Besides Japan and South Korea, you actually can experience the cherry blossom paradise in Taiwan. I’ve been to this specific spot in Alishan, Chiayi for 3 days. We’ve stayed at Chinshan Hotel located in Alishan Township.
Planning for Taiwan cherry blossom trip? Here, the forecast and viewing spot around Taiwan.
📌 Wuling Farm, Taichung (10 January to 27 February)
Expected full bloom: January 25
Other viewing spots: Peach Garden, Wuling Road, Tea Garden Trail
📌 Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei (20 February to 20 March)
Expected full bloom: 24 February
📌 Alishan, Chiayi (1 March to 1 April)
Expected full bloom: March 15
Other viewing spots: Alishan Forest Railway, Alishan Magnolia Garden.
📌 Wulai Waterfalls, New Taipei (22 January to 5 February)
Expected full bloom: January 28
📌 Tianyuan Temple, New Taipei (10 March to 30 March)
Expected full bloom: March 14
📌 Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Taichung (25 February to 15 March)
📌 Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei (10 February to 10 March)
Expected full bloom: 21 February
📌 Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, Nantou (5 March to 20 March)
Here, I would like to share some tips how to pay less to travel from Auckland Airport to Auckland CBD. Rather than paying NZD$18 for one-way by Skybus, you actually can save 50% from this cost!. Moreover, you can even stop by at Dress-Smart Outlet Shopping.
– subscribe newsletter from airlines company. You will be the first to know on “Promo” fare.
– plan ahead. Normally i plan a year before.
– After get your so called “cheap airfare”, now we are talking. u will have plenty of time to book lodging. So, no rush. Book early means u will snap low price lodging.
– Ok, talk about lodging…why not staying in double/single room with shared bathroom. You still get privacy at lower price.
Location? Try to find near the subway/train station/ bus stop. Or even near the places of interest, u might not need any transport to reach the attraction!.
– Hurmmm about your meal, its a bit tricky. Don’t picky about your meal during travel. You can stop by at mini mart/ bread store/ cafe / streets and grab any light food on the go. What about heavy meals?? Nahh… you always can find it cheap at foodcourt, you can taste local cuisine there.
– Oh no i need to pay expensive entrance fee for this attraction!!. Seriously?? There are plenty place which is free for you. You can google it “free sightseeing place” any destination you want. Unless you really want to go for paid attraction, please find discounts deal. There are a lot of websites give good deals. Need effort to cut cost for this. 😅😅
Since I don’t have idea what present i wanna give to my other half and my princess for their coming birthday, I planned this surprise birthday trip for them!. At first my husband didn’t know the destination until the flight attendance announced it in the plane before we took off. Anyway, It doesn’t matter. He looked very happy and look forward for the surprise.
This is just a relaxing holiday on the beach and pool. Here are the itinerary and cost for 4 days 3 nights.
First night we were staying at Senggigi beach and we moved to Gili Trawangan for the rest 2 days.
Surprise Birthday Card
Surprise Birthday Card Invitation I gave to them 1 week before departure.
Day 1 – 3rd March 2018 | Saturday
Our departure flight time was 6:50am, so we leave the house around 4:00am by Grabcar to Klia2 terminal.
We arrived Lombok Praya International Airport around 10:02am. From here we transferred to our resort at Senggigi by private taxi. This was tricky part, you have to negotiate with them firmly. I went directly to the taxi counter and asked the rate and every counter gave a different rate. First counter offered me IDR285,000. Second counter gave between IDR300,000 – IDR250,000.
Then, I walked away and went to Damri Bus counter. The bus fare per person was IDR40,000. I can’t believe the price was so high. If I’m not mistaken, the bus fare is only IDR25,000. Then 1 taxi driver approached me and asked IDR250,000. I said no and negotiate the rate to IDR200,000 (MYR57.) and he said yes. I know the rate will not more than IDR200,000. So we proceed to his car after I bought a local simkad 2gb+2gb at IDR25,000 (MYR7) at the airport.
