Day 1
Well I arrived in NZ at 12ish and got a shuttle to where I was booked to stay (Nomad’s). It turned out that it was a hostel but not like the one in Sydney. I was roomed with 2 other girls who had been living there for 3-6 months and then 2 new girls showed up a little ways into the day.
Since this was gonna be my only day in Auckland I thought I should get out there and see what was happening. It was rainy (like it’s been for the majority of my trip) so it wasn’t too many adventures to be had. I headed to the library to see if I could get some free Wi-Fi but that didn’t work so it was then off to find the Auckland Museum (I was told and read that it was pretty interesting) but I couldn’t find a way to get over the highway so I headed back to see if I could have fun at the SkyTower (kinda like the Sydney tour but in Auckland). I went and found out that the price was $30 and I didn’t think that it was worth it to go to the top so I watched someone “bungy” from the top and then headed to find some dinner.
I was feeling like I wanted a little boost of home and low and behold God answered that request with providing me a Denny’s to eat in. It was like being back home (minus the free drink refills – I guess that pop is way more expensive here to fill up than back home). After dinner it was back to the hostel to enjoy some well-deserved sleep.
Day 2
In the morning it was a quick pack and then check out and wait in the lobby for the bus. As I was waiting I met a girl named Sophia who was also travelling alone and we hit it off so I knew that I would have at least one friend on this trip.
The bus arrived and we boarded (only after being told we had to have an overnight back packed for our first night – I didn’t get that memo).
The trip was spent getting to know my fellow travellers – 4 of us are from Canada, an Italian, a Belgium, some Minnisodans, a bunch of Brits, a German, some Sweeds, a couple from Ireland, a few Australians. Sophia and I sat together and found out that we both have a love for horses and are “every once in a while partiers”. This made me happy as well.
We arrived at our first destination Hobbiton where the Shire scenes for the movie were filmed. There was a statue of Gollum in the middle of the road but we didn’t have time to travel to the Shire for photos (maybe next time). It was on the bus again to the place we would be staying that night (Maori Marae).
This is a traditional working Marae where we went through a welcoming ceremony (we had to touch noses and foreheads with the leader to signify that we were passing thoughts and touches) and then we enjoyed food together and a chance to get to know one another more. There were some great games of Crazy Snap and Uno going on. It was a little bit of a crazy night as the water stopped working due to high waters and the fact that the water pump blew up. Yes the flood waters seem to have followed me to NZ
That night we all slept in this big room (their community room) on thin mattresses and with sleeping bags. It was interesting the sounds that were coming from that room as there were over 30 of us in there.
Day 3
The day began at 7 in the morning with our wake up call and then it was time to pack up and enjoy some breakfast before it was back on the bus to head to Rotorua. When we got here we unloaded our stuff into our Motel, the Alpine, and then headed to Whakarewarewa Maori Village where we learned more about the Maori lifestyle and saw some hot springs (one was up to 120 oC).
For the afternoon Sophie, Rachel and Louise (twins from Northern England), and I headed to Hell’s Gate Spa for some exploring, mud baths, and hot springs. It was so crazy to see the landscape of Hell’s Gate and check out the Hot Waterfall, Mud Volcano, and then in the middle of it all there is this Cool Stream. It was so amazing to see God’s hand at work and how creative He is in making this.
Our time there ended with us enjoying a mud bath (you sit in hot muddy water and scrub mud all over you) and then rincing off and getting into a hot spring bath. It was very relaxing.
That night the whole group went out for dinner at The Shed. It was great times and a chance to meet more people on the tour and have fun laughing and chatting it up. I ordered a quesadilla thinking it would be like back home but when it was brought to my table it was the size of a medium pizza. I can’t understand the sizes here yet.
The day ended with Sophia, Rachel, Louise, and I heading back to our room to enjoy some hot drinks (tea and hot chocolate) and chocolate. We had some great giraffes (laughs according to some English slang) and Rachel picked up the nickname Rachel “Hokey Pokey Woman of the Night”.
Day 4
This day shall always be referred to as the day of endless travel. We began with a 7:20 breakfast and then got on the bus to begin our journey to Wellington (NZ’s capital). This journey would include 5 stops. The first stop was to the Bog of Eternal Stench. There wasn’t much difference between here and Hell’s Gate except it was a lot of mud instead of water bubbling. Same smell though.
