Days 6 and 7

Day 6 (Sunday 5th September)
Rose at 6.40 after a cold night and after a shower and breakfast took myself off to the lounge to try and catch up with the blog. Managed to get days 3,4 and 5 drafted, with appropriate photographs but was unable to get all the photos uploaded before my Internet time expired.

First visit on the cards today was to the local museum housed in what was the Bath House. A place that tapped into the local geothermal activity for health purposes. There is a pool close by which contains water at a temperature of 212 ° and constantly gives off steam. Unfortunately, I still can't get the video upload to work.
The Museum shows a film that tells the story of the 1886 volcanic eruption and how a chap called Bainbridge was killed, along with about 120 villagers. The little cinema where the 20 minute film was shown has a very interesting feature. During the eruption scenes the seats shook violently. Quite a shock until I realised what was happening. It added a touch of drama to the film. Went up to the roof top viewing platform for a panoramic view of Rotorua. The Museum is located in the Government Gardens where there are pitches for croquette, bowls and bools. It must be quite a sight on a summer afternoon.

Rotorua Museum

The next item on the agenda was a trip to the Skyline Luge . For the princely sum of $35 (approx £16) I got a return Gondola ride to the top of the hill, 3 luge rides (like a 3 wheeled toboggan with brakes) down a track of about 1.7 Kms, followed by a chairlift back to the top after each run. Needless to say I, of course, had to take the advanced track. Absolutely brilliant fun. Brought out the latent hooligan in me. Yahoooooo! Mind you, didn’t spot too many other pensioners indulging!

View from Gondola

Did a spot more provisions shopping, well I did need some more bananas, so treated myself to some Lamingtons as well.

Returned to the camper site by about 16.00 hours and tried to catch up with the blog drafting. Pretty good so far, just need sufficient Internet time to be able to upload all the photos. Spot of tea and then back to the lounge to continue updating the Blog. Maybe I am just slow but, this is taking up a considerable amount of my time. However, at least it stops me hanging about on street corners. However, managed to get blog for Days 3, 4 and 5 uploaded complete with photos. Although I didn’t get finished until about 21.50. Still, at least the lounge was lovely and warm. Back to the van and finally managed to get the gas hob to work and used it to warm the place up a bit before retiring to bed by 10.30

Day_7 (Monday 6th September)

Seem to be establishing a bit of a routine now in rising, stowing the bed, getting showered and then having breakfast. Breakfast consists of weetabix (or the local equivalent), toast, banana, orange juice and coffee.

After clearing away this morning I visited the lounge (it’s warm there) in order to use up my last 20 minutes of Internet time by sending a couple of emails.

Left the site by 09.00 but had to call in for fuel and also picked up a double CD of Simon + Garfunkel to serenade me on my way.

Weather cold, wet and windy (quite reminiscent of the UK really), it seems I have brought the worst f the elements to NZ with me. Major earthquake, gale force winds that are felling trees and reports of significant flooding in some areas. I never knew that I had such power.

Heading for Taupo, Napier and Hastings today. Initially travelling through an amazing geothermal area with a strong smell of sulphur in the air and plumes of steam rising into the morning mist.

Reached Lake Taupo by 10.30 so stopped for a quick view of the lake:

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo

 However, I was soon back on the road and heading into the Ahimanawa Range of hills, up through Tarawera and Te Haroto. I feel sure that there are some spectacular views up here on a clear day but, today everything is shrouded in rain and mist. However, pulled into a scenic lookout spot at Tarawera, more in hope than expectation, and discovered a lovely view of falls on the Waipanga river.

The wind was getting quite strong by now and making the van difficult to control, it definitely does not like cross winds, and this was in addition to the severely winding and undulating road. I eventually descended through the wine region of Eskdale and onward into Bay View which is part of Hawke Bay on the East coast.

Hawke Bay

JB at Hawke Bay

Napier from Hawke Bay

whizzed through Napier without stopping other than for photos North and South of the town

Cape Kidnappers South of Napier

before turning inland again towards Hastings.

In Hastings I stopped at the Information Centre to check the Holiday Park location and also made a booking for the ferry from Wellington to Picton (South Island) for Wednesday morning. I successfully found the Top 10 Holiday Park, which was under new management. I was about to book in (event at their extortionate rates but found out their Internet was down, so decided to move on.

