Chamonix France

Restaurant recommendations from Bill Graff

I haven't been to Chamonix in about 4 years, but I assume the restaurants are still there. The Albert Premier (1er) is Michelin rated and probably the best in Chamonix. Then "La Cabanne" inside the Chamonix Golf course is very good. The Albert Premier has another restaurant that is part of their hotel and is more casual, and not Michelin rated, but I forget the name, it is very good.

TIBET

Info from Michael Chandler.

Dear Mike,

Thank you very much!

I will check with guide!

We hope the Tibet tour gave you great experiences and it is still in your memory, we are very grateful for your support to our local Tibetan and our business, we always consider your support and help a great part of our success.

On behalf of all our staffs and guides, I would like to wish you and all your family a healthy and successful life.

If you can do a favor for us to write a review on TripAdvisor, as we are trying our best to grow our publicity and business, but market is very competitive and it is always very difficult to reach to the customers who are really looking for Tibetan companies in Tibet, so if you can write us a good review on our Trip Advisor page then it will definitely help us as well as help other travelers who are looking for local Tibetan tour company. The review is really important for us and very helpful for all your guides and drivers as they get annual bonus from that too.

Here is our Trip Advisor page link 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294223-d6001891-Reviews-Explore_Tibet_Day_Tour-Lhasa_Tibet.html

If you don’t have a Trip Advisor account, then it is very easy to use your Facebook account to open the Trip Advisor account just by a few clicks.

Thank you very much for your great help and we always pray for you.

Yours Sincerely

Sherry (Your Tibet tour assistant)

Sonam Jamphel (general manager) 

And all staffs 

Tokyo

Japan info from Cheryl's friend:

Hey,

Your place is pretty close to ours. It'll be fun! Definitely come over for dinner! Our house is tiny, but I think you know how it is, just like Singapore, right? 

Shrines in Tokyo:

Asakusa, Sensoji (pretty close to Sky Tree and Kappabashi kitchen tool and knife district)

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html

Meiji JIngu (pretty close to where you and we are, and right by Harajuku Takeshita Dori)

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html

Gardens:

Shinjuku Gyoen (right by your place, walking distance)

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_001.html

Imperial Palace

Emperor's birthday is on Dec 23, so he probably will come out and greet and we may get to go to the places that we normally won't be able to. I suspect it'll be a lot of people though.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3017.html

Hama Rikyu

What we've done in the past and was fun was a boat trip from this park to Asakusa area. We go up the river and see some Tokyo from the boat. It was fun but it could be cold in December.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3025.html

Interesting places to see:

Shibuya crossing (pretty close to our place)

This is just an intersection but full of people and interesting to see for visitors (not for us living there). Pretty famous. 

http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812_1897772_1897742,00.html

Hachiko statue (at Shibuya crossing)

have you seen the movie, Hachi (Richard Gere)? If you have, this is the original. If you know nothing about it, it is just a dog statue.

http://www.gojapango.com/tokyo/shibuya_hachiko_statue.htm

Harajuku, Takeshita Dori street (right by Meiji Jingu shrine)

This is where young teenagers would love to walk. Many interesting fashon shops. 

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html

Akihabara Electronic district

many electronic shops if you are interested. 

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3003.html

Ryogoku Sumo town

Sumo will not be on during the time of your visit, but you can probably go to the stable and see their practice. I think they do it every day but it is close to the end of year and they may take a break. We can find out if you are interested.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3022.html

Kids entertainment:

Disneyland 

I think you already know what to expect about this place

Kidzania (this is what i was talkign about, but this is all for kids)

http://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/

Day trip outside of Tokyo:

Hakone  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5200.html

We love this place. It is so much fun. There is a hot spring that is so interesting. Kids have so much fun and it is relaxing for adults. Bunch of museums. Beautiful lake. But it could be a little cold there. Staying one night at Ryokan might be fun too.

