At the Botanical Garden, Christchurch.

18 November, 2009.

Abel Tasman National Park

Tuesday, 17 November, 2009. The park is located at the north west tip to the South Island. We stayed at a batch close to Mapua (at Corru Gates, Seaton Velly Road), a small town close to Abel Tasman National Park.


View to album at Picasa.

My NLP Course 2009

My NLP Course 2009

My NLP Course 2009

My NLP Course 2009

At the Taranaki Falls, Whakapapa Village

5 November, 2009. Tongariro National Park.

From At New Zealand

Going Back today

I'm going back today. I'm taking the 10.00 am New Zealand Air to Auckland and then MAS MH130 at 14:15 and schedule to arrive at KLIA at 8.00 pm. Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.

Eidul Adha at Wellington, New Zealand

The Muslim celebrated the Eidul Adha here in New Zealand on Saturday, 28 November 2009. We went to the Wellington Masjid at for the Eid Prayer. The prayer started at 8.30am sharp. The whole gathering end at 9 am. I still have to go to the NLP class (lambat sikit la).

You can browse more photos in our the Eid @ Wellington 2009 album. (@Picasa by Google).

Owhiro Bay, Wellington

Today, after sending my wife to her workshop, I went to Owhiro Bay taking the bus no. 29 to Happy Valley and Island Bay. The was very nice.  The sky was clear and the wind was not strong.  Owhiro Bay would probably be the westerly bay accessible by public transport.

Arrived at Owhiro Bay at about 10.15 am.  After taking photos, I walk by the coastal road toward Island Bay.  It took me more than 30 minutes.  There was no bus.


Or you want to view them from my Picasa Album - click below:

Wellington (Owhiro Bay)

Prayer Time at Wellington Today

Wellington:
Fajr 4:06 Sunrise 5:48
Zuhr 1:07
Asr 5:05
Maghrib 8:27
Isha 10:01

Today: To Christchurch from Mapua

Now it's morning, November 18, 2009.  We are at Corru Gates Acommodation in Mapua. We will continue our journey to Christchurch at 9.00 pm this morning taking the Pacific coast road.  Initially we plan to go through Author's Pass but considering the distance & time (7 hrs ++), we decided to take the Pacific coastal route.  Anyway we have not seen the Pacific yet.  

Thursday, Nov 19, 2009. We arrived safely at Christchurch around 7.30 pm. But only at 8.15 we found the motel.

Wellington's Sunday Market at Vivian & Victoria,

Every Sunday morning there is a Sunday market (Pasar Tani) at Vivian St & Victoria St parking lot. It is only 5 minutes walk from our hotel.  Many varieties of vegetable sold here. Good price. You can even find fresh serai & daun limau purut (for tomyam).


View Larger Map

Click to view more photos in my Picasa album.

Wellington's Sunday Market

Dinner at Br Haniff's Residance

(Evening, Sunday, 15 November)Br Haniff invited us to his house for dinner. He is probably the oldest Muslim brother in Wellington. Retired, he has been in Wellington for more than 30 years. We prayed Magrib together at his house.

Br Haniff & me.

(From left) My wife, Johanna (Br Haniff wife), Rihanna (hia daughter) and him.

My new FB album: At Tongariro National Park (Day 3)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43027&id=1406596678&ref=mf

Wellington, Friday, 13 November, 2009

The weather today was very beautiful, sunny with wind not very strong.  As usual we took the 9.14 am bus to Brooklyn Village.  Coming back, I walked down taking the Wellington Central Park Walking track.  It was very good.  The park & it's tracks were very well taken care.  

Salam from Wellington

Wellington, Thursday, 12 November, 2009.  Alhamdulillah, praise be to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for all His  ni'mah that He has bestowed upon us. We are sorry that we have not been updating our blog after the Day 1 (3rd of November).  It has been very busy and we had not enough time for Internet & sleep. Internet here is expensive.  In Whitianga we have to pay NZD10 for an hour for the Wifi. At Taupo, NZD10 a day (or night actually).  But we spent most of the time skyping with the children at home.
We are now in Wellington.  We arrived here as planned on the Friday, 6th of November, but quite late in the afternoon.  We are staying at the Capital View Motor Inn, in a double bed studio with kitchen. We don't have the harbor view, but the hill view.  It a pleasant place and we are very happy with it.  It is close to the bus stop, to major Wellington streets where the buses stop, but not too buzy into the city.  An oriental shop where you can find durian (frozen) and lemon grass (also frozen) just two blocks away, on Hoppers St.  So, by today, it is the sixth day in Wellington (counting Friday the 6th).
I'll write our experiences as we traveled from Auckland to Wellington in the following blogs.  Today, I went to the Wellington Islamic Centre at Kilbirnie by bus.  I met Br Sultan Yusuff, and Br Hanafi.  Br Sultan is the current CEO of FIANZ and Br Hanafi is a Kiwi veteran, retired Fijian descent. Very happy to meet them.  I'll get their pictures.

