TranzAlpine Train and Christchurch

April 28
Today was the day we took the TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch rated one of the World’s Most Scenic Rail Journeys. Unfortunately it was still pouring rain and difficult to see. We stopped at Arthur’s Pass and got clouded overcast view of what is suppose to be spectacular.Finally we got past the rain and I spent the rest of the time outside and got some nice pictures.
Christchurch was cold and windy but no rain.
We stayed at the Best Western Camelot Motor Lodge I must say I was anticipating the worst but was quite surprised. The accommodations were very nice and the staff was incredible. It was well located in a quiet part of town with some quite a few restaurants. The property offers some very nice family units and is ideal for small groups or family reunions.
April 29
This was our last day in New Zealand and although quite windy was nice weather and we even got to see some sun. We took the Penguin Express free shuttle to the Antarctic Center and bought a back stage pass. I definitely recommend the back stage pass. We got a very up close and personal tour and got to stand right next to penguin. It was very educational and you got go places that most vistors don’t go.
After the tour we headed back to Christchurch and went on a 2 hour bike tour of the city with Christchurch Bike Tours. This is definitely a great way to see the city. We saw some very nice gardens and visited place you would not see from a tour bus. The bikes were beach cruisers and suitable for any ability. Our guide was very informative.
For dinner we went to Dux de Lux. THe food was fantastic and they offer a great vegetarian menu.
April 30 Time to say good-bye to New Zealand

New Zealand Adventure Continued

April 24 Day of the Routeburn Classic.
Woke up to pouring rain. After an early breakfast we left at 6:00 AM for a 1.5 hour bus ride to the start of the Routeburn Track. I was seriously thinking this might not be a good idea. I started running at 8:00 AM on a very rocky technical slippery course. I had done the run in 2007 in nice weather but this was a lot harder. I was quite comfortable with all my layers of clothes and my wind proof waterproof jacket. The scenery was still spectacular with waterfalls and streams. By the time I got to 7 miles, it was getting much colder and raining harder. I barely made the cutoff but decided not to continue knowing how treacherous it is on the other side of the summit. Since there is no way out, I had to go back the way I came. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get back to Queenstown as it would be at least 30 minutes before the aid volunteers made it back and I was too cold to stand around. I was lucky that there were people at the hut 2 miles from the hut with a nice fire. They were going back to Queenstown and so I was able to warm up and then had a long drive back with them.

April 25 Still raining hard. We left Queenstown and drove to Fox Glacier stopping in Wanaka for lunch. The drive was beautiful. We took many pictures of waterfalls streaming down the mountain.The scenery going over Haast Pass was spectacular. We had planned to do a river safari in Haast but that was canceled.

April 26 Still raining. Our Glacier Hike was canceled as well as the Helicopter Tour. We left Fox Glacier and decided to go to Franz Josef, WE were told we might get to see the glacier if we walked down to to where it started. After a 15 minute walk in pouring rain we got to a place where we could see nothing. WE decided to go to the hot pools and spend some time there and get a massage. The hot pools were very nice but the massage therapists were fully booked.

April 27 Still heavy rain. We left early heading toward Greymouth and stopped at Hokitika. Hokitika is very nice town. There are lots of shops and Maori artwork. We went to a Jade Factory and I bought a necklace with a Maori symbol for Good Health and Prosperty. We went to a small wildlife center and saw a Kiwi Bird.

To be Continued

New Zealand South Island Trip

New Zealand Queenstown

We arrive Queenstown late afternoon and checked into the Heritage Queenstown.
I recommend this hotel. The staff was very nice and the accommodations were quite nice. It is located up a hill but there are shuttle buses into town or the walk is very scenic along the lake.

Next day we went Horse Trekking with Ben Lomond’s Horse Trekking. The trek we took was the Lake Moke Trek and lasted 2 to 3 hours. I hadn’t been on a horse in many years so I was a bit nervous. The ride was very scenic and enjoyable. There was a light drizzle and an awesome rainbow .
We got back to Queenstown in time to pick up our race packets for the 38 KM Routeburn Classic scheduled the next day along the reknowned Routeburn Track.
We had lunch at Fernburger famous for its Hamburger’s. I ordered a Veggie Burger which was very different from our Veggie Burgers in US. Then we headed to TeAnau and checked in at the Luxmore Hotel. The hotel appeared to have been renovated since 2007 when I was there last. The rooms were comfortable but nothing fancy.
At the race briefing that evening we were told that we were definitely going to get wet and by the time we woke up it would be raining hard. Our mandatory race gear included a wind proof, waterproof jacket, pants, 2 polypro shirts, survival blanket, hat, gloves and whistle.
The hotel served a buffet dinner with all kinds of food. We went to bed early since we had to be up by 4:30 AM.

To be continued

New Zealand South Island Adventure

It is less than 2 weeks before New Zealand where I will be heading to run the famous Routeburn Track in a 38 KM Routeburn Classic on April 24.  Amazing Running Tours is lucky enough to have guaranteed entries to the event
This run is so popular amoung New Zealanders that it sells out within an hour. We will be arrivng in Queenstown prior and spending the day on a Dart River Safaribefore heading to TeAnau for the pre race briefing. The Dart River Safari is an experience that includes breathtaking scenery with jetboating, 4WD tour and and a trail walk.
The bus for the Routeburn Classic leaves TeAnau at 6:00 AM for an 8:00 AM start.The is race experience is amazing. You experience the natural beauty of the Fjords in a Pristine Environment. Following the race, there is a huge Awards Banguet in the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown.
Our journey in Queenstown continues to Fox Glacier where we will go for a Glacier Hike and a Helicopter Landing on the top of the Glacier. Again some amazing scenery. After a couple days at the Glaciers we will be heading to Greymouth to take the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch. This is considered to be one of the top train journeys in the world. After a day in Christchurch to see the sights our trip will come to an end.