Internet Cost New Zealand

I need to have a Moan.


How much is acceptable to pay for internet access?


If you are going to charge how do you decide the price?


In New Zealand you can have "Free" internet use, both fixed line and wireless, at the local libraries and in some high streets / city centres.
Both run by local government.


What I have found is very annoying.


Hotels we have been in have free Wifi internet access.


2 out of all the camp-sites we been in so far have been free.


Most use a third party wireless internet provider and charge what is a reasonable rate of $10 for 24 hours ranging from 500mb to 1000mb.  


Smaller amount of time you want, the higher the cost, as follows:-

• $1 = 10 minutes
• $2 = 20 minutes

Note an English guy in front of us on Tuesday 27th September bought £20 worth of internet time for his 4 kids, at the above rate.

The worst so far, for cost is a holiday camp close to Dunedin, that charged $18 for 4 hours.

I did not use the internet at this camp!!!!!!

The best was free internet at a camp close to Christchurch, this I had and if I used up the 1000mb he would increase it.

So should companies charge? when you, if you look, can get free internet access.

Its easy money clear profit. 

If we the customer start to complain or not use the expensive places then hopefully the price will fall.  


What do you say?

Camp-sites, Camper-vans & Locals

First time travelling in a camper and not sure what to expect!!!

Need to get used to a small space 6.6m long and 3m high, having to make own bed EVERY NIGHT!!!!!

 We have stayed at several camp-sites some good some ok and some excellent...the one thing that stands out is how very helpful people are. The reception staff advise and also some resident locals.

The receptionist's at the Top 10 in Te Anu was really helpful and advised us that if we were going to be using Top 10 sites that we would benefit from a members card for $40 this would give us a 10% discount..she then took the 10% off our camp fees our booking for Milford Sound this saving paid for the card..what excellent service. We have been staying at Top 10 sites and using our card.

But I cannot take away the fact that at every site we have stayed the staff have been fantastic and so friendly and helpful..even seeing the funny side after we have driven over small winding roads (following the GPS) which will insist on the scenic route lol, which sometimes seems too small for our large van!!!

The other thing that stands out is how freindly the locals are in the taverns/pubs..so interested to talk that they seem to do the rounds of tables with any new people...even to the fact of us wanting to watch the Rugby did not seems a problem...we even got a lift home..free from the Tavern at Waikouaiti the landlord was a dedicated rugby fan..... He has even said that when we come back he will have a list of places we need to see......

I am so impressed that when we meet people out and about they are so friendly and we have even had the offer of visiting him at his house, this was while we were in the springs at Hamner, also it does not matter where you are or what you are doing, this does not seem to happen at home..we to have lost the community spirit and don't want to connect or get involved any more!!!!

We have even as we travel met kind people who are locals staying at the camp sites and have asked us what we are doing and give us great places to go and find, that maybe we might not have given a second look, some real gems....

Once the people here realise you are not a local they do their best to include you and make you feel at home and one of them..not feeling uncomfortable to walk into anywhere!!!!

Queenstown New Zealand

 

Why wouldn't you live here?

If your into Hi adrenalin activities or just into walking, eating and a good social life then Queenstown has to have all your needs.
Whatever your age you can do just about anything that is legal here in queenstown, I am going to share some photo's of people taking part in some of the things you can do.
Take the cable car up the mountain, have lunch, dinner or just a beer, take in the views or jump off in so many ways.                                                                                      

     

Para Gliding, It was a bit quiet when we were here and the guys that jump off the top, were playing kick the ball around.

Tame bungy jumping, you don't fall very far and your hooked up around your middle.
Still I wouldn't do it my excuse is I am not aloud.
you can also toboggan, or take a couple of walking tracks up here, even walk down, there is also a pendulum swing if you fancy.

Kawarou Bridge the home of Bungy Jumping the following pictures are involving a small child no harm came to her, the other picture of a man different story.



London Buses they get everywhere.

No Harm at all to little girls, Mum and Dad were proud of her watching from the viewing platform.


Ready Steady Go, you need to wait for the Go!!!!!! oops
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>











The previous guy towelling down, air temp 8c, water temp                 -2c.
I was cold just watching













Any one game? oh you get picked up in a dingy.




Jet Boat ride there is only one in the world to do "Shotover"

And there is more.
Skiing, Snowboarding, rock climbing, jet boat tours, steamboat tours, drinking, dancing, shopping, canoeing and many more all in 1 place.

For a short ride away you can also pan for gold, note what you find you keep.

More to come.

Milford sound Coach & Cruise

Mirrored lake

Coach & Cruise Milford sound

Well what a day travelling down to Te Anau, rain sheeting it down, wind howling around buffeting us from one side of the to the other, due to how bad the weather is we decided to miss out Invergargill and go staight to  Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound.