Day 1: Tuesday, 3rd November 2009 (Arrival)

Arrived safely at Auckland International Airport as schedule.  It took about 45 min to clear the immigration & customs. Then collect the rental car (Ace) and we are off to the Coromandel Peninsular.  We did not go to Coromandel Town 'cause short of time.  After passing Thames, we took a "short cut" from Tapu to Corogien.  It was a beautiful pass but a little "rough".  It like our Frazer's Hill Rd with gravel road.  If not because of that man saying that "This is the way" we would have turn back.
We arrived at Whitianga at about 7.30 pm.  Magrib is at 8.04.  It already late for us to do anything tonite.  Tomorrow we would look around Whitianga and continue our journey to Rotorua & Taupo.  We will upload some pictures maybe tomorrow. Wassalam.              

One day to departure

Checking for last minutes needs.  Went to look for UV Protection lotion last nite.  We are surprised at the price.  120ml tube cast about RM23-35. You need the UV protection cream at New Zealand.  One can get 1 degree burn if you don't apply it while tramping at their highlands.  We are going to Tongariro Crossing on the 5th November (Day 3).  It will be a whole day (6-7 hrs) walk under the NZ sky that have little ozone left.  We better get that UV protection.  We don't want to catch skin cancer while having the good time there.

3 days to departure

My wife got her advance yesterday.  Quite a relief.  But the problem is that the bank is close on Saturday & Sunday.  So, we have to get the  money through the ATM.  RM4.5K at a time. So, did that last nite and bank it into our credit cards.

I also got my Nikon D90 Kit with 18-105mm VR lens.  I have 2 day to learn how to use it though.  It has been a while (a very long while) since I last used a SLR (20 years?), without the D.

Our new footwear

These are our new footwears for this trip.  This is mine. Scorpion Outdoors RM120 only (leather).

And below are her's, (2 pairs!, price?)

We need good shoes 'cause we'll be doing a lot of walking (tramping) there. The great one would be crossing the Great Tongariro Crossing.

New Zealand Weather Map and Forecast

Check the New Zealand weather map for current temperatures and to view a 4 day weather forecast in all main centres.

Update on the weather (North Island)

This is the predicted North Island temperature on the 2nd November, a day before our arrival.  (Source: Snow-forcast.com).

Day 1: Tuesday, 3rd November 2009 (Arrival)

We are scheduled to arrive at Auckland International Airport at 12.50 pm. I estimate that we might need about 40 minutes to clear our customs & immigrations, that would be all by 1.30 pm we will be out at the arrival lounge.  I have arranged a car to be pick-up at the airport at 1.30 pm, from ACE Rental Cars.  Their Auckland office is at 39, The Strand, Parnnell, Auckland, phone: +6493033112.  We are renting for 4 days, till 7th November 2009 (12.00 noon).  At NZD 40.80 /day the total cost would be NZD165.20 + airport surcharge for NZD2 only.

Auckland Airport map (International Arrivals) 
Airport information (International arrivals) 

Below is our driving map on the 1st day.  Fron Auckland Airport, heading Thames, passing through Takinini, Drury, Bombay, Harrisville & Miranda Hotspring (via old SH2 road).

View Larger Map

Update - 9 days to departure

Mostly done. Packed all the food stuff in one bag (first draft), 20kg almost.  My wife got her flight itinerary.  She's flying business class, wow. Going back, her flight will be going to Sydney by Qantas before taking Mas to KLIA. She'll be leaving Wellington on the morning (0930), 30 November and schedule to arrive at KLIA in the evening (2050) the same day.

Author's Pass National Park, South Island

Arthur's Pass National Park

(On the way to Christchurch, 18 November 2009) This park straddles the central Southern Alps, capturing a spectacular alpine environment that is much loved by mountaineers. The village of Arthur's Pass provides a convenient base for alpine walkers and climbers. The mountains and valleys of the park were heavily glaciated during the ice ages. Around ten small glaciers remain in the headwaters of the Waimakariri River.
Other ice age features include tarns, cirques and hanging valleys.

Things to do:

• Walk one of the tracks that begin near Arthur's Pass village. You will walk through forests to waterfalls, alpine gardens and mountain tops.
• Several short walks begin at the summit of the pass, including the acclaimed Dobson Walk.
• Follow the historic trail around Arthur's Pass village.
• Try an overnight hike, using Department of Conservation hut accommodation.
• Climb a mountain, if you are an experienced climber.

