Dolphin safari

We were out in the sea hoping for a glance of dolphins in their natural habitat, along with other dolphin lovers, 3 marine biologist and a captain.  There was no plan of where to find them but guarded with knowledge of the experienced marine biologist, we set sail searching for signs – seagulls activity, water temperature, sea colour and all.  

4+ hours of sailing, only to be rewarded a couple of dolphins, not a school of them.  It was pretty unusual as the hit rate is normally very high during winter, or so we were told.  Due to the unsatisfactory sight, we were given another round of adventure valid indefinitely, on the house!  That’s how they honour their 100% dolphin guarantee J.  

Nonetheless, it was still nice having a good quiet time floating about away from the hustle bustle enjoying fresh sea breeze and sunshine.

From long to bob

So I got sick of my hairstyle and was looking for a change.  Took a dive in google and not much success in finding any appealing medium/long hairstyles.  I think I probably have tried them all.  I wanted something really different to refresh my look.  It’s been a while.

“Bob!” I thought.  Off I went, another dive in google.  And found a few nice ones.

So, I took the plunge…..

I love it!

In the sea of gold

Christchurch

So, we bid beautiful Queenstown goodbye and heading to Christchurch on an early flight.

The purpose of this 1 night stopover was to see the city for the first time after the quake.  I really don’t know how to speak of this place without getting emotional.  Too many memories, too many things and yet an earthquake had taken away most that built the memories...forever....The once vibrant garden city is now no more.  Standing in front of the ruins lamenting with great sadness and countless sighs, I couldn’t help but only sighed.  The whole city was so seriously messed up that I couldn’t even pin point where I was.  I felt like I was in a maze, attempting to match everything up with those I imprinted in my memories but with only small success.  Sigh!

There, 185 chairs for 185 lives lost

I stood there for a good long while with great sadness

The once magnificent Christchurch Basilica

The famous landmark of Christchurch, Cathedral.  Pretty sad....

On a lighter note, a trip to Christchurch is never complete for us without a visit to my all time favourite cafe, Ancestral

Chilling out in the hotel watching cartoon with AJ

The forever cheeky monkey!

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is especially enchanted in Autumn and I will forever go back there whenever I pop by Queenstown.  Walking down the main street - Buckingham Street, I felt like I was tele-ported back to the 19th century.  Thanks to the well preserved historic buildings.  This historic town is where you get to see the autumn in it's true form – rich colours + melancholy feeling.

Same restaurant, same spot, 3 years apart

Lake Wanaka

On the first day in Queenstown, we headed to Wanaka for our lunch excursion.  It was quite a scenic 1-hour drive.

That was quite a ride!

I always think Lake Wanaka is overrated.  It is beautiful but not spectacular.  Somehow I found the scenery lack of something…let’s just say it is a bit bare if that makes any sense.  Personal opinion only.  The only unique character this lake offers is nonetheless the lonely “tree in the lake”.  Sadly lonely.  And it looks like we are destined to go back there again….because…. 

We didn’t get the “tree in the lake”.   Dry lake.  Oh well, on the up side, I can get all up close and personal with the tree without getting wet.

War of Cybertron!  LOL

"Oh hello!"

Same spot, same smile, 3 years apart

A brief photo stop at Cromwell on our way back to Queenstown