SERENDIPITY...

The propensity for making fortuitous discoveries while looking for something unrelated. Life is but a series of events happening by accident.

[intravelrie-blog]

New Zealand

DAY 9 - Milford Sound - Descend Scubadiving - Cruise

We’ll be spending today at  Milford Sound. The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound WILL take you about 4-5hours. If someone tells you otherwise… Trust me. Do make sure you have ample time to get through. So we drove from Queenstown to Te Anau last night (the halfway mark between the two towns). 

We left Te Anau early in the morning to get to Milford Sound. NOTE: There is NO gas stations from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Do make sure you have a full tank. There is also NO cellphone reception at the Sound. 

The sun is barely up and the mist was pretty thick. We had to go through this tunnel along the way. The Homer Tunnel runs 1.2km long and 6 degrees steep (1: 10 gradient). It looks pretty alright on paper what is 6 degrees right? But really, when you’re in a large campervan + pitch dark + there might be another vehicle coming from the other side as its winter. Be extra careful here!

Just before reaching the tunnel you will also pass by some danger signs. Do not stop your vehicle along this road as it is unsafe with the risk of an avalanche. When we were driving pass we could see some signs of a landslide. So do take extra care when driving.

Arriving at Milford Sound, the 4 of us split into 2 groups. The cruise goers and the divers. 

The cruise terminal is very easy to find. There are a few cruise operators which you could choose from. They also have counters right at the ferry terminal so you could browse around. If you’ve gotten one of those tour booklets from the I-sites or Visitor centers, do note you might be able to find a discount voucher for tours like the cruise.  

Look at how cute the cruise is!! Vintage!!

Credit: Pandora

And that’s the sound…. Breathtakingly beautiful. 

Credit: Sharon

Credit: Pandora

Some dolphins came to play! Everyone’s excited!! Absolutely worth the drive. You really have to see the sound on a cruise. Or perhaps on kayaking tours (saw some travellers going on the kayaks out into the sound looks really fun!). Just get yourself off land and out into the sound, the best and only way to really appreciate its beauty.

The rest of us (FH and I) got the best of both worlds, seeing the sound inside out. We booked ourselves on Descend Scubadiving. You could check them out here: http://www.descend.co.nz/

We almost did not manage to get on the dive getting stuck at Hasst Pass 2 nights ago. Thankfully Simone and Lance made it happen for us. The weather was perfect, so grateful for the sun.

We were heavily clothed in 2 sets of neoprene wet suits + vest + 2 gloves + hoodies + 2 socks + booties. I could not move at all fully suited. It was quite hilarious really. We’ve almost mostly dived only in warm waters, the coldest i’ve ever dived was perhaps 20 degrees.

And so we descended. Surprisingly it wasn’t as cold as we thought it would be. The temperature was about 11 degrees on our dive computer. We were told by Lance that as we descend, at approximately 5m, we would come across a layer of freshwater. At this zone of freshwater the visibility is poor and has an oily appearance. You’ll really have the urge to clean your mask. As we descend deeper pass the 10m mark through to the saltwater, the visibility improves tremendously (15 - 20m vis). It is due to this freshwater water layer that blocks out some light allowing deep water species to live in shallower depth. Like the black coral (which is actually white) and dogsharks!

Credit: Descend Scubadive https://www.facebook.com/descendNZ/photos_stream

At one point there were probably about 7 or 8 of them swimming around us. According to Lance it was the most they they’ve ever seen! We were obviously really excited!! Kept trying to taking photos of them but as we were using Gopros the buttons were kinda difficult to press so most of the photos were too shaky. 

The marine life was abundant. Schools of fishes loads and loads of them, hundreds of extra large sea urchines (largest i’ve ever seen!), lobster, corals, and do you see what i see??

I was extremely excited! Never saw an octopus on a dive before! I was just swimming along the wall, when i saw something moved!

