After quick visit to Kunzers (great to see some friends) now off to OZ-sadly without Kemble bear-but he is being very well looked after and spent the night cuddled up to Holly.
Sorry for delay in posting but this is first time in many days that we have time and access. Stayed at Blue Hotel in Sydney- very contemporary converted warehouse on the shore front. It is worth joining Leaders club (Leading Hotels of the world) as you get free upgrade, and free bottle of wine. Great room – but don’t eat here- food is extortionate- £15 for bowl of soup! We had a delicious pie from stall just outside hotel ( famous pie shop)
Went off to the Opera House to see a Brazilian dance troupe- magical and inspiring. Emotions high after amazing dinner at Aria ( facing the Opera-book in advance) and delicious Cloudy Bay.
Now off to New Zealand. Land at Queenstown and totally fallen in love with it. Wonderful landscape- blue lake,crystal clear water and mountains. Superb dinner- slow cooked (c 9 hours) shoulder of lamb at Botswana Butchery ( recommended by Francis who saw it recommended by Chris Patton)Went to the movies. Stayed at St Moritz- OK but no aircon and room quite stuffy-make sure you ask for a fan or try to get an aircon room.
Visited Milford Sound- lucky with weather as rains there 180 days a year. 9 hour drive ( 5 hours going , 4 hours retuen)- but well worth it as the views are spectacular. Milford Sound is a fjord- carved away by Glaciers. Stopped off on way to view water falls in the bush- fabulous ferns everywhere.
Next day a trip to Glenorchy- real Lord of the Rings land. Also many commercials filmed here- the purple Milcha cow using this as a backdrop for Switzerland. Did Wilderness safari up the Dart river. Involved walk through the forest ( used for Lord of the Rings) followed by Jet boat ride. Jet boats developed in NZ to go on shallow water and through rapids. Great fun, and the views again truly amazing. Everyday we see more spectacular landscape.
Off to Christchurch to visit Heather and Dave .Lunch a banquet with an amazing ( delicious and huge trout) caught personally by Dave.
Then off to Akaroa- originally a French settlement. A great drive ( by BK in rented car.) This is a harbour formed after 3 volcanoes exploded many years ago. More spectacular scenary. Stayed in great B and B – Oinako lodge ( Greg and Teresa Miller.) Now in Trip Advisor top 10 B and Bs in Pacific- beautiful old French house ( reminds you of Charleston.)
Off to go whale watching in Kaikora- wisely took sea sickness pill beforehand (unlike many others!). (Sperm) Whale found just before the end of the cruise- wonderful to see it in its natural habitat. Tail goes into the air as it gracefully dives back into9 the depths.Book in advance with Whale watch-very professional- fast catarmaran good commentary.
Stayed at Bush and Sea- another trip advisor recommendation. Nice modern self contained room, with decking overlooking sea. Fantastic dinner at White Morph restaurant on the Esplanade.
Now rushing off to get 6.00pm ferry at Picton to visit Francis and Glen. On way stopped off at Cloudy Bay winery- tasted their Fizz- not excited by it, but their sauvignon Blanc unbeatable.
Take small water bus and Francis and Glen waiting for us on jetty. Their place (Chaucer Bay, Bay of many Coves) only reachable by boat. After struggling up a path cut in the cliff face, we finally arrived. Heaven!!, surrounded by native bush with incredible view of the bay from our bedroom, and 360 degree panorama. Everything solar powered ( so BK should not fall asleep with the lights on!) Lovely wood fire going.So good to see them in NZ- we are really in love with this country. Ate outside on their deck. Cabin- does not describe this place- it is fabulous and very comfortable.
Went on boat ride to Cook’s Cove ( Cook came here several times), seal lying on its side resting , and then some kayaking- saw a huge ray-what a creature! Tomorrow we will gather mussels for lunch. This is the life!- but possum has eaten Glen’s basil and parsley- so definitely public enemy. Woken by Weka (loud cry)- just strolls around the garden- very inquisitive- you have to close the door otherwise it might just wander in.
About to play a game of bridge- great to be able to chill out from our hectic travels.
Bridge playing rather eratic and better forgotton.
Today we go harvesting mussels and scallops- Glen dove down and got them off the sea bed. BK incited by Frances jumped off the end of the pier (picture heavily censored!) Crystal clear water , but COLD. Then had to repeat the jump several times as Davina’s camera kept missing him.
Another evening of delicious food- mssels, BBQ, and dreadful bridge- must remember to get the trumps out! (Scallops and pea risotto by DK as an amuse bouche)
Sad to be leaving this paradise but wine tasting in Blenheim beckons! Fabulous Sauvignon at villa Maria _ single vineyard and not for export. Also tried Cloudy Bay Pinot Gris- delicious and also not for export as too small a production. Cloudy Bay now belongs to Moet . Lovely family run independent vineyard- Isabella- worth a visit. Stayed at Stonehaven Vinery homestay- fabulous views over the vineyard. Lovely modern home decorated with superb taste- super art- recommended. Delicious breakfast. Off to dinner at Herzog- NZ’s first 5 star restaurant. Beautiful white wooden building with a first class vineyard.
Frances and Glen kindly took us to the airport- no security, you can arrive 30 minutes before the flight, you can take liquids on the planes- what a great place NZ is! Stopped off at Wellington airport and had 5 minute chat on phone with Caspian Ievers who lives down the road.
Off to Rotorua in the North Island- home of geysers and bubbling mud and sulphurous smells.DK thinks I have excelled myself by taking her to the smelliest place in the world, but had to be done- this is the image I have had of NZ since prep school. Bubbling mud reminds us of Hagrid's Blast-Ended Skrewts from Harry Potter. Amazing green pea soup colour lake- totally natural.
Staying at Koura Lodge- nice position on lake outside of town, (town itself a bit Hicksville)- OK but not very exciting and expensive for what it is.