The next stop was to the Taupo Bungy site. Here we watched as our fellow travellers conjured up enough courage to either bungy or take the swing. I’m waiting for Queenstown to do the canyon swing as it’s bigger. After a few of them went we were back on the bus to head for some morning tea. Then it was off to Huka Falls. This was a pretty cool place as the water was aqua and running really quickly. I really wanted to jump in and get thrashed around by the waves but knew that would not be the right decision. After a few snap shots it was back onto the bus for a stop for morning tea. This was only like ½ an hour since we last stopped.
Our next stop was Flat Hill for some lunch. Mmmmm it was good and a really quaint place in the middle of nowhere. After dinner it was then on to Wellington (or so we thought). But 3 hours into the trip we stopped at a place for some afternoon tea (enjoyed some great ice cream here) and then back on the bus to finish our journey.
Along the road we saw Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe (the classical conical volcano known as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings movies). The tops of the mountains were covered by cloud and mist but they were still quite impressive.
We arrived in Wellington at 6:20 and moved into our rooms in another Nomad (Rachel, Louise, Sophia, and I were able to score another room together again so that was great). At 7:10 some of us met up to go to the mall to have some dinner at the food court. A few of them stayed to watch a movie (The King’s Speech – I figured it would be too “artsy” for me), I headed back to the hostel to enjoy a free movie, catch up on my blog, upload some pictures, and rest as it’s been full on and won’t stop till the 2nd when I head back to Oz.
Day 5
At breakfast this morning a guy with an Avatar jacket came into the room and told us that James Cameron was in town and was enjoying a cup of coffee just around the corner at a café. We were all quite intrigued but for some reason had to stay on the time line so seeing that Avatar jacketed guy would be the closest that I would get to meeting James Cameron.
After breakfast Lana and Scotty took all of us on a driving tour of Wellington giving us tidbits of information on what we saw. Wellington reminds me of pictures of Greece that I have seen with all the houses built in the sides of hills, very pretty. One of the stops that we made on the tour was at the Weta Cave. This is a really cool place as it holds some models and artefacts from different movies that Weta has worked on (Lord of the Rings, Narania, Halo). We watched a documentary on how they do things and what they have worked on. Many pictures were taken here.
After the tour we headed to the National Museum of New Zealand. It was interesting inside with some native animals stuffed and cool fish (like the ones in Finding Nemo). Rachel, Louise, Sophia, Jelle (from Belgium), and I didn’t stay too long as we were museumed out after the first 2 levels. We decided to head out to find some snacks and food to enjoy for lunch. We strolled around the streets of Wellington stopping at a little convenient store for the food. The girls headed back to the bus to eat while Jelle and I walked along the waterfront and then I ate my lunch at a little boat statue thingy. It was a beautiful day and super nice to be in the sun.
We all headed onto the bus at 12:45 sharp as we had to be at the ferry that would take us to the south island by 1. We got to the terminal and were told that the ferry was a ½ hour delayed. Yikers! I pulled out my cards and Jungle Speed and was entertained though so that was good. The ferry ride was okay. Rachel, Louise, Sophie, Me, Travis and Lauren (a couple from Australia and Barrie) played some cards until I started to feel sick. I left them and headed out onto the deck to see if that would help. The fresh air, though really strong, was a great remedy and I sat and watched the water and enjoyed the sun. As I was sitting there I saw a pod of dolphins playing and enjoying themselves. It was pretty awesome to be that close to them in the wild.
The ferry landed and we took off for Nelson. Lana and Scotty cooked for us (tacos) and we enjoyed a quiet night at the motel. I shared a room with Camilla and Mia from Denmark who are travelling together through Australia and New Zealand.
Day 6
As the day began Sophia, Louise, Rachel and I decided to enjoy breakfast together and then head out on a walk to find WOW (World of WearableArt) and Collectable Cars. It was so interesting to see how these artists put together outfits with so many different materials and in so many different ways. It was also really cool to see all the old cars and even the Delorian from Back to the Future.
After WOW Sophia and I got ready for our trail ride at Happy Trails. When we arrived we got acquainted with our horses (I rode Big Ben – a Clydesdale, while Sophia road Peanut). We were joined by a boy from south New Zealand and began our journey up the mountains with our guide Dee. The ride was not good at all. I’m not sure if I was just used to being able to ride a horse however I wanted to from being on the farm as well as riding horses that weren’t trail horses but it stunk. We walked for the majority of the time with only 2 times trotting up the mountain for about 15 feet. Dee was also not helpful at all without giving us any insight into what we were seeing or wanting to try and stimulate conversation. There was even a time that her virtual friends were more important than us (she was texting while riding). Over all the scenery was amazing but the ride was not worth the money.
