Cardona, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Glenorchy

Travelling down the south island was amazing. I left Wanaka with my friend laura after spending a nice few days there seeing the beauty of the area. The first stop on the journey was through the mountain range at cardona. It was where one of the first hotels opened up in New Zealand. In the parking lot there is a fence where you can see female bra’s lined up. There is over a thousand there I would have to say. We spent about ten minutes looking around the area before moving onto Arrowtown.

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Arrowtown is about a 10 minute drive from Queenstown. The town was founded on mining and the road from Queenstown. Arrowtown reminded me of an old american told in the middle of nowhere. It was nice to see the town and chill out in the park for a while with laura before we went out seperate ways. Arrowtown was so pretty and it was so small. There were a number of hikes that I wanted to complete around the area but I did not have to time to. It was nice to be in a small town where you can chill out and not have alot of loud noises.

After leaving arrowtown I headed to Queenstown where I was going to spending a number of nights before heading further south. I dropped Laura off at her friends house while I foudn my hostel. I was staying at Juicy Hostel. This was situated at the top of queenstown. Queenstown is a small area about the same size as Wellington. There was so many hikes I wanted to choose from while I was there but unfortunately I did not have enough time and my knee was in bits after all the hiking I was doing around the South Island. When I arrived at Juicy I checked into the hostel I was staying at and to my suprise my friend I met in Wellington was working there. She was shocked and it was so good seeing her again. We decided to catch up for a meal and some drinks to see how her New Zealand experience was going. After checking into my hostel I headed down to Glenorchy as it was very early in the day.

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Glenorchy is a 40 minute drive from Queenstown. The drive down was so so pretty. The road winds though the mountains and alongside Lake Wakatipu. When the sun is out, you can see the snow on the mountain peaks and the crips blue of the lake. It was so nice driving down. I wanted to stop at every chance I got to take a few pictures. When I arrived in Glenorchy I parked up by the pier. I sat by the pier enjoying the sunshine for about 40 minutes just listening to the sound of the water wash up on the beach. It was so nice. After chilling I went and hiked along the lagoon track. This track is about an hour long loop where you will will have different sitting areas where you can have a small picnic. After the small hike I headed to Mount Bonpland where I started hiking to the peak. The track was rough, scary in parts but went through amazing scenery. Another part of a hike I did here was the routeburn track. This is one of the best hikes to do in the south island of New Zealand.

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After it started to get dark, I decided to head back to queenstown as I was getting hungry and was very tired from the day of hiking and travelling. That night I went out for some food. I found a place called Fat Badgers Pizza Bar. I sat and waited for my food to come while I enjoyed a bdagers ale. After my meal I walked around the town at night to see what the night life was like down there. I went into a sports bar for a pint while the cricket was on. I returned home satisfied with my day of exercise and findings. The next day I drove down the coast to go hiking in Mount Crichton. I spent the entire day hiking. It was so nice to see the views of the mountain ranges nearby while finding a few hidden gems and walking on a river bed. I really wanted to hike ben lomand but my knee was so sore during my time there I was not able to. I hiked alot around the queenstown area which was so nice. I was able to see some of the glacial lakes and be up in the clouds with no-one around. It reminded me of when I went hiking in the alps in Italy. The peace and quite, being surrounded by the mountains standing on top of the world. I really enjoyed my time in the area of queenstown and seeing such beauty. My time ended and I headed further south towards fordland where I headed to Te Anau and Milford sound for my final few days of my south island trip.

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Mount Aspiring, Wanaka, Roys Peak

I left Fox Glacier with inspiration for more hiking and seeing everything that I could possibly see in the short space of time that I had for the trip. The journey is about a 3 hour drive through a pretty coastline and into the mountains. During the journey I would normally listen to my music on my ipod as the local radio in New Zealand is terrible. Some of the songs would be the old classics from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s which would remind me of the times back home with my mates. If I wanted something that would keep me awake I would put on some pounding techno which I truely adore.

The journey down the coast allowed me to see some pretty surf breaks while taking in the real adventure of being far from anyone and just enjoing the wilderness. The first stop that I made was to a small place called Bruce bay. It was about 45 minutes into the journey. I heard great things about Bruce Bay. I wished I had my surf board on the journey so I could catch some amazing waves and experience the raw energy of the Tasman sea. I stopped to take in the fresh air and to see the area. It is very small but really nice. I would of stayed there alot longer but the rain started to come in. I do not like driving in the rain as it is a bitch when it gets heavy. What is even worse is that the bridgers are only made for one car at a timme so you have tp wait for a clearing that you can proceed. This was intersting to see and to experience as you can be waiting for at least an hour in heavy traffic. The west coast is known for long drives and terrible weather. After reaching Haast, the rain was lashing down and it made the roast very slippery. After Haast the road brings you around Mount aspiring national park an into the center of the south island. The weather was so so bad in Mount aspiring that the tracks I wanted to do were completely flooded. There was waterfalls coming out of every crevice and down every possible point. Driving along the road you could see the waterfalls pumping large volumes of water of the mountains. It was a sight to see. What was more interesting was how the roads have protective barriers from the waterfalls. Some will flow down a doutlet next to the road and some will flow over the road. One part of the road around mount aspiring had cars driving extremely slowely as you had to drive through one waterfall that was spewing itself on the road. I felt sorry for motorcyclists as this would nearly cause them to crash or get soaked. I felt like a wet rat when I was walking around mount aspiring. It was challenging.

