Nov 16 2008
The Kiwi Experience Vol 1
What happens when you un-pluck a city boy and ship him over to experience country living in New Zealand?
Well, that’s what I am about to find out in the next 10 days.
Not so long ago, Channel News Asia shipped me to Chirstchurch for a self-drive adventure that will take me through the heart and soul of New Zealand and it’s Maori people.
It was easy on paper, all I had to do is follow instructions and a map and make my way to a dozen or so small towns and check out charming accommodations and attractions for visitors.
First stop is Hanmer Springs. A 90 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport.
So I grabbed my pre-arrange SUV, drove to the nearby grocery store and stocked up for the drive ahead.
The road was fabulously scenic, rolling hills, farmland, cows and a whole lot of sheep. A hint of things to come for the next few days down here.
Soon as I reached Hanmer Springs, I checked in at the bed and breakfast booked for me.
I was given a charming suite with everything anyone will need for a one night stay.
Soon after dropping of my travel gear, I made a beeline to the town’s main attraction. The thermal pools.
The brochure says travel weary visitors will find the mineral rich pools relaxing and rejuvinating.
I thought, what a perfect way to get my body aches repaired. A great way to ease jetlag.
The inn keeper served a wonderful three course breakfast. Breakfast is the pride of the inn and I was encouraged the night before to order what I want so everything will be ready when I get up.
I drove off after breakfast for Kaikoura 2 hours away…
And the adventure continues…
8 Responses to “The Kiwi Experience Vol 1”
Hi Timothy.
The breakfast look delicious and the room is very spacious.
Singapore do not have alot of country side view and we need to travel to other countries to experience the relaxing life of the country side.
You are really a blessed man which can work while enjoying the oversea trip. But I can say it is not easy to be a mediacorp new host caster.
Actually i do miss the hosting of prime time morning in the past, where you used to host with the Korean lady host…can’t remember her name.
Cheers
Melinda
It looks so serene and peaceful. A million miles away from all the chaos of the city.
Hi Tim,
You are a really blessed city-boy who is able to travel out of this small island due to your work on channelnewsasia. Not many people living in Singapore are able to experience the beatiful nature found outside Singapore.
Though I have never been to Christchurch before, I have heard from friends that it is a very scenic place to relax. Seeing your photos indeed explains that.
Although your job requires to work odd hours and to travel, I think your job as a news reporter is indeed a meaningful experience which I too would like to have a feel of it when i am older.
You have always been the cheerful and smiling boy which we the viewers have enjoyed since you were on Primetime Morning and we hope to see more of you on news and serials.
Make full use of the opportunities that you have on channelnewsasia.
Hey Tim,
You are so blessed! Look at all the wonderful creations by God you have come into contact with.
I hope this trip energized you a little to deliver us quality news programs.
Paul
Dude! Is that lavender flowers behind u in one of the pix?! The bushes are beautiful! I’ll give an arm and leg just to see that!
Pass me your itinerary the next time! Thanks!
Beautiful pictures. That’s a charming suite all right!
I think the images are just too beautiful and mouthwatering
You focused to the main part of the subject. Clean and simple. Thanks.