Rob Hybarger (far right in above photo) passed away Tues., Feb. 4, 2020
Click on any photo below to view that photo!! You may also right click on any photo.
New Zealand Trip Nov. 1 - 19, 2017
|
|
It was around Sept. 20, 2017, that I received a text from Rob Hybarger saying "when you get a minute give me a call." I said to Melody what does Rob want? Well I called him and he said that a couple signed up for the New Zealand trip had backed out and the group was looking for another couple. He said if you guys are interested let me know soon. We got back to Rob with some questions. We said this is a once in a lifetime chance and we had no plans for Nov. 1-19, 2017. He said he'd turn our names into tour guide Kent Dawson. Kent was putting the tour together and see what happens. It didn't take long before Kent called to say we could join the four other couples on the tour. Kent was very upfront with an itinerary and other information.
|
|
Those making the trip were: Cheryl Ladd, Mary Grego-Smith, Gary and Cindy Croucher, David and Heather Valles, Rob and Jane Hybarger and tour guide Kent Dawson and his wife Ruth. All of the group were from Las Vegas, NV, but Gary and Cindy who came from San Diego, Cali. Later we learned it was kind of a retirement party for Cheryl who retired in Sept. We also were told that most of the group had worked together one time or another. As the trip began we found out that some of the group were some real characters. Not to mention any names. But all in good fun.
When we arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kent had his twelve passenger, 5-speed, straight stick, diesel, blue bus waiting for us. Over the next seventeen days we would put nearly 3,000 miles on this blue bus. Some days we road for five or more hours and 500 or more miles with stops along the way. I don't think Kent ever missed a turn or exit. At least he never mentioned a missed turn. He did give some of the big trucks a few words as they tried to cut our blue bus off. What a great job Kent did of getting us to our twelve motels in different cities each night and all the off the road stops to visit some amazing sites.
We first toured the South island down as far as Te Anau, NZ. Then we worked our way up to Picton, NZ. Here we put the bus on a ferry for a three hour ride to Wellington, NZ. Now everyone boarded the bus again as we made our way up the North island. We made our way all the way North to Paihia, NZ, with many stops along the way. Then it was back to Auckland, NZ, for our Sun., Nov. 19, 2017, 11 hour non stop flight back to the USA.
Geography
New Zealand is made of a group of islands located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, and is neighbored by Australia, the Pacific Islands of Fiji and New Caledonia, and it's made up of many islands. The two most important being the North and South Islands.
Mountains and farmlands are almost characteristic of the country of New Zealand. Some of the most famous glaciers exist in New Zealand from the Tasman glacier to the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
History Recap New Zealand was discovered by the Maori people around 1,000 A.D., until Captain James Cook came to the islands, established the British settlements and had the Maori's lands seized for dozens of years. A few years later, and after a war, the land was restored to the Maoris.
Facts about New Zealand 1. New Zealand is one of the least populated countries in the world. 2. There are 9 sheep per person in the country. 3. Only 5% of the entire population on the country is human. The rest are animals. 4. All mammals in the country have been brought from outside, none of them grew here. 5. Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit were filmed in New Zealand. 76% of New Zealand's population lives on the North Island, along with 90% of the Maori population. Wellington in the North Island is the capital of New Zealand and the third most populous area in all of the country. Rotorua is one of the most famous tourist attraction in all New Zealand.
The Glow-Worm Cave Silently, and dreamily float in a boat in the caves as thousands of glow worms light up the walls and ceiling like stars in the night.
Milford Sound is perched deep into a remote part of the South Island. It has been dubbed as the 8th wonder of the world and a must see.
So if you'd like to visit our trip with photos and daily activities buckle up, grab a refreshment, sit back and travel along.
When we arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kent had his twelve passenger, 5-speed, straight stick, diesel, blue bus waiting for us. Over the next seventeen days we would put nearly 3,000 miles on this blue bus. Some days we road for five or more hours and 500 or more miles with stops along the way. I don't think Kent ever missed a turn or exit. At least he never mentioned a missed turn. He did give some of the big trucks a few words as they tried to cut our blue bus off. What a great job Kent did of getting us to our twelve motels in different cities each night and all the off the road stops to visit some amazing sites.