Halfway, the driver stop us at Restaurant for lunch without any extra cost. Since we were not hungry, we just ordered drink and some snacks. 1 coconut drink, 1 es teh and fried tempeh cost IDR60,500 (MYR17). Yeah, its expensive.
1:30pm: The taxi driver dropped us at our resort, Living Asia Resort & Spa. We stayed here for 1 night cost at IDR1,392,000 (MYR398)
2:00pm: Checked in to the room. Our room has partial ocean view. Clean room and cozy. Swimming pool and beach just a minute walk.
3:00pm: We went for in-house spa at Champlung Spa.
4:30pm: Complimentary tea and snacks at the bar. My favorite snack was keledek goreng. I can’t help myself from not taking it many time.
5:30pm: We spent time swimming at the pool while watching the sunset. It was a great moment spending time with them. the pool water was so warm and nice.
7:00pm: We rest and took a nap.
9:00pm: Dinner with surprised cake at the end.
11:00pm: We walked at the beach for awhile before heading to our room. Sleep.
Our New Zealand adventure started from North Island. We choose to explore Auckland city, Bay of Islands & Northland for 5 days, then the rest of the trip was in South Island, which I will share the story in another page.
Journey start from Kuala Lumpur KLIA2 terminal by Airasia X and arrives at Auckland International Airport on 11 November 2017. For your info, I was planned the trip a year before the departure date. Flight booking done in November 2016 and accommodation booking done in march 2017. Indeed, there were some minor changes prior to departure date.
This time me and my husband together with my little girl on board for the adventure. Despite of the stressed and drama traveling with toddler, we still smile and enjoy the rest of the trip until we got back to KL.
Travel Period: 10 – 15 November 2017 North Island
Travel Period: 15 – 26 November 2017 South Island
10 November 2017, Friday
Kuala Lumpur -> Auckland (Layover Gold Coast)
D7 206 Low fare Depart: Friday10 Nov 2017, 2355 hrs (11:55PM) Arrive: Saturday11 Nov 2017, 1755 hrs (5:55PM)
Day 1 – Auckland | 11 November 2017, Saturday
Landing in Auckland;
We flew in with Airasia X from Kuala Lumpur and transit in Gold Coast, Australia then landed at Auckland International Airport after 13 hours flight.
We grabbed a simcard deal at the dutyfree shop (before the arrival exit door). Spark 3-IN-1 sim travel pack only at $25 (normal price $29). What’s included? 1GB mobile date + 200 local & 100 international minutes + 200 local & 50 international texts + Free WIFI 1GB per day at designated wifi booths.
We rented a car from Drive NZ for 4 days. They don’t have counter at the Airport, hence we called them for pick up. Cost for renting the Toyota Corolla was MYR343, paid during booking. We travel with toddler so we have to top up another NZD30 for child seat.
Our Accommodation was a guesthouse at Takapuna, 10km from Auckland city. Name of the place isiHoliday cost 1 night for economy double room was NZD79. The room has private entrance and private bathroom. They only have 2 rooms with private bathroom, so make sure you check first which room to book. Common area and kitchen are shared. They also provide Self-prepared breakfast in the fridge such as egg, milk and bread.
We were chatting with the owner, Mr Kevin who are originally from China.
After we checked in to the guesthouse, we seek an information where to eat around the neighborhood area from the host. He’s very friendly and helpful. The neareast town was Takapuna, only few shops are open late night. We managed to get fish & chips for takeaway.
Day 2 – 12 November 2017, Saturday
Auckland city – Paihia, Bay of Islands.
Total KM: 231km
Auckland City;
From our stay, we just drive for 10 min to Devonport Ferry Terminal. At this terminal, they have several parking type, from 24hr free parking to charged parking space. We were lucky to get 24hr free parking when we were got there.
