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
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
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
Saturday, January 12, 2008
ARRGGHHHH....
I have come to the end of my Northlands camping expedition and left my new found friends behind, to carry on the South Island on my own. I had lots of fun with the bus tour but think I need a rest! I am in Wellington now and have spotted a Welsh bar across the road so may have take some time out in there!
In the last few days, I have done lots of exciting things and once again can't show you because NZ has a huge lack of memory card slots or USB ports!
A couple of days ago, I went to see some massive geothermal bubbling pools, which was very cool and like being on a film set. The colours were unreal but it was quite smelly! We also got see a geyser - I'll resist making any play on words involving burly looking men. A man added some soap to what looked like a mini volcano and the water shot up about 40ft in the air - he claimed somebody found this happened when trying to do their washing in the hot water, resulting in "undies" flying everywhere. I'm not so sure about that story.
I was hoping to skydive over lake Taupo, which is the largest lake in NZ but unfortunately the wind was too bad, so I had to settle for a bungy jump over a big river instead. This was incredibly scary but I got a huge kick out of it and want to do a bigger one.
The adrenaline rushes continued yesterday, with a white water raft ride down Tongariro river. It wasn't too scary after the bungy, which is easily the scariest thing I have ever done but it was still very cool and the surroundings were beautiful.
I also saw Mount Doom out of Lord of the Rings - not that I would have any chance of recognising it! I watched the first one on the plane and got a bit bored to be honest.
Oh the "long drop" wasn't bad at all - Glastonbury toilets still hold first place for being the wost ever. The same campsite's washing facilities were a little different - they came in the form of a big lake. I was cooking for everyone so didn't get to have a dip until the sun had disappeared - which was a bit nippy!
Right, I need to grab a shower and book my ferry crossing for the South island.
Catch ya later,
Jo
p.s. After much medication from all over the world (people kept offering me various cures), I'm finally feeling better - I think the hot spa pools did the trick!
In the last few days, I have done lots of exciting things and once again can't show you because NZ has a huge lack of memory card slots or USB ports!
A couple of days ago, I went to see some massive geothermal bubbling pools, which was very cool and like being on a film set. The colours were unreal but it was quite smelly! We also got see a geyser - I'll resist making any play on words involving burly looking men. A man added some soap to what looked like a mini volcano and the water shot up about 40ft in the air - he claimed somebody found this happened when trying to do their washing in the hot water, resulting in "undies" flying everywhere. I'm not so sure about that story.
I was hoping to skydive over lake Taupo, which is the largest lake in NZ but unfortunately the wind was too bad, so I had to settle for a bungy jump over a big river instead. This was incredibly scary but I got a huge kick out of it and want to do a bigger one.
The adrenaline rushes continued yesterday, with a white water raft ride down Tongariro river. It wasn't too scary after the bungy, which is easily the scariest thing I have ever done but it was still very cool and the surroundings were beautiful.
I also saw Mount Doom out of Lord of the Rings - not that I would have any chance of recognising it! I watched the first one on the plane and got a bit bored to be honest.
Oh the "long drop" wasn't bad at all - Glastonbury toilets still hold first place for being the wost ever. The same campsite's washing facilities were a little different - they came in the form of a big lake. I was cooking for everyone so didn't get to have a dip until the sun had disappeared - which was a bit nippy!
Right, I need to grab a shower and book my ferry crossing for the South island.
Catch ya later,
Jo
p.s. After much medication from all over the world (people kept offering me various cures), I'm finally feeling better - I think the hot spa pools did the trick!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Since we last Spoke...
Since we last spoke, I have climbed a volcano (a dead one), had a tour of the less desirable/most desirable places in Auckland, rowed a traditional Maori Waka (big canoe), had a good soak in a natural hot spa and experienced sandboarding!!!
I am in the Northlands at the moment and the countryside is amazing - every corner you turn there is another picture postcard scene. Apparently the South Island is even better!
I only have time to tell you about my volcano walk at the moment as I have barely anytime left on the internet (you have to put coins in for more mins and I have ran out).
Basically, I didn't really intend to climb a volcano but tried to be spontanous and jumped on a random ferry to a random island, just off Auckland called Ragatutu.
I'd not had any breakfast but thought I'd grab a nice bacon buttie when I reached the island and chill on the beach for the day. These dreams quickly went in smoke when the lady on the little speaker announced that there was no running water or refreshments to be had once we reached Ragatutu. "Mmmm" I thought "this island sounds interesting.". Upon picking up a leaflet, I found I was going to a big volcanic island with nothing on it but an er old volcano!! I was advised to pack a coat, sun cream, a hat, refreshments and sturdy walking boots - I had a hat at least.
Anyway, it turned out to a lovely peaceful walk and I got to see the New Zealand "Christmas Tree" which is a tree with big red flowers on it which blooms at, yes, you guessed it, Christmas.
When I finally reached the top (after a couple of wrong turns) it was like being on top of the world and I pretty much had the view to myself, apart from an Ozzy chap. I walked down to the ferry with the said Ozzy chap who kindly donated me some of his water and listened to me rattle on all the way down.
All together it was a lovely day and guess what - I have just been for another walk just now and bumped into the same Ozzy chap again on a little coastal footpath (Cathedral way)!
I have put a few pics up of Ragatutu island but I can't upload anymore photos from this campsite as they aren't advanced enough to have memory card slots (I'd already started this blog a few days ago but ran out of cash - the best pics haven't uploaded properly so you'll have to wait for those!). I haven't got time to make it look pretty and label everything so they are just at the bottom.
I am apparently camping in the "bush" tomorrow and will have the pleasure of using a "long drop". Which is basically a dodgy NZ toilet.
