From: Jos.

Christchurch - Queenstown – Highlights:

There was cloud cover over the Canterbury Plains on our approach to Christchurch. Once our Boeing broke through we had a fantastic view of the plains. With all the different farming from a great height the whole area looked like a patchwork quilt. We touched down at the airport and after our arrival went and collected our over night bags. I had booked an Avis rental car so after collecting the keys we walked out to the park and placed our bags in the trunk and drove to the hotel. It was a very cool evening because of the cloud cover. Christchurch often has two seasons in one day and I was so pleased that I had asked Chris, KH and Norm to bring their jeans and jackets with them to New Zealand. We checked into the Sudima Hotel right at the airport. Once we had settled in we decided to drive into the city via Fendalton and skirted the north side of Hagley Park, and followed the Avon River into the city. We drove around Cathedral Square, up Colombo Street and parked in a side street. As it was mid evening we did find a few shops still open. We made our way across the Square to the area where the restaurants are located and chose one to dine at. After our dinner we walked back to the car and drove to our hotel on the road that divides
Hagley Park.

The next morning after breakfast we checked out of the hotel. Visited the Antarctic Shop next-door then drove through Fendalton, Riccarton, up
Moorhouse Avenue to South Colombo Street. We drove up the Cashmere Hills. This whole area is volcanic and we drove on up to the Sign of the Takahe to view the city and surrounding areas looking out to the Southern Alps. It was very cool and quite windy so after taking a few photos we were very quick to be back into the car. We carried on to the Summit to the Sign of the Kiwi, which is a stone building that has tearooms where you can stop for refreshments. After the summit we had a wonderful view of Lyttelton Harbor. Many years ago during the eruptions of this area the open sea ran into this sunken volcano and filled it up thus creating Lyttelton Harbor that has an entrance from South Pacific.

We stopped a few times so that Norm could take some photos then we reached the Lyttelton Docks had a quick look around then drove through the Lyttelton road tunnel. On exiting the City end we stopped at the Mt. Cavendish Gondolas. We took the ride up to the restaurant, shop and viewing area. We were at the clouds base as they raced across the building and whipped down the valleys. From time to time our views of Lyttelton, Christchurch, the Alps, Sumner and New Brighton were obstructed by these clouds whipping across us from a northeasterly direction. This was a scene probably like what you would see in, The Lord of the Rings, movies. Chris and Norm ventured outside to take photos and locate a volcano rim. The weather gradually cleared and after shopping and viewing the Time Tunnel and a portion of the Audio Visual Show we took a Gondola back down to the Car Park. However the weather cleared and by the time we were back in Cathedral Square it was a bright sunny day. There was our two seasons in one day LOL!

I bought three small Xmas gifts from a Souvenir Shop on the corner of Colombo Street and the Square as there was only one shopping day left before Xmas. On returning to the car we drove back through Hagley Park then Fendalton sighting Moana Vale where I had hoped we would do a Punt Boat ride on the river Avon. However time did not permit that we had to be at the airport for our direct flight to Queenstown. After parking the car and checking out we checked in for our next flight with Air New Zealand Domestic. We visited the Koru Club Lounge for refreshments and checked our e-mails on the PC's. Our flight was called and we board the ATR72 a 66-seater Jet prop aircraft. Our seats were in the front row by the bulkhead. Chris at the window 1A and alongside him 1B KH in front of us in the aisle was the Flight Attendant on his jump seat and then myself 1c and Norm sitting next to the window 1D. Once again we had wonderful views of the Canterbury Plains tracking directly southwest to Queenstown. We flew over many pale blue rivers and man-made dams and lakes because New Zealand's Power is Hydro Electricity and Geothermal. There are no nuclear power generators in our Country. There are countless lakes in New Zealand that are not man made Lake Whakatipu in Queenstown is one of them. As we descended into Queenstown through the mountains our flight became quite turbulent however only for a short while before we landed. On arrival we claimed our bags and had another Avis rental car. After we had placed our bags in the trunk of the car I had to race back to the Terminal Building for a comfort stop and KH drove the rental up to meet me afterwards so that meant he had to drive into Queenstown on the left hand side of the road. That was a lot of fun for KH and all of us.

