Guest Darren Masters Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 Back in Sydney all. We were put on Polynesian Blue 737-800 ZK-PBF due operational issues and were 1.5hrs late into Sydney. Had an awesome 4 days in Christchurch and will have a trip report up tomorrow night (with pics). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Hello all. Well here is the trip report for this trip. Friday 3rd October 2008 My friend Chris and I got a cab from the stinking hot 36 degrees Sydney temperature out to Sydney Airport. Check-in was relatively painless. We were travelling onboard Pacific Blue flight 737-800 flight DJ74. I was seated in seat 9A (window) and Chris in 9B. Aircraft rego was ZK-PBA.Boarded at gate 50. We pushed-back ontime at 1845. Crew up the front incharge of the flight were Greg and Matt. Below: A pic of our aircraft ZK-PBA We taxxied out to RWY 34L. We took off straight out and passed over ANZ Stadium then abeam Westmead Hospital then crossed the M4 and Cumberland HWY then past the Sydney Markets at Flemington before overflying Sydney Airport and making our way out to the coast. Crusing level would be FL 370. The flight time to Christchurch would be 2hrs 25min. Had a Jim Beam and Cola and VB onboard and did some of the crosswords in the inflight magazine. Was mostly smooth flying all the way. Not much but darkness to look at outside. Saturday 4th October 2008 Landed in Christchurch at 12.30am (Christchurch local time) which was a little earlier than our ETA. Went through customs relatively quickly then made our way out of the terminal to the Europcar counter to collect our little KIA Picanto rental. It was $230 for three days including full insurance which was quite good. I then drove the car into Christchurch CBD to our hotel-Crowne Plaza Christchurch where we would be staying for the next few days. Checked-in then took our bags upstairs. Came back down after that and the concierge Sam gave us some drink vouchers for the Christchurch Casino which was right across the road. We decided to make some use of those and walked acriss the road to the casino where we had a meal and some drinks. Ended up getting back to the hotel at about 4am. We woke up at about 10am, had a shower then got the concierge to bring up our car. Aquired some tourist brochures and maps and then made our way out to Mt Hutt and we stopped at the Blue Pub at Methven. Below: Roadsign on the way to Mt Hutt Below: Our little rental car Below: Me with roadsign Below: Alps ahead Below: On the way to Mt Hutt Below: Blue Pub-Methven Had a few beers and a lunch of garlic bread and pizza at the pub before continuing on to Mt Somers (where Lord of the Rings was filmed). By this point the wind was howling and there were trees down all over the road and I had a hard time keeping the car on the road. We honestly could not stand up in the wind! Below: Some scenery on the way to Mt Somers Below: Chris playing with some snow at Mt Hutt Below: Mt Hutt By the time we got to the alps the warm gusty wind had gone and it was now cold and raining. We drove up to Mt Hutt ski Village and had a look and a play around in some of the snow. Looking to the East was awesome from this height! Below: Looking East from Mt Hutt Began our long descent down Mt Hutt and continued on to Christchurch. I saw the Emirates A340 departing from Christchurch to Sydney at around 1900 (Christchurch local time). Saturday was a long and very enjoyable day with many beautiful sights. Drove some 450km today. On the Saturday night we went out to Chloe's pub for a few drinks where I caught some of the locals from my last trip here. Had a few jugs of beer then stumbled over the the Casino yet again for a few more drinks and a lovely meal. On the way there I could not resist picking some tulips and other flowers from the local gardens! They breed them big in NZ! Below: Tulips Sunday 5th October 2008 Probably went to bed at around 4am this morning again. Got up at around 11.30am. Were back in the car at around 1pm and made our 180km drive up to the fishing village of Kaikoura on the South Island North Coast. Had some lunch which was just superb at Adelphi's Cafe. This region is famous for the NZ Crayfish (lobster). Below: The descent from the mountains into Kaikoura Below: Our seafood platter at Kaikoura. Below: The pebble beach at Kaikoura Below: Seal colony at Kaikoura. First time I have ever seen a seal in the wild! Naturally the visit to this region was not complete without a visit to the Kaikoura Airfield which runs right beside the HWY complete with mountains in the background! After the visit to Kaikoura we drove up the mountains and through a beautiful scenic road to the township of Hanmer Springs. The weather on this day was quite cold-probably the same as a Canberra winters day. Below: The road to Hanmer Springs with cloud on the ground...almost. Very scenic! Hanmer Springs was just magic! A sleepy little town below the Alps which reminded me of my time in Sedona Arizona. I would definitely come back to Hanmer Springs to spend a few nights. You can't miss this place if coming to the South Island of NZ. Sadly, we ran out of time. After the hour and a bit at Hanmer Springs we began our 1.5hr roadtrip back to Christchurch in the dark. On arrival back into Christchurch some good old Burger King was in order. Had a few beers back in the hotel room and just relaxed after yet another beautiful day exploring. Monday 6th October 2008 This was our last day in NZ and we spent it shopping in Christchurch and having some good food. Below: Our hotel in Christchurch Below: Some views around Christchurch We dropped the rental car back at the airport without any hassles at all the proceeded to check in. Paid our separate $25 NZD departure tax then through to customs and duty-free where I bought a bottle of McKenna Bourbon. We were supposed to board at gate 30 on ZK-PBD but that changed to gate 32 and to aircraft ZK-PBF (Polynesian Blue) due to our original aircraft having to go on to Brisbane. Also spotted Emirates A6-ERH beside our aircraft which was also bound for Sydney. Our flight was DJ73. A beautiful departure out of Christchurch to the North although we were 1/2hr late. Below: Emirates A6-ERH at the bay beside our aircraft Below: Onboard Polynesian Blue ZK-PBF Below: Departure to the North of Christchurch We then passed over the alps tracking to the West Coast to Hokatika. Below: The alps below Below: The West Coast with Hokatika below We had an off-duty cabin crew member sitting beside us. She was originally from Melbourne but had moved to Christchurch to join the team. She was very friendly. Most of the flight was choppy with the seatbelt sign remaining on with light-medium chop. We conducted a few orbits off the coast of Sydney as there was a change of runway and a heavy, gusting Westerly. Below: Orbiting off the coast of Sydney with the sun setting We arrived in Sydney at around 1845-almost 1 hr late due late departure/change of runway in Sydney and traffic. We approached for a landing on RWY 25 with massive gusting Westerlies so the approach would have been very busy up in the office. Our pilot managed to conduct a perfect landing though despite the rocky approach. Went through customs and quarantine without a problem then we both got a cab home. Thoroughly enjoyed our trip to NZ again. Look forward to visiting again soon. I would recommend it to anyone. Hope you enjoyed reading this trip report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Glenn Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Very nice scenery. Was that an alpaca with those sheep? Thanks, another great report Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Friends of yours Darren? Below: Onboard Polynesian Blue ZK-PBF :biggrin: hey I know her !