New Zealand Travelogue: Nature at its best
After all the hurdles at the Auckland Int’l Airport, I stepped out to a cloudy day
and a balmy 19°C, and I took a leisurely walk towards the domestic terminal on
my way to Christchurch.
Christchurch
“Garden City,” as they call Christchurch, is a small English town, with a very
English accent, mixed in with Kiwi twang. New Zealanders are called “Kiwis,” after
their national bird. Christchurch is the most English city outside of England.
Accorded an international award “Garden City of the World,” Christchurch is well
known for its delightful parks and gardens. A 500-acre parkland with stunning
botanic gardens is a pivotal feature of central Christchurch, and visitors are always
impressed by the wide tree-lined avenues which reflect the vibrant colors of the
changing seasons. The gently meandering Avon River links residential areas and
the business district while it plays host to paddleboats, canoes and punt rides. By
international standards, Christchurch has a short history – 150 years of European
and over 500 years of Maori settlement. However, it is a vibrant and rich story, an
intriguing blend of cultures. From the original neo-Gothic architecture of some of
Christchurch’s prominent buildings to the quaint French colonial charm of Akaroa
to a contemporary Maori marae or the daily operation of an early 20th century
tramway through the central city, this is a place of fascinating contrasts.
Water is safe to drink straight from the tap throughout Christchurch. Its water
comes from deep artesian wells and is some of the freshest and purest in the
world. However, food is so expensive! My lunch of just a sandwich and a bottled
water cost me 9 bucks! I was warned that everything in NZ is expensive because
other than their sheep and farmlands, they have nothing. Everything else is
imported. In fact, the price of gasoline was $131.9/liter at the time I was there.
Can you imagine? That could have caused a riot in Canada!!!
I took the tram that took me around the tourist spots of Christchurch. It’s a
very small city and in 30 minutes, I’ve seen it all.
and a balmy 19°C, and I took a leisurely walk towards the domestic terminal on
my way to Christchurch.
Christchurch
“Garden City,” as they call Christchurch, is a small English town, with a very
English accent, mixed in with Kiwi twang. New Zealanders are called “Kiwis,” after
their national bird. Christchurch is the most English city outside of England.
Accorded an international award “Garden City of the World,” Christchurch is well
known for its delightful parks and gardens. A 500-acre parkland with stunning
botanic gardens is a pivotal feature of central Christchurch, and visitors are always
impressed by the wide tree-lined avenues which reflect the vibrant colors of the
changing seasons. The gently meandering Avon River links residential areas and
the business district while it plays host to paddleboats, canoes and punt rides. By
international standards, Christchurch has a short history – 150 years of European
and over 500 years of Maori settlement. However, it is a vibrant and rich story, an
intriguing blend of cultures. From the original neo-Gothic architecture of some of
Christchurch’s prominent buildings to the quaint French colonial charm of Akaroa
to a contemporary Maori marae or the daily operation of an early 20th century
tramway through the central city, this is a place of fascinating contrasts.
Water is safe to drink straight from the tap throughout Christchurch. Its water
comes from deep artesian wells and is some of the freshest and purest in the
world. However, food is so expensive! My lunch of just a sandwich and a bottled
water cost me 9 bucks! I was warned that everything in NZ is expensive because
other than their sheep and farmlands, they have nothing. Everything else is
imported. In fact, the price of gasoline was $131.9/liter at the time I was there.
Can you imagine? That could have caused a riot in Canada!!!
I took the tram that took me around the tourist spots of Christchurch. It’s a
very small city and in 30 minutes, I’ve seen it all.
Part 1
By Susie R. Cuñada
We landed at exactly 5 a.m. NZ time on Sunday, Dec 11th (after a 13-hour flight). I had to switch back my timepiece 3
hours so that means NZ is ahead by 21 hours, Pacific Time. I practically lost a day. In a way, I was glad because I won’t have
any problem with my body clock, except that I was starving by 9 a.m. or 4 p.m. because it’s lunch and dinner time, respectively,
for me back home.
