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).

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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.

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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).



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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.