Dreamworld

The start to the day - Saturday 17th - didn't go quite according to plan, as we got off the bus and walked the the distance to the Park Road train station we got a tad lost, lucky thanks to GPS, we managed to make it to the the station to watch the train we planned to catch, depart the train. However thanks heavens there was train due in another 30 mins, due at 9.05 am. Which actually it seems ended up been more on an express than the prior one. When we arrived into Coomera Station, there was a connecting translink bus to the Dreamworld theme park, which got us there for 10.05, just as the theme park was opening, so click for again, which train we need. Added bonus and time saver was we had previously booked our unlimited world pass tickets online saving ourselves 10 dollars each. As we entered the park, we decided to go to the Dreamworld part this day as the weather at the time was overcast, we got our park map and show time details. We decided  to enter the old wild west first, and go on our ride, Thunder River Rapid Ride, we ended up getting wet but was such a laugh. after this we were strolling towards rocky hollow log ride, however we got sidetracked by a crowd gathering, we found out it was meet the Big Brother winner, Ben and queue to go inside and see the Big Brother House. So we decided sure why not got our picture taken with him and joined the queue to see the house.

  Lucky whilst we were in the house, there was a nasty downpour of rain, we managed not to get too wet. After a tour of the house we finally made it to the Log Ride, if we didn't get wet before, during the downpour, we got soaked on this ride, however was such a laugh and fun. From here we strolled through the Australian Wildlife experience area making a detour through the Avis Vintage Cars and got to experience how actually slow the Model T Ford Cars were lol. From the Wildlife area we got on the Dreamworld Railway which brought us back towards King Julien's Theatre in the Wild and we both went on the Escape from Madagascar rollercoaster. Lucky the sun started to come out around then, we decided to stop for a few mins and had the packed lunch we had brought with us in the Wiggles World area, as we had to go and collect the World Passes from the Pass Centre. Why oh why are the pictures they take for those sort of things always bizarre. After lunch we went on Mick Doohan's Motocoaster, which is a motobike rollercoater. I decided to be brave to try one of the high thrill rides, Tower of Terror II, which is one of the big 7 high rides within the theme park. Omg what a thrill and adrenaline rush. So gotta go back on that ride again when we manage to revisit the park.

In between meeting Shrek and his friends, I went on Shockwave and another high thrill ride called Wipeout, no wonder it called such. I couldn't stop laughing during the whole ride.. It was an experience to say the least. We both went on a so called kids ride called reef diver, we both agreed it made us nauseous, and this is after me been on wipeout, shockwave and tower of terror II. Before it was time to leave we decided to revisit a few of the earlier rides.

We decided to get the connecting bus to Surfers Paradise, stroll around and go visit the SkyPoint Q1 area which has 360 degrees views of the area and is the highest residential tower block in the southern hemisphere. We had a quick bite before the long trek home. It was a roughly an hour bus journey to the nearest train station and then another hour back to Brisbane. When we finally managed to arrive back, we were welcomed with the onslaught that was the thunderstorms and rain, we got soaked before we got to the connecting bus and saturated in the unpleasant sprint from the Gabba home. For hours on end, we were in complete darkness due to the weather and was just a night for the bed.

The following day was a complete and utter  washout, we were unable to even leave the house cos the weather was that bad. At least Monday so far been nice.  

Australia Zoo

We woke up Wednesday morning like children on Christmas morning, as we got ready to head to get the bus then the connecting train to Beerwah, the nearest station to Australia Zoo, where a courtesy bus picked up and dropped us off at the entrance of the zoo at 10 am. As we entered the zoo we were given a map and itinerary of show times. We first made our way to the tortoises enclosure where we observed giant Aldabran Tortoises feeding time. After which we made detour through Australian snakes, southern Hairy nosed Wombats, towards Elephantasia and the Asian Elephants enclosure, where at 10.30 am the elephant feeding was taking place, and me and Niamh both got the chance to feed Sabu, of the 3 elephants been feed at that time. That in itself we both agreed was an experience of a lifetime.