When we deplaned, I was very anxious because I have to face the Environment Protection Police. Very strict regulations
prohibit many products including foodstuffs being brought into New Zealand, and severe penalties apply. NZ is very strict with
what you bring into the country. NO fruits, animal products, meat products, dairy, wood products, etc. In short, nothing that
comes in contact with their soil. But I can understand it because being a country with more sheep than people (it has a
population of only 4 million but it has 40 million sheep), it is just proper for the government to protect its environment.
By Susie R. Cuñada
We landed at exactly 5 a.m. NZ time on Sunday, Dec 11th (after a 13-hour flight). I had to switch back my timepiece 3
hours so that means NZ is ahead by 21 hours, Pacific Time. I practically lost a day. In a way, I was glad because I won’t have
any problem with my body clock, except that I was starving by 9 a.m. or 4 p.m. because it’s lunch and dinner time, respectively,
for me back home.
When we deplaned, I was very anxious because I have to face the Environment Protection Police. Very strict regulations
prohibit many products including foodstuffs being brought into New Zealand, and severe penalties apply. NZ is very strict with
what you bring into the country. NO fruits, animal products, meat products, dairy, wood products, etc. In short, nothing that
comes in contact with their soil. But I can understand it because being a country with more sheep than people (it has a
population of only 4 million but it has 40 million sheep), it is just proper for the government to protect its environment.
| The picture above does not do justice to the beauty of Christchurch because it was cloudy that day. But on a sunny day, the view up top is postcard perfect! |
Mt. Cook
Woke up at 3 a.m. (because it was 6 a.m. back home) to a dreary day. I had to
put on layers of clothes and a light jacket because the temp was nippy. Got ready
early for my next destination: Queenstown, the bungy capital of the world. Had a
full breakfast of my favorite ham & eggs + toast. However, I had to pay an arm and
a leg for it - $23.50!!! One thing I noticed, however, is that they do not accept
gratuities, which is a must in North America. What you see on the bill is what you
pay for. Joy! In fact, I offered “my” driver some tips the day before, but he refused.
So take note, people - no tipping in NZ!!!
Our English tourist bus driver was saying, as we were cruising along acres and
acres of farmlands, that NZ is a farming country. Horses, sheep, deer, cows, etc.
just abound all over the country. Again, the population is 4 million people, with 3
million in the North (Auckland, Wellington to name a few) and 1 million in the South
(Christchurch, Queenstown to name a few), as against 40 million sheep, of which
25 million lambs are exported annually to other countries. The photo below (left)
would show just how green the grass is. As they say “the greener the grass, the
heavier the sheep.” As you would notice in the photo (above left), there are lined
trees in the middle of those farms. Those trees serve as wind shelters to shield
those farmlands from the ferocious winds coming from the Pacific Ocean.
As we drove out of Canterbury Plains, I saw nothing but farmlands and different
breeds of sheep. I saw sheep that day that could last me a lifetime, in fact, so
much of sheep that could put wool over my eyes, so to speak. Again, the
surroundings were untouched and the rugged mountains on the horizon were a
sight to behold. If you love farms and a simple life, NZ is the place to be. Not for
me, though. I’m a city girl by heart. But as we drove further out into the valley, the
lakes are pretty astounding – so pristine, so clear and unspoilt by humans. I also
noticed a different breed of flowers in NZ. They call it “Lupins.” They’re gorgeous!
Continuing, we traveled south across the Canterbury Plains via Lake Tekapo
where one can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. The photo on the
left is the view from afar. Against the backdrop of this solitary church is Lake
Tekapo, whose tranquil blue waters are a soothing balm, not only to the body, but
to the soul as well. Even on a cloudy day, the view still looks gorgeous. On the way
to Queenstown, we stopped at Mount Cook, the highest peak in NZ. When we
arrived at the base of the mountain, it was covered by clouds so we weren’t
fortunate enough to see its magnificence. Apparently, people who were successful
in climbing Mt. Everest practiced their mountain climbing at Mt.Cook. The movie
“Vertical Limits” was filmed there.