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An half an hour drive is the blue pools. Normally in good weather, these are blue and crystal clear. Unfortunately the day I saw the blue pools, they were extremly grey.. This was due to the tidel water from the mountains and the silt on the floor bed being whipped up. It was still a beautiful sight to see tho. I walked about 45 minutes to see the blue pools. The forest path was really nice and very wet. I felt like a real adventurer. If I was there with a few friends that I know, i can tell you that they would not of left the car due to the rain and would of been complaining. This is one of of the great things about travelling alone. You get to choose where you want to go and do not have to listen to complaining.

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I was on the home stretch and the weather seemed to be getting better. As the road starts heading into the middle of the island you slightly get away from the bad weather. It was so nice to come into wanaka where it was not raining. I stopped once of twice for a small hike and to get some pictures of the clouds lowering onto the lakes.

I arrived in wanaka and hung my clothes up that were wet so that I was able to use them the next day. I walked around wanaka that afternoon to see what it had to offer. wanaka is very pretty and there is alot to do there. The next day I walked around the entire area and saw the sights. One of the main attractions is the wanaka tree. I did not think it was that great tho as its a tree on the shore of a lake. In my times travelling around New Zealand I have seen alot more amazing things.

The sun was out and it was nice to have some heat on my skin instead of the rain. I met up with a few old friends where we went for a glass of wine and some food. It was nice catch8ing up. That night I went to bed early as I had to get up the next morning to hike roys Peak. I awoke after little sleep and picked up my friend Laura so we could hike Roys peak. We got a spot there very early and we stated hiking at 6:45am. The trail up was fairly boring and windy. It took about 3 hours to get up as I left Laura half way down. I motored up to thetop where I was able to chill out and wait for my friend who was going at her own pace. About three quarters of the way up there is a place where every one takes a picture of the area. You can see for miles and miles. At the top you can sit down and chill out taking in the views. It is amazing and a must do.

After chilling out that night with a well deserved drink, I woke the next morning to head off for Queenstwon where I would be doing more hiking and seeing a very special friend.

Greymouth, Franz Joseph & Fox Glaciers

After I left upper Moutere I went and collected my friends up and we headed down the west coast to Greymouth where we were spending the night. The drive was really pretty as the car was surrounded by mountains and lost of green plant life. It felt like I was in a jurrasic park movie. On the way down we stopped at numerous different lakes. The first lake was St Arnoud which was really big and there were a number of cars and busses there enjoying the sunshine. We walked around a portion of the lake before moving onto the Lake Rotorua. Now Lake Rotorua is not smelly at all unlike the city on the north island that smells of rotton eggs. This lake is the quieter of the two and one thing I would deffo recommend bringing is fly spray. The sand flies are everywhere and they are annoying.  After we got into the car and killed all the flies we moved downwards towards Ahaura. This is a small town with not many people but the views around are amazing. Once we reached ahaura it started raining.

We reached Greymouth and the weather was terrible. I dropped Rachel off at her hostel while I stayed in a holiday park. That after noon I made sure that I charged everything so that the next day I was able to leave at seven am. I woke early to clean up and the weather was nice. I called Rach and she said to move on to see the coast and on my way back to call her. I left and headed up to the pancake rocks. I was so lucky I left early as I had the road to myself. Driving up the coast to the pancake rocks the views were amazing. I stopped a number of times to get a few pics. The scenery and the coast line was amazing. It reminded me of surf videos from Teaheapou.  The road ebbed and flowed around amazing peaks and through the bush. I arrived at the pancake rocks and found a parking space as the parking lot was getting very busy with cars and buses. I walked around the track that explained how the rock was moulded into the pancake form and washed how the vacuum in a cave created an explosion. It was quiet the sight. After the pancake rocks, I stopped along some beaches and chilled out while I watched the waves crash and barrel on the beach. It reminded me of the times I used to go surfing at home.

