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Lake Tekapo, August 2021

After flying to Christchurch from Hamilton, we collected our RAV4 rental, and drove to Tekapo.

An hour after our arrival, the Prime Minister announced there was to be a lockdown, due to a Community COVID case in Auckland. Three days in the South Island, and seven in Auckland, until more information is gathered. Not a great start to the holiday!

Day One of lockdown, and a morning visit to the Supermarket was followed by a local afternoon walk. Sunny but cool day. Our cabin in “The Cairns Alpine Resort” is well appointed, and nice and warm. A smart TV is very welcome.

With the three day South Island lockdown, we have had to cancel our one night stay at Ohau Lodge, and extend our stay in Tekapo by a further night. At this stage, no known cases of COVID in the South Island.

Day 2, and after the daily masked visit to the Supermarket, we settled in for the Prime Minister and Director of Health’s daily update. COVID appears restricted to Auckland at this stage. An anxious wait for tomorrow’s announcement, and whether we can continue on to Wanaka.

Our exercise for the day was the Peninsular Loop Walk, with great views of the Lake and Mountains.

Level 4 lockdown continues until Wednesday, so in Tekapo we remain. The Manager of our accommodation complex has kindly provided us with golf clubs, so we can attack the 9 hole Cairns golf course.

The weather has been gloriously fine, adding to lockdown frustrations. We have cancelled our Wanaka accommodation. Depending on the Government’s announcement on Monday, we may make it there for a few days. The area needs to be at Level 2 for ski fields to operate.

Another “bluebird” day at Lake Tekapo! We decided to play the 9 hole Cairns Golf Course this afternoon. Had the course to ourselves. Quite a challenging course, made tougher with a lot of surface water. However, in pretty good condition, and wonderful views.

Another fine day, albeit it very windy. After the morning Supermarket visit, and 1pm COVID update, we decided to attack the Mt John summit track.
Quite steep, but we were rewarded with great views.

A few more days in Tekapo at Level 4, as just announced by Prime Minister Ardern. Walked the Cowan Hill walkway this afternoon.

The wonderful weather continues, so we decided to walk the Mt John Lakeshore and summit track. A three hour journey and, according to my Fitbit, 18000 steps!

Still locked down in Tekapo, and running out of areas to explore! Today we walked along the Tekapo River to Lake George Scott. This is a man-made lake created as a holding pond to divert water from the river into the Tekapo Canal. Tekapo A Power Station is located here also. This is the beginning of the Waitaki Power Scheme. The power station began operations in 1951.

Lockdown over, and it’s time to head home to Hamilton. That was a ski holiday that didn’t go to plan .. never got the skis out of their bag! Three planned nights in Tekapo, one at Ohau Lodge and nine in Wanaka turned into fifteen nights in Tekapo!

A huge thanks to Lisa and the team at The Cairns Alpine Resort. They were very helpful and supportive, and the accommodation was just perfect. We will be back, hopefully next time without Covid disruption.

Taihape, March 2021.

Last year we stopped in Taihape, and played the Rangitira golf course. This time we decided to do the same, but this time play the Taihape golf course. Our accommodation once again was at Llanerchymedd, a B&B on the hill above Taihape. Spacious and comfortable, with excellent hosts.

The golf course runs sheep, but was in good condition, with some challenging holes, including the long drop par 3 12th. An enjoyable outing, well worth the stopover.

After almost four weeks away, and many thousands of kilometres driven, it was time to head home to Hamilton. A marvellous trip .. not a bad country is New Zealand!

Martinborough, March 2021.

After a smooth sailing across the Strait, we had one night in Wellington before crossing the Remutaka Hill to the Wairarapa.

We stayed at the Copthorne at Oriental Bay .. an old favourite .. and had dinner that night with Pharmacy friends Noel and Di Waterson. We dined at Fratelli’s in Blair Street. Excellent food and company.

This was to be our third visit to Martinborough in as many years, and staying once again at Pinot Villas. This is very comfortable and centrally located. Golf was on the agenda, as was wine tasting, dinner at Union Square bistro and catching up with relations in Masterton.

Dinner that night was at the Union Square Bistro. Sue had the steak and myself the pasta. Top quality!

The next morning called in to nearby Greytown for a coffee, and a wander around the town. It was time for some exercise again, so we drove to the Mt Holdsworth area, at the base of the Tararuas, and about 15kms from Masterton. There is a camping area, and a number of DOC walks, of varying distances and difficulty. We did the loop walk, which took about an hour.

We then returned to Martinborough for lunch at Poppies. This was the platter with a glass of wine. A popular destination. It was then on to the nearby Luna Winery for tasting and purchasing!

Later in the afternoon, we drove up to Masterton to visit Uncle Rick and Aunt Marion at their home in the Lansdowne Lifestyle Village.

Dinner that evening was at CBK in Perry Street. There were a number of old framed photos on the wall, including one of Rick from his butchering days, circa 1970! It was nice to catch up with the cousins and some of their children, many of whom we hadn’t seen for years.