Woke up at 3 a.m. (because it was 6 a.m. back home) to a dreary day. I had to
put on layers of clothes and a light jacket because the temp was nippy. Got ready
early for my next destination: Queenstown, the bungy capital of the world. Had a
full breakfast of my favorite ham & eggs + toast. However, I had to pay an arm and
a leg for it - $23.50!!! One thing I noticed, however, is that they do not accept
gratuities, which is a must in North America. What you see on the bill is what you
pay for. Joy! In fact, I offered “my” driver some tips the day before, but he refused.
So take note, people - no tipping in NZ!!!
Our English tourist bus driver was saying, as we were cruising along acres and
acres of farmlands, that NZ is a farming country. Horses, sheep, deer, cows, etc.
just abound all over the country. Again, the population is 4 million people, with 3
million in the North (Auckland, Wellington to name a few) and 1 million in the South
(Christchurch, Queenstown to name a few), as against 40 million sheep, of which
25 million lambs are exported annually to other countries. The photo below (left)
would show just how green the grass is. As they say “the greener the grass, the
heavier the sheep.” As you would notice in the photo (above left), there are lined
trees in the middle of those farms. Those trees serve as wind shelters to shield
those farmlands from the ferocious winds coming from the Pacific Ocean.
As we drove out of Canterbury Plains, I saw nothing but farmlands and different
breeds of sheep. I saw sheep that day that could last me a lifetime, in fact, so
much of sheep that could put wool over my eyes, so to speak. Again, the
surroundings were untouched and the rugged mountains on the horizon were a
sight to behold. If you love farms and a simple life, NZ is the place to be. Not for
me, though. I’m a city girl by heart. But as we drove further out into the valley, the
lakes are pretty astounding – so pristine, so clear and unspoilt by humans. I also
noticed a different breed of flowers in NZ. They call it “Lupins.” They’re gorgeous!
Continuing, we traveled south across the Canterbury Plains via Lake Tekapo
where one can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. The photo on the
left is the view from afar. Against the backdrop of this solitary church is Lake
Tekapo, whose tranquil blue waters are a soothing balm, not only to the body, but
to the soul as well. Even on a cloudy day, the view still looks gorgeous. On the way
to Queenstown, we stopped at Mount Cook, the highest peak in NZ. When we
arrived at the base of the mountain, it was covered by clouds so we weren’t
fortunate enough to see its magnificence. Apparently, people who were successful
in climbing Mt. Everest practiced their mountain climbing at Mt.Cook. The movie
“Vertical Limits” was filmed there.
I then took the bus that brought me up to ride the gondola to see the 3600 view of the entire city and the surrounding
Canterbury Plains (part of which was where they filmed “The Lord of the Rings”). Canterbury Plains, in which Christchurch is
a part of, is the largest flat province in NZ, so the view up top was stunning! It’s a beautiful place, blessed with gorgeous
scenery.
After seeing the spectacular view, I returned to the city to see those that I’ve missed earlier. This time on foot because I’m
already familiar with the surroundings. I even took a step further by looking for a church because it was a Sunday. But the first
church I went into was an Anglican Church, so I took off again until I found “my” church. By this time, I was dead-tired and my
stomach was grumbling. Again, I set out to look for authentic NZ food. Couldn’t find any “in my neighborhood” so I opted for
Japanese cuisine. I was patting myself on the back for having been steadfast in my resolve to avoid McDonalds or Burger
King and other fast-food cafes. With just an order of fried rice and omelette, I paid 10 bucks! Ouch!!! I hurriedly chomped
down my food and left for my hotel to have a good night’s rest.
