April 30 - Patagonia

Patagonia – one of the reasons why we choose to come to Chile – proves to be more beautiful than expected. We are drunk with the majesty and beauty of this unspoilt part of the world!!

Very cold – even considering that we are at the beginning of winter – bundled up in layers upon layers of clothes we look like the Michelin man – now we know what “glacial” means because the wind coming off the glaciers is both very strong AND truly glacial!. (Forget it).


We were fairly lucky with the weather though as it was sunny for 3 out of the 4 days we were there – a good average for this time of year.



The countryside seen both from the water (inlets and fjords) and from land (on our tour of the National Park) is magnificent: gleaming blue glaciers, steppe, turquoise lakes due to high mineral content, snow topped mountain ranges, stark cliffs and of course the wild life. This cannot even be put into words adequately – the photos we hope speak for themselves.











Puerto Natales: small town, only seems to be based on the tourism and a bit of fishing, incredible location due to the surrounding spectacular country side

April 28 - Santiago

Having passed the date line and gone back 12 hours we arrived in Santiago Chile. OK lets go for it – we left New Zealand at 1735 hours and arrived in Chile at 1230 hours the same day April 27! Our bodies took a few days to adjust.



On arrival in Santiago it was grey, cloudy and raining – for the first time in 6 months. The positive side effect though was that the rain cleared the pollution which is a major problem here, (mainly in the winter months). Santiago is surrounded by mountains. Frequently, it was confirmed, the pollution gets so heavy that schools are closed.

Santiago – and the whole of Chile – is situated on or around the Cordilleras’, the Andes mountain range and is “regularly” subject to earthquakes. Due to the last major earthquake in 1985 a lot of the ancient 17/18th century buildings were destroyed and replaced with not-so-nice blocks, giving a seriously disharmonious impression.



A few facts that we learned: Chile is 4300 km long, a little over 200 km wide at its widest point, has approx 15 million inhabitants of which 6 live in Santiago. Population still growing ... Climate is fairly extreme with the Atacama Desert in the north, Antarctica in the south.



We were delighted to cross the path of Amélie Perrot – one of the kids’ cousins – for “tea”. She is on a student exchange program for 5 months and we were pleased to learn about her experiences of living in Santiago/Chile and of her travel plans in South America. 5Like us she now craves about Buenos Aires especially against lack luster Santiago).

April 27 – Heading off for Chile, (cold) Patagonia, Buenos Aires and Rio

Graham - Before we leave NZ we have to make a special thank you to Maureen of the Hearn Bay B&B, and give huge hug to Jean and three of her large brood who gave us advice, friendship and dinner twice “en famille”. This was a fresh dose of blood and a life source to us both. Hi all – thanks and see you another day!


End of stay observations on NZ

• You will soon realise the pace of the country – the tone is set when trying to cross the roads as a pedestrian at traffic lights – PATIENCE be patient. Some adore this pace! And the rustic rugged lifestyle, sports opportunities and RUGBY
• You will get lost when leaving the International Airports – sign posting requires you to know the street names in detail (as per Australia). Buy a compass – it is safer!
• Highway practices – just drive constantly at say 90 kph – no faster no slower – then, there will be no surprises
• The New Zealanders don’t seem to like curtains in their homes so you can see in them at all times – different this “desired” lack of privacy
• Not a happy land for dogs – who chase Kiwi (feathered) birds – that are becoming extinct! In fact the islands have been decimated by the arrival of “man” for over 800 years
• Logging – scars everywhere in North Island – we must come back (probably not on a specific trip) – and visit the central and southern parts of North Island and South Island – another HOLIDAY
• Congested Town Auckland – not very attractive architecture – a bit like Brisbane in this unfortunate respect.
• Fragile - economically fragile
• Low salaries – cost of living equal to Continental Europe’s which plus 27 hour flying time to Paris or London makes us have considerable reservations about its temperate climate and global attractiveness as a rugged destination
• Great place to have your hair dyed in specialist shops!! Funky!!
• Sorry guys but NZ is like the UK 25 years ago in many respects.

April - Kiwis

The perfect Kiwi is missing from our Blog as we weren't able to attend an All Black rugby match!

April 26 – Piha Bay

We got only 10 minutes in which to take these photos – but what a beach and spot – could have spent days there just listening to the waves and watching the Clouds , Sun, winds changing views colours and landscapes. Magic!!

April 25 – the Coromandel Peninsular

Not so prolific – we are perhaps becoming blasé, but most of the landscape could be anywhere. Only when we crossed the Coromandel range did we get the super views of the bays, little islands and rolling hills.

Lots of logging going on but in some parts also replanting – not enough though considering the scarring of the country side.

April 24 – Auckland

Capital made up of/surrounded by more or less quaint “villages” like Parnell, Devonport, Newmarket etc. Beautiful views at night as the harbour is surrounded by lit up buildings. Very deep harbour – we saw a huge cruise ship anchor right in the centre of town, next to the ferry terminal. Shops shut very early, so do restaurants.




Sabine - We were lucky in our choice of B&B as we met Jean who had come down from the North to help her friend Maureen at running the B&B (thank God we brought our own soap!). Wonderful family atmosphere – got to met Jean’s kids as well. Got treated to home cooked dinners which made a wonderful change from the restaurant fare. We are sure we’ll stay in touch .....

April 23 returning towards Auckland across the northern peninsular

We now realise that the Eastern shoreline facing the Tasmanian Sea is more violently hammered by the waves and a greater risk to Ships. Sensible Captain Cook who landed on the Pacific Coast – the western shores!


Traffic jam????


Dog poo collection bin!

We saw spectacular sand dunes at Omapere, small villages and towns along the coastline but surprisingly little tourism in most places in terms of accommodation, restaurants etc. In general surprising little economic activity in these towns – what do people live on?