We bought return ferry ticket for NZD12.50 per adult to Downtown Auckland via Fullers Ferry. It just a short ferry journey, as you can view Auckland city from far. My kid enjoy it!.
Nothing much to do at the Queens Street, apart from cafes, restaurants, shopping outlet and souvenir shops. We spent time for lunch and shopping at grocery store, Countdown Auckland Metro.
Around 3pm we continue driving to Paihia, its about 3 hours drive.
Paihia;
We reached Paihia in the late evening. We had nice dinner at Alongside, Paihia. Its a seaside restaurant. The blue hour at Paihia was so amazing but a little bit cold though. Make sure to wear thick jacket if you want to stay longer outside.
Our accommodation was Aloha Seaview Motel. Cost NZD110 per night for 1 bedroom apartment. The room complete with kitchen, kitchenette and electric blanket in bed.
First in the morning, we heading to Opua Ferry terminal and cross over to Okiato. 2-way vehicle ferry tickets are NZD26.
Bay Of Islands;
Haruru Falls;
Located at Kerikeri.
Kaeo;
We stopped at Kaeo for takeaway lunch since we were late to reach to Ahipara. You can buy Fish & Chips here or have a meal at Indian Restaurant.
Ahipara;
We arrived at Ahipara at 3pm. We stayed at seaside holiday home called Escape to 90 mile. This very nice house cost us NZD145 per night. The house complete with kitchen, balcony, living room and 2 bedrooms.
Nearest big town is Kataia. You can get your grocery from Pak’NSave. Distance from Ahipara is 15 min drive. Very small town
We did a bbq dinner that night and stargazing.
Day 4 – 14 November 2017, Monday
Total km: 530km
Cape Reinga;
Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga
Giant Sand Dunes;
When it start drizzling we decided to leave the place and continue our long journey. We stopped at Kataia for dinner at Indian Restaurant. Then freshen up at public toilet before continue our 4 hours driving to next destination.
We experienced the most scary route i ever encounter in North New Zealand. Why I called it scary? because we were driving at night and its raining on winding road, foggy and dark. The visibility was so bad, we can’t drive fast and whenever we encounter the car from opposite direction, we have to be extra careful because the road is bit narrow. We passing through Raetea Forest and become so foggy.
Kawakawa;
Finally we arrived at Kawakawa around 9:30pm at night. We stopped for awhile for toilet break and stretch our legs. There’s only reason why we stop here in Kawakawa is because of infamous public toilet, The Hundertwasser.
The Hundertwasser Toilets is a public toilet located at 60 Gilles Street, the main street of the town Kawakawa on New Zealand’s North Island. The structure was completed in 1999 and named after architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who conceived the project. It is one of few toilet blocks seen as an international work of art and a tourist attraction in its own right.
After the break, we continue another 2.5 hour drive with 1 stop at Wellsford to refuel.
Our stay for tonight was Duncansby Road, whangaparaoa. Distance to Auckland Airport is about 60km. Cost for a night was NZD100. Nice & cosy guesthouse room. Very warm-hearted and friendly hosts, very clean and comfortable accomodation made with love. The views from the room were beautiful, and the location quiet at night.
Day 5 – 15 November 2017, Tuesday
Total KM: 60km
Heading to Auckland Airport after breakfast. We flew with Jetstar direct to Dunedin (South New Zealand). Fare for 2 person was NZD148 and additional NZD17 for baggage checked-in. Infant is foc.
Earlier, we flew from Auckland Domestic terminal via Jetstar at 1:55pm.We arrived at 3:45pm in Dunedin Airport Terminal D. Cost for 2 adult NZD148, 20kg bag NZD17, infant is free.
Destination: Dunedin – Balclutha – Kaka Point – The Nugget Point Lighthouse.
TOTAL KM: 97.7
3:45pm : Arrived Dunedin Airport
4:30pm : Pick up car rental with Ezi Car rental. We rented Toyota Rav4 for 11 days for MYR2281 + NZD40 for 1 child seat.
