Wellington to Christchurch in a 2019 Suzuki Jimny Sierra
Often, we get so stuck in our day-to-day lives that we forget what makes us happy, what our clam is and how to unwind. With all the madness that 2020 has objectionably gifted the world, we’ve decided to spend more time exploring, but the vehicle we have isn’t really up to the job.
We got talking to Suzuki about their 2019 Jimny Sierra after seeing it at Fieldays 2019 and wanted to put it to the test to see how it fits in with our lifestyle. So, we packed our bags, jumped on a plane heading to Wellington and picked one up for a few months of fun.
Cruising on the Interislander
Whether it is good food, a chilled drink, a relaxing recliner, or a rooftop view of the incredible sights of the Sounds you are looking for, you will find it all onboard the Interislander! After boarding the Kaiarahi (one of three ferries) the journey across the Cook Strait took 3.5 hours. We were surprised by how efficient the boarding process was
While Georgia enjoyed the free wifi and made her self comfortable at the bar with some snacks and a coffee, I headed out to snap some photos of the sounds. That experience in itself was worth the $233 for our combined fare (plus vehicle).
St Arnaud
St Arnaud is a quiet village, home to a small number of locals and visitors to nearby Rainbow Ski Field, nestled in native bush. You can see by the new developments that it’s a hot spot for holiday makers and is home to the stunning Lake Rotoiti .
A quick Google and you’ll know that the Pizza at the Alpine Lodge comes highly recommened so after a full days travel, we checked in and relaxed with a mulled wine and pizza. The Alpine lodge, a retro cabin-style lodge that will leave you feeling nostalgic. In the mornig, we woke to bird song and followed it to a walk just 20m from the room.
We’d heard the breakfast was impressive so booked a table by the fire and relaxed before our trip south.
Things to do in Lake Rotoiti
Murchison
Murchison is the gateway to the West Coast and the Nelson Tasman region, resting between two national parks, the Kahurangi National Park and the Nelson Lakes National Park. The small rural town is always a stop enroute to and from Nelson and we found the perfect cafe to stop and revive before coniuning on to Christchurch.
The Commercial cafe, set in the old Commercial Hotel building built in 1928 had an impressive cabinet selection and menu, quirky interior and free wifi. We stayed longer than anticipated as we were quickly engrossed in a game of chess in front of the fire on old couches enjoying a coffee and old fashioned slices.
If you’re into thrifting, Murchison has the a treasure trove of second-hand goodness at “Somebody’s Treasure” - Two old shops packed full of items, be prepared to spend some time in this shop it has everything!
Murchsion is the base for adventure with white water rafting, jet boating and ziplines and you can even view natural fires in the forest. On your way to Christchurch, just out of Murchsion you can view the Marui Falls. A small but stunning waterfall.