Owakudani  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5203.html

Yunessan Spa (really fun hot spring park)  http://www.yunessun.com/case/

Hakone Checkpoint  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5205.html

Open Air Museum (could be cold)  http://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/

Nikko  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html

Beautiful mountain area with cool scenery and shrine. 

Toshigu (it could be under construction)  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3801.html

Kegon waterfall  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3812.html

Kamakura   http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2166.html

Easy day trip, but we don't go that much for some reason. I guess we like driving far. 

Just off my head. When I get more on my head, I'll have to add more.

Love,

Haruyo

NOTES FROM IVA

shrine: must see MEIJI shrine (but that only on the weekend, because you also want to then see the rockabillies dancing in the harajuku park). you start at MEIJI shrine (also high chance you will see a japanese wedding on the weekend), go behind the corner just to the beginning of harajuku park and then walk back and walk the whole OMOTESANDO street. as long as i remember there is only one cafe where you can sit outside  (you hardly see those, land is expensive and japanese dont like sun) and thats on the other side of omotesando (kind of opposite GUCCI - unless gucci moved). its called cafe anniversary, as japanese cant cope with much alcohol, you will find that gin tonic costs less than a big latte!!! so enjoy your sundowner. dont forget to visit the flagships stores of ralph lauren and dior and lv. its something unbelievable. LR only sells there the high end line. go up to dior, view the design and on the top of the dior house is one floor just make up. i took everybody there. its all part of the japanese richness and love for brands. also from architectual point of view, visit TODs building and all the way at the end of omotesando is PRADA building. this is not much distance to walk, but please plan for all this, all day! if you see omotesando, dont bother with ginza. it was the rich brand area many years ago (still is) and its just similar shopping. concierge should mark you all these building on the map. ps: japanese suvenirs ORIENTAL BAZAR, great stuff, great prices!!! also on omotesando


http://giftcafe.anniversaire.co.jp/about_cafe.php
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html


another shrine: trip to ASAKUSA (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html) SENSOJI temple,  http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3004.html , if you go on the weekend, you might see normal japanese ladies walking in their kimono.  a women usually owns a1-2 kimonos a life and they can be as expensive (easily) as vw golf!



must see: SHIBUYA crossing, love hills (love hotels, hourly ones), infront of shibuya station is the statue of famous HAJIKO dog. have the kids seen the american version with richard gere? otherwise shibuya is crazy, too many people!!!
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html


tsukiji: amazing place to see, i just saw there seem to be restrictions now due to too many tourists. see here: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3021.html , if you can still go there, we talk about the morning auction of tune, smth like 5:30

spend a day at ROPPONGI HILLS (MORI TOWER), view from 52 floor and MIDTOWN (there you might see cherries from europe for 500EUR!) both have a little tiny modern japanese garden. in roppongi hills, follow the signs to the car parking (its at the ground level). its state of art. you get to a nice waiting area, put your paper ticket in a machine and an automated machine find your car (located somewhere somehow), puts it on the life and brings it down. of course you wont have a car, but you will see there people coming and going and its all done automatically. dont think i am crazy but all visitors thought of this very amusing!

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3031_hills.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3031_midtown.html

museums: i would go to EDO museum, imagine that as a wooden figurines like playmobil. very imaginative for kids how japan works and was. its one building, 2h max. i would also go to TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM located in the UENO park.its huge, several buildings. choose the ones to see: japanese swords (many of them are samurai), old kimonos, lacquere art, tea ceremony art, have a look what they offer…. just the ones, that would the kids understand, what is typical for japan.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3070.html
http://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en


gardens: the must see, which for whatever reasons are not really highlighted in the guides are RIKUGYEN GARDEN and Koishikawa Korakuen . for each plan about 4-5hours trip. 40mins to get there, 2h walking (food with you !) and then get back to the center. i would not really bother with the imperial palace. i have seen it once. its pretty boring and i think they are not open everyday.  SHINJUKU GYOEN is a massive garden/park. the two above are the true japanese thing you want to see.

do your research, what garden, museum is open when and till what time!!!! things often close for sightseeing at 4 and i think there is one weekday totally closed.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3026.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_003.html

river trip: we have done it once to connect two sightseeing points (dont remember which ones now) but its not a true viewing river trip like in some big cities, "look left and right". nice to do but put it at the end of your list.