Eventually found my way to Waipawa, which is another 30 Kms closer to Wellington and booked into the campsite for the sum of $12. Much more reasonable. Still no Internet on site but was advised that the library could provide. Parked the van and headed into town, only a 5 minute walk, located the library and sure enough, once the librarian had cleared all the school kids out of the way Internet access was available, for FREE. Whoopeeee! Checked emails and replied as necessary. Once this was done I wandered around the town, this took all of about 15 minutes, took a couple of photos:

Map of Waipawa

Waipawa Catholic Church

and then headed back to the van to spend the rest of the evening researching camper sites in Wellington for tomorrow night and reading. Bed by 10 pm, Ho Hum. See you again soon I hope.

Days 3, 4 and 5

Day 3 (Thursday 2nd September)

Already I am having difficulty trying to keep this journal up to date and I have also realised that trying to see as much of New Zealand as had originally intended will not be possible so, I going to have to be more selective about where I go and how long I stop. Today I was going to try making it to the very northern point of North Island at Cape Reinga but distance too great. So decided on a half way compromise in order to get to see Ninety Mile Beach, at Waipapakauri.

Below, I have shown a map of the general area, including Cape Reinga followed by a map of the route I took today.

Setting off from Paihia in the Bay of Islands along Route 10 via Kerikeri, Kaeo and Coopers Beach where I finally got chance to stop off and take a few scenic pictures of Doubtless Bay. See Below:

Finally arrived at Waipapakauri Beach which is located at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach. A place that is featured quite strongly in the PR photos of the area. However, today it was wet, cold and very windy. I managed to get a bit of videoing done, but didn’t feel too inclined to stop long. Note: I must get myself a pair of ‘long johns.’ The following is a ‘still’ I extracted from the video:

Set off on the return leg but soon stopped for a spot of lunch at Awanui in order to see a ‘Giant Kauri Staircase.’ No, I had no idea what to expect either. However, it turned out to be a nice little cafe and showroom with lots of NZ souvenirs and a spiral staircase carved out of a single Kauri tree trunk which is reputed to be some 45,000 years old: See Photos

Continuing to travel down Route 1 South I once again became frustrated at the inability to stop at particular locations to take photos. I must tray to devise some way of taking photos on the move so to speak. Very ‘interesting’ drive through the hills with things clattering about in the van cupboards. Luckily, so far, nothing has gotten broken.

Eventually arrived back at the Beachside Holiday Home site after stopping off for more provisions and managing to get myself a very snazzy, cheap, pair of sneakers. Just what I need for tramping about camp sites.

Re-established on site and soon busy catching up with emails and updating blog, making maximum use of the free wifi.

Day 4 (Friday 3rd September)

Up at 07.00 this morning and apparently first in the shower block. It took ages for the water to get hot. Thought I was going to have to have a cold shower. Perish the thought. Daughter, texted just as I finished breakfast having trouble with the printer. Got in touch via Skype, to discuss problem. Then took control of home computer via ‘Teamviewer’, cleared the printer queue and got things working again. Samantha thought this was Very Sneaky. Technology is wonderful – when it works!!!

Hit the road by 09.30 and heading south but undecided as to how far to go. Will see where I get to by lunchtime and then decide.

As it happens, I found myself close to Puhoi again by 12.30 so called in for lunch. Ham sandwich and coke in the van. Would have preferred coffee but no mains power unless on a camp site.

I decided to press on to south of Auckland, thus putting the city and its traffic behind me. As it happens this was a very wise decision as tomorrow (Saturday) they are expecting the world’s biggest traffic jam as they close the southern highway until Monday, for maintenance. So, eventually arrived at the ‘South Auckland Caravan Park’. I have been to better places but didn’t fancy trying to find anywhere else at that time of day, 3.00pm so, got parked up and got on with some chores. Why have I got no-one to do my washing for me? Unfortunately, no Internet access so was unable to update the blog. No photos today either.

Day 5 (Saturday 4th September)

Packed up and on the road by 08.30 and very soon heard about the earthquake which had struck Christchurch in the early hours of the morning. Apparently significant damage sustained but no fatalities and only 2 serious injuries. Some damage reported to Airport but, no idea yet if this will affect my flight t Adelaide on 19th September.

However, it is a beautiful day and I have decided to head for Rotorua, via Tauranga. Stopped off at Karagahake and did a photo shoot beside the Ohinemuri river and then on up the road a way where there is a small water fall. See photo:

Once again some very ‘interesting’ driving was required wit speeds occasionally down to no more than 35KPH. Good job that I have packed everything away in the van securely.

Further news on the earthquake, a state of emergency has been declared in the Canterbury Region which may last up to 7 days.

Arrived in Tauranga at approx mid-day, parked up and had a stroll around the waterfront and shopping centre. See Photos:

Enquired in the Information Centre for the best way to Rotorua and was given very clear directions by a very helpful young lady.