5:40pm : First stop was Balclutha town. Stop at subway for dinner. After that continue drive to Kaka Point for about 20km.
Balclutha Town
7:00pm : Checked in to guesthouse. We stayed at Mike & Jenny’s Accommodation Kaka Point for NZD100 per night. Continue drive to The Nugget Point lighthouse for about 10km.
7:40pm : We start walk from carpark to the lighthouse. We arrived after half hour (30min) walk. We catch sunset here at The Nuggets Point Lighthouse. This Department of Conservation Wildlife Reserve at Nugget Point has dramatic views of “The Nuggets.” These wave-eroded rocks, which are likened to the shape of gold nuggets, can be seen from the viewing platform at the Nugget Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1869-70, is 9.5 meter high and situated 76 meter above sea level.
Along the way you may see the fur seal colony on the rocks at sea level to the left of the track and also below the lighthouse, or the many seabirds that make The Nuggets their home.
The Nuggets Point
9:00pm : We drive to Roaring Bay to checkout some penguins. Roaring Bay, which is on the road to Nugget Point, is only a short walk (15 minutes one way) from the car park to a bird-viewing hide. Yellow eyed penguins can be seen here as they move from the sea to their nesting places in coastal vegetation. These shy birds are best viewed late in the afternoon when they come ashore after fishing at sea. Yellow eyed penguins (hoiho) are one of the rarest penguins in the world and they are unique to New Zealand and the sub-Antarctic islands.
We only saw 1 penguin from far. There’s a observertary deck for us to observe the penguin. The deck is like a small hut and very limited window size to watch the penguin, but there’s 1 binocular we can use. Unfortunately, we don’t have any picture of penguin because we don’t have tele- lens to shoot long distance object. Below picture was taken at 9.08pm at night. We do enjoy road trip during end spring season which have long daylight hours.
Roaring Bay
9:30pm : Drive back to guesthouse, freshen up and making dinner. Rest & sleep.
Destination: Purakaunui Falls – Florence Hill Lookout – Bluff – Stirling Point – Cathedral Caves – Te Anau
TOTAL KM: 543
9:00am : Heading to Owaka for breakfast. Since the cafe here offered very high price, we decided to buy some bread and milk at FourSquare supermarket.
10:15am : Arrived Purakaunui Falls car park. 10 minutes walk from carpark to the waterfall. Here, we spent about more than 1 hour.
The Purakaunui Falls is one of Otago’s iconic, most-photographed sights.
The track through mature beech forest, is suitable for anyone to the top viewing platform. From there the track descends to give the view of the three-tiered falls that’s often seen on calendars and postcards.
Facilities such as carpark, toilets and picnic area are available on site.
11:30am : Heading to Florence Hill Lookout for 20 minute drive.
12:30pm : Arrived at the entrance of Cathedral Caves. Unfortunately, opening hour (low tide time) is at 6pm. Since the low tide time is late evening, we put this on our last visit of the day. Then we decided to come back later at 6pm.
2:00pm : Arrived The Stirling Point near Bluff. Very unfortunate too when the bluff oyster isn’t in season.
3:00pm : Late lunch at local chinese restaurant in Bluff town. We did take away some food for dinner later.
4:00pm : We drive back to Cathedral Caves. We planned to go Curio Bay using the coastal route which is unsealed road for 10km start from Haldane. Another unfortunate event, we were almost reach to Curio Bay but the road was closed. We have to turn back and continue straight to Cathedral Caves.
Situated just off the Southern Scenic Route, Catlins, New Zealand at the northern end of Waipati beach, south of Tautuku.
From the car park at the end of the 2km access road (an old logging road) there is a pleasant 20 minute walk through natural podocarp and kamahi forest, over a metalled track leading down to a 10 minute walk along Waipati beach. At the south end of Waipati beach is Chaslands Head, the historic Catlins site of the shipwreck of The Otago.
