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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Some New Zealand useful links

After introducing so much about our New Zealand trip, I think it will be useful that I put down some links for everyone's reference.

Transport:
Singapore Airlines - www.singaporeair.com
Intercity Coachlines - www.intercity.co.nz
Transalpine train - www.tranzscenic.co.nz

New Zealand Information:
New Zealand Official site: www.newzealand.com
Christchurch I-site - www.christchurchinformation.co.nz

Accomodation:
Hotel Ibis Christchurch - www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-5983-ibis-christchurch/index.shtml
Fox Glacier Holiday Park - www.fghp.co.nz
The Lofts (Queenstown) - www.zqn.co.nz/breakfree_thelofts
YMCA Christchurch - www.ymcachch.org.nz/accommodation/

Activity Operators:
Fox Glacier Guiding - www.foxguides.co.nz
Mitre Peak Cruises - www.mitrepeak.com
Queenstown Rafting - www.queenstownrafting.co.nz
Nomad Safaris - www.nomadsafaris.co.nz
Adventure Canterbury - >www.adventurecanterbury.com
Kowhai Tours - www.kowhaitours.com

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Leaving New Zealand

Its the last day of our honeymoon! Felt very sad to leave this beautiful country. How we wish that we could stay longer! We will miss this place! (I'm missing it now.......)

It was a fruitful trip and brought back many experiences we never had before. Maybe we will return again someday.

Below are some pictures of Christchurch International airport.




Inside departure lounge

Out gate to Singapore

SQ298

The customs officer and customs dog


Last few pictures of NZ from the plane.


Tasman Sea, West Coast of NZ


My sheep which make "baa.... baa..." arrivesat my home!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Hanmer Springs

This was our 2nd last day of our New Zealand trip and we shall spend our day at Hanmer Springs!

We had booked our day trip to Hanmer Spring organised by Kowhai tours. Our lovely lady guide, Valmai picked us up at our accommodation.

During our journey to and fro, we past many towns like Amberly, Waipara, massive vineyards, Weka Pass, Hurunui and Culverden.

Finally, after about 1.5 to 2 hours of travelling, we arrived at the entrance of Hanmer Spring Village.




We had some free time to do our own exploration of this beautiful, peaceful and uncrowded Hanmer Springs Village. This village was surrounded by mountains and forest.



They have this interesting double bicycle called the Cruiser. We rode for 30min around the village and managed to cover more places.

Then its time for our bbq pinic lunch! This lunch was specially made (and home made) by Valmai. The food was good and William likes the carrot salad especially! We had lunch together with our tour mates from Ireland and also ducks around our feet.

After lunch, we headed for outdoor hotsprings - Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa


The coolest pool

The hot sulphur pools (Reminds me of my work)

Monday, February 16, 2009

Horse Riding

After the farm visit, we went for horse riding. As we were first time riders, we were taught how to ride a horse. After that, we rode the horse for about an hour, follwing a path and walking along Waimakariri river.

I fell in love with horse riding!



The border collie loves William in particular!





Farm Visit

After our Cathedral visit, we met up with David of Canterbury Adventure who brought us for our sheep farm visit and horse riding.

This sheep farm was located around Woodend (off Christchurch City). We were greeted by their friendly sheepdog. The farmer then drove us to the field and the sheepdog demostrated his sheep herding ability. The sheeps were very timid and fearful of people! They will runaway whenever we go near them Following on, we went back to the shed and the farmer demostrated wool shearing. We even had a chance to give the sheep a wool cut!

At the end of the visit, we were served with farmer's wife's home made sandwiches and cookies!

Christchurch Cathedral

Christchurch Cathedral is the most prominent building at Cathedral Square. This Anglican church was opened in 1881 and is 60m long and 30m high..




It is able to house 1000 people.

The high altar

Organ Pipes

The Rose Window and Mosaic Panels (represents Christ's 6 classic acts of mercy)


The pillars along the Cathedral



The York Glass

Entrance to tower climb

The tower staircase

The steps (Have sunken after so many years)


Achievement poster at the top of the tower
Tired William

Views from the top (Cathedral roof)


Christchurch and beyond

Cathedral Square