Hilton Head SC, USA

Hilton Head suggestions as promised! I cut and paste from other people I have sent these to so if I missed a category just text me. My cell is # 336-473-1943. Have a great trip!  I have been going for 36 years of my life. Love that island and I know a lot about it! Happy to share my tips. Did you find a photographer? Hope do.  Enjoy!!!!  Definitely stop at outlets... There are two centers. One has under armour and Kate spade and Janie and jack (great for lulu) and the next has Nike, Banana republic and things like that. Bikes will be fun. Definitely pick up a few good boogie boards as well. You are staying outside of sea pines in a more crowded area so definitely try to go into sea pines a few times when biking. It's much quieter and you won't be on busy roads. Kids may get tired so you could have one person drive in (I.e. To harbor town) and let big kids ride in.  Eating:  The nice thing about HH is there are stores nearby for a quick grocery run and restaurants if you don't feel like cooking. Piggly wiggly is closest to you but very small. Try publix or Harris teeter by the sea pines main gate.  Casual restaurants we often go to or grab takeout from: -Amigos on Pope Avenue (in bi-lo shopping center. Very close to your rental! best mexican food but a total hole in the wall. we like to stop here on the way into Sea Pines and get take out for when we arrive at the condo. BEST bbq chicken salad you will ever taste. Don't miss it. Scott likes the carne asada burrito. Stop for lunch one day if you want or a casual dinner. -Mellow Mushroom- just outside the Sea Pines main gate next to Harris Teeter. This is by far the most economical option for a crowd on HHI. After pizza walk next door to Marley's for ice cream.  -Salty Dog Cafe outdoor grill (In Sea Pines)- this is a favorite of ours for lunch if we are craving Peel n'eat shrimp. You pay by the plate but they have burgers, sandwiches, shrimp and things of that nature. You can also take it to go.  -Hudson's- there is a big sign for Hudson's just as you get onto HHI. It's a very casual dockside location with water views (super kid friendly!!!) and if it's a nice night you can sit outdoors overlooking the water at picnic tables and enjoy the yummiest peel n'eat shrimp and hush puppies. They have other seafood as well. It's not a fancy place and we do takeout some times if kids don't want to wait. Sit down restaurants worth trying if kids are up for it or as adults: -Truffles (Our favorite- one inside Sea Pines and one just outside the gate on Pope Ave that has more steakhouse feel. Great  for an adult night out or brunch as well!) -Skull Creek Boathouse (outdoor dining and great views.) At the other end of the island, but so lovely in the evenings. You can sit outdoors at big picnic tables. So family friendly.  -The new Sea Pines Plantation Club is GORGEOUS and has a new restaurant called 'Live Oak'. Worth stopping in to see the decor and buy the boys a vineyard vines belt in the pro shop with the hhi lighthouse in it! The new decor and views are stunning. It's right across the street from the beach club. Beach club also has a new restaurant called 'Coast' where you can eat outdoors. Coast is family friendly but Live Oak is an adult atmosphere. Lovely if you wanted to take Matteo's mom out for lunch or dinner.  Ice Cream (a daily ritual):  - Salty Dog- probably our favorite spot for ice cream . At south beach in sea pines. You might drive.. It's a long bike ride from where you are. Ice cream is right out front and you can enjoy sitting at tables overlooking the water. -Harbour Town- we like the ice cream inside the Cinnamon bear country store. There is also a shop right under the lighthouse called 'scoops' that is good. There are also sometimes smaller ice cream, snowcone and italian ice stands set up during the Gregg Russell show times.  -Marley's- Outside the Sea Pines gate, so you would probably drive. But it's a fun spot. -Orange Leaf- this is a new one in Shelter Cove shopping center around corner from Kroger that has the best frozen yogurt and toppings bar we have seen. Such a fun spot. (Michelle's kids love this place too!!!) -Rita's water ice- near your rental in Coligny. Very crowded at night but a yummy treat worth stopping for. Ice plus custard?! What could be better? To Do's: Go into Sea Pines in the evenings for some fun activities or when you need a break from the beach. It's $5 to enter the plantation but several of these are must sees if you go to HH. Especially the lighthouse at Harbor Town. Sea Pines is where we had our beach house. It's a great spot to look at for next time you travel down there. The bike paths alone are worth it for the kids. Watch for gators in sea pines when you bike! Lots of them in the lagoons and by the golf courses.  -Golf- if your boys like to golf the new Sea Pines Planatation Club does a golf clinic for kids every afternoon. I sent Nate every day last summer that we were there. It's from 2-3pm I believe. Call the pro shop to check. Then my boys played 9 holes with Dad in the afternoon when it's less expensive. There is also company called 'Last Minute Tee Times'. It's half price if you call the night before and are flexible as to what golf course they play. There are lots of nice ones to choose from on HHI and just off the island too.  -Salty Dog Cafe/South Beach  (music at night, great ice cream, fun shops, check their daily activities as they have alot of free things for kids). And of course don't forget to buy the tshirt! There is shop above the ice cream store and another one in the back of the shopping center that is larger with more selection.  -Harbour Town (playground, climb the lighthouse (easy for the kids!),  shopping, watch dolphins off the docks, paddle boarding rentals, shop for souvenirs(great toy shop), swing and climb on the live oak trees etc... concerts at night by Gregg Russell every night except Saturdays which is changeover day for renters.) -Lawton stables- this is the horse barn inside sea pines with a small petting zoo and pony ride area. Fun place to bike or drive to as well. They offer trail rides through the forest preserve. Not sure if you have any horse lovers in the group! -GREGG RUSSELL CONCERT- I feel like this needs to be in caps because if you don't go see Gregg Russell you might not have really experienced hilton head! It's a favorite- I have been going since I was a child. My kids love him. He performs every night at 8pm (except Saturdays and weather permitting) under the Big Oak Tree in Harbour Town. He doesn't wrap up until almost 9:30 so it can be a late night. He sings, and he let's the kids participate so have your kids ready to sing a song if they get chosen! The kids can make signs to bring with them, he loves to read them out loud. And of course, Harbour Town has great ice cream, so don't forget dessert! Go early- around 7pm and lay down a beach towel on the benches to save yourself a spot. Then go walk around and get ice cream and come back close to 8pm when he starts the show.  -Mini Golf- there is a pirate golf mini golf my kids love. I think it's called Legendary? It's on the main drag of 278 business and is fun on a cloudy day or when you need an evening activity. Bring your bug spray!!!  -Commander Zodiac tours and kayaking- If you are wanting more adventure there is a place in South Beach Marina and Shelter Cove we like called Commander Zodiac and another outfitter called Outside Hilton Head. They offer a cool sandbar tour by boat that takes you at low tide to a sandbar between Dafuskie island and HHI. Kids can collect sand dollars, see starfish and all kinds of shells and sea life. They also do a few kayak tours and eco tours to see dolphins. And fishing trips too. -Bikes on the beach- go at low tide and ride the beach. It's alot of fun. -Rainy Days- Sometimes things get stormy in the afternoon. The outlets are great (there are two centers) and the Marshalls is really great by the outlets as well. Also , there is a movie theater right outside the Sea Pines gate and another one up by Walmart. We bike in the rain sometimes if there isn't thunder of course.  The Tides: The tide chart is your best friend!!! I recommend planning your day around the tides. I like to go out to the beach right at low tide to enjoy the big beach. Set your chairs back pretty far. Boogie boarding waves are good as the tide comes in ;) Biking is best and easiest at low tide as well. Here is the link for tide chart.  http://www.hiltonheadisland.com/category/beaches/tide-chart/ Sharks- the best info I can remind you of is that after 4pm it is shark feeding time. I recommend not letting your kids go very deep into the water after this time. There haven't been attacks in HHI for years but it's just common sense. Also- certain times of the summer HHI has more jellyfish. I'm not sure why that is. Just be on the lookout.

