Category: Travel
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Dart River Jet Boat
The jet boat ride up the Dart River was fun, although I have some bruised ribs which are still a little tender. We did six 360 degree spins. It was on the second that I was pressed into the metal bar at the side of my seat abruptly and forcefully, which was absorbed by a…
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Hayfever and Black Flies
Just so you don’t start to think that everything is rosy in New Zealand, I have encountered two serious problems: Hayfever, and Black Flies. From the moment I arrived in Christchurch, my allergies went berserk. I was constantly sneezing and stuffed up, and my throat and roof-of-mouth itched unbearably. I had brought a good supply…
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Glowworms
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the glowworm cave. This is understandable, though, since you’d either need a flash (and you would not see the “glow” anymore), or a long exposure on a tripod. I can highly recommend the Te Anau Glowworm tour! In the main glowworm chamber, it is almost like seeing constellations of…
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Four Days on Water
Milford Sound is the most popular, and possibly most “dramatic” of the fiords. However, it is also fairly short, and can be seen in two hour cruise. The most exciting part was when the skipper put the nose into a waterfall, so everyone could get wet from the spray. I have booked four days in…
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South-East Coast
I’ve covered a lot of territory since the last post! From Christchurch, I headed towards Mt. Cook, which is not only the highest peak in NZ, it is the highest in “Australasia”. It was in the news in the last few days, because two Japanese climbers died while descending. The chunk of rock they had…
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Sea Kayaking
I went sea kayaking at Kaikoura, yesterday. It was fun, and a lot of work! The purpose was to paddle out to the seal colony. If the seals are hungry, you might be able to watch them catching and eating octopii. However, when we were there, the seals were just sunning themselves on the rocks.…
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NZ Camper
Here is my home for 54 days. NZ is small enough that I can drive everywhere. There is no need to fly between regions and get new campers at each one. I have arranged for the ferry to cross to the north island, in February. This camper is based on the Toyota Town-Ace van. It…
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The Future, Yesterday
In 1965, the Futuro house showed us what type of dwelling we would be living in, now. This “Futuro House” is on display at the Christchurch botanic gardens.
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Arrived In New Zealand
I arrived in Christchurch, yesterday afternoon. I am staying at the Jailhouse Hostel. It is an old jail, converted to a hostel. The cells are now rooms. I haven’t arranged for a new SIM for my phone yet. I will post my New Zealand number once I have it. On the 23rd, I pick up…
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East Coast
I’ve spent the last few days travelling from Sydney to Brisbane, and past. I am surprised at how developed the whole coast is. There are many, many beach resorts north of Sydney, and north and south of Brisbane. However, I am not a “beach person”, so, after seeing a couple of beaches, I am ready…
Michael Chmilar's Travels 