Will tell you more soon. Hope you are all good.
Apologies for the bad spelling etc but I'm in a rush.
Jo
p.s. I came back from the island minus one hat! It fell off my bag (it had been tied on).
I am in the Northlands at the moment and the countryside is amazing - every corner you turn there is another picture postcard scene. Apparently the South Island is even better!
I only have time to tell you about my volcano walk at the moment as I have barely anytime left on the internet (you have to put coins in for more mins and I have ran out).
Basically, I didn't really intend to climb a volcano but tried to be spontanous and jumped on a random ferry to a random island, just off Auckland called Ragatutu.
I'd not had any breakfast but thought I'd grab a nice bacon buttie when I reached the island and chill on the beach for the day. These dreams quickly went in smoke when the lady on the little speaker announced that there was no running water or refreshments to be had once we reached Ragatutu. "Mmmm" I thought "this island sounds interesting.". Upon picking up a leaflet, I found I was going to a big volcanic island with nothing on it but an er old volcano!! I was advised to pack a coat, sun cream, a hat, refreshments and sturdy walking boots - I had a hat at least.
Anyway, it turned out to a lovely peaceful walk and I got to see the New Zealand "Christmas Tree" which is a tree with big red flowers on it which blooms at, yes, you guessed it, Christmas.
When I finally reached the top (after a couple of wrong turns) it was like being on top of the world and I pretty much had the view to myself, apart from an Ozzy chap. I walked down to the ferry with the said Ozzy chap who kindly donated me some of his water and listened to me rattle on all the way down.
All together it was a lovely day and guess what - I have just been for another walk just now and bumped into the same Ozzy chap again on a little coastal footpath (Cathedral way)!
I have put a few pics up of Ragatutu island but I can't upload anymore photos from this campsite as they aren't advanced enough to have memory card slots (I'd already started this blog a few days ago but ran out of cash - the best pics haven't uploaded properly so you'll have to wait for those!). I haven't got time to make it look pretty and label everything so they are just at the bottom.
I am apparently camping in the "bush" tomorrow and will have the pleasure of using a "long drop". Which is basically a dodgy NZ toilet.
Will tell you more soon. Hope you are all good.
Apologies for the bad spelling etc but I'm in a rush.
Jo
p.s. I came back from the island minus one hat! It fell off my bag (it had been tied on).
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
Spent my UK one (I missed the NZ one as I was in the air), on Auckland Harbour with a random off the plane. The "Happy New Year" shout was a bit lame with just two of us, but it was there in spirit. Plus we did it twice as we got the time wrong the first time!
I'm feeling very sick now - not sure if it's a nasty bug or the beer! Oh and I'm sun burnt already - even with wearing factor 40! The sun is very strong here due to that pesky hole in the O-zone layer - should get a nice tan though!
Jo
Rockin' up
I've arrived, it's half nine on new year's morning and I'm waiting at the hostel to go into my room - it's not ready yet. I'm feeling a bit confused about times, days, years etc and I have a very very sore throat - I hope it gets better soon!
The flight wasn't as bad as I'd imagined. The first leg (from UK to LA) was actually pretty good as there was lots to see. The highlight was taking "afternoon tea" over the rocky mountains whilst listening to the Cinematic Orchestra's "Mae Fleur". When I say "afternoon tea" that actually means midnight UK time. The view was spectacular and as I sat there munching on my jam scone, marveling over the endless snow capped mountains below me, I took note that it was the sort of moment that the word "awesome" should be reserved for. I've put a couple of pics up but they probably don't do it justice.
The second leg (fro LA to Auckland) was tedious and turbulent plus the women sat on the other side of the isle kept chundering nearly all the way! I did get to hear Unkle's third album "War Stories" on the plane's snazy media system though, which was nice!
Hopefully my room might be nearer to being ready. Going to go and have a wonder round the town. It's boiling here!
Jo
The flight wasn't as bad as I'd imagined. The first leg (from UK to LA) was actually pretty good as there was lots to see. The highlight was taking "afternoon tea" over the rocky mountains whilst listening to the Cinematic Orchestra's "Mae Fleur". When I say "afternoon tea" that actually means midnight UK time. The view was spectacular and as I sat there munching on my jam scone, marveling over the endless snow capped mountains below me, I took note that it was the sort of moment that the word "awesome" should be reserved for. I've put a couple of pics up but they probably don't do it justice.
The second leg (fro LA to Auckland) was tedious and turbulent plus the women sat on the other side of the isle kept chundering nearly all the way! I did get to hear Unkle's third album "War Stories" on the plane's snazy media system though, which was nice!
Hopefully my room might be nearer to being ready. Going to go and have a wonder round the town. It's boiling here!
Jo
I've arrived
Well, I've arrived. It's half nine on new year's morning and I'm waiting at the hostel to go into my room - it's not ready yet. I'm feeling a bit confused about times, days, years etc and I have a very very soar throat - I hope it disappears soon!
The flight wasn't as bad as I'd imagined. The first leg (from UK to LA) was actually pretty good as there was lots to see. The highlight was taking "afternoon tea" over the rocky mountains whilst listening to the Cinematic Orchestra's "Mae Fleur". When I say "afternoon tea" that actually means midnight UK time. The view was spectacular and as I sat there munching on my jam scone, marveling over the endless snowcapped mountains below me, I took note that it was the sort of moment that the "awesome" should be reserved for.
The second leg (fro LA to Auckland) was tedious and turbulent plus the women sat on the other side of the isle kept chundering nearly all the way! I did get to hear Unkle's third album "War Stories" on the plane's snazy media system though, which was nice!
Hopefully my room might be nearer to being ready. Going to go and have a wonder round the town. It's boiling here!
Jo
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