Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
New Zealand April 4, 2008
New Zealand in awsome! Time is going by so fast I cannot believe I have less than a week left here before heading to Fiji. I've done so much here I cannot keep track of the days. Our last day in Lake Taupo area we drove over the Waiotapu, meaning sacred waters. It is a thermal area with boiling multi colored pools, bubbling mud, craters, and a geyser. We then headed over the Rotorua for a gondola ride up the mountain to ride the luge down (a sort of tobogan on wheels). It was a beautiful view of Lake Rotorua. At night we went to a very fun bar with a MC that involved the crowd. One of the "challenges" was four beers to the couple which changed ENTIRE outfits the quickest. I am proud to say Chad and I won! I was laughing so hard my head hurt.
Yesterday we spent the good part of the day traveling from Lake Taupo to Wellington, the scenery is beautiful, and luckily the company is still great! Unfortunately we didn't have much time in Wellington, but from what I saw it was an amazingly clean and safe city. We just had time for dinner of mussels and beer at a pub before retiring in a very posh hotel. This morning we took two short flights to the south island and we arrived to in Queenstown. WOW! Beautiful mountains and beautiful water. Sort of reminds me of Aspen on the ocean. We went to see the elusive Kiwi bird today at the wildlife park, then scheduled our activities, and just stopped for a beer. This is the adrenalin capital of the world. There is so much to do and we are trying to cram as many activities into our short stay as possible. Tommorrow we are waking up early to take a jet boat up the Shotover River, then off to a wine tasting tour from 12-5:30, then we are taking a gondola ride up the mountain to see a Maori cultural show and dinner overlooking the city. There are constantly people parachuting out of the sky, it seems ordinary. Paragliding, hanggliding, bungy jumping, mountain biking, flyfishing, white water rafting, hiking, horse "trekking", booze cruises, endless activites. The most enjoyable people...no trying to sell you anything and tipping is not customary, so they are very appreciative when you do. Tons of backpackers. My traveling companions are all waiting, gotta run!
Yesterday we spent the good part of the day traveling from Lake Taupo to Wellington, the scenery is beautiful, and luckily the company is still great! Unfortunately we didn't have much time in Wellington, but from what I saw it was an amazingly clean and safe city. We just had time for dinner of mussels and beer at a pub before retiring in a very posh hotel. This morning we took two short flights to the south island and we arrived to in Queenstown. WOW! Beautiful mountains and beautiful water. Sort of reminds me of Aspen on the ocean. We went to see the elusive Kiwi bird today at the wildlife park, then scheduled our activities, and just stopped for a beer. This is the adrenalin capital of the world. There is so much to do and we are trying to cram as many activities into our short stay as possible. Tommorrow we are waking up early to take a jet boat up the Shotover River, then off to a wine tasting tour from 12-5:30, then we are taking a gondola ride up the mountain to see a Maori cultural show and dinner overlooking the city. There are constantly people parachuting out of the sky, it seems ordinary. Paragliding, hanggliding, bungy jumping, mountain biking, flyfishing, white water rafting, hiking, horse "trekking", booze cruises, endless activites. The most enjoyable people...no trying to sell you anything and tipping is not customary, so they are very appreciative when you do. Tons of backpackers. My traveling companions are all waiting, gotta run!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Yesterday we explored the stunning Huka Falls and took a nice hike down the Waikato River. We also went to the geothermal area known as craters of the moon, Lots of steam vents and bubbling mud pools. There was a great lookout over the area after a steap climb. Lots of exercise this trip!
Today we woke up early to kayak to the Maori carvings in the rocks on Taupo Lake. It was a bit chilly at first but as the sun came up it was fantastic. Chad and I shared a tandem kayak. The water was crystal clear and blue and the scenery was breath taking. We paddled out about an hour and a half out to the carvings which are only accessable by the water. Then on the way back we stopped for some morning tea and cookies. Our guide Nel was great, reminded me of my friend Laura from college. We had great views of the volcanoes that are in the Lord of the Rings movies. wish I could post some photos, but I am at an internet cafe.
Today we woke up early to kayak to the Maori carvings in the rocks on Taupo Lake. It was a bit chilly at first but as the sun came up it was fantastic. Chad and I shared a tandem kayak. The water was crystal clear and blue and the scenery was breath taking. We paddled out about an hour and a half out to the carvings which are only accessable by the water. Then on the way back we stopped for some morning tea and cookies. Our guide Nel was great, reminded me of my friend Laura from college. We had great views of the volcanoes that are in the Lord of the Rings movies. wish I could post some photos, but I am at an internet cafe.
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