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (the hostie) Cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Friends of yours Darren? hey I know her !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (the hostie) Cool That was a furry friend of mine Robbo. The hosties name was Alyssa and she was based in Christchurch. Glenn, that was a sheep although it does look like an alpaca. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 If you ever see her again ask her about the hilton bar with "auto" that was my nickname at Tulla :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nzom_pilot Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Nice report Darren. Glad you enjoyed the offferings in the South Island, even if it was in Canterbury.:rolleyes::headshake: Interesting about the aircraft change at the gate. Its the second week in a row that the aircraft that was on the monday CHC-MEL-CHC-SYD-CHC and CHC-BNE-CHC-BNE-CHC routes have swapped for the second flight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Nice report Darren.Glad you enjoyed the offferings in the South Island, even if it was in Canterbury.:rolleyes::headshake: Interesting about the aircraft change at the gate. Its the second week in a row that the aircraft that was on the monday CHC-MEL-CHC-SYD-CHC and CHC-BNE-CHC-BNE-CHC routes have swapped for the second flight. Thanks. Yes, not too sure re the change all they told us was that due to operational requirements that aircraft would be going to Brisbane instead. Weird as both aircraft were there at the gates. I think I overheard one of the crew saying there was an issue with some bags. They may have loaded the wrong aircraft?? Who knows... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David C Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 Great report Darren ... I always enjoy your reports and particularly the photos .. Its a few weeks yet before I will compose my report of my flight to the UK , due mostly to the unavailabilty of a reliable pc + wait for it , I forgot my camera and my brand new DVD video camera .. What a prat hey !! .. Yes I remembered them at check in at SYD ..:redface:.. Thanks for sharing Darren Dave C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Great report Darren ... I always enjoy your reports and particularly the photos .. Its a few weeks yet before I will compose my report of my flight to the UK , due mostly to the unavailabilty of a reliable pc + wait for it , I forgot my camera and my brand new DVD video camera .. What a prat hey !! .. Yes I remembered them at check in at SYD ..:redface:..Thanks for sharing Darren Dave C No problem Dave. Glad you enjoyed reading it. Always good to get good feedback as sometimes these trip reports take forever to type out, attach pics to etc. When you get good feedback it makes it worth while. Anyway, I will be looking forward to reading yours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strawberry Muppet Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Cool report and some great pics. Always enjoy your trip reports, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Cool report and some great pics. Always enjoy your trip reports, thanks. Likewise and thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest OzChris Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Hey Darren, I must have missed this thread somehow - awesome report and pics as always! I love Christchurch...and that Lobster! YUMMM... Glad you had such a great time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Hey Darren, I must have missed this thread somehow - awesome report and pics as always!I love Christchurch...and that Lobster! YUMMM... Glad you had such a great time! Thanks Chris Glad you enjoyed it mate. The lobster was lovely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I would take your friend on a holiday any day ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I would take your friend on a holiday any day ! I have known her a long time Robbo and I don't know if I would trust you :tongue: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I think she is online now !!!! oops doh !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 And be careful Robbo too because: [ame=http://theaussieaviator.net/member.php?u=1800]The Aussie Aviator.Net[/ame] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Read my post before yours. Hey i did not say anything bad i just was being nice :( Hey Chrissy, how the hell can you put up with Captain Masters?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Read my post before yours.Hey i did not say anything bad i just was being nice :( Hey Chrissy, how the hell can you put up with Captain Masters?? LOL I'm off to bed. I'll leave you to it. A Canberra trip for work tomorrow (which was supposed to be today) so I need my beauty sleep :tongue: And now...we are off topic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 so I need my beauty sleep YES YES YOU DO :biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Glenn Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 :hijacked: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissy Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Read my post before yours.Hey i did not say anything bad i just was being nice :( Hey Chrissy, how the hell can you put up with Captain Masters?? Ha ha ha With much effort and a lot of tickling when i dont get my way!!:tongue: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 ahahahahahaahah :) welcome to TAA Chrissy.... Darren is a ****** good bloke, even if he does dodge me when he is in Melbourne :) You both should come to Melbourne and I promise that you will never forget meeting the Robbo ! :) Sorry Glenn... Back on topic now ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Darren Masters Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 ahahahahahaahah :)welcome to TAA Chrissy.... Darren is a ****** good bloke, even if he does dodge me when he is in Melbourne :) You both should come to Melbourne and I promise that you will never forget meeting the Robbo ! :) Sorry Glenn... Back on topic now ! Hmmmmmm.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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