6:30pm : We reached at the car park. After paying the entrance fee of NZD5 per adult, we quickly walk to the caves. Bush walk to beach is 15 minutes (one-way). Along beach to cave is 10 minutes (one-way). Always check low tide time before the visit. Visiting hour is strictly 2 – 3 hour only.
Access is open two hours before low tide until one hour after low tide. Exceptions – no access before 7.30am or after 8.30pm. Access is checked daily and may be closed at short notice due to weather or sea conditions. Information Centres can be found at Balclutha, Owaka and Waikawa , or official website https://www.cathedralcaves.co.nz will usually have the latest information however due to the remote location the most up to date information will be on the notice boards at the Southern Scenic Route entrance to the Caves Car Park.
Cathedral Caves are a highlight for visitors to The Catlins. Located in cliffs at the northern end of pristine Waipati Beach, they have attracted international interest for their length – the two sea-formed passages together measure just on 200 metres – and their impressive height, up to 30 metres.
Popular for decades, this outstanding natural feature is 15km south of the village of Papatowai and 2km off the highway. From the car park a one-kilometre walking track descends through lush coastal forest to the beach. Visitors cross Maori freehold land, which is managed by a trust.
Cathedral Caves
Fact about The Caves
Over tens of thousands of years, crashing waves have gouged out the caves in a cliff of Jurassic sandstone about 160million years old. The two caves, which have separate entrances 40 metres apart, eventually became joined at the back during the long process of forming them. Because the transport of beach sand is affected by storms and currents, cave entrances may have rocky pools or sandy floors, depending on the sea’s actions.
In contrast to limestone caves, which are formed from chemical action as well as physical process of water pounding on rock, the Cathedral Caves were created by waves eroding the harder sandstone. Near-vertical fractures in the sandstone provided weak points for the wave energy to slowly dismantle the sandstone faces. In time the overhanging rocks collapsed, creating caves with cathedral-like formations. – courtesy from official page.
8:45pm : We started to tracked back to the carpark. This time, I feel a little bit harder to climb up to the cliff. Ascending is lot more tiring than a descending. The night getting dark, I was the last person walking back to the shelter, yes I feel eery walking alone in the forest.
9:30pm : Once arrived at the carpark, the guard was waiting for us to close the gate. Then we quickly leave the place and had dinner in the car while continuing our journey to Te Anau.
1:00am : Reached Te Anau after 3 hours drive with 1 stop at Gore for fueling petrol. We stayed at Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park, MYR446 per night. The hotel reception was closed but we already informed them that we are late, so he left the note sticked on the reception’s door and the key was in the room. Good job!.
~
Day 3 – 17 November 2017 , Friday
Destination: Mirror Lake – Milford Sound Cruise – Lake Gunn – Te Anau – Queenstown
TOTAL KM: 404
6:45am : Woke up early and enjoy the lake Te Anau with my little girl.
7:30am : Prepare own breakfast.
9:30am : Checkout from the lodge and continue drive to Mirror Lake.
10:30am : Arrived Mirror Lake.
12:00noon : Arrived Milford Sound. We took Milford Sound Cruise nzd50 pp. We booked best deal 12:30pm cruise time with Go Orange! but when we arrived at the jetty, they were not sailing today. They put us at Real Journey Cruise. What a wonderful opportunity they upgraded us to Real Journey Scenic Cruise (normal price NZD76 pp). Cruise duration was 2 hour and we get free picnic lunch box.
12:30pm : Cruise start.
2:30pm : Cruise finished. We continue driving to Te anau and make few stop along the journey. There are plenty of viewing point and scenery not to be missed.
4:20pm : We stop at Lake Gunn. A small lake between Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound, it lies close to the New Zealand State Highway 94 (the Milford Sound Road) and the Divide of the Southern Alps.
4:55pm : Stop at Mackay creek doc campground for taking pictures of lupins.
