A walk along Cook Flat Road

We saw in post cards of Lake Matheson were very beautiful. It is located off Cook Flat Road which we thought it was quite near by. We set off at around 4pm.

As we walk, we had taken some photos long the road. Also self took photos by placing our mini tripod on one side of the road and running across the other side to take photos.

We enjoyed the countryside scenery with mountains, grass, sheeps and cattle around us. It was a relaxing feeling.

After walking for about 1.5 hours we could finally see a sign post directing right to Lake Matheson which was 400m away.

Looking at the sky which will be turning dark soon and feeling very tired from the morning's Fox Trot and this long walk. We changed to minds and turned back. Although we felt disappointed, we were really too tired to walk.

Fox Trot

Fox Trot is a half trekking at Fox Glacier operated by Fox Glacier Guiding. Equipment such as fleece jacket, backpacks, raincoat, over pants, boots, crampon and sticks were provided.

It was raining in the morning when we were on this trekking trip. Our guide was Richard. He introduced to us the glaciers and how they were moved over years.

Before we were able to reach the ice, we had to walk up a track though a temperate rainforest. As we walk through, we passed a waterfall which the water can be drunk and beautiful scenery of the glaciers. It was a not an easy walk up. I was already very tired at only a third of the journey up. Many trekkers also took off their layers of warm clothing as we walked up.

We had to put on our crampons before we were able to step on the ice. As the ice was very slippery, our boots won’t be able to give us sufficient grip when we walk. The crampons would stab into ice when we walked on the ice. Walking sticks were provided to help us to trek on the ice. It also got colder at the glacier, so warm clothing has to be put on again.

I enjoy being on the glaciers, its beautiful and cold but I like it.

From Greymouth to Fox Glacier

We reach Greymouth about 1.15pm and had to transfer a coach which will bring us to our final destination, Fox Glacier.
Greymouth is a small town at the West Coast of south island. The weather was very gloomy, with grey skies, rain and wind. It was really cold but was a typical weather for a place in West Coast area which is rainy most of the time. Greymouth really look like a grey place to me.

As we travel along the West Coast, we could see the Tasman Sea next to it. The bus had stopped over at another town called Hokitika where we went to the supermarket to buy some food for our stay at fox glacier. We did not have our lunch yet and did not have enough time after our shopping. So we only make do with our big cookie for lunch.

The coach had a stop before our stop which was Fran Josef. It was a more populated and lively village as compared Fox glacier which was much peaceful and less populated. The driver was very helpful to drop us near our accommodation, Fox Glacier Holiday Park.

The Tranzalpine Train

We woke up early the next day to catch our shuttle bus to the train station. We would be taking this train heading ending at Greymouth.

The train passed through the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and rainforest in Westland area.

It whole journey was very scenic and there were occasional stops and slow down of the train to let the passenger to take some beautiful photos. However it was very hard to take pictures through glass windows, even though I tried to position my camera as close as possible to the glass. We did not go to open air carriages where we can the pictures without the glass. William was still unwell and was sleeping throughout the journey and I did not want to leave him alone.

There was a café in one of the carriage and we could buy food if we want to. There were no toilets in the train and we can only visit the toilet when they stop at certain stations.

Touring Christchurch City with the Tram

As we bought a 3 in 1 combo (cost NZD50, consisting of punting, tram ride and Gondola ride), we went for the tram ride next. The tram pass is

valid for 2 consecutive days and can hop on and drop off any time. We could only use for a day because we would leave Christchurch for Fox Glacier the next day

The tram is connected by the cable and a track which travels around the heart of Christchurch City.

We had taken a few loops. Passing landmarks and places like Arts Centre, Cathedral Square, Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Victoria Square, Avon River etc…..

I enjoyed the ride very much with very friendly, informative and commentary from the tram the tram drivers plus a very beautiful evening.

However, poor William had fallen asleep every now and then because he was feeling a little unwell and having a cold. Maybe this was due to lack of sleep on the plane and the difference in weather. The weather was much cooler in Christchurch (max: 22°C) even though it was summer. He was not used to the weather.

Along the way at one of the stop, a wedding couple came up onto the tram and took some photos. Its very romantic…..

A walk in Botanical gardens and Canterbury museum visit.

After enjoying the boat ride, we went for a walk in botanical gardens. The local had told us the Christchurch is a garden city and they have many parks. Indeed, the park is very beautiful, and a stroll was very enjoyable with such a cool and peaceful environment.

This is Curator's House

We visited the Canterbury museum which was next to Botanical Gardens. It features the history of New Zealand and Christchurch. We did not take any photos there.

Punting in the Park along Avon River

The first activity we had done was punting in the park. This was something which I wanted to do very much because I think this is very romantic and honeymoon couple should do it.

Our punting route was in Avon River (which goes through Christchurch city) in between Hagley Park and Botanical Gardens.

Our punter was Vincent (below) and he made interesting commentary as he punt and enterained us with his spanish songs.

We also get a chance to punt too! William gets to try it 1st.