To recap, the air is clear, the water brilliant blue, and the mountains stark against the sky. It’s too bad I spent only half a
day in Christchurch. But still, there’s something very satisfying in experiencing the beauty of the landscape close up.
Canterbury Plains (part of which was where they filmed “The Lord of the Rings”). Canterbury Plains, in which Christchurch is
a part of, is the largest flat province in NZ, so the view up top was stunning! It’s a beautiful place, blessed with gorgeous
scenery.
After seeing the spectacular view, I returned to the city to see those that I’ve missed earlier. This time on foot because I’m
already familiar with the surroundings. I even took a step further by looking for a church because it was a Sunday. But the first
church I went into was an Anglican Church, so I took off again until I found “my” church. By this time, I was dead-tired and my
stomach was grumbling. Again, I set out to look for authentic NZ food. Couldn’t find any “in my neighborhood” so I opted for
Japanese cuisine. I was patting myself on the back for having been steadfast in my resolve to avoid McDonalds or Burger
King and other fast-food cafes. With just an order of fried rice and omelette, I paid 10 bucks! Ouch!!! I hurriedly chomped
down my food and left for my hotel to have a good night’s rest.
To recap, the air is clear, the water brilliant blue, and the mountains stark against the sky. It’s too bad I spent only half a
day in Christchurch. But still, there’s something very satisfying in experiencing the beauty of the landscape close up.
My snapshot doesn’t do justice to the
beauty of the flowers called "Lupins,",
but see how they look…..
beauty of the flowers called "Lupins,",
but see how they look…..
Had lunch at Mt. Cook then continued on our way by passing through what they call the “Lindis Pass” which is
composed of mountain ranges. I noticed that there weren’t trees but just bushes, and I was told that those mountain
ranges used to be glaciers thousands of years ago. Oh????
A smart birdie once told me that there are two factors that could ruin your holiday: ill health and bad weather. So I
bombarded myself with lots of vitamins and minerals and REALLY took good care of my health months and months prior
to my holiday to make sure I wouldn’t get sick, but I guess I have no control over the weather. Bad weather sure did take its
toll on my grand holiday in NZ. Agh!!!
Queenstown
As a backgrounder, the first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori jade hunters. Then came the
gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today, Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure
opportunities and luxury lifestyle. Long summer days blonde the tussocks (red grass that abound in the area), throwing the
hills open to mountain bikers and hikers. The brilliant reds and golds of autumn color the trees, inspiring photographers
and golfers alike. In winter, snow transforms the region into a remarkable alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders.
Spring brings the spark of fresh green to the landscape – a time to celebrate life with a cruise on the lake or an invigorating
bungy jump.
composed of mountain ranges. I noticed that there weren’t trees but just bushes, and I was told that those mountain
ranges used to be glaciers thousands of years ago. Oh????
A smart birdie once told me that there are two factors that could ruin your holiday: ill health and bad weather. So I
bombarded myself with lots of vitamins and minerals and REALLY took good care of my health months and months prior
to my holiday to make sure I wouldn’t get sick, but I guess I have no control over the weather. Bad weather sure did take its
toll on my grand holiday in NZ. Agh!!!
Queenstown
As a backgrounder, the first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori jade hunters. Then came the
gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today, Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure
opportunities and luxury lifestyle. Long summer days blonde the tussocks (red grass that abound in the area), throwing the
hills open to mountain bikers and hikers. The brilliant reds and golds of autumn color the trees, inspiring photographers
and golfers alike. In winter, snow transforms the region into a remarkable alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders.
Spring brings the spark of fresh green to the landscape – a time to celebrate life with a cruise on the lake or an invigorating
bungy jump.
The hotel itself overlooks Lake Wakatipu, the longest lake in NZ. It
reminded me of Lake Okanagan in Kelowna, British Columbia. It’s almost a mix
of Whistler Village and Kelowna. Sitting out on the balcony of my hotel room, I
took in the calm pristine waters of the lake and the majestic mountains behind it.
