Posting this whilst we are on Stewart Island (found the bit where you can schedule these posts in advance) for 4 days over New Year - don't think there will be time or facilities for much internet.
On the longest day of the year, 21st December, (down here) I thought I would list what we have done. A typical travel day for those attempting to circle NZ in 3 or 4 weeks - fortunately, we have a lot longer this time and this isn't a usual travel day. Normally we would just drive half a day and do something or a walk either before or after travelling. But yesterday ...
- Breakfast at the hostel - juice, cereals, toast, local honey, tea/coffee. We self cater for all breakfasts and take the stuff around with us - perhaps winding down on lunch/dinner items before a travel day. But the coolbox from Ron and Sheila is great for keeping milk etc until the next stop and a new fridge.
- Leave Fran Josef in brilliant sunshine after 2 days mountain weather - saw the snow covered tops and drove 10 mins down to Lake Matheson again to get the view of Mt Cook in the distance. See previous blogs and photo in the mist and rain. No time for walk this time.
- Drove down West Coast with lots of scenic stops and coffee stop at Haast (we stayed a night there last time) then up and over the tops, eastwards, and fantastic scenic drive among mountains and lakes inland.
- Stopped at various recommended little scenic places - NZ does these so well - if you have no time to do bigger walks then these will get you into the bush, waterfalls, lakes and rivers for 10 to 40 minutes - all signposted with the time and easy walking paths. A great way to get a taste of the scenery that is there for the biggger walks.
- Lunch at the top with another great info centre (DOC - Dept of Conservation - great displays of local old photos, walks, geolpgy and everything you need to know about tramping). Decided a trip in plane to the remote valley, walk 3 hrs and jet boat out may be good Xmas present for a few weeks time when we return to the area.
- Down to Lake Havea - fantastic views and a complete change in terrain and climate from the wet West Coast - dry arid and looking a bit like the Lake District only bigger and, dare I say it, better. Deep blue and turquoise lakes.
- On to Wanaka, where we stayed last time and loved it and will stay a few more days here in a few weeks. Superlative lakeside town with massive views and glorious sunshine.
- Then more driving to Arrowtown - just before Queenstown. Recommend anyone stays here rather than brash and noisy Q. Lovely old style town with upmarket restaurants, shops and cafes and bars. Very peaceful.
- Got to hostel - a few yards from the main street and river. Peaceful and a great welcome after a days driving - converted house and owners just left a note for us - we went to our room and will settle up for washer, internet and rooms when we next see him - lovely and trusting.
- Sat in rose garden for half an hour then into town - discovered great little cinema - comfy armchairs, take your wine and chesse in with you. Decided to see film at 6 pm - dash back to room, take out washing load, shower and return for wine on balcony overlooking hills in sun.
- After film went downstairs for pizza (first meal out for 2 weeks) and still light when got back in at 9.30 pm.
- Typical day on the road!! All days will be like this if attempting to see both islands in a short time - on the road all day, every day.
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