Hello,
I'm back in the UK but thought I ought to finish off my blog, even if it is from rainy old Britain!
The last few days in NZ were really great. I finished off my holiday in the North in an attempt to catch some last minute sun (it's hotter up North in NZ).
As I mentioned, I did a pretty crazy trip to Cape Regina from the Bay of Islands. Basically most of the tours up there involve a twelve hour bus trip, which was highly unappealing. I hunted around until I came across Cape Regina Adventures who promised a personalised trip with camping; perfect, I thought. That night I met a bit of character called Marty. I mentioned said trip and he announced that he was running it. By the end of the conversation I'd got a cut price deal and he was picking me up at nine the next morning. Eventually he trundled up in an old Toyota camper van (the tour bus). Just one other punter and myself "piled" into the back and we were on our way. I was slightly concerned at this point but it was a bit late.
Anyway, we had a fantastic time. That day we went sea kayaking, caught some (big) fish and had a nice camp fire. Another character "Bushman Pete" as he called himself told some very tall stories about catching wild pigs, sharks etc. First thing in the morning we were woken up, fed some pancakes and told to jump off the harbour into the freezing water! Which we did and it certainly woke us up! After that Marty drove us to the 90 mile beach (which is actually 67 miles long) and then to the most northerly part of NZ. On the way back we went sandboarding. This time I actually managed to stand up! I don't have any photographic evidence of this as my memory card was full and replacing it on a sand dune was asking for trouble. You will just have to believe me!
After recovering from my little adventure, I decided to go on a trip called "The Rock". The Rock is the name of a big ship which a bloke called Pete made into accommodation, a boat and a bar rolled into one. I wasn't too sure what to expect but it turned out to be one of the best days yet. We (there were about 35 passengers) set off on the Monday and sailed out to some islands (in the Bay of Islands). Soon after boarding, we were told that there would be a shooting competition. The vegetarians out there needn't worry as we were shooting at a plastic duck bobbing around on the back of the boat. Anyway, I am only telling you about it so I can show off because I won - beating all the men too! Hooray!
After the shooting competition, we did some fishing. After my previous fishing lessons my technique had certainly improved and I caught eight! Admittedly, eight tiddlers but still not bad. The crew kindly cooked up our fresh fish, along with a few steaks for a nice big dinner.
Later on, we went night kayaking. Being on the sea at night is a little disconcerting, especially when the area you are in is a known Killer Whale spot! Luckily, we didn't get eaten by sharks etc but we did see some really cool algae which glowed in the dark when we paddled - it looked like thousands of little stars. Yes, I know algae doesn't sound that great but believe me, shiny glowing algae is ace.
The next day (we slept on the boat) we were graced with the presence of dolphins!! Again, I don't have the pictures as my camera battery ran out (who said digital was better than film?). These dolphins were different to the ones I'd seen before as they were bottle nosed dolphins – the largest you can get (minus Killer Whales if you are being pernickety). They were very beautiful.
Later on, we went snorkelling in a reef which was pretty cool, although I did have Steve Erwin's fate firmly in my mind when we were told about the many stingrays that lived there! After snorkelling, we swam to an island, where we relaxed on the nice white sandy beach, until it was time to head home.
To see pics of "The Rock" click here
After a fantastic time in the Bay of Islands, it was time to go back to Auckland and get ready to catch my flight home. I really didn't want to leave New Zealand. It was a brilliant trip and I met many wonderful people. I couldn't have wished for more.
It will be great to catch up with everyone in the UK in the next few days (I'm back in Cardiff on Monday), so I look forward to speaking to you all soon!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Glowing with joy
Hello,
I've been quite busy in the last few days! Firstly, I went down to Waitomo and did a 300ft abseil into some caves! It wasn't too frightening as there was nothing to give it much perspective (i.e. no people at the bottom, looking like ants). Once in the caves we saw some NZ glowworms on the roof. They looked like little stars but in actual fact the glowing bit is worm poo! They don't have a a bum hole so have to burn it up inside themselves, which is what all the tourist come to see.
