Category: Golf, Travel,Nature

The flight to Stewart Island is just twenty minutes, on a small, ten seater aircraft. From the airstrip, a minivan is waiting to take passengers and bags into Oban.

As we arrived into Oban at 9.30am, it was too early to check into our accommodation. We decided to catch the next available ferry over to Ulva Island, and spend a few hours exploring this Sanctuary. The day was fine but windy, the sea lumpy but fortunately the ferry was sailing.

Stewart Island is predator free, and has an abundance of Weka, Kaka, Robin, Kakariki, Saddleback, Tomtit and the occasional Sea Lion basking on the beach.

Dinner that night was at the restaurant at the South Seas Hotel .. booking essential! Our choice, the Blue Cod. Battered for me, baked for Sue. Both beautiful!

The next day we decided to do a number of local walks in the Half Moon Bay Area. After the obligatory coffee at the hotel cafe, we set off. We even passed the local golf course on our travels. Six holes of rustic fairways and greens! We reached as far as Ackers Point for lunch.

Dinner was takeaway Cod and Chips from the legendary Blue Fish and Chip cart near the waterfront in Oban. Delicious!

Later that evening, once it was dark, we went exploring for Kiwi, in areas we heard were likely spots. No luck.

The next day, after the usual at the South Sea cafe, we explored the Museum. Housed in a new building, it provides an insight into the history of the Island, along with many artefacts.

We then walked around the Horseshoe Bay and peninsula, with its many pristine, golden sand beaches.

That evening, Sunday, is quiz night down at the Hotel. We decided to participate, and although the pub is packed, we find a home with a local team. All good fun.

This being a final night, last chance to spot a Kiwi. Once again, sadly,no joy, although we did see deer and a possum!

The next day, which is beautiful and calm, it is time to leave, and fly back to Invercargill. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time on Rakiura, and look forward to one day returning.

Hamilton friends Jim and Gaye Fitchett had been in the South Island for a few weeks, and we all happened to be in Invercargill at the same time. We are all golf enthusiasts, so a round at the Invercargill golf club was arranged.

The weather was fine and warmish, and the course in excellent condition. It is demanding, with many dog legs and tight fairways. Accuracy was paramount off the tee, with Jim superior to Blair in that department. Needless to say, Blair was shouting the drinks in the 19th. Sue and Gaye both played well .. 38 points.

We all dined together that night at the Speights Ale House in Dee Street. We were amazed at the huge amount of choice on the menu. Something for everyone and we departed happiness filled!

After a very comfortable night at the 295 on Tay Motel, it was out to the Airport, and a flight to Stewart Island.

After a night in Queenstown and dinner with old cricketing friend Russell Mawhinney, the Old Pharts set off for Te Anau. The plan was a round of golf at the very picturesque Te Anau golf course, followed the next day by a Doubtful Sound day cruise.

The golf course was in excellent condition, with scenic views from almost every hole.

That evening, we dined at the Thai Anau restaurant. Excellent food, reasonably priced and attentive service. It ticked all the boxes.

The next morning it was a twenty minute drive to Manapouri Village, for a day cruising expedition. This was a cruise on Doubtful Sound with the tour company “Real Journeys”.

There were 65 passengers on the trip, with most being Kiwis. Generally the percentage of NZers on such trips are low, but such is the effect of COVID.

Access to Doubtful Sound is a boat trip across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, alongside the power station. Then a 22 km Coach ride on the Wilmot Pass road to Deep Cove, at the beginning of the Sound. This road was purpose built to aid in the construction of Manapouri power station. It has the honour of being NZs most expensive road .. $2 per centimetre!

An excellent day. Perfect weather with dolphins, seals and whales (fleetingly) all sighted in the Sound.

By coincidence, Sue’s friend Debra East and her son Mitch were in Te Anau, so the four of us dined at Redcliff restaurant. This has the reputation as the best restaurant in Te Anau, and we were all most impressed!

