TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fanny & Roger Korman, from Philadelphia, USA spent 3 weeks “Road Tripping” in Australia before crossing the ditch to join Constance, their NZ guide, for a tour of both the North & South Islands.

After the dry conditions of their excursion to date, that was all about to change for the Korman’s as the wet West Coast lived up to its reputation.

While the rain might have thrown a spanner in the works for their heli ride to Franz Josef Glacier, it did not disappoint for the drive through the Haast Pass.

The rivers were torrential and the waterfalls in full flow; the sheer volume sent water cascading  over the road in places.  Constance had never seen anything like it in all her years of guiding.

By all accounts they were lucky to get through as the road became impassable and eventually closed to traffic.  It was fortunate that they made it to Wanaka as Shai, the Korman’s son, was waiting to join them for the next week of their travels.

The weather eventually cleared and the trio undertook a climb up Mt Iron to behold stunning views of the lake, before enjoying tipples at the Cardrona Distillery, Cardrona Hotel then lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery.

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This was followed by a magnificent day trip to Milford Sound where they were rewarded with sightings of Fiordland Crested Penguins and NZ Fur Seals.

Then it was onward to Qeenstown, were Fanny celebrated her 71st birthday pumped with adrenaline from rides on the Gondola, Shotover Jet and indoor skydiving with i-Fly, followed by a well deserved massage.

Film buff Shai and his siblings record an award-winning weekly podcast called Friday Night Movies.  Over a wine tasting at Mondillo Vineyard with his parents he recorded the next installment where he interviewed Constance about NZ films.

After that excitement it was disappointing that the stargazing experience at Lake Tekapo didnt go ahead due to weather conditions plus it was time to say goodbye to Shai in Christchurch.

Kaikoura was a mixed bag, swimming with the Dusky Dolphins didnt happen due to the wind but the Whale Watch the following morning did go ahead and was particularly fruitful for Fanny.  An amateur photographer with a great eye she got some fantastic shots of frisky dolphins, whales and seabirds.

They continued north, foregoing the nature of the Abel Tasman National Park for the appeal of civilisation and culture in the capital, Wellington.
After a smooth ferry crossing the Korman’s based themselves here for a few days to take in the sights and amongst other things witness a protest march on Parliament.

Fanny and Roger thoroughly loved their time in the city doing a walking/eating tour, visiting Te Papa; NZ’s National Museum, the Weta Cave, taking a ride on the iconic Cable Car and exploring Zealandia an eco-bird sanctuary.

There was an opportunity to take a helicopter ride over the Central Plateau to see NZ’s three big volcanoes, Mts Ruapehu, Ngaruahoe & Tongariro and this became a major highlight of their trip.  It was simply spectacular.

From there they travelled to Rotorua to learn about the Maori and enjoyed a wonderful cultural exprience at Te Pa Tu plus they visited Wingspan, the Redwood Forest and got pampered at Wai Ariki Spa.

Next on the itinerary was Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour and banquet lunch.  Being film buffs they rated this highly.  And upon arrival in Auckland chose to visit Weta Unleashed to cap it off.

In Auckland they also took the lift up the SkyTower for its panoramic views and visited the Museum and Wintergardens at the Domain.  Topped by some very fine dining at Ahi and Soul.

Then it was time for the Korman’s to leave our shores for the last leg of their Down Under Road Trip, for some well deserved and much needed R&R on a tropical island in Fiji.