We first toured the South island down as far as Te Anau, NZ. Then we worked our way up to Picton, NZ. Here we put the bus on a ferry for a three hour ride to Wellington, NZ. Now everyone boarded the bus again as we made our way up the North island. We made our way all the way North to Paihia, NZ, with many stops along the way. Then it was back to Auckland, NZ, for our Sun., Nov. 19, 2017, 11 hour non stop flight back to the USA.
Geography
New Zealand is made of a group of islands located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, and is neighbored by Australia, the Pacific Islands of Fiji and New Caledonia, and it's made up of many islands. The two most important being the North and South Islands.
Mountains and farmlands are almost characteristic of the country of New Zealand. Some of the most famous glaciers exist in New Zealand from the Tasman glacier to the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
History Recap New Zealand was discovered by the Maori people around 1,000 A.D., until Captain James Cook came to the islands, established the British settlements and had the Maori's lands seized for dozens of years. A few years later, and after a war, the land was restored to the Maoris.
Facts about New Zealand 1. New Zealand is one of the least populated countries in the world. 2. There are 9 sheep per person in the country. 3. Only 5% of the entire population on the country is human. The rest are animals. 4. All mammals in the country have been brought from outside, none of them grew here. 5. Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit were filmed in New Zealand. 76% of New Zealand's population lives on the North Island, along with 90% of the Maori population. Wellington in the North Island is the capital of New Zealand and the third most populous area in all of the country. Rotorua is one of the most famous tourist attraction in all New Zealand.
The Glow-Worm Cave Silently, and dreamily float in a boat in the caves as thousands of glow worms light up the walls and ceiling like stars in the night.
Milford Sound is perched deep into a remote part of the South Island. It has been dubbed as the 8th wonder of the world and a must see.
So if you'd like to visit our trip with photos and daily activities buckle up, grab a refreshment, sit back and travel along.
Wed., Nov. 1, 2017, Ten of us board American Airlines flight 0084 at 6:53 PM from Las Vegas headed for Los Angeles. Gary and Cindy joined us here for our American Airlines flight 0083 at 11 PM for our twelve hour flight to Auckland, NZ. Before we left we found out the airlines cater had been shut down by the health department, so the food was not very good. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. We arrived in Auckland Fri., Nov. 3, 2017, around 8 AM. What happened to Thursday?
Fri., Nov. 3, 2017, Got our bags and caught a New Zealand airlines flight NZ535 at 11 AM for Christchurch, NZ. Richard and Melody got their bags last, so had to really hurry to catch the New Zealand flight. Arriving in Christchurch, NZ, around 12:30 PM. Kent's friend had his blue bus ready for our five hour ride in and out of rain through the Franz Josef glacier valleys along the way. The start of all the water falls we'll be seeing. Ended the day at the Bella Vista Motel in Franz Josef, NZ. We were all tired and trying to wrap our minds around the time change.
Sat., Nov. 4, 2017, Loaded the bus for our 6 hour trip to Queenstown, NZ. Stopped between showers to visit Fox Glacier, Knight's Point, Lake Wanaka and the Kawarau bridge. At Kawarau the bungee jump was cancelled because of the wind. Rob was disappointed, as he was looking forward to the jump. Beautiful falls along the way. At Fox Glacier we spotted a Kaka bird sitting on a car. This bird is known to tear chrome off autos.
Sun., Nov. 5, 2017, Waking up to rain and wind the group decided to ride the bus uptown to shop for rain gear and warm clothes. In the afternoon the sun came out and we toured the beautiful Botanical Gardens. What a place to take photos. It's Spring here, so the flowers are out and baby ducks are all around.
