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!

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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.

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Paihia, New Zealand - March 31, 2008

I made it to New Zealand, and unfortunately left my travel log at the hotel, but all I can say is it has been a beautiful trip so far. Flew into Auckland, had the best latte of my life there. Then drove up to Paihia (hub of the Bay of Islands) the first day. Yes, NZ is as beautiful as the rumors. Lots of rolling hills, cows, sheep, beautiful beaches and ocean. Tropical warm weather. Good company. Very friendly, hospitable people. On the way up to Paihia, we took a driving detour to Sandy Bay via the Tutukaka Coast. Upon arrival in Paihia, we checked out some of the local bars, and decided that Monteiths is our new favorite beer. We sat on the deck of the Aquarium Bar and watched the fishermen pull up with a 400 lb. marlin. It's a pretty quiet place, met a couple from Pacific Beach in San Diego.

Our first full day in Paihia, we took an awesome cruise around the "Bay of Islands" and tracked down a pod of dolphins. At 8 am we departed from Paihia Wharf. We were able to lay down on the bow of the boat and hang our heads off to get a close encounter. The dolphins were a foot away from our heads...so cool! The clear waters range from turquoise to deep blue. I took loads of pictures of inlets, coves, and the gorgeous coastline while touring around on the boat. We were dropped of at Urupukapuka Island, the largest of over 140 islands in the bay. We took a nice hike up to a lookout point where we could see a desolate beach on Urupukapuka Bay and sheep grazing on the hillside, then had a nice lunch at Otehei Bay and then it was onto a different boat and off the see the Hole in the Rock off Cape Brett. We were able to pass through in our boat which was cool. We then cruised through the other islands for more spectacular views on the way back to the wharf, even spotting a seal resting on a rock. We capped off the day with drinks a green mussles with our new Aussie friends, Mick and Julie at 35 degrees south. A beer led to many and next thing you know I was dancing with a girl from Cosivo.

Today we drove down to Taupo, and will be here for four days. Loads of horses, cows and sheep pastures on the way down. There is so much to do and see and the time goes by so fast!!! Hopefully I will get my notes and write more soon.

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