Sorry for the delay in posts! We have had the blogs ready but have had some trouble finding an internet connection faster than a dial-up (who knew they still had those in places??). Anyway, here is Eric's take on our long drive from Auckland to Wanaka:
After 19 hours of driving, and several near death experiences over 2 days, I have finally gotten the knack of driving on the left side of the road. Our trip started as Kaye and I left our posh Auckland suite for the confines of a rental car and set off on our trip to the south island. We drove through the rolling green mountain switchbacks at reckless speeds (note the locals drive like maniacs here) of the north island in the middle of unending rainstorms. The incredible views and scenery more than made up for the feeling that we were going to fly off of a cliff at every turn.
Side note I’ve never ever seen so many sheep.
After 9 hours of driving we arrived in the picturesque city of Wellington to take the north to south island ferry. The ferry ride was made ok by way of incredible beauty and the wine bar stationed at the top of the ferry. Here's a view of the north island as we were leaving, and another of our arrival at the south island.
Sunset at Picton (north side of the south island)
The next morning our travels took us through the east coast beaches north of Christchurch. The sand was black and the water was cold, but we saw some surfers and sea lions enjoying the waves.
On the way to Wanaka we encountered Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Its hard to tell from the pictures but the water beneath the mountains here is as clear as in the Carribean Sea.
On to Wanaka for New Years and a few days out of the car!
So much fun to see the pictures so quickly. Makes us feel like we are almost there with you.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun to see the pictures so quickly. Makes it feel like we are almost there with you. Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteDriving on the left is alot of fun, you can check with Gary.