160.Waiouru (NZRU)

On day 160 we will be out of Raglan for a small community called Waiouru just south of the Tongariro National Park. Most of the flight will concentrate on the central portion of the North Island. But before we get to our destination we take a tour of Hobbiton, Hells Gate, the abandoned airport on Mount Tarawera, Ohaaki Power Station, Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu and the Ohakune Carrot. The main attraction at our destination in Waiouru is the National Army Museum, opened in 1978, which features static displays of New Zealand's military heritage. The rest of the township consists of a small cluster of a police station, two garages, a petrol station/postal agency, two motels, a tavern and half a dozen cafes and restaurants spread along the highway. 

161.Wellington (NZWM)

Let's spin the tires and head to Wellington! Māori legends date back as far as 950 AD when Kupe first discovered Wellington. In the 1840s, European settlers began to arrive and colonize the region. Wellington, New Zealand has a lot to offer visitors. Some of the popular tourist attractions include the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa which is a museum full of cultural and scientific wonders, the Wellington Botanic Garden which is a beautiful garden with a variety of plants and flowers, the Wellington Museum which is a museum that showcases the history of Wellington, and Old St. Paul’s, Wellington which is a historic church with beautiful architecture. Other popular attractions include the Mount Victoria Tunnel which offers a great view of the city, Oriental Bay which is a beautiful beach, and Zealandia which is a wildlife sanctuary.

162.St Arnaud (NZLE)

After all the delays, we’re finally headed to St. Arnaud, an inland community located on the edge of Lake Rotoiti. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the honeydew forest and mountains of Nelson Lakes National Park. The lakes are well known for their fine brown trout, and if you walk along the jetty you’ll see some friendly native eels swimming around the waters below. Both Lake Rotoroa and Rotoiti are popular destinations year-round for boating, water skiing, swimming and kayaking. Additionally, St. Arnaud hosts the annual New Zealand Antique and Classic Boatshow.

163.Lilybank Lodge (NZLB)

After a last minute revamp of the flight plan we are heading to Lilybank Lodge. Located on the northern section of Tekapo. it will be a great jumping point to explore some of the best New Zealand has to offer. Currently an unlisted airstrip, Located near Lake Tekapo in the South Island of New Zealand, this Hunting Lodge is nestled in the Alpine foothills and was intentionally designed to embody New Zealand's Country Heritage. With special guest facilities, the lodge comprises of eight executive suites and caters to an international clientele seeking trophy hunting experiences, which is facilitated by a large deer farming operation. It is a private retreat that offers exclusive accommodations and experiences such as fly fishing, hiking, and skiing. The lodge is situated in a beautiful natural setting and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Wakatipu.

164.HAAST (NZHT)

We'll be exploring some very mountainous terrain today. A pair of skiis wouldn't be a bad idea. At the end of this flight we will be arriving in Haast. Haast is a small settlement located in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated near the Haast River and is surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The area is known for its rugged natural beauty, with numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting available for visitors to enjoy. The Haast Pass is a scenic drive that passes through the mountains and is a popular tourist attraction. The town has a small population and limited facilities, but there are a few accommodations and restaurants for travelers.

165.Quintin Lodge (T004)

We'll be departing Haast for our Luxury accommodation at Quintin Lodge. Located in the Arthur Valley and accessible on day three of a guided Milford hike, Quintin Lodge provides a comfortable accommodation option. With private ensuite rooms featuring hot showers, guests can enjoy modern amenities. The fully staffed main lodge also includes a bar, lounge, and dining room, ensuring a cozy stay. Surrounding the lodge is breathtaking scenery, with the stunning Sutherland Falls located nearby. Due to the winter weather bug we can take the option of the build in scattered weather setting. See you on the field.

166.Invercargill (NZNV)

Invercargill is a small city located in the southernmost region of New Zealand's South Island. Despite its size, it boasts plenty of interesting things to do. One must-visit destination is the stunning Queens Park, which features beautiful gardens, a bird aviary, and a golf course. For motorsport enthusiasts, the Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a must-see, showcasing an impressive collection of motorcycles and related memorabilia. Another highlight is the Bill Richardson Transport World, a museum dedicated to vintage cars, trucks, and other modes of transport. And for those interested in history, the Southland Museum and Art Gallery is the place to go, showcasing the region's natural history and cultural heritage.

167.Dingleburn Station (NZWC)

As far as flights go, this one might be the most varied of everything we've seen so far in New Zealand. From farmland to coastal mountains, rolling hills and rugged snow topped peaks. Our flight will take us to Dingleburn Station. Dingleburn Station is a sheep and cattle farm located in the high country of the South Island of New Zealand. The station covers over 14,000 hectares of land and has been in operation since the late 1800s. The area surrounding Dingleburn Station is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, vast grasslands, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The station is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of birds and rare insects. In addition to its farming activities, Dingleburn Station also offers outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking.

168.Christchurch (NZCH)

Let's enjoy our final day in New Zealand. We've had the opportunity to explore both the north and south island with some incredibly diverse weather and scenic views. Today will be another interesting tour with shifting landscapes. Our final stop is Christchurch. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and is known for its unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. The city has a rich history, dating back to the arrival of the first European settlers in the 19th century. Christchurch is known as the "Garden City" because of its large and beautiful gardens, including the famous Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The city was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2011, which caused widespread damage to buildings and structures. However, Christchurch has bounced back and is now a thriving center of culture and creativity, with a strong arts scene and a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year. The city also has a number of museums and galleries, including the Canterbury Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the area.

169.port Macquarie (YPMQ)

After a Sunday repositioning of our fleet from Christchuch to Sydney we're gearing up for the completion of Australia. Another coastal flight will take us to a small town called Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is a coastal town located in the mid-north coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque river views, and vibrant community. Visitors can explore the historic town center, visit the Koala Hospital, and take a walk along the coastal walk. There are also several national parks nearby, including the Sea Acres National Park and the Lake Innes Nature Reserve. Other popular attractions include the Billabong Zoo, the Timbertown Heritage Theme Park, and the Tacking Point Lighthouse. With its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and abundance of outdoor activities, Port Macquarie is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.