From AA Travel NZ

About Abel Tasman National Park

(Tuesday, 17 November, 2009, wholeday)
Predominately a coastal park, the Abel Tasman is admired for its golden sandy beaches, fascinating rocky outcrops and beautiful, unmodified estuaries. At all times of the year people come to walk the Coastal Track, which wanders through the forest and along the edge of the sea. The park includes the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, where fur seals like to doze on the rocks.

Things to do:

• Walk the Coastal Track, which takes three days, staying at Department of Conservation campsites.
• Catch a water taxi into the park for a one-day walk.
• Explore the park's coast by sea kayak - independently or with a guided group.
• Hike the Inland Track through the hilly centre of the park.
• Snorkel around the rocky edges of the beaches.

(From: AA Travel NZ @National Parks)

More Around Wellington

Check these sites for activities around Wellington:
1) Wellington I-SITE Visitor Centre, Civic Square, Cnr Victoria & Wakefield Sts, Wellington.
2) Breaker Bay, Wellington.

View Larger Map

Huka Falls, Taupo (Day 2)

About 5 mins (3 km) away before arriving Taupo (coming from Rotorua) is Huka Falls. "The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Just before the Huka Falls it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The effect is nature's large-scale equivalent of a fire hose feeding into a very fine nozzle." (From 100% NZ)
(Click for Google map)

Another possible site to visit: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua

R

http://www.waiotapu.co.nz/

This place is located about 27 km (20 min) south of Rotoru, on the way to Taupo (on SH5) and 40 minutes to Taupo. Probably this would be the last place in Rotorua we can visit.


Thermal area

Lady Knox Geyser

Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road (click for Google map)
RD 3, Rotorua 3073
New Zealand
Tel: (07) 366 6333
38°21′21″ 176°22′03″

Whakarewarewa "The Thermal Village" at Rotorua

Whakarewarewa - The Thermal Village is located in the beautiful city of Rotorua, which will be one of our destination when we reach Rotorua (Day 2, Wednesday 4th November 2009).



View Larger Map
We need to arrive at Whakarewarewa before 11.15 am for the cultural performance. If we cannot make it by the time, there will be a 2nd show at 2.00 pm. The show is included in the entrance fee. Click here for more info on Whakarewarewa.
A video of the Potu Geyser at Whakarewarewa (By : eamorley's Blog at TravelPod.com)

(28 sec).

On Maori Culture & Heritage (links)

1) Te Puni Kokiri - Realizing Maori Potential

Proposed Visits at Christchurch: 18-20 November 2009 (Formal & Educational)

1) Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC): 2nd Floor (Securities House), 221 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. "We provide a FREE mental health Library for everyone in Christchurch & the South Island of New Zealand.
We can put you in touch with Support Groups."

2) Harakeke Child and Family Centre: Psychology and Therapy Services: 118 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, Canterbury Tel: 03 3668575 (http://www.harakekecentre.co.nz).
The Harakeke Child and Family Centre provides psychology, therapy, and counselling services to children and families, who may be experiencing a range of difficulties. The centre is run by a Registered Psychologist and an Interim Registered Psychotherapist, who have many years of experience working with children and families. The Centre is based in a welcoming central Christchurch location with ample parking and disabled access.

3) Petersgate Counselling Centre: 29 Yaldhurst Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch.

Petersgate Trust provides affordable professional counselling to the community. We respect and look after the needs of everyone, regardless of creed, culture or socio-economic background.

Porirua, Wellington

We will be passing Porirua on Day 4 OTW to Wellington. Not sure what time, probablu around 1-2 pm (zohor time). There is a Masjid or Islamic Centre here at 58-60 Waihora Crescent, Waitangirua, Porirua East (Tel: 04 - 235 6637).

Note from Travel Planner: Porirua is a satellite city of Wellington situated at the southern end of the Kapiti Coast. It completely surrounds Porirua Harbour, which is a popular spot for windsurfing, waterskiing and jet skiing. Best things to do in Porirua include visiting Pataka, a museum and art gallery specialising in Maori and Pacific Island art;



shopping at Porirua Market, which is held every Saturday morning; exploring Battle Hill Farm Forest Park (click for map); and several beaches for safe swimming.
More link on Battle Hill Farm Forest Park.

Wellington Must Visit Sites

I'm listing below the places around Wellington City that we should be visiting. They include:

1) the Otari-Wilton's Bush (Botanical Garden) located 10 km away from the Ohiro Rd centre.

2) Te Papa Tongarewa, Muzium of New Zealand.

3) Wellington Cable Car: The cars run from Lambton Quay (click for direction) in the heart of the central business district and within 5 minutes whisk you from under the corporate towers of The Terrace past Kelburn Park and Victoria University to the top entrance of the Wellington Botanic Gardens with its magnificent lookout over the City and harbour - Te Whanganui-a-Tara (The Great Harbour of Tara).