Time to head home, but not before a stopover in Taihape.

Nelson, Mapua March 2021

After a thoroughly enjoyable time in Golden Bay, it was back over the Takaka Hill and on to Mapua, near Motueka and Nelson.

Our accommodation was at a delightful 2 bedroom cottage near Mapua wharf, we we had in fact stayed previously. It is called Ferntree Cottage, and we would recommend.

Our friends Cameron and Maria Rodgers live in nearby Tasman Village, so we will enjoy catching with them. They have a spacious section with wonderful gardens, and a cottage on the property, which they rent out. Tasman Cottage is an excellent option for this area.

We decided to play the Greenacres Golf Course, which is actually on Best Island, near Rabbit Island. Being a Sunday, it was very busy, so we only completed 12 holes. However, from what we played, very pleasant.

Nelson and surrounds have many Art and Craft galleries and shops, and we bought a very nice Glassart Vase from Flamedaisy. We then visited the Suter Art Gallery, which has on display Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere, Toss Woollaston and Rita Angus works. We also purchased stainless steel Arum Lillies and a Kiwi made from forks and spoons from Forest Fusion at Mapua Wharf.

Dinner that night with Cameron and Maria, and the next morning a drive to Picton, and the ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Golden Bay, Feb 2021.

This was to be our first visit to the Golden Bay Area. We had been many times to Motueka, Mapua and Nelson, but had not ventured over the Takaka Hill.

Talking of the hill, it is steep and windy, and takes quite some time to drive. There are washed out road repairs going on, necessitating a lengthy stop/go system.

However, we soon arrived in Takaka, and had lunch at The Wholemeal Cafe. Very popular and very nice. We then checked in to our accommodation at the Golden Bay Motel. Fine for our needs.

We had the afternoon to explore the local area, and stretch our legs. Nearby attractions are the expansive Pohara Beach, Labyrinth Rocks and the Grove Scenic Reserve. All well worth an explore.

Dinner that evening was intriguing named “Dangerous Kitchen”. Excellent food. Thus far on the tour, not one poor meal or dining experience.

The next day dawned fine and warm, as we had plenty to pack into the day. Collingwood, Farewell Spit, Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach were all to be explored. We decided against an Eco Tour of the spit, and just did a 4km walk, incorporating both sides.

Westport, Feb 2021.

With the rain easing, and time on our side, the Old Pharts decided to visit Shantytown Heritage Village, just south of Greymouth. It tells the story of the West Coast gold rush back in the 1860’s. It is a mock town from those times, with informative displays and hands on activities such as panning for gold. It has a cafe where we dined for lunch. An interesting stopover, but not in the “must do” category!

It was raining upon our arrival in Westport. We went straight to our accommodation at Carter’s by the Sea, at Carter’s Beach. We had stayed there previously. Modern and comfortable. Next door is a cafe/ restaurant Donaldos, where we dined that evening. Very happy.

The next day we continued driving up the West Coast to Karamea. A small settlement close to the Heaphy track. Just beyond, the road finishes. The plan was to explore The Oparapa. However, further research told us it is only accessible by a 15km gravel road, and best done on guided tours. We decided to leave it for next time. We had a coffee at the “Last Resort”, and quick explore of the Main Street, then headed back to Westport. With time on our side, and the weather improving, we played golf at the Westport golf course. By the sea at Carter’s Beach, a typical links course. It was well maintained, with excellent greens.

For dinner that night, we ventured into central Westport, and dined at PortSide Bistro and Bar. Good service, good food and reasonably priced.

After two very pleasant days at Carter’s by the Beach, we were back on the road. Destination .. Takaka and Golden Bay.

Fox Glacier, Feb 2021.

After an overnight stop in Wanaka, it was back in the Mondeo the next morning for the three or so hours drive to Fox Glacier.

About an hour north of Wanaka, on the Makarore river, are the Blue Pools. A short walk from the car park, they are worth checking out.

After lunch at Haast, we continued on to Fox Glacier township at a good rate. The forecast for later that day and the next was for rain, so we had limited time to see the glacier and Lake Matheson.

Unless you take a helicopter ride, it is difficult to get a close view of the glacier. We took the south track, which gave a reasonable view.

Lake Matheson is worth a visit, especially on a fine day. The walk around the lake takes about a hour, and provides excellent views of Mt Tasman and Mt Cook. If you are lucky enough to strike a calm, sunny day, the mountains reflect off the lake.

Our accommodation for the night was at the Fox Glacier Lodge, and for dinner we popped around the corner to The Last Kitchen. Excellent food and service. The lamb fillet special for me, and the Chicken and Cashew stir fry for Sue.

During the night we were woken several times with torrential downpours of rain, and it was raining steadily as we departed for Westport.

Stewart Island (Rakiura), Feb 2021.

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.

Invercargill Golf Club Feb 2021.

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.

Te Anau and Doubtful Sound, Feb 2021.

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.