Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and Ileana visit New Zealand and go on a Tikitour during our Autumn Season and visit

It was time to show our guest some more of our wonderful scenery - so we headed north along the coast.  First stop - Waipara - which has grown into a fairly decent wine growing region and also Olive oils.
Naturally - we had to stop and sample some local products - which passed muster.  Mamabear enjoying a very fruity slightly lemon taste Riesling.  From there we drove up towards Cheviot - a small rural community where a scrumptious lunch was had. 

We then had to work of the extra pounds / kilos and explored the School jungle gym.  The old bear himself swinging from the fort - and taking lots of pictures.
Sadly - I must go and check out the (either) operator or the gear -  with the 300mm lens still not focusing as it should.  There are other red leaved trees that were just a blur.  On the upside - hmmmm  wait there was an upside???  - oh yeah - if it is the lens I may get a new one . . . .

 Eventually made it to Kaikoura and did part oft he Peninsular walk way were we also found some sea lions basking in the  little sun we had.  The lazy sods did not move much - except for one wannabe movie star who posed. He thinks his left profile is the better side - but shhhh - we won't tell.

 Checked into the Motel and went in search of famous Kaikoura Kai = Food (usually SEAfood).  Found one place that ended up selling raw fresh fish only, but friendly chap he was pointed us to another shop that did superb fish and chops - which ended up being right across the Motel we stayed in.

The Kai was consumed along with a suitable helping of local crushed grapes (which rated a 5 star meal).  Martina making sure that no drop was wasted. 

 We had Blue Cod / Crabsticks / Some Mussles / Elephant fish / Tarakihi, with Mamabear making a mess out of a kiwiburger who had everything a burger should have . . . . . .

Next day we went for the obligatory stroll on the Beach and the newly fledged mermaid was showing the older experienced mermaid how to dip toes in the cold water.  I am told it was refreshing - and will take there word for it.  Needless to say - one wave was bigger then the rest and got their - urm - scales wet!!





New Zealand has its own traffic jam's.  Yes folks, they do happen.  In this case thou a rare sight -with the live stock being moo-ved on the road.  Often it is the flocked variety holding up traffic.  Guess who will wash the car later!!









We tried to encourage our mermaid to take flight and engage in a quintessential Kiwi past time - Bungy-jumping. We even had a bungy cord in the car!!  This little spot near Hanmer would have been perfect - especially as a dip down into the river was part of the deal.  For reasons Best left unsaid - this opp was never taken up - but we are working on it.








On the way home we had to stop at Frog Rock - one of the many natural wonders and tourist stops.  Even the train stops there so that folks can take the pictures.  This particular Frog is still waiting for his Prince Charming - or is it princess??  Our princess was not in a kissing mood and so we left the poor chap to contemplate his future in peace and quiet!!





 

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and Ileana visit New Zealand and go on a Tikitour during our Autumn

I have the privilege and honor (I suppose) to belong to a group of madcap adults who understand that life should be full of fun.
This group naturally is top secret, has its own code and surprise surprise no shortage on willing victims - oops volunteers wanting to join in (on the fun side at least). This of course has NOTHING at all to do with any previous Scouting life or . . . . .   shhhhhh - I can't tell you more.  Memorable occasions of investing new-comers and teaching them the inner workings of the secret code involved many a nights of methodical planning  (not to mention the odd glass of medicinal drink for fortitude).  These new recruits will in due course be put to the TEST -  with a laugh-o-meter being one challenge they have to meet.

Anyhow - the list of suitable applicants was getting short and I had decided it was time to possibly recruit a new victim - oops member!! (Note to myself - must keep calling them MEMBER)

I can be seen here teaching the little princess the secret handshake or was that a Salute??  In any case - it looks sloppy so will need to work on the style and delivery!  The ONLY hick-up I can see is that the little princess will skip the country in a few days - so we would need to work fast on that one.  Then again I am told that there MIGHT be an outside chance of coming back  (Lotto was mentioned) - so there is hope.

Anyhow - Ileana - you will fit in well


Post script.  

