Arthur’s Pass, and the train to Christchurch.

So here we are in Greymouth, ready to board the train to Christchurch. They say the TranzAlpine is one of the great train journeys in the world. Halfway we stop in Arthur’s pass, and do a short walk over there.

The West Coast

For the next part of our journey we take the bus down the West coast, to Franz Josef, where we planned a glacier walk, and Fox Glacier where we can visit lake Matheson. Then we go back up to Greymouth and taking the train to Christchurch.

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track

So, I finally did one of the Great Walks in New Zealand. The track follows the coast line in the Abel Tasman national park.

Abel Tasman coast track profile

On Holiday on the South Island — Nelson

Where should I go next? The most common advice the past three years was simple. Go to the South Island! Everybody says it’s more awesome than the North Island. But apart from a skiing holiday in Queenstown, I haven’t traveled there yet.

So my partner and I decided to go there over the holidays. We will go to Nelson, then walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk. Then we will take the bus to Franz Josef and go on a hike on the glacier. Finally we take the train from the West Coast to Christchurch.

Our tour

Sharks

What if you want to swim with sharks?

No problem. If you’re in the city, look out for the Shark bus.

The shark bus

It will take you to Kelly Tarlton’s sea life aquarium. Where you can swim with sharks. You’ll get an underwater camera so you can take some snaps or videos.

Santa has arrived!

Every year around this time of the year, Santa arrives in Auckland. And every year he brings his nice warm red suit. Even though you don’t really need that in summer.

Santa!

Christmas in Summer. Even after three years, it feels weird. Celebrating the first day which is shorter than the previous day. The light of the day is finally going away again.

Santa comes with a big parade, and my girlfriend and me were watching on Mayoral Drive, right were the parade started.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. I couldn’t hear that song any more. Note to Farmers Guy. Find a play list with more than one song. At least for the people who hear it at the beginning for 20 minutes.

And next up, a pipe band. Oh I like those. The bagpipes accompanied with the staccato sound of the snares, and the big bass drum. The first of several. All of them were playing either We're No Awa' Tae Bida Awa, or Scotland the Brave. And the brass bands? We heard Jingle Bells a couple of times. The unintended effect of everyone opening with a classic.

Lots of colourful floats and revellers and cuteness pass by. Of course, a Santa parade in New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without the national icon, the kiwi. A big inflatable kiwi came by, hovering a few meters above the road. But still, officially kiwi’s can’t fly.

Ok, not much pictures this time. Busy watching a parade.

And afterwards? Time for a stroll on Queen Street. By the time we reach Aotea Square, a brass band is marching by, playing You can call me Al. Aha. Note to self. Find spot later on the parade and I’ll probably hear the marching bands play different songs.

Today Queen Street is for pedestrians only.

That’s a lot of people.

It will take a while before cars can return to their natural habitat here. First, the cleaners have to come by. Note to council. Need more trash cans today.

What if one Santa is not enough? No problem. The following Thursday you can join the Santa run. Or, given my physical condition (ahem), a Santa walk. You’ll get a Santa costume, and then you can join about 1000 other Santa’s on their tour on the waterfront.

 And guess what. If you go out for dinner in a Santa costume, people will smile at you.

Welcome to Auckland

So, a few years ago I arrived in Auckland. The city of sails. It was March 2011. My first impression of Auckland? Warm. I boarded the plane in Brussels in around 0°C, to arrive in Auckland in around 25°C. Apparently we were having a hot early fall.