Blenheim                    105 Kms, 1hr 18min 

We chose to spend that night at Blenheim where we could find good accommodation and were on the way to Kaikōura which we were heading to. 

Day 10                                     Blenheim -> Kaikōura                         128 Kms, 1hr 36min

We started off early from Blenheim as we had to reach for Whale watching at 10.00 AM. Also, we knew the route would be scenic & we will have to stop occasionally for photographs.

This drive was also very beautiful because the landscape was switching from vineyards to coastline. The journey along this route is filled with captivating sights, from rolling hills to magnificent coastal cliffs. We stopped at a couple of picnic points just to breathe in the fresh air and click some magnificent photos. One such point was Ohau point where we stopped accidentally and happened to see numerous fur seals. The baby seals were seen playing in rock pools while the adults were basking in the sun & few raising their flippers occasionally. One can see seal colonies all around the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.

Since we had already booked the tickets for whale watching, we were in a hurry to reach Kaikōura. The duration of whale watching was 3.5 hours. But all throughout the sail we got to see other marine animals as well which included numerous Hector Dolphins, Albatrosses & several other birds. The guide was explaining how to spot a whale & shark in the blue sea while one of the fellow tourists spotted the spurt of misty vapour and the vessel was immediately directed towards that. That was just the beginning because we were lucky enough to spot & watch 4 sperm whales closely on that tour. We all silently observed the massive species re-oxygenating and then lifting its flukes high before diving deep into the waters. The tour was very ethical with a deep respect for whales and vast knowledge about them. They know a lot about these beautiful creatures that they even countdown for that perfect tail shot. One can find these giant sperm whales all around the year. Kaikōura Canyon runs right up against the coast creating a rare system of sea currents that sustain an incredibly rich marine food chain which is the reason for the large number of whales. It was altogether a wonderful experience and we returned home with plume-blowing & the tail shot firmly etched in our memories. Click here to book your whale watching ride. 

The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a scenic path that runs along the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean & the clifftops. One can choose to walk lower way which is mostly the boardwalk and can walk along the shoreline or the upper way which requires a bit of fitness because it has a fair amount of ascends & descends along the top of the cliffs walking across the farmlands with a view of the ocean always or combine both to make it a loop.

Kaikōura is a place for seafood lovers. Fresh local seafood is always on the menu if you are into it.

Day 11                                     Kaikōura -> Otira                               316 Kms, 4hr 13 min

We started off early from Kaikoura. Rangiora is the place from where you take the exit from SH1 to enter SH 73. The roads were smaller and there was no traffic. We kept on passing through small towns which were very beautiful with farmlands & the mountains in the backdrop. We stopped twice to get a break from driving. 

Our next stop was at Castle Hill. This scattering of monolithic limestone rocks is a majestic landscape with geological, cultural, and spiritual significance. This iconic setting was used as the backdrop for a battle in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. This area is known as one of the world’s best bouldering locations, and climbers flock here to challenge their skills. It was very windy when we reached. The wind would blow strongly for 1-2 minutes making us blind because of dust and unable to walk. It felt as though the wind was pushing us back. Then nature would be at peace for the next 2 minutes. We waited there for almost 15 minutes & this process kept repeating. I was not able to push the car door out, the moment we reached here. And it was just for 5 seconds I could stay out, that too because I was not able to pull the car door open & get in. 

We enjoyed the beauty of the boulders sitting inside the car itself and since it seemed like it would never stop, we decided to continue our trip. Even while driving, we could feel the wind hitting on our car. We had even stopped at Lake Pearson. There was wind but not as strong as the one we experienced at Castle Hill. And since it started to drizzle, and we could see dark clouds approaching, we left from here too.  

Once we reached around Cass, it started pouring that we were not able to see the road ahead. We kept driving slowly as there were no picnic areas or space so that we could park our car safely from the road. Arthur Pass is the highest pass over the Southern Alps. It has two landscapes. A wide, shingle-filled riverbed and vast swathes of beech forest on one side and on the other side a dense rainforest along a deeply gorged river. 

We had booked our stay at Otira. We had to proceed to Otira directly without stopping at Arthur Pass because it was raining cats & dogs and did not seem to stop anytime soon. We went to Otira & came back again to Arthur Pass to fill gas & to have our lunch. This is the only place where we missed hiking. We had to stay indoors owing to the incessant rain. 