As is with all people, there are times when we are reflecting on our actions and so was this recruit.  It comes under the category of
"Oh my God - what have I let myself in for????"

Trust us - you are in good company










 

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and Ileana visit New Zealand and go on a Tikitour during our

Last leg of the wee tour and there is a party going on.  Our secret reporter on the scene reports that both Ladies are celebrating with a bottle each!

Martina-on-the-sauce

Martina - had and is enjoying the fishy side of things - so much so - that if not careful there will be a meta-morph/change/transform-something rather out of the body experience - and she emerges as a mermaid.  This I am told, is most appropriate as the weather forecast is finally catching up with the interior and they may have to swim out!!  In which case being a mermaid would be an advantage.
Hard to imagine for many European's - but in NZ it can indeed rain dogs and cats as they say - or by the bucket load.  Houses here used to be built on poles buried deep in the earth and the floor itself would be a good 400mm of the ground - reason - at any given moment there can be as much as 100mm of rain falling in a 24 hour period - so flash flooding is a regularly happening.

Usually this is more common on the Westcoast - and more often then not - anywhere from Milford north up to Westport. Indeed Hokitika one year recorded 18 meters yes meters of rain!!  Also the far north is exposed but up there it is more via tropical storms causing the deluge.
In typical coaster fashion - they take the weather in the stride - even created a poem - which accurately describes the wet stuff rather appropriately.

It rained and rained and rained 

The average fall was well maintained 

And when the tracks were simple bogs 

It started raining cats and dogs. 

After a drought of half an hour 

We had a most refreshing shower 

And then most curious thing of all 

 

A gentle rain began to fall. 

Next day but one was fairly dry 

Save for one deluge from the sky 

Which wetted the party to the skin 

And then at last -- the Rain set in! 

(Anon)

One old-timer west-coaster once said that it is NOT raining UNTIL you cannot see your own hand stretched out in front of you.

All in all - the two mermaids are due in Christchurch tomorrow.  I better go and check out the rubber dingy and outboard motor (no use sailing - the wind never blows in the right direction), make sure we have two spare water life jackets and 2 paddles and emergency rations - hmmmm  fishing rod may well be the answer, seeing someone likes fish and chips.  Not sure how we are going to cook the fish on the water - but one thing at a time.

Have fun


 

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and Ileana visit New Zealand and go on a Tikitour

I had to laugh!! I am sorry Martina - but that was really funny! I recommended to our guest, that if she had any chance at all, she should try and get to Arrowtown while based in Queenstown.  The town itself is only a hop skit and a jump across - some 15 min drive across the teeny wee hill and oh so different from the commercial Queenstown.    martina-im-goldrausch-arrowtown   Martina did make it there and she seemed to have a great time there judging by her blog entry.  In fact - the town in late Autumn has some brilliant yellow autumn colours and that in itself is a reason to visit.  Myself, I have been there 3 x and yet to see the stunning colours. A photographers dream!

Arrowtown is famous for being a old gold mining town - originally in 18-hundred-something and still has original houses from that period.  Once the gold more or less run out - the town got really quiet and now tourism is re-populating the place.  Not sure if Martina saw the Chinese village - there is some interesting history there.  

Anyhow - one can still find the odd nugget - or should that be a teeny-weeny flake in the river, usually AFTER a decent rainstorm has washed the gravel down the river bed.  To be honest - usually it is slim pickings. Still many people hire a pan and shovel and try their luck in the river - spending a relaxing yet unfruitful afternoon amongst the sand-flies in the lure of the yellow stuff!! And who wouldn’t pass up the chance of finding 'THAT' nugget??

Anyhow - I digress.

Her blog sent me an email and I read it and I could not help but notice the fact that a 'woman' was 'diggin for Gold'  eg a "female Gold-digger".

Hihihihi - here that term means a woman who is after a extremely  R I C H  and often very  O L D   male with view to marry him and then inherit most of his fortune after the old fella expired . . . . . preferably on the honeymoon night (something about week heart and sex) ^^
Dunno what it is called in old Austria or Germany. . . .