I arrived in Greymouth and picked up Rach and we headed to Franz Joseph. It was a long drive. I was tired when I got there but I found my hostel and a parking space. Being the eager beaver that I am I decided to go hiking straight away. I chose a hike that was close by. After following the track for about 20 minutes it started to slowely dissapear. I tried following the track on google maps but with to no avail. I decided to choose a path and go with it. The path I chose lead me to the top of  a waterfall where you could see over the flood plains that the glaciers had created. It was quite amazing. That night I decided to go for a good old pint of guinness. I got a pint and watched a small bit of the cricket. After the pint I headed home and slept. The next morning I drove up to Franz Josephs car park where I changed into my hiking gear and hiked up to the glacier. The main path will take you near the glacier but as there is alot of falling debris you are not allowed over the protective boundry. After the main hike I headed up the roberts point track where I was told it is extremely.

The roberts point track is bloody scary. At first seeing the sign for extreme trampers only I was like “Ah couple of naggans be grand”. Ya I really should of listened. the track takes you over 4 or 5 bridges that have about 20 to 50 ft drops. If you are afraid of heights like I am this is a real test of your witts. I managed over a number of the bridges with some solid music in my ears.  I was determined to not let my fears get the better of me. I was motored on and was able to enjoy the experience. I reached some areas that you need to kiss the cliff face and walk down a wooden ladder that is the width of two feet placed together. It is also held on by a few bits of metal. After leaps, getting dirty I managed to reach the top where I was the only one there. I was given an amazing view of the glacier and you could even see the helicopters fly by. They looked like little birds. It was so breath taking. I stayed for about 30 mins before I started to head back as the weather was setting in.  After running some of the way, nearly twisting my ankle a few times as I slipped on rocks and nearly falling off the side of a cliff, I finally made it to the end. I met a number of hunters with rifles and I was gazing on their rifles. The guns were so clean and the men were native kiwis. They asked about the wild life and if there were a number of people still on the track. I would of loved to been with them to experience the patience and sightings. They were probably looking for wild boar.

I made it back to the car and drove back to the hostel. Once I arrived I had a nice hot shower to rince the muck and the wetness from my aching body. I thought to myself that I had overcome a major obstacle today. I was getting used to being high up and not giving a shit. I did not let my fears get in my way. I spoke to a swiss girl in my room and we went out for a drink that night. It was nice to talk to her as the others in the room were two 18 year old german girls who only spoke to themselves. After 2 pints and 3 jager bombs we called it a night and headed back. I slept well that night and woke the next morning with excitment for fox glacier.

I left the hostel and checked out. I placed my bags in the car. I headed off for lake matherson where I awaited the reflection lakes. Unfortunatly they didnt reflext much as it was a bit windy. I wasnt sad tho as I was able to see the snowey peaks of mount cook and the surrounding areas. The walk was through the bush which I just love walking through. Listening to Time by Hans Zimmer (Tale Of Us Edit) and walking through the bush, it feels like you are in another place. It takes the pressure and stess out while leaving you with just peace. I sat at a number of spots looking at the snowy mountains wishing I was able to hike them. After leaving the lake I drove to Fox glacier. I hiked up the stoney track to the glacier. Now to be fair I wasnt expecting anything massive but the glacier had receeded alot. It was further than Franz Josephs look out point. There was a nice blue tinge to it and I could only imagine what it would feel like to be on top.  After leaving the glacier, I called Rach and asked if she wanted a lift down the coast to my next destination which was the small town of Wanaka where I had plans to meet a friend. I left for wanaka with new sights to see and friends to meet.

 

Nelson, Upper Mouter, Abel Tasman and Puponga

I left Picton with high hopes on my way Upper Moutere for new sights and to see family friends. On my way to Nelson I stopped and walked some of the Queen Charlotte track. this has become on of New Zealands most hiked tracks. I was lucky to get a parking spot so I could hike two hours of the track in 30 degree heat. I was amazed at the scenery. You are able to get water taxis to different locations on the track if you wanted to. Being on a scrict timeline I parked up and hiked in and back out. I met so many hikers along the way. I was delighed that I go the chance to do part of the track. I read about the great walks of New Zealand and this was one of them.

After arriving back at my car I took off my boots and started heading towars the Pelorus Bridge. This was part of where Lord Of The Rings was filmed. As the weather was amazing the place was so so busy. I stopped for about 45 minutes and walked through the bush. I met a few fans along the way. The water was so so clear and people were swimming and enjoying the summers day.

From the Pelorus Bridge, I drove through the Rai valley. This was one of my first experiences of driving with moutains each side of the road. The scenery was spectacular. I took my time taking in all the sights. The road through the Rai valley passes Wakapuaka before you hit the coast and follows down to Nelson.  The sight of the coast warmed my heart as I could hear the waves and smell the sea air. This was one thing I was missing by living in Wellington City. The coast was very pretty and the amount of wildlife . After arriving in Nelson I rang my family friends saying I was in Nelson for a few hours. I parked up in free parking and started walking around Nelson. the city was very vibrant with all the flowers in blossom. The city itself was very small. I managed to chillout in a park which is at the top of Nelson. One of the first cathedrals was built back in the day. It was good to take a break from driving for a bit. I enjoyed the freshly cut grass and the summer smells before grabbing a bite to eat and heading to Upper Moutere.