We headed for a Top Ten camp site by the lake with a bit of "Luxury" also a  place to book a coach trip to Milford Sound, that way I can also get the benefit from the scenery.
The shock we had as we pulled into the drive of the campsite, there were 3 campervans infront of us, the place already looked full of rugby fans, that had bailed out of the weekend rugby matchs from Dunedin and Invergargill, highlighted by all the flags in the windows and hanging from the campervan doors, more Scotland flags, England flags coming a close second followed by Argentinian flags.

The receptionist was outstanding in the service she gave us, she asked the right questions, from our answers, she said we should consider being members of  Top Ten Club, which would give us discounts at top ten campsites, cafes, here in New Zealand and campsites in Australia, we would also benifit from it, as we are traveling for 2 months here in New Zealand. For the cost of $40, which we saved from the discounts we got from 2 nights at the site and booking the Coach & Cruise.

Next Day 8.15 we waited for luxury coach ideal for the small group of us and personal, the company is "Go Milford" the cost is $149 each, this = £75 approx, the only let down for the day was that it was cloudy, it hid the tops of the mountains.
Incorporated into the cost is cruise for 2.5 hours a trip clockwise around the bay to Milford sound and back again which included buffet lunch,
Firstly the trip overland through Fiordlands spectacular scenery, stopping to look at the views which are outstanding even in low cloud, stopped at mirrored lakes, you need to do this early before the wind gets up.
The Chasm
The Finest workers 
in stone are not
copper or steel tools,
but the gentle
touches of air and 
water working at
their leisure with a
liberal allowance of 
Time.
"David Henry Thoreau"

The trip back was as exciting as the trip down,
There is an option to take a helicopter flight to the glacier, then you get out a couple of photo's and the pilot will drop you on the other side of the tunnel to meet the coach, all for a small fortune, max of 3 persons.
3 guys took this offer up, and after the cruise they were dropped off to take the helicopter flight.
we then stoped off to see the "chasm" on returning to the coach we notice the cloud base has dropped and the helicopter is landing in the car park, these guys only managed to spend 2 minutes on the glacier. As

 

Snowballs ready.

we approached the tunnel, It started to snow heavily we saw the snow settling on the side of the mountains and the road up to the tunnel.
We had a treat at the other end the coach driver stopped as a couple of Australians on the coach have never thrown snow balls! Which I cannot believe.







Milford Sound Cruise with Southern Discoveries.
Note. Jeannette request to drive the Boat!!!!


Only comment I have, I not a fan of having lunch at 11.15. That said lunch was great, buffet catering for all tastes and nationalities. and enough for everyone to go round twice.
I was unable to take good photo's as the clouds were low, A good value cruise the captain was approachable and allowed the guys to ask questions and have a go at steering the boat.
The commentary along cruise is very informative, it's backed up with cruise highlights sheet for our own information, there are 18 points of interest, taking in Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, Lion Mountain, Fairy Fall and Harrison Cove. The only natural anchorage in the Fiord used during the 1800 by whalers and sealer's. 

A couple of random photo's.
















Seal rock is one of the few places the southern fur seals are able to claim out on to the rocks. They inhabit the Fiord all year round.

<Stirling Falls, is one of 2 permanent waterfalls in the Fiord.

Jeannette about to get a soaking from the Stirling falls, the boat can get the pointy end right under the falls it self.....>

Ps. One camp site internet cost free for the whole week, another site $18!!! for 4 hours? I am on a top ten camp site and have free very fast wifi.

What more can I say? 

Random lunch stop and Boulders

A timed run from Christchurch to Dunedin.

Why?











On our way to the first of England's group games of which the first 3 are in Dunedin, this is great for us as we will be able to visit and see the bottom half of New Zealand's South Island over 14 days, not going to rush this at all.
Left early out of Christchurch with GPS taking in a horse shoe shape route around Christchurch, I got the feeling that we were going totally the wrong direction, "have faith in the GPS," Jeannette comments.

Views terrific finding words is getting harder to describe the scenery, the roads are very quite, I will probably be repeating my self here.
Next a place to eat, choices not so many choices on the open roads, a few cafe's, bars, Taverns and restaurants though the towns we passed, while driving I saw a sign for Moeraki Boulders Cafe & Bar in 2k. We decided to stop well what a bonus it was, the cafe is situated about .5k off the main road drive down to a car park that can take camper vans, couple of coaches and cars. nicely laid out cafe plus a gift shop.
On entering the cafe the first thing that hits you is the Daily Specials written on a Hugh roll of brown wrapping paper hanging from the ceiling, next attack on my senses is the fantastic sea views, they have an outside eating deck just in the right place.
Then I notice pictures on the walls, I called Jeannette over and said "We have picked without realising it a famous place to see,"
The cafe is situated right above the 60 million year old "Moeraki Boulders" what a treat, they're amazing!















Or as one traveller put are they Egg shells of sea-born dragons?