From here we saw playful Red Pandas, and strolled thru Tigers Temple and entered the African Plains, where we saw Zebra, Giraffe and Southern White Rhinoceros. We hopped onto the free shuttle at the African Plains, and jumped off at shuttle stop 2 near the Feeding Frenzy Food Court area, as we had time to spare prior to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum, we explored the surrounding enclosures seeing the Burmese Python, 9 different species of Crocodiles and Alligators, the very cute but vicious Tasmanian Devils, Dingoes, Cassowaries, Koalas Sanctuary, Binturongs and Camels. The show in the Crocoseum you see varies species of exotic birds, slithering snakes and watch a jaw snapping massive Croc launch a strike from the water's edge.

Once we came down from the adrenaline rush, we walked through the Crocodile Hunter Museum and bought some roo feed for the Kangaroos and Wallabies, as we had a voucher we were able to buy one and get one free, the feed only cost 2 dollars. Once we had the Roo feed, we entered Roo Heaven, and we noticed Echidnas before we came near the Kangaroos and wallabies, we were both feed Kangaroos, which was unreal fun experience. From the Roo Heaven, we entered the Wetlands Plains which are home to varies species of birds such as Brolgas, Jabirus, Emus. From the Wetlands, we strolled through the Koala walk- through were we got to Pat a Koala, then feed some rare red species of Kangaroos, Rainforest Aviary and Common Wombats on our way towards the talk on Koalas where you get up and close and learn bout the koala.

Like the rest of the morning, its all go, we had to dash get again to run to make the 2.15 show about Tigers in the Tiger Temple by catching the Shuttle. At the Show we observed a playful side. In the little free time we had before the birds of prey show, we went on a hunt to check out the Australian turtles, Komodo Dragon, Australian Lizards, Rhinoceros Iguanas, Kookaburras. At the birds of prey show, we saw various birds, in flight, and looking menacing. On route towards our last show of the day, seeing the Asian small clawed Otters feeding time, we ran into a Koala who we got a roving picture taken with, awe he was so cute too.
After seeing the playful but hungry otters, we exited the zoo through the gift shop and made our way to the Australia Zoo wildlife Hospital, where we got to see the work the wildlife staff do in taking care of the injured and endangered animals including the much publicized recently here in Queensland of Stuart the Koala bear, who was knocked down by a speeding car causing him to suffer a fractured neck and other animals that were attacked by dogs or shot.
After the Zoo, we made our way back onto transport towards Brisbane, where we had a proper look at the roving pictures from the zoo including the ones we bought 2for1 at the zoo. Also during our day at the Zoo I managed to win a double pass for the openair cinema, on twitter, however when made our way to the cinema, the film in question had to be changed, so we were given comp tickets to use again.

The during the week we decided to go visit the old parliament building where in the upper house, the crystal chandeliers were actually Waterford Crystal and St John's Cathedral which took 108 years to complete, been completed in 2009. We finally managed to take a spin on the city hopper ferry. Saturday morning we had to make a mad dash for shelter as we got off the bus as there was a sudden awful downpour, lucky we managed to make it to our usual coffee spot, with hot drinks in hand we made a skype call home 09:30 (23.30 Friday Irish time). After the Skype call to Mum and Dad, we however got stuck where we were due to the rain. Lucky we were able to discuss our cairns plans and such and arrange them with our travel agent Edward over the phone and by email. With a sudden let up in the rain, we ran for the bus to get near as possible to the Student Flights travel centre to finally book Cairns. We managed to get a few essential items and groceries before making the journey home now with the rain stopping.
We got to chat with our granny on the phone, and wishing her a 90th Birthday, which was great to chat with her. Also we found out our flowers arrived that day by taxi. After some enough on both mine and Niamh part, we finally got a request for her on Clare FM radio at stupid o clock from our end lol but it was so worth the effort. :)
On one of our many random walks we came upon the Kangaroo Point cliffs and the Queensland wind and brass band performing a set on the queen street mall stage. After seeing them perform we came upon various street entertainment along this street which kinda reminded us of Grafton St.

