Our trip to the South Island, New Zealand...Part 3

So where were we?

Ahh yes...I remember now we where in Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand, having a great time although it does seem quite some time ago now. 

As with our North Island trip we were so lucky with the weather with sun filled days but the nights were quite chilly. As we wondered around the town looking for somewhere to eat we found this fantastic Pizza and Spaghetti House tucked away down a little side street. We knew we were in for a good night due to the laughter coming from within, heat blasting out from the open fire, an atmosphere like that of a UK type pub and the aroma of pizza wafting through the premises. 

It was just what we needed...

Here's the blurb from the menu....

And here's our tasty pizza...Mmmm...smell that!

We can highly recommend this place if you are visiting but be warned you may have to wait for a table...but don't despair it will be worth it!

Now I' m aware of how many photos I have of our visit so I think I'll just let you sit back and relax flicking through a few. The photos don't do the scenery justice but at least you can see what 'Middle Earth' looks like.

I took the photo below from our window using the panoramic option and have to confess it was my first time but I'm quite pleased.
Not bad waking up to that view eh?
Maybe I should at this point mention the fantastic Pounamu Luxury Apartments where we stayed because the apartments had everything we needed to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable.
That view was so special and I found myself gazing at it for hours just watching the light and weather conditions change. It truly was inspiring. There was always something of interest.

I was also surprised to receive a gift upon our arrival for reserving our booking through their website instead of through an agent. 

This view was on one of our day trips and I couldn't help myself...I wanted to use the panoramic option again. I mean those huge expanses needs this size screen to fit it all in!  

The photo on the left below is of the Shotover River. This is where we felt the fear but did it anyway!
Well hardly, but it was a great experience jetting along virtually clipping the cliffs and performing 360 degree turns at break neck speeds...all great fun!

The bridge over Shotover River has quite a history.
The graceful bridge is a tribute to a WW1 nurse - and also a miner who refused to give up on honouring her memory. Edith Cavell was a British nurse. She was executed by German soldiers in 1915 for assisting 200 Allied soldiers escape into the Netherlands from German-occupied Belgium. There was an international outrage at her execution and the Allies proclaimed her a martyr.
Despite her wishes simply to be remembered as "a nurse who tried to do her duty" her actions inspired people worldwide. 
One such person was John (Jack) Clark, a miner who lived in a sod hut above Arthur's Point Bridge. His official request to have the bridge named after Edith Cavell were declined, so Jack took matters into his own hands. On the day of the bridge opening in February 1919, he painted "to Cavell Bridge" in large red letters on a sign visible to all of those coming to the ceremony.
To ensure the name stuck, Jack then painted "Edith Cavell Bridge" on the bridge itself. By the time that the paint had faded away Jack got his wish and Edith Cavell had her lasting memorial!

Here's an old photo of Jack...



                                                                  ....and Edith Cavell as a young woman.
The Shotover River where the bridge is located is in the Otago region and as the name correctly suggests the 75 kilometre-long river is fast flowing...

We do have photographic evidence that we actually did this ride, but I'd rather not show them if you don't mind! We were a little damp and windswept after it and my hubby wouldn't want you to see him like that! LOL 

But don't fret you will see the Bungy Jump later!!!! (gasp)

We spent a few days in a beautiful quaint old gold rush town called Arrowtown which was about a 20 minute drive from Queenstown. 

(photo courtesy of http://www.arrowtown.com/)
Arrowtown is built on the banks of the Arrow River, once a rich source of gold in the 1860's and now a sophisticated, multi-cultural town. It's also recognised as the walking and biking centre of the Wakatipu and many walking trails and cycle tracks of the area either start or finish in the town. 
We had a wonderful walk along the Arrow River...

On the day that we arrived in Arrowtown there was a festival and a scarecrow competition, which had all the children very excited. Later in the week the scarecrows were displayed at various points around the town.
Whilst the judges made their difficult decision as to who would win...we sat and indulged in an afternoon tea with warm scones, jam and cream at the Stables. 
(seen below on the top right photo) 

How quaint is this Pharmacy? In fact all of the buildings were like this. The current museum used to be the old bank...it was fascinating to visit but I did ensure that we would only stay two hours maximum. If you've not heard before my hubby loses track of all time in a museum and has to read every notice and bit of information available. 
I've got photos but I'm aware of how much of your time I've taken already...so I'll leave them out for today. 

Let's get away from the town and just breathe in that clear air....
How about that for a sky?

But wait a minute you can't visit Queenstown without doing a bungy jump can you?
 AJ Hackett pioneered this crazy adrenalin activity and this is where the madness began at the Kawarau Bridge back in November 1988.
So did I do the jump? Before you scroll down...what do you think? 
Did I or didn't I?

OF COURSE I DIDN'T....
I'm not that stupid so in the interest of all my blog followers I sent in my substitute so that I could report back to you on the whole experience! 
I made a few critical requests as I set up my video...No backing out once I pressed play, no squealing, no flinging arms or legs...and a swallow dive please with neatly folded arms once at the bottom of the jump! 
No biggies really...it worked like a dream...in fact I ruined the video with my giggling and saying "OMG he's done it! I didn't think he would".
So if you want to check out the details here's the link http://www.bungy.co.nz/
He was even presented with a t-shirt as a momento giving all the details ie height of drop etc. I on the other hand nearly purchased one that had a chicken on it with a pair of scissors and the cut rope!

Don't ask me why but my hubby decided he wanted to get dunked at the end of the jump, as if the drop wasn't enough. 
There's a choice...it's not compulsory. 
The guys in charge take your weight and work out how much rope to give you (or elastic or whatever it is that has you dangling). 

..And that's where I think I'll call it a day today...
Thanks so much for joining me on my trip today...I hope you enjoyed it.

See you again soon

Eden Park Bed and Breakfast...Auckland, New Zealand

If you mention Eden Park in Auckland the natural assumption might be that you're talking about the Eden Park Stadium, New Zealand's largest stadium...the home of Auckland Cricket and Rugby.

The stadium that hosted the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

But not in my case...Eden Park to me means luxury bed and breakfast accommodation in an historic Edwardian villa.  

We've stayed in hotels of various ratings throughout the world, but for this trip we wanted a more personalised touch, so we decided to try boutique Bed and Breakfast Hotels. 

My initial thoughts of B&B brought back childhood memories...not always good ones but let me tell you B&B accommodation has certainly moved on since then. 

Eden Park Bed and Breakfast is located in Mt Eden, in central Auckland. 

Built in 1905 by a wealthy banker, the house has been immaculately restored to it's former elegance, yet sympathetically combined with modern comfort.

  Our room (featured in below photograph) was the premiere queen size room with fireplace and luxurious en-suite bathroom. All the beautiful linen and towels plus the cosy soft robe made it so easy to relax and unwind.

   The decor, ambience, personalized service and mind-set of both Marlene and Anthony McAnulty make your stay a memorable one. They are the perfect hosts.

Marlene is also an incredible cook and the gourmet breakfasts we sampled were exquisite. 

Her scambled eggs are sublime and I don't even like eggs!

The perfect spot to sit for a while...

Oh and did I mention Mr Darcy lives there...?

Mr Darcy has his own apartment and won't bother you...

oh boy could he teach Muffy a thing or two.

(in his younger days...courtesy of  Marlene and Anthony's Website)

(Photograph courtesy of Marlene and Anthony's Website)

I should state here and now that I'm not receiving any remuneration/rewards for posting this information...

I just think when people go to great lengths to ensure such a great service

 then they deserve credit.

If you don't believe me then just read the 250 trip advisor reviews!

Much as we enjoyed our stay there it's time to move on...

Off once more on the road to our next destination...

But taking in all the spectacular scenery and views can build up an appetite...

So coming across a sign for fresh oysters meant there was nothing for it but to take a quick pit stop.

The shop is located on Clevedon-Kawakawa Bay Road 9 km from Clevedon.

It was great to read their information board inside that had photographs and details about the oyster farm.

I really have only recently become a fan and certainly didn't know how they were farmed. 

The oysters have been grown in the clean, clear waters of the Hauraki Gulf for over 21 years. 

They cultivate, harvest and process only the juiciest, ripest oysters from their two farming areas on the Clevedon Coast and Waiheke island.

 They take great pride in being recognized as an international leader in the production of natural oysters and I have to tell you these were the most delicious freshest oysters I've tasted. 

A nice chilled bottle of wine would have gone down very well but with travelling on these roads that's not recommended...(well drinking and driving anywhere for that matter is not recommended)

  So enjoy the ride and hopefully we'll meet again soon..... ;D

Pack your bag...we're off to the Maldives....

Okay so we're in the middle of winter here and I know quite a few of you out there haven't had the summer you would wish for ~ well not so far anyway.

So how about we just nip to the Maldives for a little warm? Are you free to join me? 

Come on then....

I hope you like flying because once you land in Malé then you downsize air transportation...which was great fun. My son was so excited as this was the smallest plane he'd ever flown in. 

We were virtually sitting on the pilots lap...I mean what you have to put up with to get a holiday! ;D

I made sure that all was in correct working order and also did my pre-flight checks...even down to the shopping lists on the 'yokes' or 'joysticks'...see I know my stuff. 

The pilot asked if I wanted to fly the plane but I declined...I mean I was supposed to be on holiday and having no stress after all....

Apologies for the quality of this photo but the window wasn't the cleanest...but you can see the luxury accommodation stretching out into the ocean....Ahhh.....

I took quite a few photo's of all the different islands which shows the rebuilding after the tragic 2004 tsunami.

Can you believe it's been that long since that tragedy?

The water was an incredible cobalt blue which unfortunately this photo doesn't show. 

The Maldives nestle in the middle of the Indian Ocean....just paradise.

Here's my son after leaving the sea plane ready to embrace the island. 

Bring it on....

And here comes out island right on cue....

As soon as you land on the island life is stripped down to simplicity. You can kick off your shoes...quite literally and not put them back on until you're ready to leave the island.

They comb (yes comb) all the floors including the dining area. I've never felt such a relief at not having to pack all my eight pairs of holiday footwear (for all occasions because you never know if you need heels, flats, runners, etc etc) and I'm sure my OH gave a cheer to.

Approaching the beach.....and the welcoming party!

Again I apologise for the quality of this photo because I think I may have just brought the camera outside from the air conditioned room. It gives you the idea of what the beach was like...although this doesn't really do it justice.

Other than a leisurely wander around the whole island ~ which took about 40 mins at a really slow relaxed pace ~ there were other activities for the more active! Phew....I'll have another cocktail please and could you just pass me that book...it's just out of my reach!

Here are some of the local residents.....

I think he's hot footing it off to the restaurant....because the meals were unbelievable. 

One special thing that I remember other than all the wonderful food made available all day long...was after one meal I folded my napkin into a flower and left it on the table...our waiter from then on at every meal would have a different folded napkin waiting for us. I was amazed by how many different designs he could do. The elephant was extraordinary!

Here's another little chap that needs to book into the spa for a manicure/pedicure. 

I did and had a wonderful pampered afternoon. I think it was compulsory!?!?!

Here's a local that unfortunately washed ashore many years previously.

 Obviously there's diving and fishing which lets face it you have to try...those waters are unbelievable.

Here's lunch just coming aboard...

And I have to tell you on one night time fishing trip, I caught the largest fish of the whole crew...on a hand line!!! 

I've cropped this photo but yes it is me and that's MY fish. I have to admit I did need help hauling him in because the line cuts into your hand when you have a big dude like that on the end of it. 

Also I thought it best that you didn't see the sea monster up close and personal...after all we had been out on the boat a few hours in the sea breeze and it was a tough job hauling him onboard, so it's best I cropped myself off. I don't want to frighten the kids!

Talking of kids here's my son suffering our pre-dinner drinks but dinner is about to be served! 

No wonder he grew to six foot!

There's always something to focus on whilst lounging...it was tough but someone had to do it!

 

Unfortunately I think I hear the sea plane circling...so we better find our shoes and head back....

 

Maybe we will manage a trip to the Mauritius before winters over? 

Would you be free again? 

I hope so....it's more fun taking friends along!

I'll leave you in peace to watch the sun set....ahh...

Have a wonderful weekend ~ relax, have fun and smile :D