Akaroa: The Giant's House

We arrived rather late at Akaroa, so we were quite lucky we didn't manage to get a slot for Swimming with Dolphins since we would probably end up missing it anyway. And I sure was glad we had more time at Akaroa because we spent nearly 2 to 2.5 hours at the Giant's House.

To share a little more, the Giant's House is a garden gallery with mosaic pieces. With many art pieces displayed at every corner of the house and garden, be prepared to get your cameras out as there are many photo opportunities with the mosaic structures and blooming flowers.

The intricacy of each piece at the the Giant's House leave you in awe. You can imagine the amount of effort put by the artist, Josie Martin on each piece. (Pss...we were so lucky to say Hi to her!) The collage above only highlights some of the pieces which our eyes feasted upon.

Akaroa is really quite a chill town and visiting this place started our day and the whole vacation on a bright and cheery note. Like a lost child, we wandered in the garden and was astonished by some our finds - especially when we spot a tiny gem.

There is also the option of staying in the house while you are there. Though refreshing, I found the price a little too steep. But if you are really into staying inside a gallery and having more time and the gardens to yourself, staying there is quite a good option. (P.S. there's quite a bit of tourist so you might not be able to have clear shots.)

As part of the entrance fees, you can also visit a gallery showcasing some of Josie's work. The only grouse I have is that some of this work is not made into magnets or souvenirs so that you can buy and bring a piece of The Giant's House home. Sigh. Hopefully, Josie sees this post and next time you guys visit, you can get me something :P

Best Burgers in NZ: Bacon Bros Burgers

We touched down in Singapore from New Zealand and is feeling the withdrawal symptoms fast and hard. What better way then to start reminiscing the delicious food and interesting places we visited during our trip.

Generally, the western food are of a higher standard than what you would have in Singapore. In terms of price, you can expect around restaurant price, between NZ$20 to NZ$30. For fast food i.e. fish and chips (there is barely any Macs or KFC there), you can get it around NZ$10.

Burgers is quite a common sight in New Zealand, and on our first day, we managed to hunt down Bacon Bros Burgers. The portion of the burgers are huge and are within NZ$10 to NZ$20...mind blown. Bacon Bros Burgers is located at The Little High Eatery, a very cool hang-out even by the local's standards. Apart from Bacon Bros Burgers, you can expect to see other joints selling Thai food, Chinese food etc.

Whatever your favourite type of food is, there is sure to be something for you at The Little High Eatery. Plus there is free wifi there too. I am sure some of you have actually heard of Fergburgers of Queenstown. I know some of you may argue with me on this, but personally I think Bacon Bros Burgers is comparable or even better!

Shane (NZ$15) as of now is my favourite burger. I have to admit I just love the combination of hash brown and bacon. Awesome! Another highlight would have to be their handcut fries. The portion is crazy, I could barely finish it, but it satisfied my craving of any fries the entire trip. Yup, it was that good.

Non-locals, please remember to try out their Gingerella and Karma Coke. Gingerella in particular, it is damn frigging delicious. And believe it or not, I am now the face of Gingerella. So please remember to support me! Hehe.

15D Drive at New Zealand South Islands - Full Itinerary

Hi guys,

I am off to New Zealand for honeymoon. I know some of you may be interested in our itinerary. So there you go! (Have also updated some changes made during the trip :D)

Day 1: Christchurch

• Dinner at Bacon Bros Burgers (Check out our post here!)

Day 2: Akaroa

• Barrys Bay Cheese
• The Giants House (Check out our post here!)

Day 3: Hokitika

• Castle Hill
• Devil's punchbowl and waterfall (Not worth going)
• Glowworm Dell (remember to book an accommodation that is within walking distance)

Day 4 to 5: Franz Josef

• Lake Kaniere (if you have the skills and time, drive up to Dorothy Falls to find a hidden gem...sorry didn't include its photo in the collage as they are in hubby's phone)
• Hokitika Gorge
• Okarito
• Meal at Alice May (Read our food post here!)
• HeliHike (Check out our post here!)

Day 6 to 7: Wanaka

• Salmon Farm Cafe (Read our food post here!)
• Ship's Creek (somewhat similar to Okarito)
• Roy's Peak (5 hours hike...but the scene is worth it!)
• Wanaka photohunt (Disappointment...can be missed)

Day 8 to 11: Queenstown

• Cardona Hotel (Note: taking this route means the path to drive to Queenstown will be slightly more difficult)
• Cardona Bra Fence
• Remarkables Market (Worth checking out, we bought home quite a bit of goodies)
• Gibbston Valley (Check out the post here!)
• Arrowtown (too commercialised...give it a miss)
• Glenorchy and Paradise (MUST GO!)
• Fergburger
• Nevis Swing
• TSS Ernslaw (Check out the post here!)
• Milford Sound Tour (Check the the post here!)

Day 12 to 13: Dunedin

• Larnach Castle (Check out the post here!)
• Walking Tour - Otago Museum (free place and you get to learn quite a bit on the Maori)

Day 14: Lake Tepako (my most favourite place in NZ!)

• Moreaki Boulders (small area only)
• Oamaru - Steampunk Museum (Check out the post here!)
• Church of the Good Shepard

Day 15: Christchurch

• Tramsway Restaurant (Check out the post here!)