Croatia

Hi Sarah, sorry it took me so long to get back to you! My dad was able to give me the names of two great places in Dubrovnik, called Orsan and Nautika. He said that the Italian place was no longer there.  Best islands to visit are Hvar (very popular). Otherwise the Plitvice area we don't really know. It is supposed to be amazing though. Hope they enjoy it...
 
Keep me posted on the summer plans!

Bohol, Philippines (from Shanghai Expats) / Palawan and Boracay too

ISLAND NOTES BY ALMA


Cebu's great but for more island exploring, they could do 

1) Siquijor

2) Palawan (either El Nido or Coron) 

3) Bohol (which could actually be done from CEbu as well, ferry-ride away)

BOth of thos are flying from Manila. 

 

If they want to just do road trip from Manila, I would recommend: 

1) La Union

2) Banaue and Sagada for rice terraces and also hiking/caves/waterfalls

I would do Manila, there are fun things to do here (but it will be the hottest time of year, maybe they want to head straight to beach or mountains). 

For ideas they could look at my blog kidsmorefun.blogspot.com

Also, I would be more than happy to help them with any other questions! 

TRAVEL:

Dos Palamas in Palawan. Great hospitality from staff.

Ananyana beach resort, in Bohol. Very peaceful and relaxing.

Beefarm in Bohol - hotel plus bee farm plus fresh organic food restaurant. All in one place. They also have ice creams of various different flavors never heard of. For example ginger ice cream.

We went last year connecting Korea on Korean Air. First we went to Cebu. We were two families with six kids among us. We stayed at Plantation Bay. It was great and a lot of fun stuff to do. Then we took a ferry to Bohol which has beautiful beaches. They say Bohol's beaches are just as beautiful as Borcay. We stayed at a place called the Bee Farm www.boholbeefarm.com it is not on the beach. We took very inexpensive tuk tuk ride to the beach everyday. It is a very short ride. The food is super good. The accommodations are clean and nice. Both families had an amazing time. I found it was cheaper to book on Korean air airline website directly.

Amorita Resort on the island of Bohol - a 2 hr ferry from Cebu.

Dos Palmas. Palawan. Island hotel, stayed there CNY2015. beautifully relaxing. If want more info let me know.

We just got back from Boracay. We stayed at the Two Seasons. It was a great location and had rooms with large beds to hold our family of 4 in one room (a king size bed and a queen). The breakfast came with the room and the buffet was good. The beach was beautiful and the guys out front of the hotel ran an honest business and could help you with any excursion you want to go on, snorkeling, island hopping, land tours, etc (ask for Jeffery). They have a free shuttle to take you to the D-mall that had shopping and restaurants or you can take a nice stroll on the beach to get there. It wasn't too far but it was quiet at night.

South Island, New Zealand

From Missi Dunham

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwrnVIQ-mMysVHBabl9RZVA5Ync&usp=sharing

2015 New Zealand Itinerary

BRING Passports, Tents, Sleeping bags

TRANSPORTATION: NZ rent a car, 12 person passenger van (NZ$2,599, CC: #U-1927 )

Emergency number : 111

Day 0:  12/20, Sunday

Local Driver David to take us to the airport (SGD$60)

FLIGHT

SIN -> ZQN  7:15PM  lands 2:50PM (CheapTickets Trip Id: TS2PS8(SGD $12,849.40); Airline CC: Qantas Airways 53IDB2)

Queenstown - 5 Nights

(Canyon Ridge Retreat, 5 Nights $1,993, Airbnb RYE8P2)

Day 1:  12/21, Monday

LAND at 2:50 PM, pick up rental van

Dinner:  In downtown Queenstown  Cow Restaurant on Cow Lane Pizza

Head to House/check in

Drive to Remarkables Park in Frankton (view  of Modor)

Pick up Groceries at New World Supermarket at Remarkables Park (store hours 8am-9pm)

The Warehouse (like Kmart) Cooler, etc.  