Mon., Nov. 6, 2017, Boarded the bus in Queenstown, NZ, early for our 5 hour ride and 2 hour cruise ride to Melford Sound. Melford Sound is in the Fiordland National Park. A lot of snow around the area as we drove in the sun. Lucky the sun was out to dry the road of rain and snow. Beautiful country side with the snow on everything. Kent checked ahead to make sure the pass and roads were ok to drive on. We boarded a ferry for our ride to view some very colorful towering waterfalls and majestic mountains. We got within touching distance of impressive rock walls and close to the powerful 15,000 year old Stirling Falls. We also saw a number of small penguins and seals on the rocks. Then back on the bus for our ride to Te Anau, NZ, for our motel. The Lake Side motel was on a lake shore. We ate as a group at The Ranch Bar & Grill. This is the farthest South we get on the South island. Looks about 3,084 miles from the South Pole.
Tues., Nov. 7, 2017, Again on the bus for our ride to catch the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship for our ride up Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak farm. This is a coal fired steamship over 100 years old. It was a windy, cold day. The gourmet buffet set up for us really brightened the day. After our meal we witnessed a young lady sheer a sheep. This is a working farm. Back on shore we found the temp. reading 59 F., which seemed a lot colder to us Las Vegas and San Diego travelers. Back in Queenstown, NZ, for the night. Staying at the Sherwood Lodge. This wasn't what Kent had expected for our night lodging. No TV or phone service in our rooms and one very little bar of soap. One room had a bunk bed. As a reward we were given two free drink tickets and Cheryl got to light the logs in a pit with one of the workers. As it turned out the rooms were nice and clean and we made the best of it for one night.
Wed., Nov. 8, 2017, Up early for our 7 hours of bus riding. Again driving through some amazing green country. Seen a lot of sheep and baby lambs. One of our tour pals is a lamb lover, so she made mention when we saw lambs. This is wine country, so we stopped at a roadside winery for some wine tasting. Most everyone purchased a bottle or more. Stopped by a bridge and old brick church. Wedding taking place on a cold day, as we watched them taking photos outside in the cold wind. Snow viewed on the high mountains. Tonight staying at the Amross Court Motor in Christchurch, NZ. After checking in the group gathered at the Cartlon for refreshments and dinner.
Thurs., Nov. 9, 2017, Today some of us took the tour of the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. This was amazing with all the beautiful flowers and trees. Some took the bus tour of the gardens. Another picture takers delight. After the garden tours some boarded the tram for a ride around the city. This city was damaged by the earthquake some 6 years ago. So a lot of the buildings showed the damage and some were being torn down or rebuilt. The tour guides were very good with interesting facts. Another night at the Amross Court, so we didn't have to pack our bags and clothes got washed.
Fri., Nov. 10, 2017, Today we make our way in the bus North to Picton, NZ. Windy road with many sharp curves. Here we encountered a lot of log trucks hauling logs. Also saw some large above ground sprinkling units watering grass fields. Driving through some of these small towns was great. Ended the day at Picton, NZ, staying in the Broadway Motel.
Sat., Nov. 11, 2017, Up early ready for our bus ride to the dock to put our bus on this large ferry for the ride across to the North Island to Wellington. Amazing how smooth the process went in line loading our bus with the many other large trucks, vans, campers and cars. It was about a 3 hour ride. We had something to eat and viewed the scenery. Then it was off to the Travelodge Motel in Wellington. We unloaded our bags and off to check out the city. Melody found a quilt store on Google in walking distance. Melody and I took off walking rather fast, since the store closes at 4:30 PM on Saturdays. Little did we know it was about a mile and a half one way. We arrived just before they closed and Melody found enough material to make herself a "memory quilt" when we get home. She had this shipped home. We also got caught up in a big crowd of folks going to a soccer match.
Sun., Nov. 12, 2017, Some up early for breakfast at the hotel and off sightseeing. At breakfast we learned of an earthquake that night. Some found their room windows rattling and beds rocking. Melody and I slept right through it all. Having earthquakes on the South island happens all the time we're told. What a great city to tour around on a cool, cloudy day. Some of us took the HOP on HOP off bus ride around the city with stops for city views. After this ride we boarded a cable car for a ride. Buildings being rebuilt or torn down after earthquake. Then it was off to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. After our legs played out it was back to the hotel for some rest. Then it was off for a short walk to the Munchen cafe and grill for a German dinner with the group. What a neat place and good food and refreshments.