                            

   

Unpredictable Weather

Friday evening whilest out for coffee and muffin, we some how managed to win 2 set of tickets to the open air cinema in the south bank this weekend. So after some catching up on Youtube clips including one hilarious Irish parody of 50 Shades of Grey by the Irish comedian Conal Gallen which had us in stitches, must say we were getting some bizarre looks and stares in the media building, The Edge.
When we finally managed to peel our selves off the ground, we went home and watching Tinkerbell and secret of the wings with nachos and salsa to feed our inner child. We both agreed  that thought this film was nearly better than the original.

So we gradually made our way into south bank, the next day, whilest on the bus, the weather took a turn, from gorgeous  sunshine to wet downpour which ended up cancelling our VIP Ben & Jerry studded treatment at the open air cinema which would have been a Channing Tatum double bill - 21 Jump  Street / Magic Mike but at least we got 2 set of pairs of complimentary passes to use at a future screening of our choice. To cheer us up further we ended up in Max Brenner sharing a Chocolate fudge brownie sundae and cookie before heading home to watching Toy Story 3 on tv followed by Hotel Transylvania on my laptop.

I was treated to gorgeous Sunday veggie roast cooked and prepared by Niamh. After which we made our way into town via Coles to get few nibbles for the open air cinema later. Once in the culture quarter, we made our way to the museum to level 0 to the Playasaurus Place where the giant T-rex almost had a fighting match with Niamh. After few other bits, we strolled over to the Brisbane Openair, to collect our comp tickets and to our pleasant surprise, which were told, by the same woman from the previous night who has remembered us and how many times we were talking with her, not sure if that a good thing or a bad thing, that the tickets were actually VIP ones, so we were entitled to beanbag chair, comfy blanket, bottle of sparkling lemon favoured wine and as much Ben & Jerrys one could muster. Prior to the film starting at 7, there was music and games from half 4. All the games had a Ben and Jerry flavour to them, between both of us, we managed to win all the prizes that were available including T shirt, cooler bags, ice cream locks, key ring, ice cream cooler sleeve etc. Even before the film even commenced, we were having a blast, helped too that the weather was dry. Both of us agreed that the fim  - The Goonies, was actually better than we remembered.

The following day we learned Niamh was allowed to use her comp tickets for a different screening this week, so we are going Friday to see The Sapphires. To get in to the Oktoberfest mood, we both had German hot dogs, a Vegan Bratwurst and  NYC style which happened to be on 2 for 1 Tuesdays.

Typical, as were about to go to the farmers market for our now weekly veg shop on Wednesday.. we get soaked in a downpour but at least we got our veggies first :). So we decided to get out of the rain and go for coffee in our usual spot in the culture quarter - the library cafe. whilest we were there chatting away, Niamh got a last minute phone call from the agency, for a shift that night.. so after a quick dash home to get change, dinner etc.. sprinted for the bus and just and me just made the connecting train at central station... had her on the phone.. had heavens when I left her she made the train..

Despite a pleasant change in the weather, it was quite breezy, on Friday.. After our successful outing to the openair cinema on Sunday  we get to use the comp tickets Niamh had won but couldn't use due to the cancelled event on Saturday because of the rain. The film is the new Chris O Dowd film - The Sapphires based on true aboriginal story.   

Culture update

Made our way into culture quarter and south bank which seems to be turning into a daily ritual.
We made our way to the museum to get tickets to see The Mummy - secrets of the tomb but were sold out for that day - Saturday however lucky had some available for the next day -the final day. So we decided to go to the art galleries instead - GOMA And QAG.
Some how ended up playing a Qscan based phone game called secret slq which involves following clues and hint around the library.
From here we ended up strolling about south bank and ended up having dinner in burger joint called Grill'd whose chips are yummy. And for desert we decided to try the much talk about chocolate place called Max Brenner - chocolate by the bald man. My words about the foods would do it an injustice, simply out of this world. When we got home ended up booking tickets for the Ben & Jerry's Brisbane open air cinema which runs here during various evenings during the summer.