When we were done we met up with Camilla who had gone 4-wheeling there and she said that her trip was awesome. Last time I second guess myself as to what to do.
We headed back to Aloha and got ready for dinner out at Smugglers. The dinner was good for everyone else but when I went to order my kids cheeseburger meal they said that it was only for 12 and under. I had checked to make sure that I was able to order from the kids menu before I did so I made a fuss. The waitress went and got another waitress who came over and said that they only serve kids meals to kids under 12. I said fine then I don’t want anything. They would have made over $25 from me with my meal, a drink, and a dessert but they made none. I wasn’t impressed. Today just wasn’t my day.
Day 7
Another bright and early morning today. We shovelled in breakfast and then headed out on our way to Christchurch. Our first stop was for morning tea and then it was into Kaikoura for some whale watching, swimming with dolphins, swimming with seals, or going for a nice walk along the water. Since I swam with dolphins in Grand Cayman I thought I would try swimming with seals. Laura (from England), Amanda and David (from Northern Ireland), and I went together. We were joined by a guy from Belgium (I seem to be running into a lot of Belgiums on this trip) and two girls from Germany.
We got all suited up with wetsuits, jackets with hoods, goggles, snorkel, and fins. We looked pretty funny all decked out ready to see some seals. The drive to the boat was only a little ways so we kept getting more and more excited as we got closer.
We loaded onto the boat and headed to a rock that was really close by to see if we could find any seals. Once we got there we found about 7 in the water and a whole lot more sun bathing. It was soooo neat to swim right along with these guys as they enjoyed their time in the water. I got a lot of pictures as I was only about 4 feet away from them at times.
I began to feel seasick as I was bobbing up and down in the waves so I headed back to the boat to wait on the others. The driver called us all in though to see if we could find another place with more seals swimming. As the boat went up and over the waves I kept getting sicker and sicker even though I had on an ear patch to help. The new place that we went to didn’t have any seals at all really so we headed back to the first place for 10 more minutes. I just hung out in the boat waiting till I would be able to stand on solid ground again. The time finally arrived and we took the bus back to meet the rest of our tour. It was a great time and tired me out for the 3.5 hour bus ride to Christchurch.
When we arrived in Christchurch it was dinner time so we moved into our rooms and then Rachel, Louise, Sophie, Travis, Lauren, and I headed out for dinner at Coyotes. It was a great meal and great times bopping to the live band.
After dinner we went on a hunt for Town Hall because the twins and Lauren wanted to get a picture of a well that a little boy had fallen into. As we were searching we realized that the Busker Fair was still going on in the park so we got to see a bit of it (some trapeze artists, as well as some random act from Montreal who were cracking whips and playing with fire). We didn’t stay long after finding the well as we were all tired from our swimming.
Day 8
This morning we met 9 new people who joined us after breakfast for their tour. There are some Americans, Koreans, Whalers, and more Denmarkers.
Then it was another day of driving, driving, driving!
We stopped at Castle Rock to take some pictures of different rock formations which were pretty cool. I tried to use my camera but I guess I didn’t let it dry out enough after swimming that it got fried. I’m not impressed as I am still here for just under a month and would love to document what I’m doing. Oh well I’ll find a way.
After a bit we stopped for lunch at a town with a Jade Factory in it and got some good bargains. It was great to enjoy some time exploring the town and getting some groceries for lunch and dinner the next day.
We get back onto the bus and headed for Frans Joseph. Along the ride I had an episode that lasted for a ½ hour. We stopped for some avo tea and all had to get off the bus. I asked Chris (from Vancouver) to walk behind me just in case. I made it down the stairs with a little trouble but as I walked to get across the street my legs were getting weaker and weaker. Jelle and Chris helped me to get across and then I sat at a picnic table till the bus was brought around and they helped me back on. I sat at the front of the bus and enjoyed the scenery as the movement came and went.
When we got to Franz Joseph the guys helped me again to get to the bathroom and then sit at a
table on the porch to take in the view and wait to see what would go on with my body. They sat me down and then headed off to join the others who were walking to see Lake Taupo (the biggest lake in New Zealand). When the walk was done they came back to see if I could move. I was not moving very well (sliding my feet) so they helped me get to where the bus could back up to come and get me. I loaded the bus and we were off to our destination for the night, Fox Glacier.
