Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: Lisa Templeton
Date: December 4, 2011 10:28PM

Greg and Leslyn, it was so so lovely to meet you both! I hope you are enjoying your trip and get to catch up with lots of other foodlovers in your journey.
Warm fuzzies
Lisa

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: Laurel Farmers Market
Date: December 6, 2011 05:16PM

We are now in Invercargill and have been here for 4 days. It really seems like a nice place to access a lot of areas of interest. We went out to Stewart Island for the day yesterday, visited Bluff and did some trekking around there two days ago, along with some fishing around Tuatapere and Otautau. Today it is up to Gore for a day of fishing and back into Invercargill for our last night here.
Going up towards Te Anau tomorrow, or somewhere around there. We'll decide where to stay when we get there.
Been getting into some fish, but I'm sure today will be the most productive yet (don't all fishermen feel that each day will be the best).
We did make the Farmers Market in Dunedin Saturday morning, and spent the rest of the day going through the Catlins and making our way here. Also lucked out and made the Invercargill Farmers Market Sunday morning, and loaded up with seafood.
Will post more later,
Greg
P.S. Leslyns most favorite expression this trip seems to be OMG. She is really impressed with everything.

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: FarmAway
Date: December 7, 2011 12:12AM

Did you have time to visit the museum in Invercargill? I thought it was impressive for a small town (including an earthquake simulator from memory!). If he is still alive, they have a tuatara who became a first-time father at the age of 100.



Edited 1 times. Last edit at 07/12/11 12:12AM by FarmAway.

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: J1
Date: December 7, 2011 02:36AM

Greg, if you're going to the Coromandel peninsula (North Island, opposite Auckland sort of), and going near Coromandel town itself, do your best to ensure you go to Barry Brickell's Driving Creek Railway and take the train ride. It's an absolute marvel and not to be missed. Even the most jaded heart in the world will come out of the trip with a beaming smile. Try to get a booking for the train ride, once you have an idea of the date you'll be there (if you're going that way). [www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz]

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: Helen Bell
Date: December 7, 2011 05:58PM

I agree with the Driving Creek Railway, we took Norwegian visitors and they were stunned at the views, at the scenery in and around the train and viewing hut at the top. If you are taking the trip right around Coromandel Peninsula, make low tide at Hot Water Beach - an amazing spectacle of sea rushing in and the ability to sit on the beach in a pool of HOT water and be cooled by the sea water. The amount of people that gather is astounding at times.
Safe travels and we may see you around the Coromandel.
Helen B.

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: Laurel Farmers Market
Date: December 11, 2011 04:51PM

Thanks for all the recommendations. We are jotting them all down. Left Te Anau yesterday after three days there. Really getting into the fish with a fly. Of course, we did a boat tour of Milford sound and Les was enthralled wit the display the dolphins put on for us. They cruised with us almost the whole trip. We are spendi three days here in Wanaka, then up the west coast for a few days before heading over to Hamner Springs.
Really, really having a good time.

Thanks again for all the tips.

Greg & Leslyn

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by:
Date: December 12, 2011 01:06AM

Its lovely to hear you're having a great time. I hope the West Coast weather is kind to you. I love Hamner Springs, and hope you do too.
Really enjoying your updates.
Happy travels!

Paula

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: Irene Field
Date: December 12, 2011 01:16AM

Don't forget Punakaikai Rocks and if you can't get deep into Abel Tasman National Park, at least try and get to Kaiteriteri Beach. Where do you hope to spend Xmas Day?

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: Laurel Farmers Market
Date: December 12, 2011 02:02PM

Going to see the rocks in a few days. Christmas will be spent on the beach in Pohara Beach. Rented a beach hut from a Top Ten Holiday Park. Got something with a big trunk attached to it for you the other day Irene. Bet you and everyone else can guess what it is. Wanaka is real nice, went up to Mount Aspiring yesterday and did some fishing and sightseeing up there.

Re: Montana to NZ to.........
Posted by: Irene Field
Date: December 12, 2011 03:01PM

Someone carrying a large suitcase??????? You are naughty!! We are looking forward to meeting you both, it will be lovely. The Top Ten parks are great - both times we did South Island we opted for Top 10 ensuite cabins. Keep posting!!