We witnessed two phenomena on this route. Cloud shadow over mountain range with trees in the bright sun. This happened when we were approaching Castle Hill.  Another phenomenon which we happened to experience is the vertical rainbow. Even I came to know about this only after witnessing it and began to search about it when I got the network. I was sceptical about this when I saw it initially and then I had to ask Dileep to get it reconfirmed. 

Day 12                                     Otira -> Fox Glacier                            245 Kms, 3hr 8min

It was raining the whole night which continued when we started from Otira. But the intensity of rain kept on decreasing as we were moving from Otira. There are many scenic reserves on South Island especially in this region and we could see boards for trails which started from there. 

Scenic reserves are a type of New Zealand protected area that were first created when communities decided to keep some original vegetation in an area where most original vegetation had been removed. Most are patches of bush, often close to roads. There are trails in this reserve which even take days to complete. One must carry a sleeping bag, and essentials to cook & eat & stay prepared for any challenge nature throws at you. 

We stopped at Hokitika to restock our groceries. Then we stopped at Lake Mahinapua which was unplanned. We just decided to take a break and decided to stop at the picnic area whichever comes next and that is how we ended up here. The drive in & out into the rest area through beautiful dense native bush which opens out to a sheltered grassed area by the lake is the highlight. These separate driving tracks for entry & exit cannot be mutually seen. The fantails keep flying around you expecting food.

Lake Matheson – New Zealand renowned as the best of all mirror lakes situated near Fox Glacier, nature has combined exactly the right ingredients to create truly stunning reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks - Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. The waters of Lake Matheson are dark brown, so on a calm day they create the ideal reflective surface. The colour is caused by natural leaching of organic matter from the surrounding native forest floor. At the gateway to the walkway is Matheson café where you can have a quick bite or dine after your walk. The full tranquil journey through winding bush with plentiful bird song and stunning views around the lake takes around 1.5 hours.

We ended the day with a beautiful view of Fox Glacier from the Fox Glacier Viewpoint which was just 6 kms from Lake Matheson. 

Day 13                                    

This indeed was a beautiful day. We had booked for a helicopter ride for which both of us were thrilled. A 30-minute helicopter flight, seated next to an expert alpine pilot over the twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox, view of caves, crevasses & frozen rivers from above and finally with a snow landing at the head of Fox Glacier – It was an experience for a lifetime.

Fox Glacier -> Wanaka                                   263 Kms, 3hr 25min

It is beautiful to see the sun kissing the snow-capped mountains especially during sunset & sunrise. The snow glows like golden sand. But the helicopter ride was something more than that. We were dumbstruck and for the first time in our lifetime, Dileep was driving in the silence. Normally, while driving either of us would keep talking or we would be debating on something to ensure the person who is driving is not taking his attention off the road. Click here to book your helicopter ride.   

I have read that aquariums can have a calming and soothing effect, which can help reduce stress and improve mood. Driving on any roads in New Zealand especially the South Island gives you the similar effect. This is one such road which I loved most – the drive from Fox Glacier to Wanaka. It tempted us to stop every here & there especially when reaching near Wanaka. The stunning lakes & the mountains with & without snow as the backdrop.

We stopped at Knights Point Lookout (a breathtaking vantage point to admire the power of nature as the wild Tasman Sea meets the rugged West Coast), Ship Creek (a small river that flows into an area of coastal kahikatea swamp forest), Thunder Creek Falls (a waterfall in Mount Aspiring National Park), Haast Pass (a tranquil mountain pass through the Southern Alps that crosses through a scenic beech forest) & Lake Hawea on our way to Wanaka. You can find numerous picnic spots in the South Island on every road you drive. If you are to stop at each picnic spot, it would be better to travel by foot and enjoy each picnic spot & reach your destination without any timebound.

A lovely lake with a nice compact town surrounded by mountains. Plenty of restaurants & cafes are situated which are facing Lake Wanaka. Grab something and you can walk through the park with plenty of trees and enjoy the views of the lake. Or else go on with swimming, kayaking, or biking. There are options to hire bikes & kayaks if that is what you are looking for. We realised this only towards the end of our trip.  

If you wish to continue, Click here to read the third & last part of this blog.

            Click here for more photos from the trip & Click here for the videos from the trip.