After we had checked into our rooms at a Hotel Chris drove us down to the Queenstown shops. We parked the car and looked about and there was a lot of action going down for sure. I suggested we take the Gondolas up to the Skyline Restaurant, Movie Theatre, Luge and shop. The sun was in the west and any pictures taken up there of the panorama views would be to the back of us. Once we reached the Skyline the views were breathtaking for sure. Did you sight Chris' Xmas message in, "Ask Chris." There is a wonderful picture of him taken by KH with the fantastic view of Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the Remarkables. The latter are covered in snow during the winter months. We viewed the movie, "Kiwi Magic," a New Zealand Adventure and then after that checked into the Restaurant for dinner and had a table right by a window so we could see the Panorama View of Queenstown. We had everything from the soup of the day right through to Tea, Coffee and a cheese board platter. Time spent up there nearly five hours. It was well after 9pm before nightfall and we were able to view the night lights far below as well.

Eventually we caught a Gondola back down to Queenstown, checked out the shops before returning to our Hotel for the night. Next morning we checked out of the hotel and drove down to the Lakefront for breakfast at a restaurant called, "The Bath House." I believe Norm knows a lot about other types of bathhouses LOL. Anyways we had a wonderful breakfast there before obtaining tickets for the TSS Earnslaw that sails the lake to Walter Peak Station. Our cruise departed on this old steam driven boat. It was a load of fun because you could look down into the engine room from the passenger deck and see the working of the steam engines, the fires being fuelled by coal to heat the boilers. There was plenty of room to move about the inner seating. There was a refreshment bar and at the rear of the boat was a Grand Piano that a lady played constantly while the steamer was in motion. She played lots of Xmas Carols and lots of old party tunes that I knew as a young lad. I was able to sing along as a sheet with the words was provided with all the songs she played.

I had bought a hot packet of potato chips and right nearby was an open window so I pass some to KH as seagulls were flying right by us. He held out the chips and they picked them out of his fingers while in flight. Norm took pictures of KH feeding the gulls then Chris had a turn. There are some wonderful photos of them both feeding the gulls. We berth at Walter Peak Farm Station and let passengers off who wanted to go horse riding and do other farm type activities. Our trip was return so we did not disembark. It
was a lot of fun sailing on this old steamer that has been plying LakeWhakatipu since I can't remember. Back at Queenstown we disembarked and visited a Casino for a while then after a snack at a Turkish Takeout Chris, KH and Norm did their Xmas shopping. At 3pm we took in the Native Bird Show up near the Gondola Terminal. This was were my guests sighted Kiwi's and the birds being nocturnal were viewed in almost complete darkness because you had to allow 10 minutes for your eyes to adjust to viewing them. The Keeper entered their cage and feed them worms from a plastic tube. They were very eager to eat and Chris did manage to get a photo of one. After that visit it was time for Chris to drive us out to the airport for our return flight to Christchurch then onto Auckland.

We dropped off the rental then checked in for our flight once again obtaining seats at the front of the aircraft. Visited the Koru Club Lounge for refreshments and then boarded our flight. We flew out over the Lake and banked starboard around a mountain and flew northeast directly back to Christchurch. On our arrival we visited the Koru Club Lounge for more refreshments and caught up with our e-mails on the PCs. Our direct Boeing 737 flight was called and we board the aircraft having seats on the front starboard side. There was quite an extensive cloud cover over most of New Zealand as we flew north however the crew played the air show so we were able to follow the flight path to Auckland.

On arrival at Auckland Chris, KH and Norm's bags turned out however mine did not so I reported it to my workmate as missing presents and all LOL. We all loaded up the Ford Laser and Chris drove us to the 24 hours Supermarket at the airport and we bought our Leg of Lamb for our Xmas dinner and other goodies then drove home over the Harbor Bridge to Birkenhead.

Part four ends - continued.

Date: 1/2/2004 2:24:55 AM

From: norm

I have just read Jos' accounts above and it brought back many fond memories of my trip to beautiful New Zealand. I sense that most of you have never been there. It was my first trip so I will add my impressions and several points of interest. Our trip was 12 days and we stayed most of the time in Auckland as Jos had comfortable accomodations at his home for us. He made sure we saw a nice sample of the different land/seascapes abundant throughout New Zealand, nestled in the South Pacific. It is a land of stunning natural beauty. Its volcanic-formed, rugged mountains; glacial lakes; snow fed rivers; and bush clad valleys make it truly a special place. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, we enjoyed the advent of summer and instead of suffering the shortest day of the year we enjoyed the longest day of the year. Those long days of sunshine permitted us to pack in lots of sightseeing each day. While in Queenstown we watched the sunset at approximately 10:30 PM with some light in the sky remaining until 11:15 PM. Note that NZ is near Antartica and the South Pole. I was pleased to spot the Southern Cross in the bright stars as this was a rare sight for us from up North.

