Travelogue 13: Kia Ora! New Zealand, The Heaven on Earth Part 2

Day 3: Invercargill and Cromwell

Bidding farewell to the beautiful Waikawa, we visited the Stirling Point in Invercargill, the southernmost point in New Zealand Mainland. Got the obligatory picture at Stirling Point. Stirling Point is famous for its signpost, depicting distances to major cities in the world and the Bluff Oyster. Some say that Bluff oysters are the finest in the world. They are grown slowly in the cold clean waters of the Foveaux Strait. In season, (March till about August) they are dredged by Bluffs oyster fleet. Since we were there in December, we only can opt for fish and chips for lunch in Invercargill.

Next,  heading to Cromwell where we stayed at a 2 storey house with a fully equipped kitchen and private launderette. We ate a loads of beef and lamb here cooked by Chef Adik and Salmon by Chef me :) 

Day 4: Queenstown

Departed to Queenstown as early as 7am after having Nasi Lemak, started the adrenaline rush with riding on Kjet. This jet boat ride was fun right from the time you leave the main town pier. The Queenstown scenery is absolutely stunning as you navigate both the Shotover and Kawarau River as well as Lake Wakatipu. It was an hour long taking in lots of stunning scenery along both rivers but still with the thrills of 360 degree spins and reaching speeds of 85 km per hour. The river is deep and clear as crystal. The aquarium attached to the jetboat preview the creatures under Lake Wakatipu were packaged together with the kjet ticket.

Bungee by Harith

Next excitement, my brother, Harith took a challenge to do bungee jumping. Bungy jumping is an essential feature on every daredevil’s bucket list, and there is no better place to take the plunge other than Queenstown, New Zealand, the home of the world’s original bungy jump. The kids were very excited cheering from the decking view while Abah's face was so scared. I remember he said "Penat aku besarkan dari kecik, tiba-tiba nak terjun" Hahahah.

Luge at Skyline Queenstown

Next in the bucket, Skyline Queenstown. It was a great fun. Went up by a fully enclosed gondola to the top of the luge track. The view takes in city of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. There is a nice restaurant and viewing points at the summit for those who don't want to go on the luge. The luge itself is great fun and easy (for most) to learn and use. The staff did a great job of "training" the first timers through the line and everyone that worked there was very nice. To get back to the top you have to hop on a ski type chair lift, a bit scary for the acrophobic but after a minute, you'll definitely enjoy the ride. Kimi and Hafiey did it too!

We had lunch at Bombay Palace.The food was superb and the kids like it! I think they missed their roti canai a lot. Before we called it a day, we visited Glenorchy - 45 minutes journey from Queenstown. Glenorchy’s spectacular landscapes have become a prime location for film scouts, depicting many scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy as well as featuring in the Narnia movies.We were there taking few photos and of course to be grateful for being able to see with our naked eyes on the abundance of beautiful creations by God in the South Island. 

Day 5: Lake Wanaka, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo

Until now, when we wanted to reminisce our beautiful journey in New Zealand, we will be trap in a question which lake was that..this scene happened at which lake..Since it's 3 lakes in one day, the trick is Lake Wanaka -The Wanaka Tree, Lake Pukaki - We had Salmon Party and Lake Tekapo - We stayed there. Not to forget Lake Wakatipu - those adventures and thrilling activities in Queenstown.

Checked out from Gavan Family Apartment in Cromwell, headed to Wanaka and we visited the Wanaka Lavender Farm. With a small fee of NZD5, the experience of looking at a field of lavender and to smell it directly from the tree, I would say thank god for this opportunity. Subhanallah it's usually in your soap, essential oil or lotion..now loads of it in front of your eyes. The kids run happily in the farm. Other than lavender, they features apples and pears tree, roses and few animals i.e. Alpaca, Sheep, Chickens and few others.

Lake Wanaka

Next destination, Lake Wanaka which famous with The Wanaka Tree. Framed by the South Island’s stunning Southern Alps, a lonely tree has grown up to spread its wings just off shore at the south end of Lake Wanaka. Known as the "lone tree of lake Wanaka," it is said to be one of the most photographed trees in all New Zealand. And my kids playing with the water at Lake Wanaka nearby the remarkable tree. 

Enjoying salmon sashimi at
Lake Pukaki

Next, picnic lunch by Lake Pukaki. There is a very small stall that sell super fresh salmon at the Rest Area look alike place beside the highway with a view of Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook. For those who cannot eat raw salmon like me, just put the salmon slice inside your instant noodle. That will be the best instant noodle ever. 

Our final destination for the day- The Barn at Lake Tekapo. The Barn was our vacation home for 3 days 2 night. 

Sunset at Lake Tekapo

We were so lucky as our first night in Tekapo, we were endowed by the Creator with a clear sky so that we can view thousands of star with our naked eyes.  It's stargazing night just from our vacation home. Mr Hubby laid a comforter outside the house, we lied down and watched twinkle twinkle in the sky..It's amazing to see the constellations in the clear sky. Subhanallah it's a memorable experience..

 To be continued with our story 'hiking' on the Mt Cook