Our now daily trek into town, bought us to the museum to see the mummy which entailed a 3-D movie narrated by none other than Patrick Stewart, followed by walking around 4 mummy remains including the top billed remains of Nesperennub and other ornaments involved in the burial ritual.
Once we were finished with the exhibit, went exploring other aspects of the museum including the discovery centre on level 3, dressed by the best exhibit on level 4 and of course Queensland own discovery of the dinosaur Muttaburrasaurus langdoni.

Leaving the museum we walked through the whales mall.
We will so have to make a visit to the sciencentre and ENERGEX Playasaurus Place next opportunity we get.

All Blacks

One of my highlights this year has to be seeing some of the rugby world champions New Zealand All Blacks this morning in Queen street Mall stage. It was complete mayhem and chaos with the crowds going down the street and beyond. The weather couldn't have been nicer, it was so hot and warm, I'm glad I decided to wear shorts and top. The highlights for me had to finally get to see Dan Carter in the flesh and person.

                                               

             

                            

Brisbane Update

Quick update:

Now we are settled into Brisbane, its finally nice to be unpacked and not to be living out of a suitcase. We are living in a suburb called Kangaroo Point, its a nice and peaceful little spot, about 30/40 mins walk or 5 mins by bus to either South Bank and the Culture Quarter or over Story Bridge to The Valley. Niamh started doing agency work, so far worked in a few different hospitals and seems to enjoy the work to date.
The Culture Quarter seems to be where we spend a lot of our free time, as the man made beach and swimming pool, nice place to chill and relax. We learnt that the coffee/hot chocolate is very different in the space of ten feet, the cafe in the museum is below standard where as what seems to be turning into our local cafe, the Library Cafe, has yet to steer us wrong in food or drinks and the free WI-FI accessible from the state library doesnt hurt things either.
On Monday 15th, as Niamh was working in the Logan Hospital, I decided to head into Culture quarter whilest I was waiting for her to come into town, and went for coffee and see the GOMA, one must keeps ones culture up. Throughout the week, when Niamh wasnt working we went for a swim and such along the South Bank, Stroll over the Good Will Bridge to the Botanic City Gardens and a quick visit around QUT Campus and Old Government House Museum.

Something which we only discovered as we were on our way for a coffee that there a farmers market every Wednesday Afternoon in Brisbane Square, where we managed to pick up some bargains.
But the Highlight of our trip so far as been meeting some of the Qantas Wallabies in Queen Street Mall Stage today and getting our photos with them and getting a mini rugby ball signed. On such a high, we decided to go retail shopping for a few bits. To round off the evening we went for coffee and listened to stories through indigenous eyes in an event called Black Ink, which is it seems is on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

New Zealand Vids

The videos of our travels around New Zealand including :

1. Below Zero Ice Bar - Queenstown
2. The March of the Penguin - Curio Bay
3. The Waddle of the Sea Lion - Surat Bay
4. The View from Nugget Point Lighthouse - Nugget Point
5. The Cry of the Fur Seals - Nugget Point
6. Cadbury World Window Display - Dunedin
7. Liam's Kawarau Bridge Bungy  - Outside Queenstown
8. Cable Car - Wellington
9. Lady Knox Geyser - Rotorua
10-15 Maori Culture and Experience - Auckland Museum

Brisbane

As we arrived so early into Brisbane, we ended up watching Wanderlust on my laptop at the Roma Street Train Station. After which we made our way to Chill backpackers despite a good location we weren't overly impressed. After a quick bite to eat, we went off exploring, and happened to find the culture quarter on South Bank. It quite a lovely area containing the museums, state library (free WI-FI), a quaint cafe, man made beach outdoor swimming area. and the Wheel of Brisbane.

During most of our time we stayed in chill back packers was actually spent at the library looking for accommodation and jobs. Then Wednesday we walked and carted our luggage from chill to bunk backpackers in fortitude valley which was a pleasant  change and experience. The first night we actually got a welcome cocktail and meeting and then at half 6 free snack. Despite some of the lack luster and sometimes worrying accommodation, we found a house in Kangaroo Point. One of the highlights of our stay in the valley was a free subway and drink that Niamh and me got thanks to registering free online and discovering vegan hot dog at a place called 5 Dogs.