Upper Moutere is about 30 minutes outside of nelson. It is so beautiful and has its own micro climate. I finally arrived at my destination where I was greated with a bbq and some nice south island wine. It was so nice catching up with my parents friends. I was staying for 3 nights so I could explore the north coast. I slept so well that night in an amazing king size bed. he next morning I left early to head to nelson where I met my friends and we drove to rabbit island. Rabbit island is a small island with a beautiful forrest park and beach. The beach was busy but it spead for miles. I was back with my friend Rachel and her mate Mateo. The sand was so white. I finally had a nice beach day where I relaxed in the sun with my top off.

Even with the sun cream on I managed to get burnt on the middle of my back. It was sore but I got over the pain quickly. After spending some time at the beach we went for a stroll through the park. The sea breeze and the sound of nature was pure bliss. If I had a house I would have it very near rabbit island. It was so pretty. I drove the gang back to nelson where I got some chips before heading back to moutere for the night.

I spoke to Kevin and Barbara about the best little hidden gems the area had to offer. The next day I headed up the coast to a place called Puponga. This is the most northerly point on the south island. It is known as a Sand spit runs for about 20 km where you can walk.

I left upper Moutere at 6:30am and my first stop was a small beach called Kaiteriteri. I drove here so I could go to Abel Tasman park.  The beach was so pretty. After spending 15 mins walking around I got in my car and headed towards Abel Tasman. I arrived at 7am and started hiking. I managed to hike in for at least 3 hours and back 3 hours. I stopped at the little beaches along the way. The water was so so blue. I felt like a child at xmas with presents. torrent bay was amazing. At this stage I headed back with a brisk pace. I was so happy I started so early as the park gets so so busy in good weather.

After reaching my car I headed up north to Collingwood. This was part of the Golden Bay area. It was nice and very quiet. I stopped for a while so I could drink some water and eat a snack before heading up to the spit. I arrived at Puponga where I parked my car up a hill where only a Ute would be able to get up. Being a lad who lived in the countryside where potholes are inevitable you get used to driving and managing small manouvers.

I walked out the spit for 30 mins and then went over to Wharariki Beach which was so pretty. I would of stayed there but as time was not on my side with the 4 hours drive back I said I would head back before it got dark. This was one of the best trips I took alone.

I said farewell the next afternoon before heading down the coast with my mates in the car to greymouth. I really enjoyed my time in Nelson and the surrounding areas. The countryside was so beautiful and I felt like I was on holiday again. It gave me the restbite I needed.

Picton

I left Wellington on the morning of the 27th of December with high hopes. I arrived at the ferry terminal all packed and ready for a smooth sailing across the cook strait. The cook strait is known for being a dangerous crossing as there are multiple tides and cross winds. It is normal for the interislander and blueridge ferries to take their sweet time with rough conditions.

The crossing that I has was very smooth. There was no wind. I spent most of the three hour journey looking at vegan dishes from all different cultures. I had a nice spot by a window with a table to myself so I was able to chill out for the whole journey. One the ferry started to enter the tail end of the cook strait eveyone went out onto the ferry deck to view the scenery. There were so many bays that was only reachable by water taxi. There were a few dolphins in the bays and a number of seals. The water was so blue. I was amazed.

After the ferry arrived we all left and picked up our bags. I was staying in the fat cod backpackers which was a 5 minute walk away. After checking in and looking around I went for a walk on the snout track as it was still very early. It was one of the benifits that I chose the early ferry. The weather in picton was very hot and about 28 degrees. I was happy that it was not windy as I was walking.

The snout track is located by the ferry port. This track is about 3 hours long and the views that you get are amazing. I was excited to see somewhere new as I had been living in wellington for quiet some time. The snout track was really nice. It had a mixture of hills and different paths you could take. I managed to walk the entire thing in about 2 hours. I had stopped at the end of the track to see the views and to take in the journey I was about to take. After the snout track I walked around Picton and saw the sights. I had booked for three nights. The second night was spend meeting a friends who was also travelling around the south island again. It was so so good to see her. As per the usual we went to an irish pub for a few pints of the black stuff. The pints were not that bad.

After a number days in the peaceful seaside town I managed to do a number of hikes around the area. One hike I went on brought me to a number of closed off bays called shakespears bay where I saw a few rays swimming. It was really nice to see up close. One of my favourite hikes brought me though the Whenuanui Bay Scenic Reserve to a place called Ngakuta bay. Going over to the bay and back took about 7 hours. I took my time along the way stopping for some beautiful sights. this walk allowed me to choose the different place where I wanted to visit on the south island.

I left the next day after picking up the car I rented on my way to Nelson and Upper Moutere.