7:00pm : Arrived Te Anau for dinner.
11:00pm : Arrived at our lodging in Queenstown after drive more than 2 hours. We stayed for 2 nights here.
Picnic Lunch box
Having lunch on the cruise.
~
Day 4 – 18 November 2017, saturday
Destination: Lake Hayes – Arrowtown – Queenstown – Kawarau Gorge – Cromwell – Queenstown Skyline
TOTAL KM: 158.7
9:00am : We do some laundry and breakfast.
12:00pm : We start our driving trip very late today. First stop was Lake Hayes.
12:40pm : Arrived Arrowtown. Arrowtown is charming and quirky – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. You’ll be enchanted by Historic Arrowtown, a New Zealand treasure.
1:30pm : Shotover jet.
2:30pm : Arrived Queenstown for lunch. We had lunch at Erik’s Fish & Chips.
4:00pm : Kawarau Gorge suspended bridge.
4:45pm : Pillars of the king (LOTR).
5:30pm : Jones Family Fruits stall in Cromwell for Tea time & Ice cream. After that, we back to lodging and get changed.
8:00pm : Queenstown Skyline Gondola. Ticket for gondola ride was NZD35 pp, infant is free. We aimed for sunset and night view of Queentown skyline. We had drink at the restaurant while enjoying the sunset.
Skyline Gondola opens 9am daily. Access closes at 9pm for uplift from the bottom terminal. The last departure from the top terminal is when the restaurant closes.
10:00pm : We descending and look for late dinner at Queenstown.
10:30am : Checkout guesthouse and went to the lake Tekapo again before heading to next destination.
12:30pm : Stop at Farm Barn Cafe near Fairlie town for tea & snacks. We spent time feed the sheeps.
Barn Cafe
Barn Cafe
2:00pm : Stop at Geraldine for some shopping & late lunch.
Best Salmon meal we had in Geraldine town.
5:00pm : Checked in to our B&B at Staveley in late afternoon. The host welcomed us at the front door once we reached to their place. The place called Staveley Heights Bed & Breakfast, rate per night we got from booking.com was NZD155 per room. Its very nice room facing the farm. This is one of the finest B&B’s we have ever stayed, the couple who run this place keep it the place very comfortable and clean. Location, views and the measure of comfort is of the highest quality. Unfortunately we only had the one night. Could have easily stayed longer!.
8:00pm : We drove to nearest town, Methven for dinner. We had thai cuisine there.
10:00pm : Rest & sleep
Day 8 – 22 November 2017, Wednesday
Destination: Lake Clearwater – Rakaia Gorge – Darfield – Castle Hill – Lake Pearson – Arthur’s Pass – Greymouth
TOTAL KM: 406
6:00am : Woke up and drive to Lake Clearwater. Journey approximately 45KM from my accommodation. The journey consists 10km gravel road to reach the lake.
7:00am : Reached Lake Clearwater. We spent about an hour here. After that drove back to guesthouse for breakfast at 9:00am.
10:30am : Checked out guesthouse and continue to Rakaia Gorge.
11:15am : Stop at Rakaia Gorge
12:00noon : Bought takeaway lunch and some snacks at FourSquare.
1:45pm : Reached at Castle Hill. The grand limestone rock battlements of Kura Tawhiti led early European travellers to name this unique area Castle Hill. The area is rich in Maori history.
4:00pm : Lake Pearson.
5:00pm : Otira Viaduct Lookout, Arthur’s pass national park.
7:00pm : Greymouth. Shopping at The Warehouse Greymouth and had dinner at KFC.
10:00pm : Arrived at our accommodation at Punakaiki. Rest & sleep.
Day 9 – 23 November 2017, Thursday
Destination: Punakaiki – Westport – Hanmer Spring
TOTAL KM: 298
8:00am : Prepare own breakfast.
