Leaving Party

Getting close now...

Departure date is really starting to get close, only three weeks of work to go and three and a half weeks until our flight on the 7th of May.

Our visa applications are with the British High Commission and we hope they will be back in the next couple of weeks.

We are selling up most of our things before we leave which has been interesting, with Trademe again proving to be rather amusing. The last two sales have been memorable - the first was the bed, which was collected by a couple of South Africans who managed to fit the whole thing into a Civic Hatchback despite the large size of the headboard, even worse they had to take it the whole way to Waiuku! Next up was a set of bedroom drawers, a mother and her two daughters came to collect but had forgotten to check if they would fit into the car! Needless to say they had to sit in the driveway for half an hour while they called Daddy to come around with a bigger car...

Last night we had a leaving party at the flat for our friends. It was always going to be interesting with an open home today at midday, although we seem to have come through unscathed.

It was a different crowd with the usual suspects joined with some of the crew from Kim's work.

It was good to catch up with those who have now moved on from the bright lights of Auckland to the greener pastures of the Waikato and our friendly civil servant from Wellington, cheers guys!

Some of the guests I know are feeling worse for wear, particularly one who enjoyed sleeping on the floor after a few calls on the big white telephone.

There were the usual pranks pulled and at one stage I was very concerned for the wellbeing of our trusty Corolla.

As usual Martin got fixated on something later in the evening, only this time it wasn't pixie juice but rather beef & garlic sausages followed by a series of slurred text messages as his potent garlic breath distracted the dial a driver. Captain Porteous was looking stunning in purple.

It was inevitable that the airbed we are using would be deflated. The only question was who would be the one to pull the plug, and this time it seems Stretch may have been responsible. I'll no doubt run into him in the UK and I will get revenge.

Hopefully we can catch up with a few of you again before we leave so until next time take care,

Cheers

Dave & Kim

South Island Trip - Fi & Calebs Wedding

Last week we went on a trip around the South Island. Originally we were going for Fi & Caleb's wedding in Queenstown and the weekend before I was to ride the Le Race (100k from Christchurch to Akaroa).

It turned out that Le Race became Le Races as a lack of training had us take up Nick and Laura's offer of a night at the races at Addington - a big thanks to Ron (Laura's Dad) for the tickets.

We spent three days in Christchurch where we caught up with Nick & Laura, Chris (thanks for the cheap shoes dude), Nan and the Kings (Daves Family), we also managed to find a few things for the big trip to South America we had been struggling to find in Auckland, the end of year sales certainly appealed to the accountant in me!

On Sunday we picked up a rental car and started the trip south:

Sunday – after finally getting on the road we headed for Tekapo via Methven and the Rakaia George. We made a few stops but unfortunately had to miss the Brown & Blue Pubs this time... Once in Tekapo we checked out the church of the good shepard and took a few photos before setting up camp for the night. A fairly strong wind blowing down in the lake into the campground made for a cold night...

Monday – we woke early and got on the road to out next campsite at Glentanner on the road to Mt Cook. On the way we stopped at Lake Pukaki hoping to see Mt Cook but unfortunately the clouds weren't playing ball and we were left staring at blue lake and clouds, which was spectacular none the less (see picture). Next we took a detour to Twizel and managed to see a bit of the Maadi Cup at Lake Ruataniwha which was certainly impressive. Next stop was Glentanner to setup the tent before continuing on to Mt Cook Village where we checked out the Hermitage, The tasman glacier and a few other sights before the sun went down.

Tuesday – again we woke early and set off to our next destination Wanaka. Once there we found our campsite and setup before heading to Puzzleworld where we took on the maze and checked out the illusion rooms. Next stop was the local Speights Ale House where we had a drink or two while checking out an amazing sunset before retiring to camp.

Wednesday – we had a few sights to see so we made an early start. We planned to take in the Crown Range Road and Arrowtown before moving on to Glenorchy (at the top of Lake Wakatipu).
In Queenstown we checked out the Gondola and Luge. The day was nearing and end so we looked to cancel the Glenorchy campsite and find a place in Queenstown, fortunately the cost to cancel was more than the cost to stay at the campsite so we decided to carry on.
This 40 minute drive undoubtedly now ranks as my favorite NZ drive, and the lowering light along with flat calm lake made for some impressive photos. That night we went to the local pub which was very rustic and felt like taking a step back in time.

Thursday – Thursday was a very early start as we had to meet some of the wedding party in Queenstown and head to Milford Sound for an overnight cruise. After the trip to Gelnorchy the day prior we were not expecting to be that impressed, but how wrong we were, the drive (especially between Te Anau and Milford) was nothing short of spectacular.

The Cruise – overnight on the Milford Wanderer (www.realjourneys.co.nz) was excellent and is well recommended. We were privileged to get a nice day on the first night while some of us ventured around in kayaks before rain set in overnight which saw waterfalls seemingly coming out of everywhere you looked.

Friday – we made the return trip to Queenstown for the wedding, most notably we managed to devour on of the infamous Fergburgers for dinner that evening.

Saturday – was basically a day to check out the Queenstown, prepare for the wedding and to attend the respective Hens Party / Stag Do before the wedding on Sunday.

Sunday – Kim was off doing bridesmaid duties so for me it was just a chance to relax and take in some of the sights of Queenstown before heading to the wedding venue at Stoneridge overlooking Lake Hayes later in the day. The weather held off for a spectacular wedding and we certainly all had some fun at the reception.

Monday spelled the end of the adventures although not until our flight had been cancelled which ment a fair bit of waiting around, a small place to a pay for such a great adventure, once we get back from our OE we will be back to see more of this magic land...

Until next time,

Dave & Kim