Foreshore Motor Lodge Wellington

... created, it was cool to learn of something that was still a mystery. Unfortunately we arrived after the high tide and missed the spectacular blowholes which are a result of all the pressure from swells, though we did love how big waves were crashing under the arched walkway of stone that the made up one of the park's paths. The next high tide would be thirteen hours later so we decided...onward/southward to the glaciers!<br><br>Franz Joseph and Fox ...

... his wife, sitting on two chairs on a platform, on the shoulders of men dressed in leaves.<br><br>We arrived late at night in Auckland, so really only had one day to look around. It seems to have developed a lot since we were last there in 1996. We explored the harbour, the shops and the parks and Jake and I went up the Skytower, which at some 328m is the highest tower in the southern hemisphere. We met up with a lovely family we'd met in Raro, who invited us to ...

... enjoying the whole process of making the stuff and waiting for the whole magic process of yeast, water, hops and sugar becoming alcoholic. I even like the eggy smell that emanates from under the stairs. It reminds me of my Nana Kirk but in a nice way. She used to make home brew, not smell of eggs. She always had some brewing ...

... was amazing! It was pretty hard core though, going through massive mud puddles and rivers and such. <br><br>The South Island was absolutely gorgeous, but I'm really looking forward to some actitivies in the North including Zorbing (look it up if you don't know, it's awesome!), blackwater rafting (cruising on a tube through the water in a glowworm ...

... Crossing. ...es war eine ausserst lohnende und atemberaubende Wanderung in vulkanischer Landschaft, mit Blick auf Kraterseen und der anstrengende Aufstieg hat sich gelohnt. Nach sieben Stunden laufen hiess es bei mir abends um sechs Uhr "Gute Nacht!". Nachdem ich dann tausende von Gluehwuermchen in den Waitomo Caves bewundern durfte, habe ich ein paar Tage in einem hostel in Rotorua gearbeitet, dann in Raglan, dem Surferparadies von Neuseeland und dann ...

... lands we can hardly fathom these active forces of nature of which we will have some closer encounters in the coming days around Rotorua. We couldn't leave without a trip up to the Botanic Gardens in Wellington's distinctive red cable car. A Henry Moore sculpture stands bold in a field. The views are great and its good to stretch the legs. We have a quick sprint around town and the shopping area and enjoy coffee in one of the many coffee shops.

... had just taken part in the ironman contest in Lake Taupo - fortunately I didn't have banjos and pig remarks ringing in my ears as they were most friendly. Anyhow made it to Wellington aka 'the windy city' via the Overlander train and now staying in the YHA. Very welcoming. Yes it is windy here. I have taken some advice from friends and family on the places to see and plan to ...

... fresh considering they had been travelling for over 24 hours! We caught a taxi to the apartment so they could unpack and as they had decided to keep going, we went out. Caught the train to Circular quay and had a walk around the Opera house and over to Campbell Cove and the Rocks. Then we caught a ferry to Pyrmont and walked past the Maritime museum and around Darling Harbour. Had some food overlooking the harbour and went back to the room as M&amp;J had had enough and were ready ...

... with Spud and stayed in a place called Beethoven house in Wellington. This was around 12 years ago and when we found it again it hadn't changed a bit - except that the owner no longer woke everyone up with loud Beethoven on the stereo and a cooked brekfast - shame!

... ist die meistbeschrittene Tageswanderung Neuseelands führt zwischen den ersteren beiden über einen Pass hindurch und dauert etwa 8 Stunden. Da es dort noch stark verscheit war, haben wir uns Steigeisen und Eispickel ausgeliehen und sind losgekraxelt. Auf dem 1700m hohen Pass konnte ich meine Augen nicht von dem perfekten Vulkankegel des 2200m hohen Mt Ngauruhoe lassen, der im "Herrn der Ringe" Mt Doom darstellt. Da konnte ich mich der Versuchung nicht ...