10:30am : Reached at Pancake Rocks & Blowholes. This is an all weather walk around the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Looking like giant pancakes the curious limestone formations are especially spectacular at high tide in a westerly sea. The blowholes are at their best around high tide when there is a westerly swell.
3:30pm : Arrived Tauranga Bay Seal Colony. Walk from Tauranga Bay carpark to Tauranga Bay Seal Colony viewpoint (30 min return) overlooking the New Zealand fur seal/kekeno breeding colony. Kekeno can be seen here all year round, numbers changing depending on the season. The busiest time of year is the breeding season from November to January. There are picnic facilities, interpretive displays and public toilets here.
4:15pm : Arrived at Cape Foulwind lighthouse. Walk from the carpark to Lighthouse (15 min return).
7:00pm : Stop at Victoria Forest Park.
7:45pm : Poplars Range near Lewis Pass. Stop when we encountered a rainbow.
9:00pm : Checked in lodging at Hanmer Spring.
10:00pm : Went out for supper & drinks.
3:00am : Stargazing.
5:00am : Rest & sleep.
Day 10 – 24 November 2017, Friday
Destination: Hanmer Spring – Kaikoura – Hawarden
TOTAL KM: 286
10:00am : Checked out from lodging. Walked around Hanmer Spring town and had breakfast at local cafe. I met a malaysian lady who are on WHV.
11:30am : We started our long journey to Kaikoura. There are a number of ways to get to Kaikoura from Hanmer Springs. The most scenic route is via the Inland Road which takes you past the entrance to the ski village of Mount Lyford, or you can take the Leader Road. The Leader Road incorporates coastal and rural farming views which is start from the Waiau Township. On both routes there are plenty of photo opportunities for the avid photographer.
2:10pm : Finally we reached Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish/Lobster. So, our first stop was World famous Seafood BBQ. Here, we ordered half of crayfish for NZD52.
3:45pm : We arrived at The Point Sheep Shearing show at 4pm. Ticket price adult was NZD12 and children was NZD5.
4:30pm : We visited Peninsula Seal Colony & Walkway near the Point Kean Viewpoint. Seals laze around on the rocks lapping up all the attention. Give them a wide berth (10m), and never get between them and the sea – they will attack if they feel cornered and can move surprisingly fast. Since the uplift of the coastline during the 2016 earthquake, the seals have moved further from the road and car park, so keep a close eye on tides. The best moment i ever had here i can watch seals very close.
6:00pm : We start driving to Hawarden, our overnight stay place.
8:00pm : After 2 hours drive, we reached to Bentleys Country Stay. Very nice country house. We prepared own dinner and we had a hot bath at Jacuzzi provided by the host. Rest and sleep.
Day 11 – 25 November 2017, Saturday
10:00am : Checked out from the house and heading to Waipara. Made a few stop along the journey.
10:45am : Visited Glenmark Station.
11:15am : Reached Waipara Hills Winery. We had lunch here and visit the winery. Farmland, vineyards and olive groves characterise the Waipara region, which is known for its wine and food – an excellent place to pause for refreshment.
1:00pm : Visited Lavender fields at Waikuku town.
3:00pm : Arrived at our stay in Christchurch. After get changed, we went out for walk at Christchurch town. Places we visited; Christchurch Cathedral Square, New Regent Street, Cashel Street for shopping, Antigua Boatsheds, Christchurch Botanic Garden.
8:30pm : We had dinner at Bloody’s Mary restaurant. Very long wait, suggest to make a reservation first before come. We waited for more than 1 hour for a table.
11:00pm : Rest & sleep.
Day 12 – 26 November 2017, Sunday
Last day in NZ. We went to Burger King for breakfast. Visited their shopping street before heading to airport.
12:00noon : Arrived airport. returned car rental and proceed to AirNZ counter.
Flight: AirNewZealand
Time: 2:00pm , arrive 3:20pm
3:20pm : Arrived Auckland Airport. Fly back to KL from Auckland Airport.