On Tuesday Whilest I did the RSA (Responsible Serving of Alcohol) cert course, Niamh went to the AHPRA about her registration for nursing.

On Wednesday, Niamh went to her appointment for HCA (or NAA) sorting out the last few bits of paper work. After a tad bit of advice Niamh started badgering AHPRA about the reg.

On Saturday we strolled from the Valley down to South Bank as it was such a beautiful day and went to the beach for a swim. We treated ourselves to a ice cream cone with nuts. Still managed to end up at the state library lol which yet again for the third day running ended up helping a damsel in technological distress.

Yesterday enjoyed a lazy Sunday getting ready for the move and spent time in the hot tub. The lazy Sunday came about due to lack of sleep induced by the French dorm mate bagging some random French hartlet.

Monday morning early rise due to check out of the hostel and making the  2km plus walk over Story Bridge (I still think it was an endurance test) towards kangaroo point our new house for the next 3 months. Finally unpacked and sorted into the house. After a quick dash back from Coles to turn off the oven, couldn't have timed it better, food was just done. After which did the first big shown Coles and made our daring escape with the trolley filled of groceries (paid) back up the hill to the house.

Sydney

Flight landed into Sydney Int. Airport about 8 am, after collecting baggage and such, the most  long and tedious wait through passport control and customs. We waited for the free shuttle to the hostel, which was slight wait due to the morning rush of flights into the airport. We left our suitcases in the luggage storage room, which was interesting trying to bring them done a windy staircase whilst there was a painter painting the walls. We then went off on the trek around the city. During the morning stroll, we managed to get our bank accounts and mobile numbers sorted. Before returning to the hostel, we had a coffee break which just happened to be Starbucks lol. The Hostel in question was the Westend Nomads, where do I begin about this hostel, mmm, the lift had a mind of its own, when it worked, which isn't fun when your on the 6th floor, which brings me onto the facilities and staff, lack of and rude. So when the lift wasn't working, the use of the stairs was unusual and I can't see how could have passed fire and safety. Once checked in and that, we started to explore the city properly, firstly seeing the famous Westfield Shopping Centre, which would be any fashionista's place of heaven, here is also the home of the Sydney Skytower. We walked down Elizabeth street toward the Wharf, where you sights of the city pier, the Opera house, Harbour Bridge, Botanic Gardens amongst other sights.

We ate at a local chipper near the wharf. We decided to walked the 30 min or so back to the hostel down along Macquarie Street, passing the Botanic Gardens, State Library of New South Wales and such. We had an early night due jet lag.
We got up early on day 2 undertaking a self guarded tour of the city, seeing Parliament House, Art Gallery of NSW, The State Library, passing the Hyde  Park Barracks, Sydney Hospital, St Mary's Cathedral before heading down near Circular Quay, entering the Custom House where there a 3D model of the city, from here went to the Contemporary Art Gallery, Nurses Walk, the Rocks and the Observatory.

Circular Quay looks so much different light up at night, especially the Opera House and the Sky tower. We gradually made our way back towards the hostel walking down George Street house to some of Sydney Designer stores including of course one of the Biggest Apple stores we've ever seen. We ate that night in an Irish Bar called Scruffy Murphys where if you buy a soft drink or alcoholic beverage you could get a meal for 7 dollars which was quite tasty. After this we went down stairs as there was a quiz one. The quizmaster was a unusual bred of entertainer, we ended staying here for a few hours good laugh..

We got up early the Friday morning and made our way to the train station, where we got a Day Multi Trip pass for 21 dollars (Bus, Train and Public ferries) to Bondi Junction and then the bus towards the beach. We spent a small while here, over crowded and over hyped. Once we made our way back into the city, we got the train over Harbour bridge to Milton Point and from here got the ferry back. Another reason the hostel annoyed me so much, was the fact the electrics blew yes I mean blew my good world travel adapter, so made the mad dash run around George Street, managed to get one in Woolworths for 10 dollars, which is still serving me well. It was a quiet after that due to the thunder and lightning during the night.
After Check out Saturday at 10 am , we relaxed around the town before making our way by train to Central Station via quick stop off at Apple store. We got the 16.10 train from Sydney to Brisbane, we arrived 6.30am. The journey was over 14 hours and was not totally bad experience, we would travel by Country Link again.

