| Coromandel Peninsular | |
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| Auckland was the starting point of the holiday, or at least it should have been if the flight from Singapore hadn't been over booked. Singapore Airlines offered to fly us business class to Christchurch on the South Island then up to Auckland. It meant we would be about two hours behind schedule to pick up the hire car and a 'phone call to Avis confirmed this wouldn't be a problem. The deal included $S1000(about£400)cash and two Mont Blanc pens so we couldn't refuse could we. | |
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The flight into Christchurch took us diagonally across
Australia at night but at dawn we were over the Tasman sea in brilliant sunshine
for the rest of the flight. A further bonus was the flight over the Southern
Alps and at the end of the day we had flown over most of both islands before
the holiday proper even started!
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The pictures taken from the aircraft were at the Northern end of the Southern Alps, around Arthurs Pass and Rakaia river areas. |
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I had hoped to photograph Mount Cook but obviously I was looking out the wrong side of the 'plane! |
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One night in Auckland was followed by two at Pokeno, about 45 minutes drive South. Our destination was the stunning hotel Du Vin set in the De Redcliffe winery among rolling hills. |
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The Coromandel Peninsular is within easy reach of Pokeno but you can't get anywhere fast, despite the lack of traffic, because you just have to keep stopping to admire the view and take photos. |
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One distinct advantage we had was the glorious weather from start to
finish.Driving was a joy on deserted roads, some unsealed and others that
would test a hardened rally driver.
Cuddly Possums ain't welcome in Pokeno for sure! |