The photo on the right was how it looked from my hotel room. Stunning!
I woke up at 4 a.m. and watched the sunrise. Remember, this is the first
country in the world to be blessed by the rising sun so I was so happy because
the clouds finally lifted and gave way to a bright and sunny day. Look at the
magnificent photo (right) that I took of the rising sun from my hotel room
After breakfast, I saw more lakes around Lake Wakatipu. Apparently, five
lakes end up at Lake Wakatipu but it never overflows. I went to the original bungy
center, the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre, which started it all. Had I been younger, I
would have gone for it in a heartbeat. Remember, Queenstown is the adventure
capital of the world. The photos below (right) were the bridge where they jump
from and a boat waiting for them at the bottom by the lake. Breathtaking, indeed!
I was then brought to the firstt winery in Queenstown and the cheese factory
(they call it the cheesery). I was able to sample different kinds of wine. What is
so special about it is that due to its location, the winery blasted a tunnel into the
mountain and made it into a wine cellar (they call it a wine cave) so the temp is
always constant (it’s the only one in the world!). You bet the wine tastes really
different. Then I got to sample different kinds of cheese. I didn’t realize that
sheep cheese tastes so good! Even better than goat or cow cheese.
reminded me of Lake Okanagan in Kelowna, British Columbia. It’s almost a mix
of Whistler Village and Kelowna. Sitting out on the balcony of my hotel room, I
took in the calm pristine waters of the lake and the majestic mountains behind it.
The photo on the right was how it looked from my hotel room. Stunning!
I woke up at 4 a.m. and watched the sunrise. Remember, this is the first
country in the world to be blessed by the rising sun so I was so happy because
the clouds finally lifted and gave way to a bright and sunny day. Look at the
magnificent photo (right) that I took of the rising sun from my hotel room
After breakfast, I saw more lakes around Lake Wakatipu. Apparently, five
lakes end up at Lake Wakatipu but it never overflows. I went to the original bungy
center, the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre, which started it all. Had I been younger, I
would have gone for it in a heartbeat. Remember, Queenstown is the adventure
capital of the world. The photos below (right) were the bridge where they jump
from and a boat waiting for them at the bottom by the lake. Breathtaking, indeed!
I was then brought to the firstt winery in Queenstown and the cheese factory
(they call it the cheesery). I was able to sample different kinds of wine. What is
so special about it is that due to its location, the winery blasted a tunnel into the
mountain and made it into a wine cellar (they call it a wine cave) so the temp is
always constant (it’s the only one in the world!). You bet the wine tastes really
different. Then I got to sample different kinds of cheese. I didn’t realize that
sheep cheese tastes so good! Even better than goat or cow cheese.
“Thrill Therapy” which is actually good for us.
Anyhow, from the moment the accelerator hit the floor, my
adrenaline hit the roof as the jet powered through the Shotover River
and deep into the Canyons. As the Shotover Canyon walls towered
above me, the driver skillfully whipped the boat past rocky outcrops
and skimmed around crags and boulders. Rock faces blurred in my
peripheral vision (as I was hanging onto the safety rail for dear life),
the opaque water sprayed into myriads of white crystals with every
turn, and I let out a whoop of excitement as the driver spun the boat
around in 360 degree spin! It was an amazing ride!!! Did you
experience the thrill just by reading this? Hope you did. The left
photo below was taken BEFORE the ride. I was still waving, not
knowing what to expect. Then during the ride , while others were
waving, I was hanging onto the safety rail for dear life in case the jet
boat would spin again.
According to the driver who stopped the boat briefly as he
explained and pointed out historical landmarks, points of interest
and stunning views, the jet boat eats up 2.5 liters per minute, so that
for the entire ride, it eats up 50 liters. He also explained that studies
have shown that a good thrill livens up your system, waking up
dormant biochemical pathways that refresh, relieve stress and heal.
