RobiNZ Personal Blog

Hokitika, Ross Walk & drive to Punakaiki | Time Out 2021-22 Drive West Coast

Not much of a challenge in terms of timing today, just had to relocate to Punakaiki (~80km away) and had until after 2pm (check-in time) to do it. Because I was alone at the B&B the day started with breakfast at Kitchen Hokitika, next door. It was a lovely morning so I grabbed an outdoor table, was already warm in the morning sun. Their French Toast, and a coffee, was a great start to the day. Across the road, and a long way from his home, the Carnegie Library was one of 2,500 around the world funded by US Steel... Read more →

Auckland flight to Christchurch, on to Queenstown | Time Out 2021-22 Fly Drive

After about a week at home it was time to fly South again. Was easier, and cheaper, to leave AHBART in long term parking at Auckland Airport than other options to get there. I always take a few car photos before leaving (proof OK in case of damage) and, much later, this would prove to be useful. The small bag was just some extra 'cold and wet' gear for the more alpine and autumnal aspects of the Otago/Queenstown leg. The airport was COVID quiet again, and not much open airside apart from one coffee/newsagent outlet. Still lots of COVID retired... Read more →

Remembering September 12 2001 | 9/11 in NZ

It may seem strange but I don't remember anything at all significant about September 11, 20 years ago. September 12 though... I'll never forget. New York, NY, USA | Tue, 11 Sep 2001 | 8:46 a.m. Auckland, New Zealand | Wed, 12 Sep 2001 | 12:46 a.m. I woke, as usual, about 6am, and turned on the radio to catch up with the news. Before long was, like so many, staring at the TV in disbelief. As it was a Wednesday, went to work but not as usual. Colleagues similarly stunned, reinforced by our office view of the Auckland CBD... Read more →

No Abarth parking?

A colleague was booking airport parking (not on airport) and it seems you can't park an Abarth! Odd given some equally rare, and far more exotic, marques are listed! This, wrong, option is available... Read more →

Reserved for the manual Fiat Bravo

How to get valet park number one at the Airport? The valet part is courtesy of a work travel booking. Park No 01 because they didn't want to drive a manual far or reverse it! Read more →

Dog walking, plane watching

I often walk Alfie around Waikumete Cemetery and aircraft flying over (on approach to Auckland Airport) are not uncommon. Today was different as it was an Air New Zealand 787-9 but much lower than normal and headed West which is rare. May not have noticed before had Aeropex, as was the sound which really got my attention. The phone wide angle doesn't really convey it, but the altitude, attitude, sound and configuration were 'odd'. Normally aircraft pass over here about 5000-6000 ft heading East before looping around to land into the prevailing westerly wind. A look at Flightradar24 showed it... Read more →

Condolences to the crew of Atlas Air Flight 3591

A few weeks ago I ordered two new Flying Spaghetti Monster badges for my car(s). One for the new(er) Abarth and a replacement as a decade of NZ UV had got to the finish on the Bravo one. They were supposed to arrive about a week ago but I suspect may have been lost in a tragic accident. I was listening to a local aviation podcast on Saturday and they mentioned an Amazon freight aircraft had crashed on a flight from Florida to Houston: NTSB Takes Lead Investigating Crash of Amazon Air Cargo Plane A widebody cargo plane hauling packages... Read more →

A QANTAS solar eclipse?

Cycling, waiting at the Takapuna lights, on a cloudless day… And it went dark for a split second. Looked up to see it was a QANTAS solar eclipse! Read more →

Pearl Harbour - thought provoking on many levels

I'm not keen on 'organised tours' but (being without a car) it was recommended as the best way to tour Pearl Harbour. The full day trip I chose included hotel pick-up and transport around the various exhibits within the Pearl Harbour complex. It meant an early start as my area was the first to be collected and then a tour of every major hotel along Waikiki Beach... It was a lovely day and I was thankful I had slapped on plenty of sunblock before leaving the hotel as could not carry it into the base. After getting through the security,... Read more →

Around Oahu, Hawaii, by helicopter

When he heard I was going home, from Autodesk University, via Hawaii Shaan recommended a Blue Hawaiian Helicopter flight as a great way to see Oahu. Unfortunately, the pilot he knew (from some Autodesk related work) was not flying the only day I could do the flight, but the one I had was great anyway. They fly modern Airbus Eco-Star helicopters with great visibility for all passengers but I was lucky to be allocated a front seat beside the pilot. That was a matter of luck as is decided by weight loading as much as anything. The five other passengers... Read more →