Final Days in NZ

Ended up in sky city casino for a quiz at 8 pm for a bit of fun with a group of us. Had some of the randomest questions ever, fun was had at least. After the quiz went to the famous Fergburger joint. Omg the size and taste. 

Early rise this morning for departing from queenstown, the bus collected us at 8 from hostel. After few  other pick ups we head out of queenstown, the Kawarau gorge bout 8.30. First stop is a toilet stop in town of Cromwell itself at 9.20 for 20 mins, the home of giant fruit. Leaving Cromwell we pass over lake Dunstan, man made after the creation of the Clyde Dam, go further on up over the Lindis Pass into MacKenzie Country, making our way towards Christchurch 419km away. McKenzie country contains NZ highest point 1000m above sea level and home to the world famous Merino Sheep. 

We stop for few mins for a photo op at 11.39 in Lake Pukaki, glacier craved lake, in the McKenzie basin, you see Mt Cook and Mt Tasman slightly in the distance. Arrive at Lake Tekapo about 12.15 for photo op and see the historic church of the good Shepard and the lake. About 1 pm kiwi bus got pulled over for a routine police check. Arrive into Geraldine, south canterbury, almost down to sea level for 30 mins lunch pit stop at 13.45. Through the bus up we watched a true story new zealand movie called the fastest little Indian. We meet a connecting kiwi bus at 4 at outskirts of Christchurch and said our goodbyes to mikey and Giulia, dam you goodbyes. 

Then made our way to the hostel jailhouse which we booked online for 79 dollars for a twin room. Once checked in, went for stroll around Christchurch, from the jailhouse, in Addington into city centre seeing botanic gardens, Canterbury museum, outline of the red zone including the destruction in cathedral square.

Strolled back towards Addington, got a cheap Dominos, watched Doctor Who and early night as the super shuttle bringing to the airport was collecting us at 3 am. Got checked in and hostel booked thanks to free wifi. Flight depart at 6.35 arriving into Sydney at 8.05am 

Bottom Bus Adventure

Check out from Nomads was 10 am. Leaving time for the bottom bus tour was at 10.30. Nearly missed the bus due to a skype call from home, and trying to book flights to Sydney. Made our way from Queenstown to Dunedin, which is the home of Speight’s brewery and Cadbury World. Soon after leaving realised, we were missing few items, but after getting into contact with one of the girls from Manchester on the tour, Giulia, - our guardian angel :-) -crisis was averted, as she got the items for us, from reception, as someone had handed them in this morning after we had left. After a 5 mins toilet stop in Cromwell, we head towards the east coast via the massive Clyde Dam. At the Clyde Dam we stop at the lookout point to have a look and photo op. Further down the road we stop for a picnic lunch in the sun in a small town called Clyde with the snow-capped mountains in the background. The last stop before Dunedin was in a tiny town called Lawrence, for an ice cream stop, cheap and omg so tasty, also first town with free public WI-FI throughout the town. When we entered Dunedin, the bottom bus brought us on a tour of the city seeing the highlights of where the Speight’s brewery, the new all-weather Forsyth rugby stadium, University of Otago, the old railway stadium, Catholic and Protestant Cathedrals and Baldwin street – the worlds steepest street according to Guinness book of world records, now that was challenge and struggle to get to the top don’t mind back down! The Bottom Bus dropped then off at our accommodation, the On Top Backpackers, which cost 26 dollars a night for the dorm room and 20 refundable deposits for the key. Once we got settled, we went to the public library literally across the road, to use the free WI-FI, to organise a few things.