For myself, I experienced a sense of euphoria and well being as my
brain received a welcome cocktail of oxygen, sugar, adrenaline,
cortisol and endorphins. The result – a natural high that made me
feel great!
If you have plans of taking a vacation, go to NZ and never, ever
miss Queenstown. It’s an experience of a lifetime that I would
recommend to everyone.
Anyhow, from the moment the accelerator hit the floor, my
adrenaline hit the roof as the jet powered through the Shotover River
and deep into the Canyons. As the Shotover Canyon walls towered
above me, the driver skillfully whipped the boat past rocky outcrops
and skimmed around crags and boulders. Rock faces blurred in my
peripheral vision (as I was hanging onto the safety rail for dear life),
the opaque water sprayed into myriads of white crystals with every
turn, and I let out a whoop of excitement as the driver spun the boat
around in 360 degree spin! It was an amazing ride!!! Did you
experience the thrill just by reading this? Hope you did. The left
photo below was taken BEFORE the ride. I was still waving, not
knowing what to expect. Then during the ride , while others were
waving, I was hanging onto the safety rail for dear life in case the jet
boat would spin again.
According to the driver who stopped the boat briefly as he
explained and pointed out historical landmarks, points of interest
and stunning views, the jet boat eats up 2.5 liters per minute, so that
for the entire ride, it eats up 50 liters. He also explained that studies
have shown that a good thrill livens up your system, waking up
dormant biochemical pathways that refresh, relieve stress and heal.
For myself, I experienced a sense of euphoria and well being as my
brain received a welcome cocktail of oxygen, sugar, adrenaline,
cortisol and endorphins. The result – a natural high that made me
feel great!
If you have plans of taking a vacation, go to NZ and never, ever
miss Queenstown. It’s an experience of a lifetime that I would
recommend to everyone.
Arrowtown
Next stop was Arrowtown, which used to be the mining town during the olden days.
This fascinating little settlement literally sprung up overnight with the discovery of gold in
the Arrow River. Thousands of miners from around the globe flocked to the area and the
river became famous as one of the world’s richest sources of alluvial gold. At the height
of the gold rush, the population of the town rose to over 7,000 people. These pioneers
constructed small cottages of stone and timber, established churches and planted
handsome avenues of trees, and of course, businesses such as hotels, saloons,
gambling dens and dance halls flourished. Their legacy is a picturesque town that
retains its old world charm through careful preservation of its colorful history. There was
so much to see and do in Arrowtown. It was quite fascinating for me because I work for a
mining firm. Seeing how it was then was like being transported back in time. Returning to
the city centre, we traversed through more farmlands with more sheep, more deer, more
horses, more spectacular views of rivers, lakes and mountains and, importantly, more
scenes from the movie “The Lord of the Rings.”
During this tour, I learned that deer antlers are cut every and sold to Asia. Horses have
covers or clothes on their bodies to protect them from catching melanoma (just like
humans). Apparently, NZ has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, it being very
close to the south pole.
After that fantabulous tour, I disembarked and went to ride the gondola to feel the
power of nature by rising high above Queenstown. It was an experience above all others.
It was a view like no other spread out before me in a spectacular panorama. My
description would just fall short of how magnificent and awe-inspiring the view up top
really is. The photo below speaks for itself!
Of course, there’s more to do than just admire the view. I had lunch at the restaurant
while enjoying the fantabulous view beneath me. It revved up my appetite.
Coming back to reality, I went back to the city centre and signed up for a Shotover Jet
Ride, the world’s most exciting Jet Boat ride ever! I didn’t realize until then that I’ve got an
adventurous spirit. But I told myself that since I’m in the adventure capital of the world, I
might as well try the thrill of a lifetime, right? Besides, I was told that nobody can beat the
thrill of a Shotover Jet experience. It’s an adrenaline rush I will never forget. They call it