We arrived in Fox Glacier and went to our rooms. I was able to propel myself up the stairs but then needed to get help down the hall. The rooms were some sight to see as they were very small and not that clean. It was for only one night though so that was good. The four of us set up the room and then I stayed back to rest and see if movement would come back while Sophia, Louise, and Rachel headed to town to check out the internet café.
At around 6:30 I was able to move again so that great (only 4 hours). At 7:15 we headed downstairs to enjoy some dinner that the owner of the place had made for us (roast beef, chicken wings, sausage, roast potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, and gravy). It was a pretty good meal and a fun time around the tables.
After dinner I went to just hang out in the room as I was still quite tired and needed to let my body rest. Jelle stayed back as well as he was feeling sick with a cold and wanted to sleep more than go out on a glowbug walk with everyone else. It was good to have some company for a bit to chat as he got ready for his adventure in the morning and I packed my back for the bus.
When the girls got back it sounded like the walk was great as they saw glowbugs but at the same time scary as they were telling ghost stories and Scotty jumped out of the bush and screamed at people.
It was a pretty early night as everyone was going to be heading out on a big hike the next morning.
Day 9
Waking up this morning with glaciers just outside was amazing! It was soooo cool to be in a place where you could see the power of God in such a great form.
Right after breakfast the majority of the people headed up for a ½ day hike up the glacier. Since I wasn’t feeling my whole self I stayed back to catch up on internet, enjoy the town (which was one street that had 5 places to visit), and have some morning tea with the rest of the people who didn’t go (Jacob from Holland, David and Amanda). We toured the town together and had a grand time (yes Faith they do say it’ll be grand just like in the movie Leap Year).
Once everyone got back it was time for lunch and then our 5 hour trip to Queenstown. Since we are on a tour we took the scenic route which meant that we took the very windy roads all down the mountains. There were some great picture taking opportunities but since my camera was broken I had to rely on the others to help me out with them. The majority of us felt sick on the bus as it was swaying a lot.
We arrived in Queenstown just after 6 and moved into our lodging. Sophia and I shared a room with Ilva and Anna (from Sweden) since we are all finishing the tour on the 1st. The rooms were really nice.
After freshening up Sophia and I met up with Louise, Rachel, Lauren, and Travis to go for dinner. As we headed into town we met up with Jelle (from Belgium), Veronica (from Italy), Calum (from England), Sara (from Australia), and Jacob and went to a burger joint called Fergusberg to see what it was all about. It was kinda like the Works back home as it had some interesting burgers to choose from but only about 10 different ones and none that are as creative as the Works. I stayed and at with everyone else as Louise, Rachel, Lauren, Travis, and Sophia went to a pasta place to eat. I was very impressed with the burger and give it a 9 out of 10 as it was just too big for me to finish feeling well.
After dinner we headed to the Buffalo, a local bar, to meet up with others from the tour and have a drink. When I got in there it was so loud that I didn’t stay as you couldn’t talk to anyone without having your mouth almost in their ear and that isn’t my scene. I headed back to the lodge with Jelle so I was safe.
As I have a super busy day tomorrow I decided that sleep was more important than hanging out. Tomorrow I’m sure that hanging out will win.
Day 10
Today was my busy day. I woke up in the morning and prepared to have a day of adventure. I started my adventuring with some horseback riding at Dart Stables. We were picked up at 8:15am from reception and took the 45 minute ride to the stables. It was a beautiful drive with great chances to see the bright blue water and the mountains.
When we arrived I found out that I got signed up for the Trilogy Loop which is a ride for just advanced riders that lasted 3.5 hours. Amanda and David were also on this ride along with a girl named Katie from the UK. It was amazing! The scenery, the opportunities to canter, trot, and gallop, getting to cross a fast moving river a few times, and learning about where they shot different scenes for Prince Caspian, LotR, and Narnia. One of the horses that was ridden was in Prince Caspian in the beginning scenes where the guards chase Caspian from the castle (it’s the one with the white crest on its forehead).
During the ride Amanda fell off at one point. Since I was right behind her it was a fright for me as all I could think was don’t run over her as I was cantering along. She was all right and got right back up. After the ride I was feeling pretty dirty from all the running in the mud and I was pretty sore. Amanda and David stayed for another ride in the afternoon but I headed back to town to get ready for my next adventure – Canyon Swinging!
