Visa to New Zealand

For residents of Singapore travelling to New Zealand, here are some info regarding visa application:

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/

New Zealand trip planning (2009)

NZ 2009 - Queenstown Gondola ride

One of the best views from a gondola/cable car we've ever seen. Snapshots were taken upon boarding and here are the prints on postcards (NZD10) which tourists can grab upon getting to the top.

Isn't it nice to have these as souvenirs to keep or send to your loved ones?

Have you done so on your trip to Queenstown?

NZ 2009 Day 16 - Farewell, New Zealand

Our NZ holiday is finally over.

We checked out early from the hotel, drove the car back to the rental company and then took the shuttle to the airport.

check out picture....

Ira roaming around the airport....

Day 1 - Perth and Hyden, Western Australia (March 2006)

From WA Road Trip

Perth International Airport.

Touched down at Perth Intl Airport on time. We cleared the immigration, then the customs. They were really quite strict. Checking the luggage of ALL passengers. There were a lot of things on the NOT TO BRING list. Good thing I was able to read that before the trip. They checked our luggage full of diapers and formula milk, and cleared us. The customs officers were nice. 

Day 2 - Esperance, Western Australia (March 2006)

We woke up early, as per schedule (around 630am). We went back to the rock formations to take pictures of the Wave Rock with the morning lighting. 

photo taken on a higher ground

Day 4 - Albany, Western Australia (March 2006)

Today was allocated for exploring sights in town.

We drove to Whale World, just a few minutes from our hotel. 

We visited WHALE WORLD which was located on the site of the old Cheynes Beach Whaling Station, located on the picturesque southern coast of King George Sound in Albany, Western Australia. The station ceased whaling operations and was decommissioned in 1978. Now an international tourist icon, it is also acknowledged as one of the State's most significant tourist attractions.

Day 3 - Albany, Western Australia (March 2006)

Another early morning in preparation for another long drive (around 530kms) to Albany.

Pre-departure photo early in the morning, while the kids were still sleeping, around 7am.

this was our simple villa

Day 6 - Margaret River and Busselton, Western Australia (March 2006)

It was good to wake up with a fine cool weather. We needed that to energize us on our 200-km drive to Busselton and Margaret River area which was a mixture of nature and gastronomy (with all the yummy chocolates and some vineyards along the way).

Day 5 - Denmark and Pemberton, Western Australia (March 2006)

Checked out early morning (again) to continue our journey westward. We were on our way to to Denmark (53.4kms away) to visit William's Bay National Park which features Green's Pool and Elephant Rocks. 


William's Bay National Park. Famous for its windswept rocky shores and sheltered pools. Protects the coastline and forest between Walpole and Denmark on the south coast.

Day 7 - Busselton to Perth (March 2006)

We weren't very early today. We took the time to lounge at the hotel room veranda, taking in the cool breeze.

Day 10 - Perth City Centre & Caversham Wildlife Park (March 2006)

Our last day in Perth and we still had the whole day to enjoy. Before checking out from Holiday Inn City Centre, we strolled along the nearby shops. I was hoping to find opal earrings before leaving the city. Good thing we found that I want (milky opal) and one that has a reasonable in price.

Western Australia, March 2006

Travelled during summer - March 9-18, 2006 (10 days)

NZ 2009 Day 15 - Auckland

Final day at Rotorua. We checked out around 10am.

goodbye, Sudima Hotel. Thanks for the memories.

NZ 2009 Day 14 - Rotorua

We decided to visit Wai-o-tapu instead of Agrodome (as per itinerary). We have already seen some sheep shearing and farm tour at Walter Peak and we assumed it was going to be almost the same show. Wai-o-tapu would be a better choice since Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activities.

Wai-o-tapu is a short drive (around 20minutes) from Rotorua town centre. We wanted to be there by 10am to see the Lady Knox Geyser (which erupts, artificially every 10:15am).

First, you have to go to the admissions area to buy the tickets, then backtrack to the geyser area. Take note, there are people checking for tickets upon entry to the geyser carpark.

we were there early to get the front row seats (which were considered splash zones). Foul smell coming from the geyser didn't deter us (although it caused a bit of discomfort for the kids at first)

NZ 2009 Day 13 - Rotorua

First agenda, Whakarewarewa Village. Just a short drive from our hotel.

We bought the family admission package ($50.40) and made our way around the village before joining the guided tour at 12noon.

From TEHOKOWHITI-A-TU Thermal Village

this is the MEMORIAL ARCHWAY where the tour starts.

NZ 2009 Day 12 - Hot Water Beach / Rotorua

Morning, we decided to walk around the city since the weather was a bit better (it was sunny!). We headed to see Aotea Square, but we might really be unlucky because it was under construction.

From Auckland

This was what Aotea Square looked like during our visit.

NZ 2009 Day 11 - Auckland

Today was our flight to Auckland. We booked via Pacific Blue.

The weather was not good - it was raining the whole afternoon. We just stayed in the hotel. Good day to rest, I guess. It was movie afternoon for me. Watched The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian, while the boys were playing with the computer and hubby taking a nap.

Later in the afternoon, with the drizzles and all, we drove off to see some outlet shops in Onehunga (Dress Smart) - around 30minutes drive from the hotel. Unfortunately, it was closed (open only until 5pm). We headed to One Tree Hill even though it was still raining. Unfortunately, it rained hard, so we ended up in the grocery store nearby.

DAY 12

NZ 2009 Day 10 - Christchurch

check out time again. Seen in the photo are the 2 bedrooms (masters with queen bed and another bedroom with single bed + triple bunkbed) and the living / dining room. The single and queen beds have heated mattresses. This villa is highly recommended especially if you are travelling with family (up to 7 or 8 persons) and staying for a few days.

NZ 2009 Day 9 - Mt Cook / Lake Tekapo

Our last chance of have a glimpse of Mt Cook. Unfortunately, the weather is still not cooperating. It was raining from early morning.

Went to the common kitchen/dining/living area of the hotel for hot drinks.