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....

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.

NZ 2009 Day 8 - Arrowtown / Mt Cook

Started our very long journey to Mt Cook (427kms) at 830am, with our itinerary passing through Hway 94, then 97, then 6 passing by Arrowtown first before heading up to Mt Cook via Hway 8 then Hway 80.

From Kingston

we chanced upon a flock of sheep along the road

NZ 2009 Day 7 - Milford Sound

Early morning drive to Milford Sound. We booked a cruise which included buffet lunch on board and a visit to the observatory.

sheep crossing the road

NZ 2009 Day 6 - Glenorchy / Te Anau

We had an early check out (8am) because we had to drive to Glenorchy first before going down to Te Anau. Hotel check out was supposed to be 11am and we didn't want our trip to Glenorchy to be a rush.

another hotel check out family photo

NZ 2009 Day 5 - Queenstown

We were given complimentary breakfast by Crowne Plaza at the threesixty restaurant. So that was our first top in the morning.

From Queenstown

hotel-front. Took the picture to show what the temperature was that morning (around 13degrees C!). But the numbers didn't reflect on the picture :(

NZ 2009 Day 4 - Wanaka / Queenstown

Goodbye, Franz Josef. Hello, Queenstown.

another official check out family photo

NZ 2009 Day 3 - Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

The weather was definitely better in the morning. We ate a little, packed food for lake-side breakfast and we were on our way to Lake Matheson (around 30kms from our hotel) hoping to get a good photo opportunity - you know, the view of the views, the mirror lake.

Lake Matheson - Turn right off State Highway 6 at Fox Glacier and travel five kilometres along the Cook Flat Road where the Lake Matheson turn off is signposted.

From Lake Matheson

We got to the carpark and took some pictures of Mt Cook (the best one we had ever taken of it).

NZ 2009 Day 2 - Arthur's Pass / Glaciers

Gotta say goodbye to Holiday Inn for now. We checked out around 9am to arrive at Arthur's Pass just in time for lunch.

our official hotel check out photo

From Arthur's Pass

Long drive to the Glaciers via The Great Alpine Highway (State Hway 73). The drive from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Village is around 153kms of plains and snow-capped mountain views. Good thing my trusty pixon was there to provide music while the boys were sleeping.

NZ 2009 Day 1 - Christchurch

We were at the airport Nov 23 for our flight at 725pm. I think this is our first time at T3 (as a family). Christmas was in the air. There were big christmas balls and even one which opens up!

While waiting for our gate to be open, we walked around and found this stamping area. The kids loved it. There were flower stamps and dragon stamps which was appropriate for Kelvin as he was born in the year of the dragon.