Credit: Descend Scubadive https://www.facebook.com/descendNZ/photos_stream

Definitely a remarkable dive. I would recommend all divers to do this! After this dive we can safely say we are no longer warm water pussys! A whole new experience all together! You get to see the amazing scenery and the absolutely stunning marine life. What more can you ask for?!

[intravelrie-blog]

New Zealand

DAY 8  - Queenstown - Skipper Canyon

Today we’re going on the Skipper Canyon Tour.

Skipper Canyon Tour is definitely one of the most memorable tours we had.  The views are spectacular. It was just us on the tour so the small guide to tourist ratio was a huge plus. With the narrow skipper canyon road carved out of the side of a steep cliff over the Shotover River, the road is without a doubt ranked one of the most dangerous road in the world.

There is even a sign to warn travelers that insurance do not cover this area. So travelers, just get on the tour. Its safer and so much more informational. You’d really need a 4WD.

  Here’s ours. Look at how the roads are so narrow and tight, if another car comes along on the opposite side of the road you would have to reverse to one portion where its the slightly wider to pass. 

Our guide wolfie, although not born Kiwi, was truly knowledgeable about the area. Enthusiastically explaining to us how skipper canyon came about. Skipper Canyon was once a prosperous settlement. Since the discovery of gold in the area, miners swarmed into the canyon in search of the richness that lies within its gorges. In no time the settlement was built up. 

This is what’s remained of “The Welcome Home Hotel” which operated during the goldrush era. It was frequent by miners and travelers visiting Queenstown. 

That pipeline was used during the goldmining era to transport the water required for goldmining. It was also the home of the most popular bungee site in Queenstown in the 1990s. It has since closed down due to the instability of the pipeline.

Along the way Wolfie also introduced some interesting flora and fauna of the area and how different trees or plants were planted to provide different uses for the settlement. He also told us a bit of background to the people that still stay in the canyon. Currently there are few people staying in the canyon as access to anything and everything is very inconvenient.

Credit: Pandora https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/with/14333456717/

The Shotover river and its magnificent turquoise waters. I would love to just sit on the banks and gaze at its gracefulness in silence. Apparently, this is the very location in the lord of the rings, where the river at The Ford of Bruinen was flooded. Remember how the horses were on the banks? Well just imagine.

Crossing the Skippers Bridge, to get to Skippers Point.

Skippers School (879 - 1927) The Skippers School was restored by the department of conservation to its former glory. Pictures plastered the walls of the Skippers School. You could get a glimpse of how the area was during the goldmining days. The steep tracks, pictures of how large pipes were transported in to build the pipeline, children that used to study here. Definitely a piece of history of what was the Skippers Canyon.

One of the highlights of the trip. PICNIC!!!!

Very rustic picnic. The “table” was a huge log at the campsite. Love Love love it! You see that tray over there with the crackers? That yummy goodness on top is their homemade apricot cream cheese. Let me tell you. It was SOOOOOOO good. I’m sure if they sold it we would have bought it. We finished all that he brought and i’m sure we would have licked everything off the plate if we could. And how could you have cheese without some wine? So all of us had some. :)

The above 2 photos are taken by Pandora.

Wolfie would set her down, drive to the spot and position us for the photo op. 

I would really recommend going for this trip. Skippers canyon was incredibly beautiful. The tour was informational, our guide was knowledgeable, professional and enthusiastic. What more can you ask for!

YOLO!

[intravelrie-blog]

New Zealand

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

  DAY 7  - Haast Pass - Sky Dive Wanaka - Lake Wanaka - Queenstown - Fergburger

Today we woke bright and early reaching the gateway at 8am hopping to be the first few cars through Haast Pass. And guess what “GOOD LORD” old lady was there to “GOOD LORD” us again. The “no through sign” was still up but there was another sign that says Hasst Pass Reopen. So we thought in case we get “scolded” lets just stop at the road shoulder. Well She could have told us to go through but we got another round of  ”GOOD LORD”-ing.

ANYWAY. Haast Pass.

Hasst Pass was definitely one of the most scenic routes. With mountains, lakes, a clear blue sky, you almost feel like stopping at every rest stop to take a few photos.