The next morning was an early start to be at the Invercargill golf club by 11.00am.

After an overnight stay at the Novotel, Queenstown, it was an early start to catch the bus to the start of the Routeburn Track. Starting point is on the Te Anau to Milford Sound road, midway between the two. Our guide company was Ultimate Hikes, with two nights staying in their luxury lodges, with all food provided, plus being accompanied by three of the companies guides. In front of us was 32 kms of mixed terrain, climbing steadily to about 1400 metres, before our descent to the end.

The first notable destination on the track was Key Summit, which provided panoramic views. After lunch, we continued tramping on to our first overnight stop, McKenzie Lodge, alongside McKenzie Lake. Distance walked the first day, 12kms.

The Lodge is owned and operated by the Ultimate Hikes company, and is very comfortable .. a hotel in the bush! Hot showers, three course meals and a bar .. very civilised.

After a solid nights sleep, and a hearty breakfast, day two was to be an 11 km hike to Routeburn Falls Lodge. This involved a steady climb to the highest point of Conical Hill, at 1400 metres. As we were above the Bush line, and with excellent weather, the views were superb.

With lunch consumed, Conical Hill conquered (and an encounter with a Kea at the summit), we continued our journey to Routeburn Falls Lodge. Once at the Lodge, we felt we deserved a cold beer prior to our three course dinner.

After another solid nights sleep in the very comfortable Lodge bedroom, it was time to prepare for the conclusion of the walk. This was to be a 9 km walk to Routeburn Road end. Our coach will be there to drive us back to Queenstown, via Glenorchy. This was mostly downhill on wide and smooth terrain, with some rocky patches.

We stopped for lunch at Forge Flats, where some of the group bravely decided to swim in the very chilly water.

And then, we reached the end. The adventure was over. The Old Pharts thoroughly enjoyed their first Great Walk. Next year .. the Milford Track?

Full credit to Ultimate Hikes and our guides Blake, Tess and Lara. A very professional organisation.

With the Ford Mondeo loaded up, it was a days drive to Wellington, a night in the QT Hotel, and on board the ferry to Picton the next morning.

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From Picton it is another long drive, this time to Christchurch. However the spectacular coastal road north and south of Kaikoura is a welcome distraction. Stay the night at Rydges Hotel Latimer Square, and dinner at Francesca’s Italian Kitchen. Both excellent.

With two days to reach Queenstown, we decided to stay somewhere overnight on the way, and we chose .. Waimate! We had heard it had an excellent golf course, so play it we did. Quite a challenging course in immaculate condition, with numerous established trees. Not our best golf in the end, but most enjoyable. Dinner that evening was in the recently refurbished Waimate Hotel.

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With the weather settled, and the “madness” of Christmas and New Year over, late January was a great time to visit our beach house in Whangamata.

Activities such as golf, swimming, walks and reading were on the agenda. Scott and Eva were to join us for a few days also.

One of the walks we were keen to do, was the Wentworth Valley, which finished at a waterfall.

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The new year saw the Old Pharts board a plane at Hamilton Airport, destined for Nelson via Wellington. Unfortunately the flight was delayed, with a later than planned Nelson arrival.

The purpose of this five day trip was to celebrate the wedding of Ritchie Stevens and Lucy Ryan in Blenheim. Travelling with the Pharts were friends Tony and Michaela Giles. As the latter were unfamiliar with the top of the South Island, it seemed opportune to have an explore.

Our accommodation at the Palazzo Motor Lodge was comfortable and centrally located.

Due to our late arrival, we were hungry, so wandered into town and found Harry’s Hawker House and Bar. Very nice.

That evening the group were dining with old friends of Blair and Sue .. Cameron and Maria, who are long time residents of Tasman Village, near Motueka.

We all met at the Free House Inn for a drink, then across the road to the Indian Cafe for dinner. Nice food and a good catch up.