To see pics of Waitomo Caves click here(Added later)
Arrggghh looks, like I only have 5 mins left on here but the last 36 hours have been a bit crazy. I'm up in the Bay of islands and have just been on a bit of an adventure in Cape Regina with some real life Steve Erwin characters!
Will tell you more soon!
Jo
ps. will someone stop me punning
I've been quite busy in the last few days! Firstly, I went down to Waitomo and did a 300ft abseil into some caves! It wasn't too frightening as there was nothing to give it much perspective (i.e. no people at the bottom, looking like ants). Once in the caves we saw some NZ glowworms on the roof. They looked like little stars but in actual fact the glowing bit is worm poo! They don't have a a bum hole so have to burn it up inside themselves, which is what all the tourist come to see.
To see pics of Waitomo Caves click here(Added later)
Arrggghh looks, like I only have 5 mins left on here but the last 36 hours have been a bit crazy. I'm up in the Bay of islands and have just been on a bit of an adventure in Cape Regina with some real life Steve Erwin characters!
Will tell you more soon!
Jo
ps. will someone stop me punning
Monday, February 4, 2008
Excitement is climbing to new heights
Hi,
The last few days have been quite exciting! I have done some very cool activities to round my Southern island trip off.
In Queenstown I signed up for rock climbing. It turned out I was the only one to sign up which was great as I got a whole afternoon's private tuition at a group price! I'm so pleased to have finally got to rock climb outdoors. As I was the only one there I got to do some harder, higher walls. It beats indoor rock climbing for sure and I would love to do some more when I get home.
After Queenstown, I had a brief stop in Christchurch (just a night out there really) and then headed up the East coast to Kiakoura, where I went whale watching and dolphin swimming.
On our whale watch, we saw two big old sperm whales. One breached (jumped out of the water) but i missed to get it on camera. It was a very cool afternoon - even if the weather was a bit crap! We couldn't get too close due to regulations but the Whales are pretty big so you could still see them.
I had a rough night in a hostel as we were staying in a room where someone had been sick the night before and it quite simply stank! I had nightmares and woke up in the middle of the night shouting "get me out" so was obviously disturbed!
The next day made up for the sick room as I swam with dolphins! One of my favorite days so far (in my life not just this trip). Amazing! Incredible! There were maybe 200 -300 of them and we swam right in amoungst them. One bopped me on the nose - I think I just got in it's way.
In the afternoon, another girl (Christine) and I went on a bike ride to the Peninsula, where there was suppose to be a seal colony. Unfortunately the seals were out in the sea enjoying the good weather but it was a lovely bike ride and walk anyway.
Better go anyway as I need some rest before going on a trip down Waitomo caves to see some glowworms.
See you soon,
Jo
The last few days have been quite exciting! I have done some very cool activities to round my Southern island trip off.
In Queenstown I signed up for rock climbing. It turned out I was the only one to sign up which was great as I got a whole afternoon's private tuition at a group price! I'm so pleased to have finally got to rock climb outdoors. As I was the only one there I got to do some harder, higher walls. It beats indoor rock climbing for sure and I would love to do some more when I get home.
After Queenstown, I had a brief stop in Christchurch (just a night out there really) and then headed up the East coast to Kiakoura, where I went whale watching and dolphin swimming.
On our whale watch, we saw two big old sperm whales. One breached (jumped out of the water) but i missed to get it on camera. It was a very cool afternoon - even if the weather was a bit crap! We couldn't get too close due to regulations but the Whales are pretty big so you could still see them.
I had a rough night in a hostel as we were staying in a room where someone had been sick the night before and it quite simply stank! I had nightmares and woke up in the middle of the night shouting "get me out" so was obviously disturbed!
The next day made up for the sick room as I swam with dolphins! One of my favorite days so far (in my life not just this trip). Amazing! Incredible! There were maybe 200 -300 of them and we swam right in amoungst them. One bopped me on the nose - I think I just got in it's way.
In the afternoon, another girl (Christine) and I went on a bike ride to the Peninsula, where there was suppose to be a seal colony. Unfortunately the seals were out in the sea enjoying the good weather but it was a lovely bike ride and walk anyway.