Mon., Nov. 13, 2017, Jumped on the bus around 8 AM for our 6 hour drive through the country side. First stop was in a small town at the Milky Whey cafe for a delicious breakfast. After getting on the bus on our way out of town Cindy realized she had left her purse at the cafe. We turned around and her purse was at the counter waiting for her. What a relief for Cindy and Gary. On our way we stopped at Lake Taupo and Huka Falls. Two very interesting places to get off the bus and walk around. Here to use the toilets it cost 50 cents. Then on to Rotorua, NZ, to check into our Sudima Hotel. Then it was to the entertainment center for a delicious dinner with our tour pals. Rob one of our tour members was selected as the captain. Rob took part of the Maori ceremony. Good job Rob. Ten Maori folks showed us a number of their culture dances with singing. Then Cindy, Melody, Jane and Cheryl went up on the stage and perform with the Maori members. Now the night gets better as Rob, David and Kent volunteered to go up on stage and perform with the Maori group also. Kent was just great with his actions. He maybe needs a TV spot.
Tues., Nov. 14, 2017, On the bus ready for our 3 hour ride to Tauranga, NZ. We stopped along the way at the Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Great place to walk around and see all the birds, fish, flowers and trees. Then it was inside to a dark room, that has only a few lights. Standing by the glass we tried our best to see the Kiwi. After awhile we were able to pick out a few. Kiwi are a New Zealand icon. They only come out in the dark. Next off to Tauranga, NZ, to the Pacific Motor Inn. After walking around town shopping we jumped on the bus to go meet some of Kent and Ruth's friends for a great buffet dinner and visiting. Once again we came away stuffed.
Wed., Nov. 15, 2017, Early bus leave for our 2 hour ride to Matamata, NZ, to catch our tour bus and then walk through the area of the Hobbiton Movie Set. This is the area used to film "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit Trilogies." This is also a working farm. Those that have seen the movies and read the books really enjoyed the area and took lots of photos. After some refreshment it was on the blue bus heading around Lake Rotorua to another marvelous tour of the Glow Worm caves. Going underground this far. (I'm not an underground cave person) Once down in the caves viewing the environment under low lights and being very quiet. Next in the dark we managed our way downstairs under low lights to boats that took us down more caves as we looked up and saw the glow worms. It was just like seeing stars in the sky. What an event we'll always remember and talk about. No cameras or cell phone photos were allowed during this tour. This might rank near the top of things we saw on the trip. Then it was a 4 hour bus ride back to Hamilton, NZ, to Ventura Inn & Suites for the night.
|
|
Thurs., Nov. 16, 2017, On Kent's blue bus again for a 4 hour ride headed for Paihia, NZ. Such beautiful country side. We stopped a number of times, as always for Tip Top ice cream. Drove through the longest tunnel in New Zealand. Such pretty green country side. Kent is in the drivers seat. As he was throughout our tour and appears to be loving it all. After checking into the Kingsgate Hotel in Paihia, NZ, we had time to walk around this lovely city and shop and have dinner. As you can see we found seagulls in New Zealand and a Telephone booth. Rob tried to get a dial tone to call home, ha, ha. |
Fri., Nov. 17, 2017, Up early for some of us to have breakfast on the dock as we waited for our short ferry ride to Russell, NZ. Great photos of Kent in the corner of the ferry all snuggled up in his warm coat. What a nice town to walk around having coffee in a couple outdoor places. Here we also toured the Russell Museum before catching the ferry back to Paihia, NZ. We also checkout a chocolate factory at Kerikeri, Bay of Islands. After watching them make different chocolate flavors we ended up buying some. Another night at the Kingsgate Hotel.
Sat., Nov. 18, 2017, We awoke to a rainy, cloudy, gloomy morning as we packed our bags in the blue bus for the 2 hour ride to Orewa, NZ. It rained most of the way. Arrived at our Edgewater Motel early afternoon in the rain. Our motel was on the Pacific Ocean shore. We got to walk the beach and watch the high tide come in. Great time even if it was raining off and on. A number of us walked up town in the rain to purchase some goodies for the final night gathering at Mary and Cheryl's suite. What a good time to chill out with our pals of nineteen days. We knew we had to have our coolers empty by morning, so we finished all the snacks.
