Articles from this Category
17 September 2022
Above: After Tasmania, it seemed quite strange to be flying into a large city in mainland Australia. This continued for a couple of hours (eg. on public transport) where I felt a sense of re-adjustment! Lucky flight Today I fly from Launceston to Melbourne to stay with my cousin for three nights. I had booked an […]
16 September 2022
As I had been lucky with time and weather on my day of arrival in Launceston, I had accomplished more than expected and had today free. The Singaporean women I met yesterday raved about Cradle Mountain and had paid AUD200+ for the car rental because that was the going rate. But seeing that I managed […]
15 September 2022
Above: Wineglass Bay from the lookout. Imagine that being red from whales’ blood as they’re slaugtered. Today I do a day-trip to the Freycinet National Park on a tour. The tour is available ex-Hobart and finishing in Launceston, but it wasn’t available till today and I had fixed my accommodation at both cities at great […]
14 September 2022
Moving north to Launceston My bus from Hobart to Launceston was booked for 1000, so it was a very leisurely start. Getting to the Hobart Transit Centre at 0930, the place was just a shop/office rather than a station. The bus, only a third full, left on time and took us through Oatlands and Campbell […]
13 September 2022
Travelling to Port Arthur With my bodyclock still on New Zealand time the 0730 report for the Port Arthur bus, operated by Pennicott Wilderness, was a breeze. Despite staying close to the office and parked buses, some how I missed the driver’s call to board. It was a bit embarrassing boarding a bus with everyone […]
12 September 2022
Above: “Organ Pipes” which are striations (dolerite columns) on the cliff-like crown at the top of Mt Wellington, seeen from the Salamanca area. Having pushed myself a little yesterday in anticipation of deteriorating weather and despite the early wake-up for the flight, I have a relaxing day today. I didn’t even leave my room till […]
11 September 2022
Arriving in Hobart We landed at Hobart a little earlier at 1040. The airport was a small one-storey design with no airbridges. It was a long unsheltered walk to get to the arrival hall, which was fine because it wasn’t raining. I thought the distance was because we’re a very rare international flight but to […]
7 April 2022
I flew back from Queenstown to Auckland today after a great Kiwi vacation. Quite unusually, I was able to use the Priority Pass lounge at Queenstown Airport. It’s normally reserved for international travellers but as the international departure area is not in use, domestic flights have taken over the area. It was nice to have […]
6 April 2022
Helicopter Scenic Flight Kim’s sister Jo left us yesterday and we gained Russell and Marilyn as our guests. After two relaxing days, it’s time for some excitement for me. I had booked a 25 min helicopter scenic ride with an alpine landing for NZD138, discounted from the regular NZD280 (pre-Covid) and then NZD199 (while international […]
3 April 2022
Getting to Milford Sound Today is a long day. We start in Te Anau and head to Milford Sound for a cruise before back-tracking and finishing up in Queenstown for our stay there. Despite the country reverting to standard time (end of daylight saving), we slept in. The sun rises late her and it was […]