Den I joined in. I had be asked by Vincent to sing a local song from Singapore. I thought for very long sang a malay song Burung Kaka Tua.

Making our bookings at i site

Although, we had prebooked our accomodation and some of popular activities online. We still had other stuff which we want to do.

New Zealand is a very tourist friendly place and they have visitor information centre called I-Site in almost every town! it is a 1 stop location to make your enquires, bookings and picking up brochures.

At Christchurch Airport

After about 10h for travelling, we arrived at Christchurch International Airport. New Zealand's time is faster than Singapore by 5 hours.

A customs doggie which was leashed by an officer came around stiff our belonging as we wait for our luggage at the conveyer belt.

New Zealand customs delarations is very strict especially on the biosecurity part such as no fresh food, outside soil are to be brought into the country. After making the declarations, we passed the customs smoothly.

Here I was at the arrival meeting point of the airport.

This was outside the airport.

A sign board on locations of transportation.

We had taken the airport shuttle! It is very convenient and stops right at our accomodation doorstep. However, we have to wait for enough people to get onto the bus before moving off.

Inside Terminal 3

We checked in quite early, plus an hour delay, we had a lot of time in Changi Airport. This is the first time that we are inside the departure hall of terminal 3.

Here are some of the facilites they had:

Handphone charging station

A special toilet for ladies

A lovely butterfly garden.

There also many shops in the departure hall. We were kept very busy, even though we had a very long wait to board our plane.

Shops inside T3

Our board gate is A4, Flight SQ 297 to Christchurch

Our journey begins! An overview.

Giving a brief introduction on the events happened in our New Zealand honeymoon trip.

These were places which we had covered at South island of New Zealand.

Christchurch
Canterbury Plains
Greymouth
Fox Glacier
Journey between Fox Glacier and Queenstown
Queenstown
Milford Sound
Lake Tekapo
Hanmer Springs



Commuting around South Island

We based at a town (starting with Christchurch) for few days, did some activities and proceed on to other town (ending at Christchurch). We did not do any self driving but had taken their coaches (Intercity) and train (Tranzalpine) to commute. The transportation can be pre-booked in internet.

The friendly bus drivers of intercity coaches would make commentary along the way (like a tour guide) and would have stops along the way for toilet, lunch or photo taking.

Tranzalpine is a popular scenic train journey of Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps plying between Christchurch and Greymouth.

This was how we went:

Christchurch → Fox Glacier → Queenstown → Christchurch

Flying to Christchurch

There were not many airlines going to Christchurch direct, however we took a direct flight from Singapore to Christchurch operated by Singapore Airlines.


Transport (To and fro Airport)

From Christchurch airport, there were a few modes of transport to get to the city (about 20 min from the airport). They were public bus, private airport shuttle bus, taxi and car rental. We had taken a shuttle bus costing us about NZD25 and they will take us to our accommodation doorstep. We find this is a good option for those who do not drive. The shuttle can also be arranged from our accommodation when going back.

Accommodation

We had the opportunity to stay in different kinds of accommodations (hostels, holiday park, motel and hotel)

Hostel have bunk bed with shared facilities like bathroom, kitchen, laundry, etc. There is also private room with ensuite bathrooms.
Holiday Park has similar accommodation facilities as hostel, with campervan grounds.
Motel is like a private apartment with ensuite bathroom, kitchen and bathroom facilities.

These were the places which we stay.

Hotel IBIS – Christchurch
Fox Glacier Holiday Park – Fox Glacier
The Lofts (Motel) – Queenstown
YMCA (Hostel) – Christchurch

Activities

Apart from going from places to places; exploring the towns and cities, we also did some activities and day tours.

Fox Trot at Fox Glacier: A half day trek at the glaciers passing through a temperate rainforest.
Milford Sound Cruise: Scenic coach jouney on the way to Milford sound. Midday scenic cruise at the fiord.
White water rafting at Shotover River: An exciting ride up along Skipper’s Canyon to our start point. A grade 3 to 5 river, rafting through the rapids with a 170m Oxen tunnel at the end of the course.
Quad bikes: Ride the 400CC ATV farm bikes up the Queenstown Hill which great scenic views of The Remarkables.
Sheep farm tour: Located near Woodend outside of Christchurch. Watch sheepdog chase sheep and sheep shearing demo.
Horse riding: 1 hour of horse riding along the banks of Waimakariri River and the river itself.
Hanmer Springs Day trip: A relaxing place surrounded by mountains consisting of BBQ lunch by the host, interesting commentary along the journey and entry to outdoor thermal pools.

Going down under.

Finally! Its coming! We are going for our honeymoon after many months of planning. I had named our trip as Fun, Exciting, Romantic and Scenic New Zealand Honeymoon!

Its a free and easy trip covering the south island only. Did quite lot of research from travel book like Lonely Planet and Rough Guides. Some of my colleagues also went before and I had consult them for advise. We bought our air tickets last april, also slowly got our acomomadation, transport and some of the activites booked. We had more or less know what we want to do and will go over to book other local tours and activities.

I had just completed our internet check in. Now busy packing our stuff. Can't wait to start our holiday!