Traveling down South Island - Kiakuroa

The 4 angels in NZ



Kurt our host



Wow! Whale


After spend ing 9 days in North Island of NZ, I flew down to Christchurch on 16th May to meet up with Kurt and the gals (my travel companions to South Island). My plane arrived on time but I had some kind of culture shocked to see that the luggage conveyance belt is just beside the public exit (means to say if you will to come out late to claim your baggage, it could be easily taken away by anyone - I don't feel safe in this system)
Kurt was late, Iwasn't sure where to meet him, cos we did not specificed a place. I wait for about25mins before he arrived with Yen (after their morning jog - so "kanho" jog in such cold weather).
Kurt's house is just about 10 mins from the airport and I was very warmly greeted by Kurt mum's cheerful smile and big hello (a very warm, happy and friendly woman).
Then I was introduced to Louise whom I have not yet met (another amazing woman - she travelled to Australia and Japan to work before - very strong and independent woman).
Immediately, after settling down my luggage, we set off our journey to travel to Hanmer Spring to have our hot bath (it was fun doing it especially in such cold weather). After the relaxing hot bath, went to the nearby resturant to have our fried freshly blue cod fish, yummy! At about 3 pm, we left hanmer spring and head straight to Kiakuroa for the night, so that we will be able to catch the whales and dolphins in the early morning cruise.
We reach Kiakuroa at about 6pm and it was already dark and misty. We checked into a YHA hostle and decide to cook a chinese dinner, some gals was apprensive in cooking because of time. But I convince them that with all of us chipping in to help with the cutting and washing, the meal will be ready in 20 to 25 mins (indeed we make it happen); but yet we still gotta wait, cos Kurt thought that we will not make it at such a short span of time, decided to go for his long "45mins" bath, and in fact it was very agonizing to stare at the food with our hungry stomach. So Yen and Lousie decided to go to the gents toilet to bang on the door to hurry him (what a laugh!)
It was my first time seeing whales and am very excited to see one in action, and indeed it was a splendid experience for me and the gals, we saw at least 4 big whales at different location in the pacific ocean and also almost a thousand doplins swimming and playing with us. What an amazing and wonderful sight, loving it and I must say it is worth every penny of NZ$125 to go out the sea for about 2.5 hrs to see the such astonishing sights.

my email: joydive@gmail.com

Arriving New Zealand

Arrive Auckland safely on 7th May, thank God. I was greet by the custom officer to have my luggage checked cos, I declared I have brought some dried mushroom and food stuffs. Spend about 30mins in the queue. Finally, when all is done and well, I came out of the custom again greeted by my lovely sister in christ Lee Ngan and Danny. Am so happy to see them again since 3 years ago they have let go of everything they have in Singapore to answer God's call to Auckland. It was really awesome of them to trust and obey God's calling upon their lives.
My time in Auckland is only about 9 days, but I had a wonderful time. It was a time of rekindling friendship an making new friends, I got to be aquainted with so many wonderful and lovely people.
As this year is both Lee Ngan and Danny 10th Anniversary, we actually took a trip down to Napier is located at the central eastern part of North Island, the place is famous for it's winery and art deco building. We truly enjoy the journey cos as we drive down, we just chatted and share of our ideas, feelings and past. Lee Ngan is truly a communicator, she can just create conversation and talk, there is never a dull moment with her. Danny is just a great navigator, he is able to find his way around without much use of map. So is really fanstastic to have this 2 combination to travel around with.
Back in Auckland, we visited many beaches, mountain and the city centre. I had a good look at the lifestyle and scenery. I must say people who live in NZ is blessed. Well, I am blessed too, to be able to spend one full month in this beautiful country.