Credit: Pandora https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/with/14333456717/

So we did actually stop a bit to take a few photos.. The reason we were trying to get through haast is so that we can get to Lake Wanaka by 11am to do this.

Uhuh… SKYDIVE!!!!!!!!!! Not for the faint hearted! Haha.. Just kidding it was actually REALLY REALLY FUN. I would totally do it again in a heartbeat. Just talking about it gets my adrenaline pumping. Everyone should really do it at least once in a lifetime. 

Since most of us are on our first dive + the area is so scenic, we went for the works. 15000ft dive + personal camera flyer (video & photos) + Handicam + Free T-shirt. The handicam would be a GoPro strapped onto the wrist of your tandem instructor. This means that the shots/video are gonna be closed up. The personal camera flyer would get you photos like this.

He would be your personal cameraman that would follow you through the jump to take shots of you. They literally jump with you, position themselves up down left right centre to take your shots.

We were given a safety briefing upon arrival. And next was off to filling forms, choosing the music you want for the video, emptying pockets and suddenly we’re geared up!

The plane we were on is that baby over there. There ain’t no cabin pressure, so we were provided with oxygen mask so we could still breath up in the clouds. No worries.

The scenery was to die for. The snowy mountain, absolutely turquoise rivers, vast lands… What else could you ask for?!

As you can see I was REALLY excited. As compared to Miss FH over there with the uncertain face. Our instructors really did a great job keeping us occupied. Strapping us up in between jokes, cracking us up, FH’s instructor even drew some moustache on with a sharpie! So innocently we were all relaxed and calm and looking in awe at the scenery. No clue what so ever that we were going to jump. And then it happened. Out of no where the doors were open. People started moving and in no time my instructor and I were the only ones left. I mean really…. It happened so fast that I didn’t have time for fear to creep in. And we were moving, next thing I knew I was dangling out of the plane strapped onto my instructor like a baby on a baby carrier… Next Next thing I knew.. well….

Time seemed to stop for 3 seconds as you start to process what is going on. The adrenaline starts kicking in… Its true you’re in top of the world. It was the MOST amazing experience. Definitely helped that the weather was perfect, the view was sooooooo stunning…

So no more words needed. I know you’re jealous already…. Just do it already!!! 

Back on Hasst to get to Queenstown. I know this totally looks like it could come from a scene in LOTR. Actually everywhere in NZ looks like could be part of the film. Its stunning like that.

If you’re in Queenstown. Eat Fergburger. That’s the way we roll. The queue was insane and seats were limited so we decided to take away. We had the fergburger with blue cheese, fergburger with cheddar, southern swine and the Chief Wiggum.

Credit: Fang Hui

This is the Chief Wiggum. Look. At. The. Size. Of. That. Thing. It was definitely not a good move to order one burger each. (We could only finish half.) But hey! We were famished and…. We thought too highly of ourselves. It was truly a good hearty meal. Pardon the lack of photos. It was really the last thing on our minds. The smell just filled the campervan and the monsters in us has taken over our minds. The burgers were packed with flavour, the meat was juicy, the ingredients were fresh. A definite must try. YUMS!!!!

[intravelrie-blog]

New Zealand

DAY 6 - Fox Glacier - Matheson Café - Hasst River Top 10

We drove the 30mins drive from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier for our Quick Fox Glacier Climb. After gearing up in their good treking boots, we took a short bus ride to the Fox Glacier Valley. There our guides gave us some information about the glacier that we’re about to climb. Glacial valleys are usually U-shaped, with steep sides and a flat base, caused by the retreating of the glacier.  

Picture of travellers in 1934 with their horses, bicycle, motorcycle and their dog on the glacier.

 To get to the glacier we will need to trek a 12km route (which according to our guide would change as the river banks changes).

Enroute we also need to cross a river by a manual pulley-operated raft.

Crossing streams. And more trekking….