Stopped for a late lunch about 30 minutes out of Tauranga then continued down Route 36 until reaching Rotorua by about 15.00. I checked out one camp site but wasn’t too impressed. Maybe I’m getting picky!!! However, got first photos of Rotorua Lake:

Found my way to the Top 10 site and booked in for 1 night, although I may stop for 2. Went to the Mall and topped up on provisions and also treated myself to a new pair of swim trunks, about £5.00 so didn’t break the bank. Having parked up for the day, I walked back into town, just to have a look round and because it was such a beautiful day. It was a very nice sunset as well but couldn’t find suitable vantage point in time.

Following tea in the van, I was going to update the Blog etc, but found that the temperature was plummeting and I was having trouble trying to keep warm despite wearing 3 sweaters. Blog update delayed and retired under my duvet.

Communications are proving to be pretty good. Text messages are getting through almost straight away and where Internet access is available emails and Skype are both good. Received a final text from daughter about 10.00 pm. And so to bed said Zebedee

See you later.

New Zealand - Days 1 and 2

Day 1 (31 Aug 2010)
By 15.00 hours (local) on Tuesday 31 August 2010, I had successfully negotiated customs and immigration and was standing outside the Air Terminal waiting to be collected by staff from the Camper Van depot where I had booked my van for the next 3 weeks travelling around New Zealand. I was feeling a trifle jet lagged since, despite a 2 night stopover in Hong Kong I was now operating in a time zone some 11 hours ahead of the UK.
However, collection of the van was no problem and I had what I thought were fairly clear directions to the camper van site where I had booked to spend the first night on NZ soil. However, I was obviously more tired than I thought and finding the site prove to be a bit of a problem, despite stopping to confirm directions. However, I eventually turned around and headed back to where instinct told me I should be and I finally arrived at about 17.30.
Spent a short time getting suitcases unpacked and things arranged into some semblance of order within the van and then set off to get a bite to eat and a couple of beers.

The camper site staff had recommended an Irish bar/restaurant about 500 metres away, by the name of O'Ryans, See below:

After I had sampled the skewered prawns and a pint of Guinness, the landlord, a balding chap by the name of Johnny, agree to let me take a few photos and gave me some advice on where to go in NZ, most of which seemed to involve visiting a series of public houses. The photos can be seen below:

Johnny is the chap on the left, above. Apparently his parents are 'Kiwis' but he was born in India because they were teaching out there. All of his family are apparently quite religious and Johnny's father keeps telling him that he will "burn in hell". I suppose that he will have to join the queue.

Following a pint of Kilkenny's I bade Johnny "good night" and strolled back to the camper, for a much needed kip, thus ended Day 1 in New Zealand.

Day 2 (01 Sept 2010)

Rose at 07.00 and after showering and getting dressed, I went out in search of breakfast, having not yet acquired any provisions. Right next door to the Holiday Park was an establishment which offered an 'all you can eat' breakfast for the princely sum of $12.90 (about £6). Needless to say, I indulged and departed a short time later feeling quite bloated. Set me up for the day, so to speak.

The following photos are of the entrance to the Holiday Park and my Camper Van on site.

My van is the one on the left.

Anyway, once everything was stowed away safely, I set off, heading in a northerly direction with no fixed destination in mind but thinking that, unless something stopped me, I might get as far as the "Bay of Islands." The Route 1 (Northern Motorway) took me through Auckland with the bridge over the harbour being quite impressive although apparently beset with problems (See Auckland Harbour Bridge).

Having cleared Auckland and having been impressed with much of the scenery along the way (I need someone with me to take photographs as I travel along, however, I will always have the memories.) the place name of Puhoi took my fancy so I turned off for a look-see. The following photos are the result:

Pub and Hotel Sign:

View from the Memorial Park.

Could this be the smallest public library in the world???

Puhoi is just north of Waiwera in the Mahurangi Regional Park and the towns people are apparently campaigning for improved motorway access. Strange really, in the UK it would definitely be the reverse.

After this brief stop-off I continued north on Route 1 to Whangerei, where I attempted to do a bit of shopping but was unable to get what I wanted (story of my life) so, moved on. 

I had obviously been making very good progress as I suddenly found myself in Paihia where the Beachside Holiday Park is situated so booked in for 2 nights. Very reasonable rates plus FREE Internet access. Located the food mall a couple of Kms up the road so, stocked up on basic provisions and then got myself settled on the site to spend the evening, emailing, blogging and holding Skype sessions with brother David in the UK and sister Valerie, in Australia.