Day 2:  12/22, Tuesday

Hike up to Bob’s Peak on the Tiki Trail (45-60min, moderate fitness level)   

Noon seating:  Stratosphere Lunch

Skyline Gondola and Luge (Open 10am-9pm; $127 family pass 8 rides)

Dinner:  Fergburger

Day 3:  12/23, Wednesday

10:00 AM-1:30Pm for TSS Earnslaw with Walter Peak Farm Tour or with BBQ ($264)

Shop in Town

Kiwi Bird Park

Shotover Jet Boat ($500, $345 family pass, 75 per extra 1 kid, J free or $875 with nomad safari and lord of the rings)   Plan one hour and a half, 25 minute ride.  http://www.shotoverjet.com/hot-deals/family-pass/  (CLOSED CHRISTMAS)

Dinner:  Office Point pub by house

Day 4:  12/24, Thursday

Drive to Arrowtown (51 minutes)

Arrowtown, panning for gold, Chinamen’s walk bring pans, walk to hut, walk down to river….

Playground

Dinner:  The Stables

Day 5:  12/25, Friday;  Christmas Day

Christmas Morning Breakfast/Stockings

Glenorchy/Paradise (wish we would have booked as a tour)

5:30pm Christmas Dinner at the house

Pack up, laundry completed

Te Anau - 1 Night

(Top 10 powered Campsite, $116 ; added $143 for queen bedroom CC: J856W156126)

Day 6:  12/26,  Saturday; Boxing Day

Early Drive to Te Anau 2 hours

Lunch:  sandwiches on the road

12:30pm Check in at Campsite set up tent

2:00 Glowworm cave group tour (2-4:45 $126.40, CC:RJ3325712)

Snack: Miles Better Pies (outdoor dining)

5pm Fiordland Cinema for Shadowland ($10 per ticket, 32 min)     Sandfly cafe was closed

Dinner: Fat Duck (sit down)

Camping Night!!

Oamaru - 2 nights

(Oamaru Forest Hill Home and Farm Stay $183 per night DN9YRW)

Day 7:  12/27, Sunday

8AM departure, drive 2 hours to Milford

Pack lunch and snacks

10:30 Milford Sound Nature Cruise ($158.40, 10:30-1:00, CC:RJ3325712  )

Underwater Viewing Tour Option,  ($36 per adult, $18 per child, adds one hour)

http://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/milford-discovery-centre-underwater-observatory/

The Chasam (30 minutes, Park at Chasam car park, hike)

2:30 Drive to Herbert:  (6 hours 21  minute drive)

Dinner: eat in town of Gore

Late Arrival to the Home :  22 Reid Road Herbert

Day 8:  12/28, Monday

Wake up at house, shower, quick breakfast, pack up

11:30 Drive to Moeraki Boulders (15 minute drive)

Lunch:  Moeraki boulders Restaurant

View penguins and seals at Moeraki Lighthouse (short walk)

Check in to Farm House/feed animal

Dinner: Portside Restaurant by Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Steampunk Playground

Watchout for Yellow eyed Penguins 2 hours before sunset, Lollipop Ladies, Penguin Crossing sign

9PM Sunset Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony http://www.penguins.co.nz/new-zealand/ ($100 premium viewing family pass, cc:  152085

Mount Cook - 2 Nights  

(Glentanner Park Center, Campsite, $170 CC: 31011)

Day 9:  12/29, Tuesday

Wake up at farm, breakfast provided, Grab some groceries

Oamaru Old quarters- Harbour Front Bakery, Whitestone Cheese Factory Stop

Drive to Matsinger Berry Farm - Strawberries, 15K Oamaru 9494 NZ. Phone: 03 431 7817. (start of the 7 mile road on the Kurow to Oamaru road)

Drive up North (great scenic drive)

