Chapter 3, NZ
I have been New Zealand a little over 2 weeks now and I am adventuring around the south island, Te Waipounamu. There is very much a homely feel to this country, particularly the climate. It has felt, for the most part, like summers day in Scotland which has brought me a lot of joy.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the first city I have arrived in and not felt the knot in my stomach and an overwhelming sense of anxiety for what is to come. I suspect this is mainly down to settling into a rhythm with traveling, but either way it is welcome.
I spent 1 night in an airport motel after a late arrival into the country which was definitely the right call to make. I headed into the city centre around mid morning. Thank you Sparlingo for the stash of cash you gave me, it saved me having to get an Uber.
I stayed at hostel really central to the city which was nice as it meant I could dump my bag and get straight out for some coffee and breakfast. Pilgrims Espresso across the road was the choice that morning and turned out to be top notch and definitely my favourite place I tried.
The hostel I stayed in was super nice, situated in one of the few old buildings left in the city (more on that shortly). Other than a small, but very we’ll appointed kitchen the rest of the hostel was super nice and really nice place to chill and spend time.
Christchurch itself experienced significant damage during the 2011 earthquake which resulted in much of the city either being destroyed or needing to be demolished. As a result the city is pretty much brand new, I would say more than 80% of the CBD looks new, in most cases it is. Its very odd to see a city with such a wide difference between its old buildings and the new ones, all of which have been built in the last decade.
Quake City - the museum documenting the 2 earthquakes and the stories of people who experienced the second one in particular. It was a museum of 2 halves, there was a lot of technical information on earthquakes and a real focus on liquefaction which was a huge issue for Christchurch. The second half focused on the human impact of the earthquake and while many of the stories had happy resolutions, some didn’t and it was clear that regardless of the outcome it had taken a huge emotional toll on the people. I’m glad I spent the time going to see it.
Of course there was many a card game played and enjoyed with the other lads who were staying at the hostel… Owen the fact you can read cards is amazing and also a pain the hoop. We very UK focused this time around with 5 Englishman, a Welshman, Scotsman and an Aussie. Will, Adam, Owen, Ben, Jack, James² and Pete it was a pleasure and I hope to see you all again in the future!
A cracking drive to Franz Joseph
The drive from Christchurch to my first stop on my road trip around the south island was truly spectacular and reminded me of the feeling I get when I drive into the highlands. Views were abundant and it was hard to not stop and take in the views very 5 minutes.
Arthurs pass was really impressive and once you crest the saddle you find yourself dropping down further and further before finding yourself in what feels like a rainforest before reaching the coastline.
At this point the weather really closed in and the heavens opened making the last 2 hours of the drive rather less enjoyable. Its the longest 1 way journey I have done on my own for a long time and by the time I reached Franz Joseph I was knackered.
I also got soaked going between the car and the hostel which I’m pretty sure is the cause of the cold i’ve found myself battling the last few days.
I was in Franz Joseph to do something very special which deserves a blog of its own so expect that soon!
Haast(a) la vista
The views driving from Franz Joseph to Wanaka were even more spectacular than the ones through Arthurs pass and I was in total awe for the whole drive. The drive along the coast from Franz Joseph to Haast was gorgeous had some really impressive forest stretches coupled with sea views was great.
But let me tell you… the real views started coming thick and fast after the road sweeps towards the mountains after Haast. They rise up in front of you, almost awe inspiring. The road works its way along the Haast river as the mountains tower over the valley that you are in. I made an impromptu stop along the way at a carpark for a waterfall, which had a quick 20 minute walk sign posted. This turned out to be stroke of good fortune as the walk takes you through the forest and out onto the Haast river bed and the Roaring Billy falls are right in front of you. It was absolutely stunning, everything from the forest, to the riverbed, the colour of river, the falls and even the wind which felt like a river flowing through the air.
I then spent the next few hours enjoying the cracking roads which led to Wanaka, with some awesome stops to look at the view.
Wonderful Wanaka
Wanaka felt like Aviemore, everything from the weather to the town itself it gave me the same vibe, ski town in summer.
I only stayed 2 nights and while there ain't much to do in Wanaka its a really nice place to spend time. I’m actually going to stop back off here for another 2 nights on my way back to Christchurch. The hostel was filled with friendly people and it was great to chat to different people. Amy was impeccably funny and has avoided me quoting her here because I fanied around writing this, but rest assured they were funny.
As per I sniffed out the best coffee in town at Alleyway Emporium and let me tell you it was top notch.
Silvia it was great to grab a coffee and go for a walk and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my full day in Wanaka any other way.
Queenstown preview and reco’s
Having been in Queenstown for 4 days now I can say its nice place with a cracking town centre, where clearly money flows free given the shops.
Great coffee has once again been sourced at Drop coffee and it is some of the best coffee i’ve had and that is saying something given the calibre of coffee on this trip.
Podcasts have been a staple of the roadtrip with these being the top hitters:
The Rest is Politics - Goalhanger
The Rest is Entertainment - Goalhanger
The Rest is Classified - Goalhanger
The Race F1 podcast - The Race
Music has also been getting a fair turn with these albums:
Forget The World (Deluxe) - Afrojack
Stories - Avicii
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - Chappell Roan
You’ve Come a Long Way Baby (10th Anniversary Edition) - Fatboy Slim
Play: The Complete Recordings - Moby
No Jacket Required (Deluxe Edition) - Phil Collins
I only have 1 recommendation on the TV front and that would be:
The Diplomat - Netflix
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