And we finally come face to face with the glacier. Or at least what was part of the Glacier. Truth to be told the trekking was pleasurable trek as the valley floor was rather flat and it didn’t feel that far! We tied on the spikes also known as ”crampons” to our boots for the climb. Our guides were carving steps into the glacier to facilitate the climb.

This huge portion of the ice was originally part of the Fox Glacier which got broken off as the glacier was retreating. 

Credit: Pandora Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/

We spent about 15-20 mins on the ice and we began our trek back to the bus.

Some interesting NZ souvenirs you could get back at the shop.

Moving on we stopped by Matheson café for some good food and scenery. A definite MUST DO.

Credit: Pandora Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/

Even the carpark looks this picturesque.

Credit: Pandora Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/

Fancy a cuppa with a view?

Or some good food? Trust me when I say every dish was good. We didn’t wanna leave!! Just sitting there and relaxing in the quietness was a great experience. There are also treks around the area in varying distance if you’ve got the time. But we had to get to Lake Wanaka by night fall (which in winter is around 5pm) and hast pass was a very scenic drive with many photo ops.

However, right as we were heading into Hasst Pass, there came a sign which said “road closed reopening 8.30am”. We were all dumbfounded, and this old lady came shouting at us. “GOOD LORD! Did you not see the sign! GOOD LORD!” I mean we stopped…. But anyway, we went round to the petrol station, the visitor centre and finally after much confirmation that the road was not gonna be opened and there is no way round it, we gave up and found ourselves a Holiday Park for the night.

As we were checking in at Hasst River Top10 a few other travellers were also coming in prolly all stopped by the grumpy old lady. At haast there is absolutely no reception and we had to make calls using the landline to rearrange our following activities (which was an absolute nightmare). My brain was bursting! Lol.

Well comforting thing was the night sky here.

  Credit: Pandora Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/

Coincidentally when Pandora was taking this photo, a car drove pass which lit up the foreground with the light painting effect. But look at that sunset. The sky slightly red from the setting sun with the stars shining in the sky.

Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you…. This is what a sky~ full of stars look like….

[intravelrie-blog]

New Zealand

DAY 5 - Pancake Rocks - Franz Josef Hot Pool

Originally, we thought it would be a great night to star gaze as the light pollution around the area was minimal but it was a very cloudy night. We had a short 15mins glimpse of the starry sky but quickly it was engulfed by the clouds. 

It was a very gloomy day and it was drizzling slightly. We made our way to the Pancake Rocks which is just 5mins away. The pancake rocks are heavily eroded limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago. Due to the alternating layers of hard and soft material, the rocks formed layers looking like stacks of pancakes.

The fog was pretty heavy. Giving the area a very out of this world feel.

Next up, We’ve booked a 18,000ft skydive with Skydive Franz! Looking at the weather, we were actually quite disheartened. But, we called and they said that it is still too early to make a weather call. So with fingers crossed, we drove on and made our way to Franz Josef.

In the end it was disappointment…. But! We made most of the rest of our day at the Franz Josef Hot Pool! We booked a private pool for the 4 of us which lasted 45mins. After which you are allowed to go into the public ones for free. Well after a long day, feeling tired after the drive and cold from the drizzle, it was definitely the right choice to come here. First and foremost, you’re not sitting in a natural rock pool, its more like a hot tube. The water is heated up to 38 degrees, not geothermal. But anyhow, it was probably the most luxurious activity we did. Every private pool came with a nice changing and showering facility (best part its heated in winter) and towels are provided.

It was pure relaxation….

[loveyourquotes]

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

Oh Miranda.....

[intravelrie-blog]

New Zealand

DAY 4 -Christ church Cathedral (Cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Nelson) -Nelson Farmers Market -Pororari River Track Carpark

First stop of the day is the Christ church Cathedral.

The Cathedral is located at Trafalgar street on Church Hill. The windows are adorned with beautiful stained glass. There’s a huge pipe organ, would have loved to hear it play. A very peaceful morning at the Cathedral.

Next up, was to fill our tummies at the Nelson Farmers Market. The farmers market is located at Fashion Island Morrison Square. Open every Wednesday 11am - 4pm. Good thing we purposefully rearranged our itinerary and even made a detour just to be in Nelson on a Wednesday. Will let the photos do the talking.

Bagel from Don Rodrigo Artisan Baker.

Credit: Pandora Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/

Cheese stick from Don Rodrigo Artisan Baker. It was Really good.

Credit: Pandora Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/

Salmon Wrap from The Wrap Shack. The salmon is sooo yums!

Credit: Pandora Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/

Tortilla chips with guacamole from Las Brisa’s Food Ltd. This was Da Bomb. We finished it and nearly licked it clean. Lol.

And definitely not forgetting to get a cuppa…

So with my tummies full and satisfied, we drove 3.5hrs to Punakaiki where we stayed the night at Pororari River Track Carpark (DOC campsite).

[intravelrie-blog]

New Zealand

Day 3 -Pohara Beach Top 10 National Park -Abel Tasman National Park Spent the night before at Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park so that we could position us nearer to the Harwoods Hole. There’s a beach right behind the Holiday Park.

The Harwoods Hole is at the end of a 45mins walking track. Saw it on my lonely planet guide book and researched on it.. Pictures with the walking track with limestone formation and lookouts with absolutely stunning views.

We drove through the hilly landscape of Abel Tasman National Park.It had snowed lightly the past few days and the ground was lightly littered feathery white.

To get to there, we have to follow an unsealed side road to the Canaan Carpark. Halfway down the road the we saw a car parked along side the road. We stopped and they told us that the roads were frozen and icy from the snow and their car has started to skid…. After hearing what they said, thought we should turn back.. But as we tried to move… We realised… WE ARE STUCK. We cant go forward and we are round a bend.

The best thing that we could do is to put on the snow chains. So we took them out and we realised that the instructions on the box were so worn out we can even make out the picture not to mention the words. THANK GOODNESS for YouTube and Mobile Wifi. FH managed to YouTube a “Fitting snow chains in Under 2 mins” video, which was absolutely a life saver.

The Kiwis from the other car was digging out soil and pouring over the icy ground to provide better friction. Then… Another lorry came. We thought oh no… Another one? But the nice old man took charge of the situation. He told us not to attempt to move forward but to reverse on gear one all the way down. And so Dino hopped in the drivers seat and maneuvered the campervan to safety.

PHEW. Life and death situation over there.. To think if the first car wasn’t there we might not even have know of the danger at all.

Credit: Pandora Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98604372@N08/

That’s us. Doing our victory jump. Safe and Sound.

[sequins-and-carousels]

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

Missing the time and silence in NZ. Silence is precious too.

[intravelrie-blog]

New Zealand

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

  DAY 2

-Ohau Point Lookout -Whalewatch Kaikoura -Ohau Waterfall  -Blenheim

Woke up before the sun rose to go for a short walk at the Ohau Waterfall. Made a pit stop at the Ohau Point Lookout.

From the lookout you could see the Kaikoura coastline. Adult and pup fur seals made this their breeding and hauling ground. You could see them playing the water, busking in the sun, lazing around… Look at those puppy eyes! 

After we decided to the leave the Lookout point for the waterfall, this distracted us. I mean.. How can you not stop for this??!! So once again we parked our car. I’d love to wake up to this every single day…..

When we finally left we realised that it was too late to make a trip to the waterfall, as we booked a trip out with Whalewatch Kaikoura. Little did we know all the morning trips were cancelled due to choppy waters! So we went to have a cuppa at the Flukes café.

This.. Was definitely the BEST mocha of the trip. The texture of the foam was definitely smooth and velvety. The coffee was creamy with a great balance of chocolate and coffee. Great barista. So good Panda can’t wait to pounce on my cup.

So with time to spare we headed down to the Ohau Waterfall.