After which we went on a walk about the city, starting at Cadburys World, felt like been a kid, the smell of chocolate alone was making me hungry. A short walk from there, we came to the old railway station, if I didn’t feel like a kid already I did here, up close, you can see why the building is the most photographed building in Dunedin. Myself, Niamh and the a german girl on the tour Susanne, were having a laugh walking around Dunedin in the twilight, one of the highlights after the railway station was at Spleight’s brewery, who had built into the wall a beer barcel, brilliant photos were taken. Along the way back to the hostel, we saw the St. John Catholic and St. Paul Protestant Cathedrals. After dinner, well done Niamh, a very tasty meal, went to try and book our hostels for Sunday and Monday on Hostelworld for Queenstown, sneakily on our iphone / ipad in the end outside McDonalds, was interesting in the cold but got there in the end.

                          

Bottom bus collects us from the backpackers at 8 am saturday 22nd for our trip down to the far south. The Catlins which is probably furthest south, we probably will ever go unless we somehow make an expedition to Antarctica. The Catlins also home to some amazing and rare wildlife including yellow eyed penguins and sea lions that have re-colonised on beaches on that coast and been in particular unique has been rarest member of seal species left on the planet. The adventure into the Catlins started with panoramic view from Nugget Point, hold on as the Southerly wind can sometimes make it seem a lot closer than the 4800 km to the South Pole. The first stop of the day after leaving Dunedin is at Kaka Point at 9.45 am for a 30 mins coffee break, the scenery of beach and surrounding area is breath taking especially on such a sunny warm day. Short drive up the hilly trek we arrive at Nugget Point scenic reserve at about 10.30.We stroll the 150 m to the cliff top viewpoint to see the view of nearby Dunedin and Kaka Point. On the way to the lighthouse we sight 1 year old fur pup seals which have been kicked out of home. Then walk the remaining 600m to the lighthouse and its viewpoint, where you see the Catlins coastline, cliff edge and see and hear the soaring seagulls. From here we stroll the 900m back to the bus. The toilet facilities in the Kaimatital car park are limited using a toilet system called vault toilet, in my eyes posh way of saying long drop toilet. We leave Nugget Point area at about 11.15 towards scenic route which about 8km from Kaka Point. We arrive into Cannibal Bay at 11.45 to see sea-lions, up close and personal, though there a 10m rule to stay away from the sea lions for your own safety, so they won’t charge at you as they can get up to 25km and definitely don’t get between them and the sea. A casual 20 min walk brings to False Islet close to male New Zealand’s Sea lions on Surat Bay, one of the rarest species. Unbeknownst to me I almost bumped into of the smaller darker sea lions, lucky he was asleep and I was warned.

                                

Then we got to see the bigger lighter black male wadding into the sea and smaller one pruning himself. About 12.30 we gradually made our way back to the bus. On the trek back we saw the bigger male on a different beach, at Cannibal Bay. Left Cannibal Bay at 1pm, to make our way to our lunch stop, where we arrived into a town called Owaka, which means place of the canoe in Maori at 1.15. The café In the town called Catlins café, quite tasty food. Left Owaka at about 2pm travelling further down south. We stop at about 2.20 at Purakanui Falls for a roughly 20 min bush walk. After that we continued our journey south. We stop for quick photo at 3.15 at Florence hill lookout over Tautuku beach, Tautuku peninsula, Rainbow Island & spouting cave and Long point. We drive a min up the road to Lake Wilkie to check out the local flora and fauna for about 30 mins leaving just before 4 pm. We stop for few mins at Niagra Falls NZ at 4.30, a settler named it, who seems had a sense of humour. We continue the 8 km from here to Curio Bay. We park between Curio Bay on the left and Porpoise Bay on the right at about 4.45, lovely sight of the 2 Bays. We stop for a pitstop and a milkshake at Porpoise Bay at stop called Curio Bay Holiday Park, where read a story about the case of the missing penguin, an interesting story. From here we drive 400m to Petrified Forest and walk to the lookout. Once we get down to the shoreline, we see two yellow eyed penguins up close.

