Weekly Update

We had another successful ski weekend here at New Zealand. The weather was fine on Saturday and we took a full bus of students to Mt Hutt. Everyone went snow boarding and had a very good time.


Sunday morning was fine at the ski field, but in the afternoon it started snowing, which was exciting for the Saudi students, but it made for a trecherous drive down the road - we needed chains on the way.


Another bus driver at the skifield fell ill so we rescued some of his passengers to take to Methven, so Sunday afternoon was quite exciting, one way or another.

Our ski trips are proving to be quite popular, the conditions at Mt Hutt are very good at the moment. We have plenty more ski dates avaliable, so we hope to see you all soon.

Last week we visited some schools, mostly to introduce Hamish who has just started at Hello New Zealand. We visited Seafield School of English, Aspiring, and International English Institute.Everybody was very friendly and nice, and we look forward to visiting you all again soon.

Despite the cold weather we have many tours to look forward too. This weekend we are doing two Ski trips, and also an overnight trip to Punakaiki. Punakaiki will be especially good as we get to eat pancakes at pancake rocks, everybodies favourite.

Hope everybody is studying hard, we will see you soon.

Monday morning, but exciting news

This was going to be a short 'hello' for Monday morning but already I can see its going to be so much more. I can just feel it, there is plenty to say but not enough time to say it.

Let us begin with the weekend, our first ski trips of the year. After a week of miserable weather ,we were worried here in the office that it might not be too good on the weekend for skiing. Were we wrong!! Mother nature really turned it on for us, and both days we were met by clear blue skies and sunshine, lots of sunshine. Fantastic ski conditions.

It was an early start on Saturday for poor Brett, as he had to get up just after 5am to prepare the bus for the trip. Its not easy being a tour guide, despite what you might hear. The passengers had a little snooze as Brett drove towards Mt Hutt, while Brett sung quietly to himself to stay awake. (have you heard him sing? He really does have a lovely voice)

We had a quick breakfast at Rakaia, where we saw the big fish. Fish was not on the menu for us though. Then we continued on towards the ski field. The drive up the mountain was spectacular, there was some amazing views, and lots of photo opportunities, especially when Brett stopped to put the chains on the tyres. This is normally a difficult job but luckily another passenger helped him. Another good experience for the trip.

The weather at the ski field was even better than on the plains.Some of the students with us had never seen snow before, and there was much excitement as we reached the ski field. Everybody chose to go snow boarding, which proved to be an excellent choice. We all had a lesson, and everybody learnt a lot. Then it was free time on the mountain. Some of the brave students went to the very top of the mountain, where the view was...well... I cant describe it. It was beyond words, one of the most amazing views in New Zealand (And there is a lot of amazing views in New Zealand!)

As an extra bonus we saw a glider who was flying very close to the ski field. What a way to travel, so high up, and so silent. I am sure the pilot was jealous of us as we zoomed down the slopes. Well, not of of us zoomed, some of us spent alot of the day sliding on our bottom.

Kelly from CCEL was with us for the day, and she had a fantastic time. She doesnt have much experience on snow, but she made up for it with enthusiasm and energy.

The day passed very quickly and as we came down the mountain we saw a colourful sunset, which some of us managed to take a photo of. Everybody was exhausted as we drove home and Im sure we all slept very well on Saturday night, hopefully after the rugby -not before!

Now this is where we should all feel very sorry for Brett, because he had to get up early the next day and do it all again! Even though he was tired from the day before, Brett was still awake and on time to pick up the students for the Sunday trip. Unfortunately not everyone was so good at getting up early and we had to wake one student up at this house. I dont think his host mother was very happy about having a bus of 20 students coming to her house early on Sunday morning!

Again we had lovely weather at the ski field. This time half the students went snow boarding and half went skiing. A good mixture of styles. One day we will have a race at Mt Hutt and see which is faster, snow boarding or skiing. Brett is a very fast skier, and we have met plenty of students who are fast on snowboards.

While we were skiing we saw the rescue helicopter come to the skifield twice to take injuried people away. We all skiied very well and none of us had to be flown off the ski field, so thats a good start to the season.

The day seemed to pass by very quick, except for Brett who was still stiff and sore from the day before. Everyone was pleased to get back in the warm bus for the drive home.

So here we are Monday morning. Brett will be in the office after lunch. No, he isnt having a sleep in, he has gone to see Aaron off at the airport. We both seem to be at the airport alot recently, there is always somebody arriving or leaving. Hello and Goodby are our favourite words.

The other news is we have a new staff member. We would like to say hello and welcome to Hamish, who started in the office last week and will be taking tours this weekend. (Actually its Hamish writing this, the new guy gets all the good jobs!) Hamish has recently arrived back in New Zealand after living overseas for 6 years. He cant wait to travel around beautiful New Zealand and share it with you.

Last Friday Brett took me out in the bus and I learnt how to put the chains on. It can be a dirty job, but we managed to do it pretty easily. Now Im looking forward to doing it for real.

This weekend we are having another two ski trips, and a day tour to Akaroa. Its good to be busy. Even during winter there is plenty to see and do around the South Island. We are very busy, but come in and say hello anytime. We love seeing peoples faces, and hearing about your experiences.

See you all soon

Hamish

Since 2005 we have been helping travelers experience the best of New Zealand. We offer the following services.


Hello New Zealand Tours

We arrange and operate short tours from Christchurch. Tours usually run at weekends, to places like Akaroa, Wineries, Mt Cook, Dunedin, Kaikoura and Queenstown. We use our own 18 seat tour coach and all our tours are guided by a fun, Kiwi guide. Check out our tour schedule and tour posters for upcoming tours.

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If you are planning a visit to New Zealand, we can arrange it all. You may be an individual or couple wanting to travel by rental car, or you may be planning to bring a group to New Zealand for a coach tour. Whichever style of tour you have in mind, simply send us the details and we will respond with a speedy, competitive quotation. From there on, you are in safe hands as we plan the details from start to finish.

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Using either our own luxury 18 seat tour coach, or those of our preferred suppliers, we can provide a competitive quote for any charter enquiry. From day chartters to longer multiple day charters, nothing is a problem for us.

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From our central Christchurch office we can book your activities, offer advice and help you make the most of your precious time in New Zealand. Call in and see us for a friendly chat.