View the Gallery

Open hours:
Cars run every 10 minutes, Monday to Friday, 7am – 10pm. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 9am – 10pm. ($3 one way/$5 return)

4) Wellington Botanical Garden, 101 Glenmore Street, Thorndon, Wellington. Gardens open daily sunrise to sunset. Free entry. Glow-worm tour available occationally ($5/adult) - usually after 7.30 pm meet at Otari Info Centre or at 8pm at the main entrance. The tour last for about 1 hour.

5) Karori Wild Life Santuary, End of Waiapu Rd, Karori.

6) Wellington Gondola & Tramways
7) Wellington Masjid & Islamic Centre, 7-11 Queens Drive, Kilbirnie.

View Larger Map

8) TBA
9) Bus ride to A) Rona Bay, Wellington (1 hr 30 min), B) Breaker Bay ( about 1 hr + and return before 7pm)

10) Some of the walking tracks at Te Kopahou Reserve
(include the seal colony).

[My itineraries] [Suggested itineraries]

Victory Village Community Centre, Nelson (South Island)

This will be one of our itinerary for the South Island exploration. We are planning to "drop by" the centre on the 16th November, on our way to Mapua. That morning, we will cross the Cook Strait by ferry from Wellington to Picton. It's a 3 hour sail, 8.30 to 11.30 am. From Picton it's about 1 hr 40 minutes drive (115 km) to Nelson City (click for map). Nelson's

Victory Village Community Centre seem to be a one stop centre for all the social services the community needs. It is run by 4 people, Kindra, Gareth, Penny and Robina. They provide a wide range of services (social, recreational and cultural) including counseling for low income community members. It will be a good learning experience.

Update on the accomodations:

At last we decided to spend a nite at Tongariro National Park. Even though it's only about an hour from Taupo, but it will cost us more than NZ$100 for the bus return to the National Park. We might just drive there ourself. So, I managed to book 1 nite stay at a the Adventure Lodge, National Park Village. Only for NZ$65/nite for a double (but shared bathroom).

Day 3 Adventure (5th November 2009)

On Day 3, we will depart from Rainbow Lodge very early in the morning (6.30 am or earlier) to catch the first bus that would bring us to the starting point of the Crossing which is at the Mangatepopo Car Park.

Not sure at the moment what time is the last bus (need to find out about this - maybe should ask the Adventure Lodge).
Tongariro Alpine Crossing:

View Tongariro Alpine Crossing in a larger map

South Island Excursion - Day 1 (16 November)

On 16 November, 2009. First day of the South Island Trip.

View Larger Map

Another Video on New Zealand: 100% Pure New Zealand

By hayn0r

A Scenic Video of New Zealand.

(Created by pedro for Youtube)

Our Accommodations in New Zealand

All accommodations from Day 1 (3rd November) to South Island excursion (16-20 Nov) had been booked & confirmed, alhamdulillah.



Day 1 (3-4 November) at Coromandel

We will be staying for our 1st nite at Mana-Nui Motel, in Whitianga.

View Larger Map
To get to Whitianga we will pass thru Thames and Coromandel Town. This would take about 3 to 4 hrs of driving around the peninsular.

Day 2 (4-5 November) at Taupo
Rainbow Lodge
View Larger Map

Day 3 (5-6 November): Adventure Lodge, National Park Village
Address: Carroll St, National Park Village

• work 0800 321 061
• work +64 7 892 2991
• fax +64 7 892 2799
• adventurelodge@xtra.co.nz
• www.adventurenationalpark.co.nz

At Wellington (6 - 30 November)
Capitol View Motor Inn, 12 Thompson Street, Wellington
View Larger Map

At Mapua, South Island (16- 18 November)
Corru Gate Accomodation
About 40 minutes from central Nelson and 30 minutes from Abel Tasman National Park.
View Larger Map

At Christchurch (18-20 November)
Stonehurst Accommodation (Lodge)


View Larger Map---
Or view the simpler map.

Preparation Progress

Alhamdulillah, till today I have confirmed the booking for the followings:
1) the car from Wellington International Airport to Wellington, from the November 3rd to November 7th,
2) Accommodation at Wellington from Nov 6th to the 30th,
3) all accomodation during our travel to Wellington from Auckland (4 nites) except on the 3rd (waiting for confirmation). I have also booked my return flight to Auckland (RM4,165). This could have been cheaper if I have made the booking the week before with Brunei Air (around RM3,500++).

Now I just need to finalize our details itineraries. We also need to arranges some official trips to places like counseling centres during the break.

Day 1 (November 3): Coromandel Peninsular will be our first destination. More about Coromandel:
1) Thames
2) Coromandel Town
3) Whitianga & Mercury Bay