I think tho, that the older gentleman in NZ can breath a sigh of relief - Martina has with her, her darling little princess Ileana - gorgeous wee girl -  which I am sure would be a real handicap for any future "gold-digging".

I am most jealous - while they are enjoying the experience in beaming sunshine no less (so much for a accurate weather forecast) we are having a lot of rain in Christchurch - which I am sure the Farmers like, but I would prefer some more warm sun!!  On day we will make it there in Autumn!!

TTYL

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and Ileana visit New Zealand and go

One of my favorite quotes came true this week --  'Houston - the Eagle has landed / lift off;  or - Houston, we have a problem'.
Anyhow we bundled the tourist off to the bus and set her away on a wing and prayer for a teeny-weeny Tiki-tour (around the bottom half of the South Island) and after a pit stop in Dunedin and Invercargill - they should - all things being equal - have arrived at the world famous, totally stunning,  incredible scenic - and

somewhat moist Milford Sound.  Milford Sound is some 2-3 hours by car west from Te Anau and is by all accounts one of the wettest regions - certainly in New Zealand and also possibly in the world.  The Milford Sound - (which is actually a Fjord) has a permanent layer of Freshwater often beyond 10 meters deep, due to its 'light' annual rainfall. It is such a remote place that there are few 'locals' (as in humans) living there full-time - even though originally it used to be a whaling station and had a flourishing pub. There is even ONE grave there!!  It has a small, water driven (what else could it be), power station that - get this - gets shut OFF from 10pm and comes on early-ish in the morning.  To bad if you are in the middle of cooking or playing a card game.  The other reason for its fame - apart from  the mind blowing scenery - are the actual local inhabitants - Sandfly's.  They are the most common sight there. The end of the famous Milford Track is aptly named Sandfly point - and wo and behold any tramper who missed the boat for pickup and return to the Sound accommodation. These trampers usually get eaten alive.  Anyhow - some of the more mature and exceptinally adult sandfly's have been captured and taxiderm-something-processed and are now adoring the walls at the check-in station in the terminal for the various Milford Sound boat cruises. 


They have a real interesting history / life cycle.  ONLY the Females are blood suckers and only  after they have mated and are ready to lay the eggs (figures- said one male acquaintance) .  Naturally they have a over active fertility cycle and are not shy in getting what they want.

HOWEVER - a MOST closely guarded secret is that the New Zealand Bio-tech security Government Department has made a fantastic breakthrough and was able to genetically modify the Sandflies to the point where they are now pre-dispositioned to suck blood  O N L Y  from some unsuspecting Tourist and leaves the local NZ population very much alone.
Unconfirmed and non-studied rumor has it that  it has something to do with the locals eating a highly prized and very valuable local black cream thing - rumored to be called Marmite. Due to the Marmite plant recently having to be re-built (as it suffered from earthquake damage), there was a gap in local supplies and a 150grm container of Marmite could and was indeed traded for more then several hundred Dollar's and bidding on the local Trade-me website reached fever-pitch.

All this leads me to say - "HOUSTON - we have a problem".

My Cousin should be there today and being of European nature is in grave danger of being sucked dry by half a dozen or so mozzies.  I did manage to get in touch with the Local Sandfly general of the Milford Sound branch, auxiliary group "SAND" (often called Colonel Sand-ers)  and conveyed to him a truce offer - in exchange for her safe passage - I would arrange 3 days of perfect breading weather patterns.  Fingers crossed they are living up to their bargain!

Anyhow - Martina - I tried my best - hopefully you can enjoy the sights and come on home safely.

Posted via martinas blog
mamartinablog

mcbartl1978
Apr 18, 2013 @ 10:16:59

Well the story with the rain is self-inflicted, I am afraid. You made that deal with Major SAND-FLY and promised him good breeding conditions… which means wet weather. But you should tell him, that his mate in Arrowtown was badly informed – FlySkype probably not working correctly – those sandflies were sucking lots of Martinablood and left me with aaaahhhhgrrrr itchy bites. So this bit of information should in turn give you sunshine by tomorrow!

