03.09.2010 - Landed in Christchurch Airport! I am in New Zealand!! :-) It was exciting. New Zealand! Not within my imagination 10 years ago. So, we landed in the South Island close to midnight. And why we chose South Island was because it has a lot of beautiful scenic places. We had our names on the board! Made arrangements with YHA Christchurch to pick us up. It was the first time I saw a shuttle with a carrier behind to put in the luggages. I remembered when I stepped out into the open, it was so cold...
Reached YHA Christchurch and the reception was closed, but there was someone manning the counter.
At 4.30am, we were awaken by a rough shake. The first thing I thought was that someone was shaking my bed as I was sleeping on the upper deck. Until my friend mentioned that it was an earthquake. I went out and the streets were chaotic. A group of boys could not go to the airport. I walked further up as I saw lights ahead. I saw a building crumbled.
This was the first time I experienced an earthquake.
040910 : The next day, most of the shops were closed due to earthquake. We had to walk a bit to find shops that sells bread and milk. Even the floor in the YHA cracked a bit.
This is the many refrigerators in the YHA. There were many food that was written 'Public' which means the person has left, and anyone can eat it. We took some jam.
The streets were empty. The roads were closed and vehicles were barred from entering. We walked to the Rent Car shop to start our self-drive journey. We went to Omega Rental Cars (this is the package arrangement we made with YHA New Zealand), and were told that we were not able to collect our car, as the system was down and the traffic lights were not working. Was told to be back by noon. It was 9.15am then.
By noon, we walked back to Omega Car Rent with our backpacks. About 15 minutes walk from the YHA.
Here is our car that will accompany us throughout our 10 days in New Zealand - Toyota. If you are wondering about the driving license, we did not need to apply for an international driving license as they accept our local driving license! Cool, yes?
It was a scenic drive along the route. Straight long road and no one could get lost. We had a GPS too, and me, being the co-driver, I read the must-see places in the Guide Book and told my friend who drove to stop at those places. It was not an easy task, I tell you. Especially when the driving speed is 100km/h.
Our first destination was towards Mount Cook National Park. While driving, we could see the Southern Alps.
Stopped by a small town for a break. Rakaia - a place of salmon fish. But didn't see any salmon farm.
Went to Ashburton town to purchase our groceries. Our groceries were going to sustain us for a few days. Food to cook in the YHA and snacks to eat during car rides. For lunch, we went to a park in Ashburton and had a chicken and some plums! It was an awesome lunch in the park. :-) I love picnics.
We continued our drive and saw lots of sheep. I was so excited because I have not seen any before. And then, during our drive, I saw a lot of sheep, and did not get excited anymore. Haha!
Stopped at Lake Tekapo. We were getting closer to Mount Cook. Lake Tekapo - a man made lake. Surrounded by the Southern Alps.
The Church of Good Shepherd which is just in front of the lake.
Reached YHA Mount Cook by 7pm. An hour later than our estimated arrival due to the delayed start. As we were in New Zealand at the end of winter, the day was shorter. Hence, the sun has set by 5pm, and it was extremely dark by 6.30pm. Check out the accommodation. It was very neat, and clean. Also, cold. So, we switched on the heater while we went to prepare our dinner. Do not worry about leaving your things in the room. All travellers have that sense of respect for each other.
We have an excellent chef in our group! She cooked vegetables and chicken. Chinese style. Which surprised lots of travellers of how a Chinese meal is cooked. We also had our first bottle of wine which we bought in Ashburton. A bit dry. But no complains! :-)
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