Better go anyway as I need some rest before going on a trip down Waitomo caves to see some glowworms.
See you soon,
Jo
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Home from home
Hi,
I am now back in Queenstown for a second time, after exploring the "Deep South". After Wanaka we headed to Queenstown for a very short time - we arrived at three in the afternoon, went out and then had to get up to be on the bus by six in the morning to go to Milford Sounds. We were all very very tired but managed to stay awake to see some spectacular views - apparently it's a bit like Norway.
We then headed down to Tutapare (I have no idea how to spell it). Basically it was in the middle of no where. We were offered a sheep farm tour for just $20. Growing up in the countryside, I thought it was a bit pointless but was tempted by the promise of a roast dinner at the end of it. We saw a few sheep and watched some of the others on the the bus shear them. After all that excitement, I was about ready for the promised roast (thinking that some lamb chops might be nice), only to be confronted by two sausages, cold carrots and coleslaw!!! Not a drop of gravy or indeed a roasty potato in sight!!
The next day we headed down to Intergarvil. Some of the others opted to go to Stewart Island but we were too tired so had a well deserved sleep, some nice food and a walk in the park. I found out that some relations of mine (Aunty Anne's family - Grandad's sister), lived fairly near by, so he next day they picked me up and took me to their farm to stay for a couple of nights. The landscape was very similar to Shropshire, so it was quite strange looking out of the window - I could have been at home. I had the luxury of my own room, my own bathroom and a "proper" towel. Anne's son, Richard took me for a tour around the farm and a quick swim in the river. I had a look at some cows being milked on a clever revolving machine - I've never seen so many cow's bums in my life! After that Anne cooked a real roast dinner (thank you very much Anne). This was a much better "farm tour" and it didn't cost me $20 either! Topping!
We then headed to Dunedin via the Catlins, where I got to see my first dolphin! Very exciting - I can't wait to swim with them! In Dunedin, we had a Speights brewery tour and a good night out to follow.
We came to Queenstown yesterday afternoon. I thought, I'd been very clever and booked a YHA opposite the scummy hostel that the bus tour books people into - thus still getting my bags dropped off. Turns out that actually I had booked myself into the YHA up the road!! I was not quite so smug when I had to carry my heavy bags all the way up there. The hostel is right opposite the lake so is quite nice and handy for a refreshing swim - the water is freezing though!
This morning, I got a good view of the Queenstown area with a paragliding flight. It was very nice and after some bargaining I got some cut price photos too.
Hoping to walk up the big hill in Queenstown now - apparently it's hard work. I may wimp out and take the gondola instead!
Catch ya later,
Jo
I am now back in Queenstown for a second time, after exploring the "Deep South". After Wanaka we headed to Queenstown for a very short time - we arrived at three in the afternoon, went out and then had to get up to be on the bus by six in the morning to go to Milford Sounds. We were all very very tired but managed to stay awake to see some spectacular views - apparently it's a bit like Norway.
We then headed down to Tutapare (I have no idea how to spell it). Basically it was in the middle of no where. We were offered a sheep farm tour for just $20. Growing up in the countryside, I thought it was a bit pointless but was tempted by the promise of a roast dinner at the end of it. We saw a few sheep and watched some of the others on the the bus shear them. After all that excitement, I was about ready for the promised roast (thinking that some lamb chops might be nice), only to be confronted by two sausages, cold carrots and coleslaw!!! Not a drop of gravy or indeed a roasty potato in sight!!
The next day we headed down to Intergarvil. Some of the others opted to go to Stewart Island but we were too tired so had a well deserved sleep, some nice food and a walk in the park. I found out that some relations of mine (Aunty Anne's family - Grandad's sister), lived fairly near by, so he next day they picked me up and took me to their farm to stay for a couple of nights. The landscape was very similar to Shropshire, so it was quite strange looking out of the window - I could have been at home. I had the luxury of my own room, my own bathroom and a "proper" towel. Anne's son, Richard took me for a tour around the farm and a quick swim in the river. I had a look at some cows being milked on a clever revolving machine - I've never seen so many cow's bums in my life! After that Anne cooked a real roast dinner (thank you very much Anne). This was a much better "farm tour" and it didn't cost me $20 either! Topping!