I went to Fergburger for lunch as I got back to town at 1:50 and had to be at the meeting place at 2:35 so I didn’t have time to change. I enjoyed the burger and then the free internet at the Canyon meeting place. Jacob and Calum were also swinging so I met up with them. Calum had been on the highest bungy in the morning and he said it wasn’t as scary as he thought it would be so I was glad that I didn’t sign up for that.
We met our driver Andrew and he took us up to the Canyon. When we got there we saw 2 people jumping so that was great to see. There we 8 of us in total (7 jumpers and 1 spectator). Jacob went first from the 3 of us. He did a swing where you had to hang onto a hanging rope as long as you could. The record is 44 sec, he lasted 1. It was quite funny. Calum went next and he did a front flip which was pretty cool to see. I was still working up the nerve to go but I finally had my turn. It was quite freaky and all I wanted was for it to happen right away not having to listen to the guys give me instructions. They push you back and hold you there for a picture which is freaky in itself. Then they began to explain what I had to do. All I could think was I just need to get this over with or I’m not gonna do it. I finally told them that they need to tell me everything and then let me do it or I’m gonna back out. They did and I jumped backwards, watching the platform careen away from me as I free fell 60m and then swung 200m at 150km. It was nuts! I screamed till I was half way coming back from the initial swing. It was amazing and great to be able to see the other people jump as well.
When we got back to the lodge I began to get ready for dinner that night. There were a bunch of us who went out to the optional dinner at Lone Star (pretty close to the one that we have back home) and then we went out to Minus 5 (the ice bar). I had seen one in Auckland and Christchurch so I wanted to give it a go. We got big winter jackets, gloves, and ugg boots to go for ½ an hour in -7o. It was funny cause all of us Canadians were like that’s nothing but they only allow for ½ an hour as they said that the alcohol affects you quicker in colder weather. I guess that’s what’s going on in Canada then.
It was pretty cool in there with all the ice sculptures and drinking out of ice cups. We danced a bit and took heaps of photos and then headed to Ferguson’s to warm up and continue the party. I was zonked from my busy day so Sophia, the girls and I headed back to the lodge for some well needed sleep.
Day 11
This was my last day on the tour and I had nothing prebooked planned. I woke up and got my laundry started as I was on my last clean clothes and since I’ll be heading to Newcastle I needed things to wear. I went to breakfast and said hi to a few people and began eating when I realized that I was supposed to go for breakfast at 10:30 to a pancake place with the gang. That’s what tiredness does to you I guess.
I finished my laundry and packed my bag as we had to be out of our room by 10. I put my stuff in the twins’ room and then got ready for second breakfast (I guess it’s allowed when you’re in hobbit country).
The gang headed down to Café 111 for some great pancakes and berries that were amazing! It was definitely a good choice. After food some of us headed down to use the internet in town while others went up the gondola.
As I was using the internet I just kept getting more and more tired. I asked the twins for their room key and headed back to the room to get some well needed sleep. It was good cause I knew that if I wanted to hang out that night I would need to sleep.
Some people headed on the bus to a gold panning place. When they got back they said that it was good that I didn’t go as I didn’t miss anything. I was glad for that.
Sophia and I headed to Base where we were staying the night to check in. Rachel and Louise helped us with our bags as it seems that as the time goes by my bags keep getting bigger and bigger.
When we got here and checked in we were put in 2 different rooms. I went up to my room first and discovered that I would be sharing with 2 people as there was stuff on 2 beds with 6 free. When I looked at the stuff that was on the beds I realized that the two people were guys. I was not comfortable with this so I headed back to see if they could get me into an all-girls room with Sophia. They were able to so I headed up there. When we got there we discovered that there was only one bed made up so I just left my stuff and was told that a cleaner would be up to make the bed later.
We got ready for dinner as we were meeting up with everyone to have some pizza at Winnies and then head out to the Buffalo bar for some fun. Dinner was a grand time with heaps of laughs and great food. When it was all done and goodbyes were said a bunch of us headed down to Buffalo’s to do some dancing and more chatting.
Around 12:30 I headed back to Base to give Linds a skype. When I went up to my room to put my jacket away I found out that they hadn’t made up my bed. I headed down to reception to ask what was up and they said that they would put me in a new room by myself and not put anyone else in there as it was too late to have a cleaner go up there and since I had paid for a Sanctuary room. It was awesome to have my space and be able to spread out (even if it was only for a few hours).
My time in New Zealand was a great and one that I’ll remember.
