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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.

One of our favourite New Zealand road trips is Christchurch to Tekapo via Rakaia Gorge and Geraldine. A bonus this time was a coffee and muffin stop at the Staveley cafe, located near the Mt Somers turnoff. Well worth a visit.

We had two nights booked in Tekapo, and a place we hadn’t stayed before, the Tekapo B2 Lakeview Apartment. Turned out to be a delightful one bedroom elevated cabin, with mountain and lake views. After completing the Cowans Hill walk and explore around the lakefront, we were ready for dinner. We found a Japanese restaurant which was very nice. For our next and final night we booked McKenzies. Always top quality and also a celebration of someone’s birthday .. Sue (55!).

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So far we had been blessed with fine weather, and the next day was another “cracker”. We headed up to Tekapo’s nearest ski field, Round Hill.
A perfect “Bluebird” day, no crowds and reasonable snow conditions. Not enough snow however for the legendary Heritage rope tow. This is a long, vertical run which is probably beyond us! Round hill has T- bar lifts, so after many runs the intrepid couple were worn out.

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After a pleasant birthday dinner at McKenzies, it was time to depart Tekapo for the Ohau Lodge and ski field at Lake Ohau. This was a first time visit for the Old Pharts, and they were really looking forward to it.

Another Bluebird day awaited us at the ski field, after a bone jarring drive up the access road. As a bonus, a fellow Hamiltonian, Jim Fitchett was to be there for the day. Nice to ski a few runs with the silly Old Bugger!

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After an excellent 3 course set menu dinner at the Lodge, a comfortable nights sleep and hearty breakfast, it was time to continue to Wanaka.

However, there was a stop we wished to make on the way. This was to visit the Clay Cliffs, near Omarama. It is a twenty minute drive from the main highway, and well worth a visit.

Having spent the previous six months stuck in Hamilton due to the viral pandemic, it was with great excitement as we boarded our flight to Christchurch.

Almost over our disappointment of the cancellation of overseas travel to the UK and Europe, we were looking forward to seeing Scott and Eva, then travelling south to the ski fields of Tekapo, Ohau and Wanaka.

Our accommodation was Rydges Latimer Hotel, very conveniently located in the central city. When in Christchurch, we always visit the iconic Ballantynes department store, plus the boutique “Tannery” in Woolston. Purchases were made!

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Saturday morning we visited the Lyttelton food and craft markets, then lunch in Sumner and a walk along the Beach. Dinner the previous evening was at Formaggios, an Italian restaurant in Beckenham. Saturday dinner was at MoriMori Japanese restaurant in Sydenham. Both were excellent.

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After a hearty breakfast at our favourite C1 Espresso in High Street, we jumped in our hired Subaru Forester, and made tracks for Tekapo.

The Kinloch Club is a privately owned, Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. It is at the small settlement of Kinloch, on the western side of Lake Taupo.

With the absence of overseas golfing visitors, the club was offering discounted fees for New Zealand residents. My friend Graeme Olorenshaw (Olly) and myself saw this as an opportunity too good to miss.

The weather forecast was good, so Olly and I made the two hour journey to the course. We allowed ourselves plenty of time for a coffee, scone, then some warm up hits, before tackling the course.

There are four tee options, with Olly and I choosing the Blue (second to back). My 12.1 index was a 15 on course handicap, Olly’s 15.0 a 19.

The course is very much a links layout, heavily bunkered, sloping and undulating fairways, with quick and multi-layered greens. Fortunately the breeze was only light. This was going to be a tough test of golf for the lads!

A tough test it was! The rough thick and unforgiving, with some holes protected by around 20 bunkers. The threat of a hole blow out and big numbers was constant.

The lads had a match amongst themselves, with Blair prevailing 2 and 1. The final hole was a par 5, with a lake protecting the left hand side. The duo finished solidly, with a par for Blair, and Olly a bogey. Blair finished with 90, Olly 99.

After a refreshing beer in the lounge afterwards, the golfing pair headed back to Hamilton, and reflected on a most enjoyable day.

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