                           

We left Petrified Forest for the final stretch to Invercargill at about 5.45. On the way we happened to make a very quick stop about 47 km from Invercargill, because of the weather was perfect to see Stewart island on the left and Buff Hill on the hill in the horizon and see one hell of a sunset. Our bus driver Don, said it been the best weather for weeks. We arrived into Invercargill at 7, which is New Zealand most southerly city with a population of 50,000, stayed at Tuatara Backpackers which cost 29 $ for a 4 dorm room.

                           

We headed out of Invercargill nice and early, Sunday 23rd, so that we could meet up with the Milford Explorer at Five Rivers. By finally getting all some not fully awake heads onto the bus, we departed by 7.45 from the backpackers. First stop of the day was a quick photo stop about 9.30 at Lake Manapouri. After which we stop further down the road for a toilet break. From here we continue to Te Anau, to meet our connecting Kiwi Bus. On route we sight sites of where Lord of the Rings was filmed including Anduin River and Fangorn Forest. Our bottom bus driver, Don shows us around Te Anau, as he lives here. We arrive here at 10 am. Te Anau only has a normally population of about 2,000 but in summer overnight population can reach near 10,000. Lake Te Anau is NZ 2nd largest lake after Lake Taupo, with 500km of Coastline. We have our morning coffee break stop here till 10.30. We leave Te Anau and get onto highway 94 and head towards Milford Sound. The construction of this Milford highway began during the great depression 1929 and took 25 years before completion, opening in 1954. This highway regarded as one of the most scenic drives and over 110 km to Milford Sound. Jamie our Kiwi driver has been one of the most hilarious, dirty minded and sarcastic drivers and had us in stitches laughing from the off. We drive through the Fiordland National Park which is the biggest National Park of the 15 in NZ, with a size of 1.4 hectares and 14 fiords in the park. It’s been a national park since 1952 and is a world heritage site. We stop in the park for a photo op, at 11.20, to see the snow-capped mountain range which goes up 2k and the forest stops about 300m from the top. Then just up the highway, we stop again at Mirror Lakes for a ten min walk through the lakes to the other end, indescribable mountain range.

We drive past 45 degrees latitude in the beechwood forest in the park, which is half way before the equator and the South Pole. Which means Fiordland Park has a temperate climate, therefore has rain every 2/3 days. Further into the park we stop for the only toilet break before the cruise at a place called Knob’s Flat. From Knob’s Flat it’s 45km to Milford Sound. As we drive through the park we pass Lake Gunn, Lake Fergus, and The Divide of the Southern Alps which brings us to the West Coast and roughly 80km from Tasman Bay, Lake Hollyford which had originally in the past been the 15th fiord, river Hollyford, and Falls Creek. We stop at Monkey Creek at 12.30 for a photo op and to fill our water bottle from the creek it’s about 24km to Milford Cruise. We drive past a patch of highway that was closed for 3 days last week due to 3 different avalanches. After this we drive by Gertrude Valley. About 12.45, we start driving through Homer Tunnel, which was created using 100 tonnes of dynamite, has 200m of slope and is 1.8km down. The other side is commonly known as valley of 100 waterfalls. We arrive down at the wharf about 1pm and get ready for the Milford cruise which departed at 1.30. as we got off the bus, Jamie the driver gave us 3 passes, - Boarding Pass, Meal Pass, and Discovery Centre Pass. On the cruise there a buffet lunch, hot and cold, included. We cruised casually around Milford Sound on a boat called Spirit of Milford and into the Tasman Sea. The cruise must say been some boat trip as when we entered the Tasman Sea, it got bumpy and windy which it seems is unusual. Seems it’s not normally this dry or sunny as its usually has high rainfall. Now we see why they say it’s a must do In NZ. We arrive at the underwater observatory discovery centre at 3 for a look around for roughly 45 mins before heading back to the wharf.

The Kiwi bus departed here at 4.15 pm heading back the same highway towards Te Anau where we stopped for a quick toilet break and continued onto Queenstown. When we arrived into Queenstown, we checked into Nomads Hostel which we had booked on Hostelworld at a cost of 29 $ for 6 bed dorm, however we got upgraded to an ensuite, into the exact same room we had last Thursday by the same receptionist. Met up with lads from the Kiwi bus for a get together, random and crazy night was had.