Finally turned in at 23.00 after what seemed to be a very full day 2. However, I still haven't got the cheap trainers, or similar that I need, having forgotten to pack some.

See you again soon.

HK Kowloon Park and beyond

Having stayed up until 01.30 on Sunday night, updating the Blog, emailing all & sundry and holding Skype sessions with daughter, grandson and brother,(not necessarily in that order) I didn't wake until 09.15 and only then because the hotel staff were vacuuming the corridor outside my room. However, after a quick shower I dressed and managed to get to breakfast before it finished. Tried to check-in on-line for my flight on Monday evening but, as with the first leg, it was no go.
Eventually left for Kowloon Park at 11.05. It is a 5 minute walk to the MTR and a 30 minute ride. Pretty good value for HK$8.50 (less than £1.00).
The Park is something of an oasis in the heart of this concrete jungle with lots of greenery, water features and wild birds. Here are a few pictures to illustrate. The first being a map to indicate where the park is located.

Followed by the Park Map itself:

This is followed by a view of one of the many fountains. This one was surrounded by dragonflies. (real ones)

Just to give you something to think about, this sculpture was entitled; "Concept of Newton".

Apart from the many and varied sculptures, the plaza below was also being used by a number of people exercising.

While this one seemed to have something to do with steel tubing.

And I am not too sure what these ducks were up to but, in the UK it would probably be banned. However, I also have some video of it.

Here is a self portrait of yours truly with Victoria Harbour behind. This is a public viewing area just outside Kowloon Park. The murkiness you see never did get any better while I was in HK.

In the same area I photographed this sculpture of dolphins when I was approached by an Indian chap wearing a turban (Sikh?) who engaged me in conversation and then proceeded to start telling my fortune by examining my forehead. However, this was terminated when, rather predictably, the request for money was made. (by him, not me). Those who know me will not be surprised to learn that he failed to extract anything from my pockets.

Having by now worked up a 'muck sweat' as they say, I headed back to the hotel, arriving there at 14.00 which just gave me time to pack, shower and cool down prior to checking out and catching the shuttle bus to the airport.

It became evident during my short stay in HK that not many other European tourists choose to travel about via the MTR. While travelling on the MTR I appeared to be, on average, a head taller than the local population and finally my beard caused considerable curiosity with one chap asking if it was real and another asking if I was a Muslim.

Once again checking in for the flight was straight forward and I was ensconced  in my seat on the 747-400 by 20.30 hours local wondering if I would be able to get stretched out as the aircraft seemed to be half empty. This proved to be the case and I was able to get some shut-eye during the 9 hour flight to Sydney.

Landed at Sydney at 08.00 local time on Tuesday 31 Aug. Proceeded through Transit without problems and was soon sat at the appropriate boarding gate where I was engaged in conversation by a NZ couple, currently living in Perth, Western Australia, who where going back home for a week. The aircraft (a Boeing 737) was boarded and pushed back on time but spent 20 minutes taxiing before take-off at 09.50.

Landed on time in Auckland after a 2.30 flight and transited Customs by 14.30 local time which gave me just enough time to arrange pick-up for the previously booked camper van and get to the local camper site. I had arrived in New Zealand and the long planned trip proper could get underway. However, that's another story which I will try to get fully up to date next time.

Hong Kong Sights

Well, as indicated lat night, I did manage to partake of a little light refreshment before retiring and felt all the better for it.
Rose at 07.30 this morning (Sunday 29th) and made it down for breakfast by 08.00. Having presented my voucher, it was a serve yourself breakfast with multiple choices of National cuisine. Naturally, I tried a bit of everything.
Following breakfast I did some writing up of notes for the blog and also to help me keep track of days and events. Then found my way into Hong Kong Island via the MTR (Metro). The following map should give you some idea of the area.

Spent some time wandering about the Piers and the IFC Mall before the heat and humidity got the better of me and drove me back to the hotel for a rest at about 3.00 PM. Just a few of the photos are shown below.

Having re-vitalised myself, I took the MTR back to Tsim Sha Tsui, on the Kowloon peninsular, in order to get a look at the lights of HK Island after dark. See photos below but they do not do it justice. I wouldn't want to pay the electric bill.

Having had a good wander about, I returned to the hotel and had a couple of beers before holding Skype conversations with brother David, daughter Samantha and grandson Matthew. All seems to be well. They assure me that they haven't wrecked the house yet.
Will try to get this published tomorrow morning before I set off to Kowloon Park. Then it will be checking out of the hotel by 6.00 PM local, in order to get to the airport for my late evening flight to Auckland via Sydney.
That's all for now see you later.