I did not measure but it seems New Zealand must extend about 1,000 miles long. It has two big islands appropriately called North Island and you guessed it, South Island plus a small Stewart Island to the south. The slim islands have a variety of beaches, bays, coves etc that are mostly open to the public but in the urban areas it seems like many neighborhoods must have their own private beaches in secluded bays.

The Maori, who are the natives, arrived about 1,000 years ago by canoes from some Polynesian Islands to the north. They maintain their own cultural heritage and it is obvious to the visitor in their appearance and names. Yes, they have tatoos on their faces, are generally short and the men are often heavy set. They call their native Christmas tree (Pahutakawa). Many of the villages, rivers, and mountains have Maori names.

Overall the country enjoys a very high standard of living and as a principal agricultural country the food and wine are excellent. If you like fresh strawberries and cheese they are especially good here.

Clothing is generally very expensive except for the imported Asian goods like T-shirts. Lesser transportation costs likely being the factor.

I did not see any slum areas and even the commercial/industrial complexes had lovely landscaping using a mix of trees, flowering shrubbery and flower beds. The homes were generally large and well maintained.

The population is about 4.1 million and Auckland is the largest city with approximately 1.1 million people. In addition to the Maori there is a large portion of citizens who resettled there from the United Kingdom. One of the cities in the southeast is predominantly of Scottish descent. Many Asians and Polynesians and a good dose of others make up the diverse population. It is a young country with a progressive and bright future. One should not overlook the current attention and popularity of "Lord of the Rings", as this will bring a flood of tourist for years to come. The exports are not just agricultural. Food, wine, lumber, furniture and fashion are all gaining strength.

Taxes may be about 40% but I did not experience potholes or other shortcomings of many governments.

I will end my cliffnotes. Jetlag has been a factor in my return as the distance from Round Rock to New Zealand is sure to be a stone or two beyond 8,800 miles. Oh yes, they drive on the left side and work in the metric system and have many of the British customs, but they are definitely their own independent country and it was a great pleasure to have been Jos's guest for a wonderful trip to his special Paradise. Thanks Jos!

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Date: 1/2/2004 7:53:41 AM

From: Jos.

Christmas in New Zealand - Departure – Highlights:

December 25 Xmas Day is during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere. I have never known a winter Xmas. Therefore all the Xmas Trees and decorations do look out of place however we join in the fun with this Northern Hemisphere tradition. I usually deck out my Xmas Tree as soon as the shops start displaying the Festive Season goodies near the end of November. That gives me plenty of time to get into the spirit of things. Before flying to Los Angeles to meet Chris, KH and Norm everything was ready here for Xmas day. We only had to uplift the Canterbury Lamb and few extra goods which we did en route home from the airport after our flight in from Queenstown and Christchurch.

After breakfast I prepared the Xmas dinner along with KH's help. Chris worked on the PC and that's when he sent out his Xmas message via his, "Ask Chris," on his site and included the wonderful picture taken of him at the Skyline in Queenstown. Norm was busy in the Laundry Dept or sorting through many photos. KH did a wonderful job of cooking the lamb with all the extra goodies including red wine to make it really tasty and moist. We all sat down to a wonderful roast Xmas dinner and drank an Xmas toast. Later we had Aunty Betty's traditional steam pudding, which included Vanilla Custard and Fresh Cream. Later my lost bag arrived so we were able to exchange small gifts and cards. We took many digital pictures and while opening the gifts, Chris, KH and Norm wore Xmas hats.

We did spend a couple of evenings at a Gay Bar and the first night we met up with Miss Ribena and enjoyed an evening with her. The next visit there was just a DJ with music and dancing. My guests soon discovered that the American movies released here are well behind those in the USA so consequently they had seen them all with the exception of, "Lord of the Rings, The return of the King." We tried twice to obtain seats only to find they were booked completely out.