We then headed to Dunedin via the Catlins, where I got to see my first dolphin! Very exciting - I can't wait to swim with them! In Dunedin, we had a Speights brewery tour and a good night out to follow.
We came to Queenstown yesterday afternoon. I thought, I'd been very clever and booked a YHA opposite the scummy hostel that the bus tour books people into - thus still getting my bags dropped off. Turns out that actually I had booked myself into the YHA up the road!! I was not quite so smug when I had to carry my heavy bags all the way up there. The hostel is right opposite the lake so is quite nice and handy for a refreshing swim - the water is freezing though!
This morning, I got a good view of the Queenstown area with a paragliding flight. It was very nice and after some bargaining I got some cut price photos too.
Hoping to walk up the big hill in Queenstown now - apparently it's hard work. I may wimp out and take the gondola instead!
Catch ya later,
Jo
Monday, January 21, 2008
Wanaka
Hello,
Just got a couple of mins on the net. We arrived in Wanaka (insert your own juvenile jokes about the name here) yesterday. We went jet boating on the biggest river in NZ (the name escapes me). It was great fun and very pretty. Later I went for a quick dip in the lake then we had a big BBQ. It's probably the BBQ with the best view ever - over the nice blue lake.
Today it's raining, giving us all a little reminder of home! Hoping to go to Puzzle World later, which apparently will test our brains and leave us feeling confused.
I've picked up a new phone today. Luckily for me, they sell them unlocked over here. I also got a little raincover for it!
Jo
Just got a couple of mins on the net. We arrived in Wanaka (insert your own juvenile jokes about the name here) yesterday. We went jet boating on the biggest river in NZ (the name escapes me). It was great fun and very pretty. Later I went for a quick dip in the lake then we had a big BBQ. It's probably the BBQ with the best view ever - over the nice blue lake.
Today it's raining, giving us all a little reminder of home! Hoping to go to Puzzle World later, which apparently will test our brains and leave us feeling confused.
I've picked up a new phone today. Luckily for me, they sell them unlocked over here. I also got a little raincover for it!
Jo
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sea, Sun and...Ice
Hello,
I am currently in a noisy bar and it's 10.15pm. It wasn't so noisy two hours ago when I bought my internet time but there was a queue. Basically it means I have to be quick - again!!
You know I said, I needed to relax after the last bus trip? Well, that hasn't really gone to plan! Since the last blog, I have got myself a Stray bus pass which means you can hop on and of a bus going all round NZ. I've met lots of cool people and am having a great time.
My first real stop in the South Island was Abel Tasmin national park which I have viewed from every possible angle - from the ground, from the water and from the sky!! Oh yes, I did the sky jump! It was very very cool and I stayed very calm. In fact, I was stupidly calm - I should start getting scared of doing stupid things! The freefall was pretty crazy and then when the parachute was released it was mad looking at my feet and seeing nothing below them!
Abel Tasmin was the most beautiful place so far in NZ, with it's lush forest, sandy beaches and the bluest sea I have ever seen. Apart from Sky diving, we also made time for a bit of a hike, a sail on the sea (we saw some nice seals) and also blagged ourselves a cheap lift in a water taxi which was really fun as the driver went really fast since there were just two of us on there.
Click here to see a photo album of Abel Tasmin (Added later)
Yesterday, the scenery was a little different...I went on a full day hike on a glacier in Frans Joseph. I had to wear special boots with crampons on them to grip the ice. It was a very different experience to Abel Tasmin indeed! One of my friends ended up waist high in ice cold water when our guide took us the wrong way! We also had to go through a very very narrow crevice - it was hardly big enough to squeeze through and it was maybe 50 foot high. I thought, I was stuck at one point as I couldn't drag myself up with the rope to get out. I have never been so cold, so wet and so frightened - I was far more scared than the skydive but I'm glad, I did it - my legs are not so gleeful though - they hurt like hell! Oh yeah, I think my phone got soaked in ice water and has given up working, so I no longer have my phone or my numbers!