The next morning it was back in to town and Morrisons for breakfast, before loading up the car and driving to Mapua wharf, and on to Cameron and Maria’s for coffee in their wonderful garden.

From Tasman Village, we decided to drive over to Upper Moutere. A visit to Neudorf Winery for tasting and purchasing, then on to Moutere Inn, the oldest pub in New Zealand. The Inn was established in 1850, and has been nicely restored.

Time to hit the road in the Mazda CX-5 rental car, and the two hour drive to Blenheim.

Our accommodation was in a recently refurbished 3 bedroom house, adjacent to Lawson Dry Hills winery, and set amongst the grape vines.

Fellow Hamiltonians Pam and Malcolm Harding flew in the next day, and we prepared for the wedding.

With time on our side, we had lunch at Alan Scott Winery on Jackson Road. A nice outdoor setting with a reasonably priced menu.

The wedding went extremely well. Great venue .. the Marlborough Vinters Hotel .. great food etc.

The following day the festivities continued, with a barbecue lunch and fun cricket match at Lucy’s brothers property near Seddon.

With the Harding’s delivered to the airport the next morning, the Gilesys and Old Pharts planned their day. A coffee in town was followed by wine tasting at Cloudy Bay. On then to Wairau River restaurant, and a long, leisurely lunch. Top quality.

We had time to pass before our flight home, so we decided to check out the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre. This features Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 aircraft and artefacts. There is also a WW2 collection of warbirds. Well worth checking out.

Back home to the Tron after a really enjoyable five days. The Old Pharts look forward to returning to the South Island in February.

It had been five months since our last visit to our beach house in Whangamata.

The weather forecast was excellent, so we loaded the car with essentials, including golf clubs, and made the 90 minute drive to the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, and sedate (at this time of the year!) Whangamata.

Son Scott and his partner Eva decided to join us from their home at Mt Maunganui. Dinner that night was at Neros .. always a favourite!

The next day Sue, Blair and Scott played golf at the Whangamata Titoki golf course. Although not particularly long, it is an excellent golfing experience, with plenty of variety of holes and stunning vistas.

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Dinner that night was at Kafal Indian Restaurant on Port Road. Excellent Indian food at a reasonable price.

With the weather gloriously fine and warm, it was off to the beach. Blair went for a swim, and described the water as “refreshing!”

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After three days at Whangamata, and minor plumbing household jobs sorted, it was on the road to Mt Maunganui. Scott and Eva have a two month “break” at our apartment, but plenty of room for the four of us. The purpose of the visit is to meet with the Project Manager of the refurbishment being undertaken next year. Also, to watch the Phoenix Foundation live in concert, plus a round of golf.

That evening, we decided to venture into the Papamoa Hills and the Summerhill Estate golf course. On Wednesday evenings, they run a 9 hole pairs ambrose competition, with a barbecue at the conclusion. All for a very reasonable $20. Scott’s friend Guy Wilkins joined us, and was eager to try out his brand new golf clubs.

The course was very undulating, with great views over Tauranga, Papamoa and the coast.

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The next day was gloriously fine, so golf was again on the agenda. Sue, Blair, Scott and the latters friend Todd Barry decided to take on Omanu golf course, Mt Maunganui.

This was the first time playing the course, and we were impressed. Not overly long, the fairways and greens were in wonderful order. Quite a lot of dog legs right, suiting the right handed “fader”. The group all played well, with a personal best of 77 for Todd.

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Dinner that evening was at the Satori Lounge, a quality Japanese restaurant. Following this, Blair and Sue wandered down to the Maoau Performing Arts Centre to watch The Phoenix Foundation, live in concert. After a opening set by Motte, who was to then join the band, they were on. Their New Zealand tour was to promote their new album “Friendship”, but the set list included many other favourites, such as Buffalo.

A great show!

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The next morning, after a visit to Dixie Browns for breakfast, we met builder and project Manager Jimmy from Coastal Builders. All set for next years project, the apartment refurbishment.