 

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and Ileana visit New Zealand

Having had some crappy weather and  shall we say a not so encouraging forecast - we are surprised to see the day dawn bright and sunny and promising warmer temperatures.
Drove into town and parked at the Hagley Park Gardens and walked into them - or better through them - towards the new-ish Container Mall.  The gardens suffered a bit of damage from the many shakes we had in the last few years, but in typical Canterbury fashion, just went ahead in fixing what needs fixing! Had lunch at the container mall - some greek fare - which - so Martina (who has lived in Greece for some time) tells me is actually quite good!! 
This is what we like to see - a happy camper about to enjoy a snack of Lunchtime.

The container mall is a response to the Earthquakes and the devastation it caused.  It has become a good outdoor attraction with a mix of shopping and food stalls and creates an atmosphere of hope for a new beginning to Christchurch. 

From there the wish was to head to the Beach - on the East side - on the Pacific.  With all the road closures and almost a weekly change we eventually got there - having done a wee De-tour.  The surf was up and there were a few good surfers.  This chap did rather well.  Martina very very tempted to go to the local wet-suit / surfboard hire and go and try out the surf.  Certainly her partner would be out there.  Instead we tried the pier - but that did not work out as expected as the little sprog was rather intent on chasing the local sea-gulls. This seems to be a past time of all small children here. Actually Ileana is not far away from walking unaided - so our feathered friends had better watch out!!




Eventually the temptation got the better of our Austrian visitor (and especially once she realized we keep two towels in the car for my own son who used to somehow a  l w a y s   get wet if there was any water to be played in/with nearby).  I was tasked with making sure we have a visual proof of the event.  I was glad for my camera - with the long lens and almost felt like being a paparazzi in training.
The swim in the sea did not last long with the water being refreshingly COLD-ISH (probably below 16 degrees) and giving goosebumps.  However the delightful experience  made up for it. 
Soon it was time to go back home again and get dinner going and prepping for the next days bus trip south.


Hmmmm you can follow her journey here :) ----->   mamartinablog

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and Ileana visit

Ahhhhh  Sunday -  day of rest and reflection - or re-creation for some.
We were determined to get away early - which meant aiming for a 10am leaving town.  Inbetween we had a quick lesson in how to pitch a tent.  Roger would be impressed!! A tent without any ropes!!
<---  See I can pitch a tent too!!

Quick stop for petrol and we drove of towards Arthur's Pass.  First stop - the town of Sheffield - for lunch actually.
They have this pie shop there which is rather good - in taste and flavor.  So we just had to introduce our Guests to some good old fashioned kiwi cuisine.
The Moroccan lamb pie and also the Chicken and Camembert pie were just delicious.  Even Ileana enjoyed some of them.In anticipation of extra calories being burnt the 2 Kiwis also had a Moro-bar - cheesecake sweet desert.

Onwards towards the Pass - and surprise surprise - we hit a RED LIGHT. Yes that's right.  As previously blogged - there is only ONE set of lights on the Westcoast - in Buller George. Now there is another one - but pleased to report - this one is only temporary. The roading works are widening a bridge - and to control the flow of cars across the work-site . . . . .    PHEWWW.  Thank God for that. A bit sad really - while I am sure the drivers will appreciate the safety factor of things - I shall miss the unique character of the coast and the ONE lane bridges.  Martina commenting on the snow topped Mountains on the side - yes - surely we are close to winter.

Next Stop - Arthur's pass for a afternoon snack and loo stop and also for a spot of car polish ( it really needs a clean) then of and up to the Devils Punchbowl Falls.  Myself carried Ileana up and Mamabear not being far behind - coping with the steep rise better then last time! As usual the view is grand.
From there we went to the lookout point just past the actual Pass and explained the previous treacherous route that existed before the viaduct was  built and which makes the journey across to the Coast much more safer, and also opened up the tourism market as well making delivery of goods and services to the coast easier and cheaper. The look out point  is a popular gathering point for the local Kea gang. Their 'job' being the task of being equally amusing and annoying to the unsuspecting Tourist.  These birds are highly intelligent, understand the value of teamwork and can puzzle solve the most demanding tasks and learn by watching each other trying things - then apply the learned knowledge and improve on that.  Their skill in dismantling rubber from cars is second to none and they have been known to flatten tires.  And that is before we introduce rubbish tins where they might find food scraps.  The Kea also has a great color under the wings - ostensibly for a warning of danger, but you would need to see them flying to see the color.  On chasing one kea of my roof - he decided to leave a calling card! Nice job!! Now I Have to wash the car . . .    ^^  From there it was back home and dinner and more chin wagging along with a drink.                                 



