NZ Day 8: Hokitika - Christchurch by Kiwi Rail

We know that holiday is approaching to end when it is time to return our car.

We woke up earlier. Stop by a bakery for breakfast.

The exterior was very eye-catching; which is why we had choose to eat here.

However, there was not much foods option which disappoint me a little.

Cosy interior.

I had chocolate eclairs NZD3.60. (Reminding myself not to convert it into RM)

He had egg benedict NZD19. It was better than the one we had in Queenstown.

After a quick breakfast, we start our journey to Greymouth.

We stop by a honey shop.

Bought home some manuka honey.

I don't consume honey, so I didn't know the price. When I was back in Malaysia, and friends told me the price is super cheap, I am so regretful. If I knew earlier, I would have bought a lot home!

We arrived Greymouth and it's time to say goodbye to our Yaris.

New Zealandars trust people so much, as the car return is just by dropping the key into the hole.

I was surprised! :)

It's time to board Kiwi Rail. A 4 hour train ride back to Christchurch.

Cafe in the train.

Lunch.

Train stop at Arthur's Pass for passengers to have some photo.

He enjoyed it so much; as he can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

I must say the scenery is awesome and 4 hour ride doesn't feel long.

Relaxing scenery.

We arrived Christchurch and the skies had turned dark.

After check in into Ibis Hotel, we intend to have dinner at the container mall.

Too bad it is all closed.

Last glance at these container mall before we bid farewell to Christchurch early in the morning.

NZ Day 7: Hokitika

We have plenty of time after our heli-ride. After stop by for a brisk walk at Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (we actually covered Peter's Pool & Sentinel Rock Walk only, and call it a day.. hahahaha..), we head up to our next destination, Hokitika.

This is a Hokitika. A small quiet, peaceful town.

We had an early check in to Bella Vista Hokitika.

A very comfortable stay.

We then head out to our favorite groceries store in NZ, New World. Bought our lunch from the deli inside the groceries store and had it in our room. Not that tasty, but it's cost saving :)

We then drive to Hokitika Gorge, which is 33km from Hokitika.

An easy 15 minutes walk to Blue Pool.

Then it's dinner time. Time pass very fast in NZ!

We choose to have Fish & Chips take away.

Hi There! :)

Fish & Chips Sets. NZD18. Not nice. Too oily and I'm not used to having fish and chips without mayonese.

We watched the sunset at the beach and call it a day.

Trips in NZ had been a really relaxing one.

I miss it a lot now! :)

NZ Day 7: Franz Josef Glacier

After so much of consideration - to take the Glacier Hike or to take Glacier Ride. 

We finally opt for Glacier Ride as my health condition was not in an excellent condition.

We were worry that I'm unable to enjoy the 3 to 4 hour hike.

We booked the Glacier Ride with YHA Franz Josef.

We took the 20 minute Franz Josef & Fox Glacier ride which cost NZD270/pax.

It was indeed very expensive but a memorable experience :)

Preparing to on-board the helicopter.

View from the helicopter. Still green.

And here come the snow mountain. It took 5 minutes to go up.

Landing on between the peak of Franz Josef & Fox Glacier.

Yeah.

It is not as cold as I'd imagine up there.

We are allowed to spent 10 minutes ONLY on the ice before we head back down.

5 minutes ride down the snow mountain.

And NZD270 gone just like that.

How I wish we could earn money as fast as that too.

Nevertheless, this is a very great memorable experience!

No regret :)