Meeting over, into the car and back home to the “Tron.”

And so it was back to where this holiday started, Rydges Latimer in central Christchurch.

Dinner that night was The Permit Room, an Indian restaurant near Cathedral Square. We chose a variety of small plates. The place was humming and the food superb.

After a substantial hotel breakfast, we walked into town, and then to and around the Botanical Gardens. Lunch was at the vibrant Riverside Market. Feeling energetic, we headed to the Travis Wetland Park near the coast, and walked the track around. Then a short drive to New Brighton, and out to the pier.

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Dinner that night was at Francesca’s Italian restaurant, next to the Isaac Theatre Royal. This place is very popular, and with excellent food and reasonable prices, we could see why.

Monday was our last full day in Christchurch, and we were keen to play golf. Son Scott took a day off work, and we played at the Russley golf course, near the airport. Excellent facilities, both on and off the course, and a nice way to conclude this South Island holiday.

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Dinner for our final night was with Scott and Eva at Zaffron. This is a Thai/Vietnamese restaurant in Beckenham. Excellent food and company.

Visits to Christchurch in the future may be less frequent, as Scott and Eva are moving back north. We look forward to seeing more of them.

In conclusion, a great trip. The South Island is hard to beat!

After the spectacular Clay Cliffs, the intrepid travellers stopped for a coffee at Omarama, then back in the car and southwards.

Another of the Old Pharts favourite roads in New Zealand is the Lindis Pass. It begins on State Highway 8 south of Omarama, and runs between the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers, through to Tarras. The cafe at Tarras is another favourite spot.

Mid afternoon we reach Wanaka, and settle in to the modern and comfortable West Meadows Motel, for the next nine days. On the agenda .. skiing, golf, bike hire, hiking, eating out and catching up with friends. The latter has been affected by another Covid outbreak, moving Auckland to Level 3 and the rest of NZ, Level 2.

Fortunately the ski fields are able to operate, disruptions being numbers in the cafes, and chair lift loading restrictions, whence bigger queues.

Friday was a spectacular day, so we headed up to Cardrona. A “Bluebird” windless day, but large crowds curtailed ski time. An enjoyable day none the less.

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With the long range weather forecast looking settled, the Old Pharts decided to abandon the skis for the weekend, and indulge in other activities. Saturday we hiked to the top of Mt Iron, which looms alongside the township. An easy climb is gives great aerial views of the lake, town and mountains. The scale of growth in Wanaka over recent years is amazing!

Sunday, and we decided to play the Wanaka golf course, for the first time. A glorious day, albeit chilly, the views from particularly the front 9, were spectacular!

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The weather continued to be gloriously fine, so it was back to Cardrona Monday and Tuesday. Less crowds were appreciated, and a lot more runs packed into the day.

Wednesday was a day off the skis, and bike rental and an explore around the Lake. We cycled to the Clutha outlet, and followed the river to Albert Town. Lunch was at the popular Pembroke Patisserie, with its authentic French pastries and breads. Delicious!

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Wanaka is blessed with many fine cafes and eateries. The wonderful Florence’s cafe and food store was a short walk from our motel, and we were frequent visitors. Not normally open in the evening, they do a “communal” set menu dinner on Wednesday night. We attended, and enjoyed the food and company. Other old favourites revisited were Big Fig, Red Star Burgers, Amigos Mexican and Relishes Cafe.

We decided to make Thursday our final day at Cardrona. Four days of excellent skiing. We were happy. Friday, the weather was deteriorating, so we drove to Queenstown and had lunch with old friends Russell and Susan Mawhinney. Russell was a cricket colleague from many years back. A nice catch up.

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For a final night treat, we booked Bistro Gentil, on Golf Course Rd. Excellent food and service, and a fitting end to a really enjoyable nine days.

The next morning, we loaded up the Forester, and headed back to where we started .. Christchurch.