Sun., Nov. 19, 2017, We loaded our blue bus for the last time, as we made our way in the rain to the airport for our 3:20 PM American Airlines 0082 flight to Los Angeles. Kent drove the bus over to storage and a cab ride back to the terminal. We were scheduled to arrived in Los Angeles around 6:35 AM, we arrived 45 mins. early to find no one around to tow our aircraft up to the terminal. So we sat on the plane for some 45 mins. after our 11 hr flight. We departed from LAX on American Airlines flight 2613 around 8:40 AM for Las Vegas. We arrived in Las Vegas around 10 AM. We gathered our bags said our good byes to our friends of nineteen days and off to our homes.
|
|
787 Aircraft specifications Cruise Speed: 560 mph Propulsion: Two General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Wingspan: 197 feet, 4 inches Fuselage length is 206 feet and the height 56 feet Seating 335, nine seats abreast in 3-3-3 configuration Fuel capacity around 36,000 gals. 11-1-2017 Flight Over 6,659 Flight miles 12 hrs. 33 mins. flight time Average speed 565 MPH Altitude 38,000 Average outside Temp. -58 degrees 11-19-2017 Flight Home 6,550 Flight miles 11 hrs. 12 mins. flight time Average speed 565 MPH Altitude 38,000 Average outside Temp. -54 degrees |
Some Highlights of the Trip and Final Thoughts
We saw herds of sheep, cows and fenced in deer. Can't believe the green countryside of trees and grass. The South island has a number of earthquakes all the time. In Wellington, NZ, during the night a earthquake was reported. Some traveling pals notice their motel windows shacking and beds rocking. Melody and I on the 15th floor slept through it all. Melody and I took nearly 1,000 photos. Each couple was issued a small ice cooler to fill each day for our bus trip. We discovered a Kent weakness TIP TOP ice cream. Sure seen a lot of Bridgestone, Wendy's, Burger King and McDonald's stores all over the islands. Unbelievable how Kent jumped into the bus driving from the right side of the vehicle on the left side of the road with no problem. Sometimes we found everyone with paper towels trying to keep the foggy windows clear. With all the sheep grown here lamb is served everywhere. Noticed an American Standard label on a bathroom sink. Glad we purchased an electrical converter to adjust their electric power, so we could charge our cell phones and hairdryers. The wall outlets have their own design, so the converter came in handy. A lot Kiwi trees grow all around New Zealand. On Sun., Nov. 5, the favorite saying was "we purchased hundreds of dollars of warm clothes, so the sun better come out." Kent knew exactly every day where all our luggage went in the back of his bus. We tried to sit in different seats on the bus each day, so we could visit with each other and check out their lives. I can understand that tourism is the big money maker for New Zealand, as we sure seen a lot of big tour bus. Interesting how they trim their shelterbelts. Kent liked to stop at Pack & Save for goodies.
Closing thoughts - This was really a once in a lifetime adventure for Melody and I. Thanks to Rob and Jane for the invite and Kent for taking us along. Thanks Cheryl for retiring, so this tour could take place. If you retire again invite us along for your party.
We owe Kent a big THANK YOU for driving the bus so safe and your information on New Zealand.
Kent has a website that you can learn more about this tours. His website is: https://newzealandpersonaltours.com/
If you have information to add or corrections to this story please contact me at: [email protected]
Closing thoughts - This was really a once in a lifetime adventure for Melody and I. Thanks to Rob and Jane for the invite and Kent for taking us along. Thanks Cheryl for retiring, so this tour could take place. If you retire again invite us along for your party.
We owe Kent a big THANK YOU for driving the bus so safe and your information on New Zealand.
Kent has a website that you can learn more about this tours. His website is: https://newzealandpersonaltours.com/
If you have information to add or corrections to this story please contact me at: [email protected]
Extra Photos to Share
|
|
|