I'm on my way to Wanaka next but at the moment we are in yet another weird Kiwi bar/hostel and are staying in cabins - they look like big hen sheds!! We went to a strange bar/hostel two days ago, which had fancy dress boxes in the bar! Everyone dressed up and had as much fun as as possible in the not so interesting Barrytown or "Baz Vegas" as it's known! I decided that any town where a bloke named Barry rocked up and named the place after himself is best avoided!
Click here to see pics of Frans Joseph (Added later)
Speak to you when I'm next in civilization! Still can't upload pics so I may have to bore you with them when I get back!
Jo
I am currently in a noisy bar and it's 10.15pm. It wasn't so noisy two hours ago when I bought my internet time but there was a queue. Basically it means I have to be quick - again!!
You know I said, I needed to relax after the last bus trip? Well, that hasn't really gone to plan! Since the last blog, I have got myself a Stray bus pass which means you can hop on and of a bus going all round NZ. I've met lots of cool people and am having a great time.
My first real stop in the South Island was Abel Tasmin national park which I have viewed from every possible angle - from the ground, from the water and from the sky!! Oh yes, I did the sky jump! It was very very cool and I stayed very calm. In fact, I was stupidly calm - I should start getting scared of doing stupid things! The freefall was pretty crazy and then when the parachute was released it was mad looking at my feet and seeing nothing below them!
Abel Tasmin was the most beautiful place so far in NZ, with it's lush forest, sandy beaches and the bluest sea I have ever seen. Apart from Sky diving, we also made time for a bit of a hike, a sail on the sea (we saw some nice seals) and also blagged ourselves a cheap lift in a water taxi which was really fun as the driver went really fast since there were just two of us on there.
Click here to see a photo album of Abel Tasmin (Added later)
Yesterday, the scenery was a little different...I went on a full day hike on a glacier in Frans Joseph. I had to wear special boots with crampons on them to grip the ice. It was a very different experience to Abel Tasmin indeed! One of my friends ended up waist high in ice cold water when our guide took us the wrong way! We also had to go through a very very narrow crevice - it was hardly big enough to squeeze through and it was maybe 50 foot high. I thought, I was stuck at one point as I couldn't drag myself up with the rope to get out. I have never been so cold, so wet and so frightened - I was far more scared than the skydive but I'm glad, I did it - my legs are not so gleeful though - they hurt like hell! Oh yeah, I think my phone got soaked in ice water and has given up working, so I no longer have my phone or my numbers!
I'm on my way to Wanaka next but at the moment we are in yet another weird Kiwi bar/hostel and are staying in cabins - they look like big hen sheds!! We went to a strange bar/hostel two days ago, which had fancy dress boxes in the bar! Everyone dressed up and had as much fun as as possible in the not so interesting Barrytown or "Baz Vegas" as it's known! I decided that any town where a bloke named Barry rocked up and named the place after himself is best avoided!
Click here to see pics of Frans Joseph (Added later)
Speak to you when I'm next in civilization! Still can't upload pics so I may have to bore you with them when I get back!
Jo
Monday, January 14, 2008
Blown away by Wellington
After a great Friday night out in "Windy" Wellington, we (I'm with an Austrian girl who has also got off the bus trip) were feeling a little worse for wear yesterday but still made it round all 6 floors of the national museum (Tae Papa - or something like that). It was very big and very good. Wellington is possibly the windiest place I have ever been!
We went on the ferry to the South Island in the evening and were both hoping for a little sleep but the views were so magnificent that we spent the whole time running about taking photos. Karin took over 100 - I held back and took a mere 50!
I'm off to Abel Tasmin national park for a couple of days. May do a skydive but once again it depends on the weather.
I won't be in touch for a little while as once again I'm sleeping in tents etc.
We went on the ferry to the South Island in the evening and were both hoping for a little sleep but the views were so magnificent that we spent the whole time running about taking photos. Karin took over 100 - I held back and took a mere 50!
I'm off to Abel Tasmin national park for a couple of days. May do a skydive but once again it depends on the weather.
I won't be in touch for a little while as once again I'm sleeping in tents etc.
To see an album of the North Island (first time round) click here
Keep safe,
Jo
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