This is not a paid post.
The fiery red and vibrant orange dawn clouds swathing Aoraki/ Mount Cook was a scene that left an indelible mark on my memory. Here I was standing on my hotel room’s terrace watching the sun rise over New Zealand's highest mountain. Invigorating yet calming at the same time.
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| The fiery red and vibrant orange dawn clouds swathing Aoraki/ Mount Cook |
No pictures or words can depict the magnificent beauty of
the “Land of the Long White Cloud” (the translation of the Māori name for New
Zealand, Aotearoa). You have to see it with your own eyes.
During the day that we had left the Garden City of
Christchurch and drove through the southern Canterbury Plains, I had
encountered scenery that was jaw-dropping.
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| Aoraki/ Mount Cook |
Towering snow-capped mountains covered with glaciers curving
towards the sky, verdant valleys, spectacular gorges and meadows filled with
cows and sheep basking in the sun carpeted the route to the sparkling turquoise
waters of Lake Tekapo.
Hugging its shore is the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, a memorial and a place
to worship for the pioneers of the Mackenzie region. From its altar window you
get a picture-perfect view of the lake and the Southern Alps. From Peter’s
Lookout I saw for the first time Aoraki/ Mount Cook in its full splendour as I
filled my lungs with fresh air.
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| The laid-back town of Oamaru |
I had seen in Christchurch the devastating damage caused by
earthquakes and the effects of the wild fires that had recently hit the city.
After having witnessed the worst aspects of Mother Nature’s wrath, I was now
seeing her creative genius. The diverse artworks from ice and rock to lush and
green were so magnificent that they give a whole new meaning to the word.
We passed by the Waitaki River and through pleasant remote
rural towns that gave a glimpse into another world. Further removed from the
pollution and hustle and bustle of London, I could not imagine. Geraldine which
has grown up along the Waihi River was a lovely arty town with cute boutique
shops to explore.
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| Lake Tekapo |
The laid-back town of Oamaru got the award for elegance and
style. Its 19th-century
whitestone buildings make this once prosperous goldmining and quarrying
town rather special. Harbour-Tyne Street, lined with quirky galleries,
intriguing shops and even a winery, is attracting tourists from around the
globe. Steampunk HQ is a fascinating off-beat museum where you can see a
futuristic version of 19th-century Victorian England. The
steam-powered machinery is quite something.
The main draw of this town is the colony of penguins.
Reputed to be the world’s smallest, these delightful blue creatures, at sunset,
waddle ashore at the waterfront. You can also spot some yellow ones as well.
It was early afternoon when we arrived in Dunedin, known as
the Edinburgh of New Zealand. The country’s oldest city takes its name
from the Gaelic for the capital
of Scotland. Its down-to-earth residents are fiercely proud of their heritage.
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| Dunedin Station |
Bluestone Victorian buildings ranging from Gothic church
spires and stately mansions are reminders that this town was built on the
riches of the gold rush. Engulfed by hills and at the edge of a pretty harbour,
Dunedin sizzles with great bars and restaurants boosted by its student population.
If you want to delve into Victorian culture, Larnach Castle,
which claims to be the only one in New
Zealand, is well worth including on your itinerary. It is one of
those if- walls- could- talk places. There is plenty of scandal and intrigue to
discover about the original owners, the Larnacs. The award-winning gardens of
this mock castle are gorgeous. High tea in the ballroom is scrumptious.
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| View from Larnach Castle |
Driving along the Otago Peninsula and taking in the scenes of wild and
rugged beaches and aqua-blue waters was reason enough to visit the city. This
is what I call getting up, close and personal with nature.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
This was part of the Grand Pacific Ultimate Small Group
Tours which I booked through Trailfinders (trailfinders.com)
The advantage of travelling aboard the Ultimate Coach is
that instead of carrying the normal 48 passengers, it only carries 20. You sit
in comfort in leather fully-reclining seats so no stiff neck at the end of a
long day. (Distances are vast in New Zealand.) There is plenty of personal
storage. It is much easier being in a small group, no hanging around waiting
for people, no long queues for the loos, overall much cosier. You also can get
to stay in more boutique hotels which cannot cater for large groups.