We made a side visit to Waiheke Island down in the Hauraki Gulf. It's like a marine suburb of Auckland and can only be reached by Ferry or by using the Car Ferry. On arrival we took a bus up to the small township of Oneroa and looked about for a place to dine. We chose Vino Vino a cafe that had a balcony that overlooked Oneroa Beach. We had to book a table for a balcony location and returned within 30 minutes and placed our order for lunch. Our waiter was from Argentina and had lived in South Beach Florida so struck up a conversation with Chris and KH. After lunch we walked down a track to the beach and passed a tree stump that had been sawn into a seat with a chain saw. After a stroll along the beach we took many photos and then we went back up the track. KH jumped into the tree stump seat, however Chris did not bow down to him, of course we took some fun pictures and then it was Chris' turn. Yes KH did bow down to Chris and we have some photos to prove it. On we went up the track to the township then caught a taxi down to the Pier to await our Ferry for the return trip to Auckland.

December 27 after brunch my guests started packing for their return fight to the USA. Once that was completed we drove to the Fish Pot Cafe in Mission Bay. It was a beautiful sunny day being their last in New Zealand. The weather during their visit had been quite changeable and it never seemed to settle until the New Year. We had a wonderful fish meal and the service was quick and after taking a few more digital photos Chris drove us all out to the International Terminal Building parking on the Forecourt, Norm's favorite position. All three checked in at Premium and cleared Customs there as well for their flight. Before going up the escalator they went around twice giving me hugs etc. As they went up the escalator KH called out, "Jos, are you coming with us." My airline ID only lets me go airside when on Duty. All of a sudden the party of four became three. I waved them goodbye and returned to my car and a twinge of sadness crept over me. I returned to work the next day after a wonderful vacation with my friends, Chris Steele, his boyfriend KH and good friend Norm.

Farewell, Arohanui (Much love) - Jos.

Final Part of 5 Ends.

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Date: 1/2/2004 5:07:11 PM

From: Jos.

Thank you Norm for your accurate account on my country Aotearoa/New Zealand. No doubt about it we all had a wonderful time. However guess who did not cover this exciting event of the whole vacation so here goes, this can be a big P.S.

Taupo - Rotorua - Highlights:

Boxing Day December 26. We decided on a day trip to the two locations just mentioned. I packed a small picnic snack that included our favorite cold drinks. We started out down the Southern Freeway, State Highway One with Chris driving. KH sat up front with him and Norm and myself in the back. We drove through the City of Hamilton in the Waikato on down through Cambridge, Tirau, Putaruru and Tokoroa. The scenery was forever changing around every bend and makes driving more interesting. We arrived Taupo and drove though the township to the lakes edge. Taupo Lake is the largest in New Zealand and is fed by waters from the three Mountains on the Central Plateau, two active, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and dormant Tongariro. Maori legend has it that Mt Taranaki a ways to the west was originally with these three mountains however there was a dispute and Mt Taranaki got the sulks and took off to the west coast. That was the mountain we flew over en route to Wellington and where Tom Cruise filmed his last movie.

We had our snack and drinks by the lakeside we took more pictures then after a comfort stop drove back up to Wairakei near the Geothermal Power Station to the Hukajet Terminal. Now I must blow my trumpet here because New Zealand invented the Jet boat and they can travel in, whoops! Imperial is what you want, four inches of river water!! Two of these boats are stationed in Queenstown one works the Shotover River the other on the Dart. I chose Waikato River because of being able to view the Huka Falls from the Jet boat. I never took my guests to view the Falls before the Jet Boat ride I thought it would be more fun at speed coming up to them.

After obtaining tickets we walked down to the small dock and an assistant gave us a raincoat and life jacket. Photos were taken of our party of four then we boarded our Jet boat. Graham our Captain was seated front left with two other passengers then behind them port side was KH, Chris, Norm and myself on the starboard side. We were given the big welcome by Graham who held up a Safety Features card. He asked if any Australians on board, there were none so he said we would not need the safety card. LOL! Sorry Bull I had to throw that one in.

