New Zealand (South Island) trip - Part 2

HOKITIKA

Known as the Jade Town, we didn't have much luck with Hokitika on that day as we reached the town around 5pm and almost every shops were shut. The only photo that we took was the public library. The library has greyish Gotham city look. Jade shop is everywhere, some shop offers customized jade design.

Hokitika Public Library

LAKE MATHESON

We were looking for a dinner place around Franz Josef but we were a little early to have dinner in Franz Josef. We then decided to drive to Lake Matheson, around 20 mins from Franz Josef to visit the famous cafe.

• Matheson Cafe - fantastic food & view from the cafe is absolutely stunning. Definitely worth the drive.
• Matheson Souvenir shop - across the cafe, sells variety of NZ made products & artworks

Matheson Cafe - a must go cafe !

Chorizo pizza with corn, spanish onion and home made chilli jam

Chicken risotto with green beans and cherry tomatoes

Berry crumble with to die for home made ice cream

Healthy cows, they drink glacier water, roam around the roomy greens near the cafe, stress free & happy cows

Lake Matheson Walk

We bumped into this lost cow on the way to Lake Matheson, it was pretty ginormous I swear

FRANZ JOSEF

If you love adventurous exercise, Franz Josef is your playground, plenty of outdoor activities are available from glacier walk, cycling, bush walk, etc.

• 58 on Cron Motel - We are very happy with the accommodation, although it is a 'motel', the room is equivalent to a 4 stars service apartment. It is owner operated motel, they are really friendly & helpful, the motel is nestled in a quiet spot & spacious room with basic kitchen facility.
• Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike - I was a little worry at the start ... me...couch potato doing glacier hike ?? It must be a joke. We flew by helicopter to access the top of the glacier, and start the hike. The first 1/2 hour was a nightmare to try to walk/ hike in the snows with the heavy snow boots. Oh well, there's always a first time for everything. The view from the top of the glacier is breathtaking, similar to what you watch in National Geographic. The tour was about 3.5-4 hours in total...and I did enjoy every minute of the tour. It was the best adventurous experience ever.

Peter's Pool - mirror reflections

We are going to the top of the mountain soon ..... glacier walk

Heli Hike Tour - getting ready to fly to the top of the mountain & start our glacier walk/ hike

The Hike - about 2 hours & it suits every fitness level (if I passed this hike, anyone can seriously pass with flying colours)

Waiting for the heli to pick us up...starting to get foggy & windy in the afternoon

New Zealand (South Island) trip - Part 1

We visited quite a number of cities in South Island (New Zealand), I would say about 10 cities. We covered all of them in 7 days. Each city is unique & memorable in its own way. I will gradually post infos on each city (things to do, what to see/ eat, market), stay tune =)

CHRISTCHURCH

• Christchurch Cathedral - charming ... pity it is a little ruined by the earthquake during Christmas 2010.
• Christchurch Tram - great way to go around town $17 all day pass
  
• Christchurch Free loop city bus - FREE, bus runs every 15-20 minutes
• Art Centre Market - Small market located next to a mini shopping - jewellery, food, art & craft
  
• Riccarton Market - 2nd hand market, fresh produce, food
• Kathmandu warehouse - Best value Kathmandu ever, sorry Sydney...they are cheaper - located on 124 Riccarton Road, Christchurch
• Toi Toi - unique jewellery, gifts, arts & homewares 271 High Street, Christchurch
• Kilt - NZ made clothing & accesories store
• Teasme - Bubble tea shop
• Mrs Higgin Cookies - NZ freshly baked cookie shop
• Strawberry Fare - Dessert galore
• Thai Smile - Thai restaurant certified by Thai PM, authentic & great quality, slightly on the pricey side though as I am comparing it with Sydney

Christchurch Cathedral - they are still renovating the sides of the church, hopefully no more earth quakes !!

Christchurch Tramways

Art Centre Market - Scallop Roll is a must have + Grand Marnier Crepe (single crepe drizzled with grand marnier & dusted with icing sugar)

Riccarton Market - Potato Pancake lady

Riccarton Market - combination potato pancake, crispy pancake with lettuce, tomato, mushroom, meat, sauerkraut (onion) on the top, generous portion. The sauerkraut gives a little kick of tangyness to the whole package.

Riccarton Market - Whitebait patties

Riccarton Market - Whitebait patties, ie. whitebait omelette, served with white bread, simple & tasty.

Riccarton Market - Mini donuts - seems to be really popular with the locals, pity we didn't have extra capacity to store the donuts

TOI TOI - my fave shop, I was there for almost 1 hour, every item is unique & adorable, they have great jewellery & homewares items

TEASME - specialty tea shop, bubble tea, teapots, and water bottle with plunger all sold here. I found teasme by accident, I was walking around Christchurch mid town & was badly craving for bubble tea on that day ... and whoooaalaa teasme was in front of me.

Mrs Higgins Cookies - I must say they are better than Mrs Fields !! I tried White chocolate macadamia & chunky chocolate chips...heaven !! they are not overly sweet which is a plus !! Must buy ....

Strawberry Fare - Chef Tasting Plate (creme brulee, chocolate mousse, home made ice cream). The best part is the cat tongue's biscuit & the super smooth ice cream.

Strawberry Fare - Californian Sunshine - orange & almond cake with citrus sorbet.

HANMER SPRING

• Hanmer Springs Spa/ Facial/ Hot Springs
• Springs Deli Cafe
• Lolly Pots- Lolly store

Springs Deli Cafe - do you want to try Heartstopper?

Springs Deli Cafe - Open Chicken Sandwich, the ultimate chicken sandwich with the lots, suppa avocado dressing !!

Bicycle rental @ Hanmer Springs

Foggy Hanmer Springs

Lolly Pots the lolly store - I recommend sour watermelon lolly - watermelon shaped lolly covered in sugar

 

PLEASANT POINT/ TIMARU

Timaru is around 2-2.5hr drive from Christchurch & Pleasant Point is 15 minutes drive from Timaru.
If you are looking for a little quiet rest & relax spot, Pleasant Point is definitely the perfect place. We stayed at a great Bed & Breakfast place in Pleasant Point & very happy with the whole thing.

• Longview Bed & Breakfast 

         Farmstay, bed & breakfast, olive oil producer & great host.
         They cooked wonderful breakfast too. For my review in tripadvisor.com, please click this link:   

 Traveler Reviews on Longview

       

Longview Bed & Breakfast - View from the room is breathtaking, fresh air & very green when you wake up in the morning

 Please check out my other posts on New Zealand ... =)

 New Zealand (South Island) trip - Part 2:

http://gourmetorange.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/new-zealand-south-island-trip-part-2.html

Only in New Zealand:
http://gourmetorange.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/only-in-new-zealand.html