 

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and Ileana

We had planned a visit in the gardens along with meeting my honorary Daughter and Noah - alas the weather  (which up to this point had been glorious for the last 5 weeks) decided to be a spoils sport and give us the first real taste of Autumn (or even winter). So we arranged to meet Raukura at her place - which meant that we could have  a nice leisurely morning. Before we headed of I made Ambrosia for tonights dessert - yummy. Gave Ileana the spoon to lick - not sure if she enjoyed the flavor!
Anyhow - soon thereafter it was time to head and of and find our way across town. Met Raukura and enjoyed each other company.  Both young ladies had much in common - a earlier then anticipated birth among them. Good to catch up and swap notes. I think the kids enjoyed each others company as well.

 From there we headed of to the Local wildlife reserve - Willowbank. Interesting place this - lots of wildlife and all can be hand-fed - including the Eels.  While going round we caught up with a guided tour, and heard parts of the commentary.  It got very funny when they stopped at the enclosure with the Keas.  These cheeky sods know they get fed if they shriek loud enough - just to shut them up. Anyhow - saw lots of interesting farming and exotic wildlife that included some Lemurs and some greedy sheep as well as 4 Kiwis.  At Willowbank you have a night time enclosure where they control the lighting - so that visitors can see the nocturnal bird during "daylight" hours!
Well worth a visit.  Back home for some warmth and a cooked meal - expertly cooked by Mamabear - Siebenburgen Kraut (check out this ------> siebenburgen-kraut-and-pavlova )and the aforementioned Ambrosia. After the little sprog got settled into bed we had a really good chinwag and in the process disposed of a bottle red.  Good stuff.

 

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina and

Such is life -

the two proprietors of the bed and breakfast have to have other (paying) jobs to go to - so the woman of the house trundled of to Rangiora and myself off to - well work.  Left the house peaceful and sleepy - not a sound stirred - even the mice where quiet. (ok we got no mice - but you get the idea) 
By the time I got home from work,  I found out that my cousin had already been down to the local supermarket for some much needed supplies and that oldest son provided a great 'escort' service.   I'm redundant already - yay!

Not quit - turns out I needed to go for a walk myself and get some stuff from local Chemist and the dog needed a stroll as well and Martina wanted to work of the Jet leg - so we all went for a stroll back to the shops - only to have my credit card being swallowed by this extremely useful ATM machine  - yikes. 
Just as well I had some cash - anyhow back home for a call to the bank and cooking dinner - Chicken Pasta bake! More catching up and planning taking place for weekends activity along with a glass of red.

Austrian Bed and Breakfast in Kiwiland - Martina

This worked out just grand.
The Cousin (one of 30 apparently) arrived on scheduled time and had no difficulty getting through Customs / Immigration and MAF.
We left home as the Airplane touched down and seeing we are only 10 min drive away, which no doubt is shorter then getting of the plane - we had plenty of time to get there.
As part of the service we picked Martina and Ileana up from the Airport - and immediately realized that eventually I may need a bigger car.  Got the gear and passengers stashed away safely and then drove on to the B + B - unpacked and then went off to get the first taste of Kiwi cuisine - Fish and Chips!!  Seems they liked it. - The old Fuddy duddy here had Chinese instead (which is supposedly healthier and slimmer on the waistline).  Local Fish and chips - quick and no fuss easy meal - for busy families - or if you can't be stuffed cooking. :)

All Good - Ketch-up time and getting to know each other and after a drink and a chat - eventually into bed.