A stepped into the area and there were seal pups playing in the stream. There must have been at least hundreds of them at the waterfall and around the area. Some of the curious ones would even come up close to check you out. We could have just spent a whole day sitting here just watching the seal pups.

Next destination. Blenheim. The wineries in Marlborough are a definite must visit. Being the largest wine producing region you can imagine the number of wineries in the area. We visited the cellar door of both Highfield Estate and Hanz Herzog for some wine tasting. Needless to say we left with a couple of bottle each.. And some for along the way.  

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

NEW ZEALAND Travel Log

South Island 24th May - 9th June 2014

DAY 1

Flight out SIN-SYD

And so it begins, Travel lords' 17day adventure. After more then 9 months of planning, meet ups, late nights.

Credit: Dino

  DAY 2

SYD - CHC

First thing we thought about. COFFEEEEE MOCHAAAA (Or in my case CHAI)

We've got about  a 3hr stopover in SYD. Its 6am, yet its still never too early/late for food. To think we had a pre-flight snack/meal, dinner on the plane, snacks and then this...

On arrival in Christchurch, we got ourselves a pre-paid number (which proved the utmost useful in our times of distress) and a mobile wifi. Collected our MAUI campervan and we were off..... to grocery shop. By the time we were done its already night fall and I drove us up north to Kaikoura where we we'd be spending the night.

I am very confident with my driving skills but, driving in the night + rain + huge campervan + minimal signs... I did get us lost for "a while" but all's well! We managed to find the Okiwi Bay camping ground that we were suppose to spend our night.

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

Travelrie

Travelrie

Travel + Reverie. Traveling is like being in a state of reverie.  One that I would love to get lost in and not having to wake up from.

Couting down to travelrie in 8days. New Zealand! Can't wait!!

[happy-healthy-freee]

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

This is why I'm going...

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

墳前沒有花 容我撥開沙土 用眼淚種些吧 長埋是你嗎 何以未講一聲 就撇下我 回答吧 上次匆匆一別還約了 結伴去共你遇上那道橋 約定了 改不了 縱使到此時你的心不再在跳 共你快將相會了 重回那一秒 如何回到當時 猶如情侶熱戀的那時 記憶可以 幻作一對蝴蝶飛舞 在時光深處 荼薇紅過都變枯枝 血肉之軀會沒法保持 唯獨春天可以給記住 樓台又架起 含笑洞悉生死 越過另有天地 長眠沒有起 時間若推不翻 就化蝶去遊故地 六呎荒土之下還有你 約定了下世共我更傳奇 最後那一口氣 吐出我當時未講的一句愛你 頓覺遍體輕易會飛 如何回到當時 猶如情侶熱戀的那時 記憶可以 幻作一對蝴蝶飛舞 在時光深處 荼薇紅過都變枯枝 血肉之軀會沒法保持 蝴蝶苦戀花那魂魄也願意 如何回到當時 拿回時間逆轉的鑰匙 記憶可以 縱使此際神傷不已亦曾經春至 凡人無法聽見的詩 種在心中萬劫不移 我知 如何回到當時 猶如情侶熱戀的那時 記憶可以 幻作一對蝴蝶飛舞 在雲海深處 荼薇紅過都變枯枝 血肉之軀已沒有意思 靈魂也可共處

[interiorsporn-blog]

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

Need to get that bucket list going...

[tastefullyoffensive]

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

Lol! The butt... Too cute!!

[pursuing-serendipity-blog]

Procrastination has been one of my good friends. I wont say best.. But she's there. Whenever I feel like I want to be lazy, I want to not do anything.. She's always there. Keeping me company....

But then there comes a news that no one wants to hear... Death has come to claim yet another, an old friend that I had not met in years. He just seems to appear out of the blue. And whenever you're not looking, sneak an attack on you....

Being a muggle.. I don't have no invisibility cloak nor a time turner. So all I could do is to hold on to Life as tightly as I can, give as much as I can and embrace as much as I can.

So Life my friend... I hope when the day Death comes.. I could greet Death as an old friend, and go to him gladly, and, as equals depart this life.