Rather than give you the history just look and wonder.








You have to be here.

Look carefully the earth is giving birth to another Boulder 

A Relaxing Spa / Travelling with Scenic Views?

Both!
Over 2 days.
Looking at the leaflets and New Zealand guide books you have so much choice.

A 90 minute camper van journey from Christchurch is one of many things a traveller must do.

Do you need a perfect place to "Rebalance and unwind?"

Then as we decided Hanmer Springs thermal Pools is the place to go, I am quite sure there will be other springs and thermal pools we will visit, this is the first.
A great drive up to Hanmer it took us 1.45 hours, driving up through the mountains and pine forests when we were within 5k there is a single vehicle only wooden bridge over a gorge, just before the bridge there is an adventure activities centre, were the more adventurous can partake in White water rafting, rock claiming, bungy jumping, jet boat ride and Horse riding, Ps, there also a ski centre in this area as well.

Hamer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has been around for 125 years, The place is great and everything you would want is available, even as a spectator at a cost of $2 (£1), it makes the New Spa in Bath a rip off, sorry Bath City Council.
Now to make Bath Spa look inferior on value for money and facilities, We decide that we would do the Thermal pools only, even though they do the whole pampering thing like Facials, Spa Treatments, Massage, Hot Stone therapy and Hands and Feet, this is not all, but the one I have highlighted, the Ladies will love.






Chocolate Regenerative Care.
Enjoy a delicious break from daily life. This chocolate fondue treatment gives softness and suppleness to the skin as well as improving the brightness of your complexion.


 The Thermal pools entry cost us $18 each $5 for towels and $2 for a locker, you can spend all day here.

Guess?

Set in the heart of the village and snow top mountains for a back ground we had a choice of 15 thermal pools ranging from Aqua Therapy pools, Rainbow Rock pools, hexagonal pools, lap pool, children's aquaplay pools with slides and not forgetting the 3 Sulphur pools "smelly" these pools are great, water temperatures ranged from 40c - 42c our skin felt really soft after being in these pools, the Sulphur pools contain unfiltered thermal water, so no ducking your head in!!!

We are going to do this again in other of the many hot springs around New Zealand, keep you updated.                                                                                             

Trans-Alpine Train Journey Christchurch To Greymouth

On Tuesday 6th September we went on the transalpine train trip to Greymouth, we had to leave the campsite early, so booked a taxi to collect us at 7am..the train was due to leave at 8.15am but had to be there 20 minutes before to have seats allocated.

We sat in A B seats on the outward leg, these were really good seats as you were facing the right way, the first part of the journey took us through small towns that were not very highly populated..a place for peace and relaxation!!!!

We saw lots of wide open spaces on our way to Arthur's Pass, sheep, cows, alpaca's and ostriches, plenty of birds of prey and the occasional herds of deer..as it was lambing season loads of baby lambs running and jumping about. The sun was shining and everyone in the carriage seemed happy. 

We had a young family opposite us and the two small boys were enjoying their journey with mum and Grandpa!!! the youngest one got a little tired and started to cry and roll about on the floor.(.been there , done that) some of the other passengers where somewhat rude and intolerant of small children and made rude remarks to the family...I feel that if they wanted silence they should have booked a seat in the luggage carriage!!!!!  Trains are for everyone!!!!

Our journey took us over death defying viaducts metres high over some what dry river beds..just a small trickle, but probably a raging torrent in the rainy season!!!  High mountains with remnants of snow on their peaks, some covered in trees their size was amazing!!  We went through the longest tunnel in the southern hemisphere 8k in length and 20 minutes to go through..

There was an open carriage where those that cold brave the wind could stand and take photographs, and return to the carriage, cold and wind swept...they kept doing this throughout the journey..Mark was gone for so long that i thought he might have been blown away, but he did eventually return, cold and in need of a hot drink, but also happy with all the photos he had snapped!!!!

Once through the long tunnel, on the other side the difference in the view and weather was noticeable, a lot cooler, more cloud and not much sign of the lovely sunshine, if felt like we had emerged into a different world. But the views were just as spectacular!!! 

Once we reached our destination we decided to have a walk up the main street, which had a variety of shops, cafe's and banks. Greymouth town is not huge, but a place we can say we have been too!! Next to the station there is also a supermarket and subway shop!! We were advised to take our own snacks as these places can get really full, from the people alighting from the train. Anyway the train had a carriage H for hungry for drinks etc, so we had no need to buy anything here!!! 

Our time went fast and before we knew it we were waiting on the platform for the train ride to return to Christchuch... the return journey was no less impressive as the sun was shining differently, and leaving shadows on the mountains..yet again the viewing carriage was as busy as the first time.

We arrived back at Christchurch caught the bus back..for FREE as the driver guessed we were tourist and gave us a free ride back on his bus...magic.  a brilliant end to a long tiring and exciting day!! Thank you......