Graham explained to us that when he raised his fingers and gave us the whirl sign he would make the jet boat spin around. Then he made a sign like we were going to go up the Falls; no he had to be kidding about that one LOL! Well away we went at full throttle, he did many turns and me being on the starboard side along with others had to contend with Willow trees, Ponga Trees the river banks and large tree stumps sticking up out of the river bed as they flashed by. Our time on the river was about 35 minutes and Graham took us down to the Aitiatia Dam a couple of times then we were all set for the falls. Racing up with more twirls and groaning from a certain Kiwi who will remain nameless, we rounded a corner and there was this huge volume of water spilling out of a narrow canyon, the start of the mighty Waikato River from Lake Taupo, Huka Falls. Graham had the jet boat idle into the falls so we could take pictures then away we went with a complete viewing circle. With all the twirls Graham did with water flying in all directions we all ended up looking like extremely wet puppy dogs LOL! All to soon the ride ended and we handed in our coats and life vests and walked back to the shop. We obtained two photo packs that were taken during this never to be forgotten ride and Hukajet T-shirts.

We drove back to the Lookout advantage points of the Falls and crossed the narrow canyon where the water rushes through at great force and took many photos. From Taupo Chris drove us over to Rotorua where there is more thermal activity. As it was early evening Whakarewarewa area was closed. However not to be beaten we stopped off at the Geyslerland Hotel and from the dining room where we dined we had a great views of Pohutu Geyser and a huge boiling mud pool. There are many thermal attractions around Rotorua however time did not permit us to stay overnight and view. Chris drove us back up to Auckland. It was a long day however a load of fun doing the Jet boat ride. New Zealand is in the, "Ring of Fire," which sweeps up around Oceania to California, U.S.A and down around Japan and the Philippines. This was never ever mentioned in the movie of the same name.

To my wonderful guests and all you Chris Steele fans.

God Bless.

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Date: 1/3/2004 12:15:00 AM

From: Phil

Thanks Jos,
Your journals are great. I'm looking forward to receiving photo choice package D, "LOL" then I will be able to do the next best thing to actually being there.

Phil

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Date: 1/3/2004 1:36:02 AM

From: Phil

Hey Jos,
I think I must fess up a bit on my above post. I have actually been following all the places mentioned in your Journals thanks to the two wonderful pictorials, 2003 & 2004 calendars you have given me. The maps in the pictorials, "New Zealand in Colour" and "New Zealand Aotearoa" have allowed me to track your travels. The visuals have given me the sense of being there with the four of you as you go about the country. So glad you included the Post Scrip. It reads like a total adrenaline rush. Thanks again for painting such a vivid picture with your words.

Phil

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Date: 1/5/2004 11:55:58 PM

From: Green

Hello Jos, just enjoying your wonderful narrative skills as usual. Looking forward to more pictures as they are available. Take care. Doug

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Date: 1/6/2004 8:11:10 AM

From: bb-

Jos,
THANKS so much for the narrative! But where are the pics? Doesn't NZ have any nude beaches that you took the boyz to that you took pics of?? LOL

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Date: 1/6/2004 2:35:14 PM

From: Jos.

Hello Phil, Bri and Green

Thank you for your wonderful comments on my write-up and following along with us during our travels. This was all made possible by Chris his boyfriend KH and Norm who agreed to highlights of their private visit.

I've been sending out slowly pictures of Chris however Bri your mailbox is always full and they are bouncing back. May I suggest you buy more space or maybe change your server.

I made my visitors aware of the beaches that you mentioned in fact the first one we visited Long Bay at the north end is used along with Clifton at Takapuna and Ladies Bay in Auckland.

However my main aim was to show them as much of the country as possible during their stay and I think I succeeded in doing that. Thank you.

Cheers!

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Date: 1/7/2004 1:04:14 PM

From: Chris

The Hole in the Rock

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Date: 1/13/2004 2:02:56 AM

From: Jos.

Hello Chris and Fans!

The above photo is magnificent showing the Fullers Catamaran that had passed through the Hole in the Rock already. We were on the Kings Catamaran that followed the Dolphin watch launch. We sighted many dolphins as well. Then it was our turn to pass through The Hole in the Rock. After that we sailed right around it and nosed into another hole that was developing and in time would be right through the rock.

At this time I would like to thank Texasmike who proof read, American spell checked and edited my write-ups. Really it was a joint effort so I'm ever so greateful to him.

Cheers!

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Date: 4/18/2004 9:40:44 PM

From: Chris

"Chris Huka Falls Bridge Taupo NZL"

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