Stop Elephant Rock; Duntroon (Aslan’s camp bow and arrow training scene)

Stop in Omarama:  Ram statue picture, Hays picture, Ladybird would have been great but dinner wasn't open yet

Stop at Clay Cliffs (turn onto Quailburn Rd off SH8 and then onto unsealed Henburn Rd)

Dinner:  Poppies in Twizel

Mount Cook sunset pictures in the drive

After hours key pick up at Glentanner Park

Day 10:  12/30, Wednesday  (Brinkley Resorts, Methven $350 last minute booked instead of camping)

Mount Cook Visitor Center (Free)

Hooker Valley Track (3 hours, 5 k round trip)

Tasman Glacier Lake + Blue Lakes (1 hour, park at Blue Lakes Car Park & Shelter)

Tramps link:  (see note below)  http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/aoraki-mount-cook-village-walking-tracks/

Lunch:  The Old Mountaineers Cafe and Bar, (pizzas, etc) http://www.mtcook.com/restaurant#_=_

Head to Tekapo Church of Good Shepherd (closes at 5pm), Sheepdog Statue

Drive to Methven

Kaikoura - 2 Nights

(The Fairways at Ocean Ridge, 1 Kersage Drive, Ocean Ridge, $316, Robyn via email CC:  37193)    

Day 11:  12/31, Thursday; New Year’s Eve

Drive to Arthurs Pass National Park and see Castle Hill rock formation (4 hrs, Narnia).

Drive 3 more hours

Check in to Condo

Penninsula for sunset (very windy)

Dinner: Thai place (very good)

Day 12:  1/1, Friday; New Year’s Day

9:30 AM Seal swimming http://www.sealswimkaikoura.co.nz/   (58 West End, $430, CC: EFGVK7)

12PM:  Beach House Cafe, 39 Beach Road, Kaikoura, New Zealand

2PM MSU vs Alabama Game

6PM Oahu Waterfall Walk and seal pups (most seals already gone to beach for the year)

8 PM Dinner:  Tuti’s Restaurant and bar 5 Beach Road (emailed reservation)

Akaroa  (2 nights)

(Marukera Farm Stay in Little River, 28 Breitmeyers Rd, Airbnb B4Z2M5)

Day 13: 1/2, Saturday

11AM Drive 2 hours 30 minutes

3PM Antarctic Center (open 9-5:30, $135 Family pass)

6PM Dinner in Christchurch: Tutte Beno’s Italian

Drive to Marukera  (1 hour)

Day 14:  1/3, Sunday

Farm Morning

Drive Island

Go to Okains area

Visit town of Akoroa

Lunch:  Bully Hayes

Dinner: at the house

Movie night -Narnia

Swim with the Dolphins $670 http://www.swimmingwithdolphins.co.nz/ (cancelled for weather)

Day 15:  1/4, Monday

7AM Drive to CHC airport, drop off rental van

11:15 AM  Jan 4th  CHC -> SIN   

FLY OUT

Things we missed:

Dam good fruit   State Highway 6, Ripponvale, Ripponvale, NZ  Phone: +64 3 445 0733

(46 minute drive)

Cherry picking  http://www.pickyourown.org/newzealand.htm#.Vkk2-N8rLys

• Menlove Berry Farm – raspberries, strawberries
• Orchard Road, Wanaka. Phone: 03 443 4248. ALternate phone: 021 494 149. Email: info@berryfarmhomestay.co.nz.

No mad safari

Head to Kakanui Beach and cape walk (random track)

Missed Fleurs in Oamaru

Missed Places in Ophir

Dinner:  Astro Cafe

Mount John Observatory - star gazing http://www.earthandskynz.com/window-to-the-universe/en/mtjohn-tour

Hillary Alpine Center (entrance fees) great planetarium

Kaikoura

Missed, Lavendyl Lavender Farm and Pennisula walk

On Mon, Jan 18, 2016 at 12:20 AM, Melissa Dunham <missi.dunham@gmail.com> wrote: