TravelStream™ news feed for member kirstyandmike on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/kirstyandmike en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:04:33 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235899140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235899140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235899140/tpod.html Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:04:33 -0400 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

We arrived back into the sunny, friendly warm Sydney at a somewhat early hour of 8:00. After braving customs we ventured across to Manly, where Jon (Mike's cousin) and Aidan collected us. After dropping off our luggage , the 5 of us (including Candice) went to the beautiful Pittwater for a delicious early pub lunch. In the summer sun, we took a lovely scenic drive back to their house past the Northern beaches. In the evening we experienced true South African hospitality with a delicious braai.As Jon was in a spear diving competition, Candice and Aidan took us to Shelley beach where we enjoyed the sea and surf with some beautiful snorkelling. After lunch we joined Jon and his fellow boat owner, Ian with his family on an exhilarating 90 minute trip around Sydney and Darling harbour. For supper we were treated to the freshest of fish that Jon had caught earlier that day!As we had been so exhausted our last time in Sydney we decided we needed to make the most of our last full day. Our first stop was Coogee were we were pleasantly shocked at how polite school children on buses are in Austrailia. From Coogee we walked the spectacular coastal trail towards Bondi in the hot summer sun. We both felt surprised how many people were lounging on Bondi on a Monday morning and felt compelled to join in with a coffee observing the posing throng. As the weather started to change, we ventured into town for a wander around China town and Darling Harbour. For our last night we had a divine braai with prawns which complemented our superb last soujorn in Sydney before heading home to grey England!Our final morning was spent saying good-byes to Jon, Candice and Aidan, packing and searching for Singapore hotels before jetting off.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235746740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235746740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235746740/tpod.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:30:20 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

The drive back to Queenstown showed little variation in the weather we had experienced three days before. Completely unenamoured by the adventure capital, we elected to stay in a camper park across the water. Luckily the following day, the weather showed signs of improvement. Our first stop was the gorgeous 19th century gold prospector Arrowtown. The town was perfectly preserved and the hours seemed to slip by. We did a very interesting walk through the old Chinese settlement and realised just how rife racism was in colonial society. With time running short, we headed onwards to the heart of bungy - AJ Hackett's first bungy site at the Kawarau Bridge. Mike has already conquered the Blaaukrans bungy, while Kirsty was tempted by the prospect of a tandem jump - till the shock price of a 3 second adrenalin boost brought her to her senses. Needless to say there were enough stupid/wealthy people to provide onlookers with entertainment.Disappointed so far with New Zealand red wine we decided to right this by trying the Otago Pinot Noirs. Our first stop at Chard farm didn't disappoint, and we soon left with our booty for the night. The more commercial next stop at Gibson Valley made cheese tasting far more appealing. Lunch was had on the roadside waiting at roadworks before driving onward past jet-boating country, through farmland along to Twizel for provisions. Twizel was meant to be destroyed 20 years ago after completion of the Punakaiki hydro-electric station. The residents however had taken a liking to the area and it still stands, much to our consternation!Lake Punakaiki is an amazing light milky blue and though Mt Cook was hidden in cloud, the drive was still spectacular. We arrived at the DOC campsite in the early evening and settled down to a lovely salad, brie and pinot noir - out of tin mugs!!! We then settled in for our last nights sleeping in Neil!The following morning mike woke at 6:00 in a slight drizzle. Luckily this lifted and shortly after 9:00 we started on the Hooker Valley walk. This takes you around the foot of Mt Cook, up the Hooker valley to the Hooker Glacier lake. Glacial ice floats silently atop the lake on its journey to Lake Pukaiki. It is remarkable to see the contrast in colour between the brown - grey water at Hooker Lake and the milky blue of Lake Pukaiki! As we left Mt Cook town the clouds parted to show the peak of New Zealand's highest mountain. Over a picnic lunch we got to marvel at the vista of Lake Pukaiki in the foreground of the Southern Alps.Our next stop was Lake Tekapo, with even more iridescent blue waters. The main attraction is the Church of the Good Shepherd which fronts the lake shore, and surely has the most incredible artwork behind any alter - the plain glass windows letting nature speak for itself! Our stop for the night was in the farming district near Glentunnel, with "Kiwi" and Rachel. We were treated to their generous hospitality, a warm shower, fire, lamb chops from their farm, smalls (roasted marshmallows served on a chocolate biscuit), and a spacious double bed! After breakfast and feeding the pigs, Kiwi showed us around the farm, as he did part of his daily chores. It was remarkable getting to watch him work his seven dogs. The scenery from the top of the hill behind the house was unfortunately hidden by cloud, however what we could see was still beautiful. After a venison lunch (Fallow Deer hunted on the farm), we had to head back to Christchurch and sad farewells on our part as we returned Neil, our home for the past three weeks. Back at the Copeland's -minus Village, away on a course - we got plenty of smiles from Dulcie, as we went on a short walk before supper with Bron. Our last day in New Zealand was spent sorting out laundry, packing and heading into the centre of Christchurch. We mainly spent our time around Cathedral Square, before heading to the arts centre on our way back. After supper and brownies with Bron, we set off to the AMI Stadium (used to be Jade) to watch the Crusaders take on the Wellington Hurricanes. Unfortunately the game was less than inspiring, with the Crusaders missing many of the stars of old. Many ardent supporters where mumbling beside us, particularly as the Hurricanes won! We left Christchurch, and so too New Zealand, at a very ungodly hour! New Zealand has been an incredible experience (incredibly expensive too!). We both thought a month would be ample time, but now realise we have only scratched the surface. What we have seen has been extraordinarily beautiful though the weather ended up less than ideal. In the perfect world, New Zealand would retain all its beauty and environment, population density, with South Africa's weather and the UK's geographical location! Unfortunately this would be hell as everyone would be desperate to get there. It is an amusing country in being right on the edge of the world. We had to laugh the one day when breaking news was the fact that Mary had woken to find cows in her back garden!!! This was in a reasonably small farming district but still! The road rules too, require some thought - always give way to the right when turning left! Single lane bridges! It also seems to be expected that if you are a slower vehicle you pull over, as no-one will bother to thank you! We also have found a telecommunications network that make SA's Telkom look good!!! However on the most part kiwi's are incredibly friendly, hospitable and a good laugh. This is a country that you would need to return to again and again and again...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235438040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235438040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1235438040/tpod.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:24:03 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand

Before our alarm had a chance to wake us, we heard the pleasant sound of raindrops falling on the car roof. However the enjoyment didn't last long as the prospect of getting up in the cold, wet pre-dawn sank in. Impressively we managed, and started the drive to Queenstown and then Fiordland on time. The drive over the Crown Range pass was spectacular, but our enthusiasm and view was definitely dampened by the weather! On reaching Queenstown, the first thing you notice is that this town is driven completely by tourism and commercialism that so often follows it. Though set around an impressive lake with craggy mountains embracing it, the town felt very brash and in it for a quick buck. The hordes of despondent tourists trying to find things to do to while away the time didn't help the general impression! We soon joined them wandering to our old friend the I-site, a caffeine fix and general wander around the shops. Having lost all interest in a rainy Queenstown by lunch time , and after stocking up on provisions (the price gets markedly more expensive the further South we venture) we drove out past The Remarkables mountain range (remarkable in the fact they weren't there!) and towards Te Anau. Our general despondency continued with us not taking a memory card full of pictures, and for the first time did the drive in the usual allotted time period.Scott, whom we had met in Laos, works in the Department Of Conservation Office in Te Anau, so we made a bee line there. As timing would have it he was off for the weekend but heading to Invercargill. He gave us a few pointers and we headed to town to book an overnight Doubtful Sound trip (at a reduced price nogal - due to a late block cancellation) and then in the gloom headed to a camper park to while away the cold damp evening hours!Waking the next morning, there was no improvement in the weather. With time to kill, we wandered Te Anau before driving from one lake (Te Anau) to the next (Manapouri). Although there appeared to be a large number of passengers as we crossed Lake Manapouri, and then a spectacular bus trip over Wilmot pass (the most expensive road created in New Zealand - costing $2 per cm!) we arrived at Deep Cove and the Fiordland Navigator (capable of holding 70 passengers) to discover that we had our quad dorm room to ourselves! We were expecting quite a basic trip and were very pleasantly surprised by the high standard of accommodation, exceptional food and room on board. Over coffee and mufffins (they were very good muffins) the boat pulled out of the dock and into the Sound - the Sounds in Fiordland have been incorrectly named as sound implies a river carved landscape backfilled by the sea, while this was definitely glaciers making it a Fiord!. Unlike the nearby Milford Sound, only two or three other boats are allowed to sail the waters and soon we were completely alone in the majestic environment. The fiordland environment is unique in the world, being spectacular granite cliffs , sculpted by glaciers over 20 000 years ago, rising up to 1 500m out of the cold water. The sheer granite cliffs are colonised by lush rainforest which amazingly survive without any soil. Fiordland has 7m of rainfall a year (London has about 600mm), which means that most days a layer of freshwater covers the sea. Our first stop in Hook Arm saw us grabbing the opportunity, in light drizzle, to kayak the calm waters before braving an antarctic swim! After a warming shower and soup, we headed out into the Tasman Sea for nature watching. Surprisingly the normal westerly wind was replaced by an easterly providing calm seas and we were able to make the rare circumnavigation of Secretary Island. This afforded us a great deal of time on the Tasman Sea, and the opportunity to sea New Zealand Fur Seals in action, the Dusky (or more aptly disappearing) Dolphin, numerous sea birds including two incredible Albatrosses making us envy their effortless flight. Back in the calmer waters of the sound, supper was a buffet affair with ample delicious food and dessert chatting to a German couple. Evening entertainment was an informative slideshow by the resident nature guide. We ended up being the last to bed, after coffee with a delightful elderly Scottish couple (Neil and May).The next morning was an early start with Kirsty adding to the memory card with the changing light as we headed for Hall arm and the Southern tip of the sound. On the way we picked up the resident pod of 54 Bottlenose Dolphins. These dolphins are specifically adapted to the cold water and are the most southern of their species. Though not acrobatic, we felt privileged by there presence and extended stern wave-riding. All staff aboard said it had been the best sighting of the season! The weather had also decided to play its part, though still cold and overcast, the rain had ceased and the clouds added to the drama. The ten minutes of absolute silence - engines were turned off, and passengers asked to enjoy the silence - made for a very moving experience. It is not too often you can experience such serenity in the modern world, in an environment as spectacular and unchanged for millennia!Sadly all good things have to come to an end, and we returned to Manapouri at lunchtime, via the same spectacular route. It was sad saying good-bye to something so beautiful, an experience we would definitely repeat and recommend. Our moods were not helped when we reached the car and found we had left the lights on. Luckily a gang of old car enthusiast were on the boat and were able to get us started again.Back in Te Anau we headed to the start of the Kepler track, but as noisy family groups made themselves felt we sought refuge at the Wild Life centre. Unfortunately the rain returned and scuppered further walking plans. That night we hoped to meet up with Scott, but instead spent most of the evening with his incredibly hospitable hosts, Janet and Bill who kindly invited us into their home. Around 9:00pm Scott arrived, it was good to catch up with him.We had hoped for an early start, but made do with a pleasant chat with our hosts, and eventually headed out around 10 for Milford Sound. The drive was well worth the effort. It starts in reasonably flat Te Anau, through dense forests, to grasslands, over a dramatic pass before dropping to Sea level and the craggy Milford Sound. It was quite marked how different this area is by comparison. Overhead planes and copters whir past while on the water, countless boats ferry numerous tourists around. Most marked was a huge passenger liner marring the horizon. We opted out of a being herded onto a boat and made do with numerous short walks. The Milford road provides many opportunities to stop and walk up various tracks. Unfortunately due to the weather we decided against any of the longer walks, but enjoyed the waterfalls , pools and impressive Chasm along the way. Shortly before 17:00 we arrived back in Te Anau for a quick coffee, before sadly starting the extended journey back to Christchurch.   :(
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1202914620/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1202914620/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1202914620/tpod.html Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:01:07 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand

tbc
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234997520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234997520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234997520/tpod.html Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:55:50 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

From postcards we knew Hokitika Gorge was not to be missed. So prior to heading for the Glaciers we took the ninety minute detour, and weren't disappointed. The gorge itself is stunning but the swing bridge overlying the brilliantly blue green pool is breathtaking. So many photos opportunities presented by this country!Back on the road again, we left the coastline for a short while and headed through rainforest and pretty lakes. Getting hungry we pulled off the highway for a rest stop three kilometrs off the road, next to a river. As luck would have it a Scenic Helicopter flight company used this strip of grass as their launchpad and were looking for two bums to put on seats to make a full flight. This meant we got a seventeen minute flight at almost half the price. The exhilaration of a helicopter taking off is amazing. What is surprising is how sensitive the craft is to wind thermals and our pilot added to our adrenalin rush by banking hard often. The flight took us up the Whataroa Gorge to a number of Glaciers and an incredible Ice Lake. The seventeen minutes were about enough as air sickness was starting to take hold.Exhilarated we stopped at Lake Mapourika for lunch, just outside Franz Josef town. There a local fisherman offered us a trout he had caught, which would save him a trip into town! Delighted we were soon handed a cleaned 2kg headless fish! Onwards through Franz Josef town, we headed to Fox for a hopeful walk around Lake Matheson. Though the walk was beautiful, the weather shrouded the mountains in cloud. We then headed up to a Fox glacier viewing sight and another short walk where we marvelled at the sheer size and strength of this 13km glacier.As our guided walk started at 8:15 the next morning, we headed back to Franz Josef and Lake Mapourika where we decided to freedom camp for the night. As our sightseeing had taken so long we ended up cooking the fish at dusk, on a poorly working camping stove! With the help of our headlights we ate supper and then washed up in the dark before going to bed.Franz Josef Glacier is 11km long and in its central portion moves 5m per day. The amazing thing about the glaciers in this area is that they come right down to regenerating rainforest, which makes the contrast between ice and verdant green very dramatic. In our group were nine others with a very experienced, if somewhat grumpy, senior guide. After walking to the terminal face, we fitted our crampons and started the climb onto the ice. It really is another world up there! Ice caves and rivers appear from nowhere, and head through the depths to where no-one knows, to emerge at ground level. At one point we came across three adolescent Kea, the only Alpine Parrot in the world. They are as intelligent as four year old children, and often wreak havoc with trampers' equipment and cars! After lunch we hung in the cold crevasse as the guides forged a new pathway for us. It made us really realise just how physical the job is. These people are definitely not in it for the glamour. The day was amazing and an experience we will never forget! Once back in town, we thawed over a coffee before heading to Fox and a warm shower.Bright and early on the morning of our third year wedding anniversary, we were gifted with clear skies (although Kirsty's alarm nearly failed us) which bounced us out of bed as we raced to Lake Matheson. The lake was glass smooth and the photos spectacular as you get the full reflection of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman off the lake surface. After breakfast we headed to the Fox Glacier terminal face - so different yet as beautiful as Franz. By 10:30 we were on the road to Wanaka.Like the drives before this was not dull! Spectacular doesn't describe any part of it. Rainforest gives way to coast line, followed by a winding trip up the Haast Gorge with stops at various falls (Roaring Billy, Fantail and Thunder) and Blue Pools. All the water is unbelievably crystal clear. We stopped for lunch at the joining of the Haast and Landsborough rivers. At Makarora we came down from the Southern Alps towards Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea before resting in Wanaka town itself. As we had been in Neil for over ten days, and it was our anniversary we decided to splurge and had a divine night in a luxury apartment. It was fantastic having an ensuite bathroom and kitchen all to ourselves! Enjoying the luxury to the max, we only left the apartment at lunch time, as late as we could possibly check out! Again, having seen spectacular photographs, we decided to do the walk to Rob Roy Glacier. The one hour drive to reach the walk itself was well worth the effort, even though we had 35km on gravel, and a flock of sheep blocking our way! Sheep have definitely not been gifted with brains! Setting out through alpine fields we crossed a rickety swing bridge staring at Mt Aspire glacier before heading up the Rob Roy valley through beech forest, with the roaring river below. An hour and a half later, we reached the viewing area. Before us lay the Rob Roy Glacier face, with multiple waterfalls tumbling down the mountainside. If this was movie, we would have thought it was doctored! It can be best described in Afrikaans as "Heeltemal Ongelooflik!!!"Not content with our three hour exertion and two hour scenic drive we picked up a quick caffeine fix to power us up Mt Iron. This afforded us panoramic views of Lake Wanaka, the Town itself, Mt Aspiring National Park and in the distance Lake Hawea. To finish off an astoundingly scenic day, we camped by the lakeside before heading further south first thing in the morning.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234737780/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234737780/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234737780/tpod.html Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:47:22 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Hokitika, South Island, New Zealand

Being ten days on the road, we marvelled at just how much we had seen and done. We both felt quite exhausted and hoped we would be able to schedule in some down time in the next few days. That was before we saw the marvels that awaited us!Leaving Murchison, after little over 15 km we came to our first stop in the Buller Gorge, being the longest swing bridge in New Zealand, with some beautiful nature walks through reclaimed rainforest where brave men once panned for gold. The walk took us up to an excuse for a waterfall, but the overgrown, enchanted forest and spectacular gorge made up for it. After multiple short stops to catch our breath at the beauty we stopped in the lower gorge for our late lunch. Unfortunately we ended up being an early supper for a horde of sand flies looking for an easy meal. These little buggers seem to live on Deet, so were unmoved by the copious amounts of insect repellent we applied to ourselves.The rest of the afternoon took us past the most photographed stretch of road in New Zealand, being a granite rock overhanging a single track road - for about 50 meters. As the gorge opened up there were similarly spectacular views! The afternoon seemed to slip past and before we knew it, it was early evening as we arrived in Westport. A quick shop and information stop later, we headed to Cape Foulwind - so named by Captain Cook for the foul weather he arrived there in. We originally thought the Kiwi's were having a good sense of humour and named it after the colony of fur seals that call it their home. The coastal track didn't disappoint and neither did the colony of seals, many with babies. As our day had caused us to drop behind on our plan, we decided to drive further south in search of a place to stay.We ended up at Jack's Gastehof, a delightful rundown pizzeria where the proprietors allow campers to use the toilets and land for a small fee. We had an interesting evening observing the clientele and feasting on a delicious pizza and locally produced beer, before setting up Neil for bed in the dark! We hoped that the visual spectacle would become slightly more boring to allow us to catch up some time on our trip south - and give us a chance to take a time out! We were sorely mistaken.The scenery as we set off again, along the coast would easily rival Australia's Great Ocean Rd (two aussie women we met later said it dwarfed the Ocean rd), let alone our two oceans! In a country with so much beauty many people give this extraordinary drive the skip, or race through it. Needless to say it took us much longer than anticipated to reach Hokitika. One of the highlights were the bazaar Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. These limestone rocks have been eroded to form huge layered stacks with impressive blowholes which one should view at high tide for full effect. Unfortunately we made it there at low tide and a six hour wait didn't fit into our schedule. They were still impressive.Finally at Hokitika we gathered information and over a coffee decided to book a glacier walk (Franz Josef) for two days time. As we were both feeling exhausted, we had our first evening of relative relaxation even though Kirsty became productive and submitted a job application. Although supposed downtime there was no rest for the wicked!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234132020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234132020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1234132020/tpod.html Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:30:11 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand

Kirsty working. Collect Spaceship. lunch.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233600180/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233600180/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233600180/tpod.html Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:55:19 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Coromandel, North Island, New Zealand

The Coromandel Peninsula sits east of Auckland on a spit of land with the bay of plenty on one side, and the Hauraki Gulf on the other. It happens to be the place Aucklanders frequent on holidays, but we arrived there and it felt blissfully empty. As it was late we stopped in at Thames and found a gorgeous Victorian backpackers for the night. After supper we took a short windswept stroll along the boardwalk past the Boer War memorial (everyone seemed to get involved for King and Country) and watched a glorious sunset. Setting out early the next morning we drove north to Coromandel town, which is very quaint and still retains its turn of the century gold-seekers charm. Having strolled the one street of the town, we settled down to coffee in the sunshine, before tackling the 309 Road. This is a dirt track over the hilly countryside through natural forest, with a number of beautiful stops at waterfalls, waterworks (they were dreaming with their entry price!)  and Kauri grove. Over the pass we drove on to Hahei. After a forty-five minute walk along and down steep limestone cliffs we reached the idyllic beaches at Cathedral Cove. Two lovely bays are connected by the massive limestone archway with the clearest water imaginable lapping at the shore. We toyed with the idea of a swim, but considering the drive we still had to do, time and being salty didn't quite appeal. We did manage to stop at Purangi winery for a tasting of every sort of wine. We were introduced to feijoa. An amazing guava/pineapple tasting fruit which grows more readily in New Zealand than kiwi fruit! Back in the car we set off for Roturua, but only made it as far as Tauranga before tiredness and hunger dictated the stop.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233949440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233949440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233949440/tpod.html Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:38:01 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Wellington, North Island, New Zealand

We arrived in Wellington just before lunch on Waitangi Day - the most important New Zealand National holiday commemorating the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes. After settling into yet another YHA, we set out to get some lunch before returning the car, to just outside the city itself. Heading back into Wellington, we past the Wellington Rugby stadium which was playing host to the New Zealand leg of the IRB Sevens, which was very well supported by a number of crazily dressed supporters who were all rather under the influence of something or other. Everyone was throwing themselves into the spirit and the costumes were phenomenal! We meandered past the main streets, over to the harbour side where more 7s supporters were congregating and Wellington locals were watching them. The harbour itself is incredibly windy but keeps the observer busy perusing all the local art. In an intellectual mood we headed over to the remarkable Te Papa museum which is a free museum filled with interesting New Zealand, science and nature related matter. We wandered around the volcanic and earthquake exhibition with the attraction of standing in a room undergoing a significant earthquake. Next was to the marine expo with the worlds only preserved giant Squid with a 3 D explanation. Just before closing we got onto the history of the populations of New Zealand before sadly having to leave as it was closing time. As the wind was quite unforgiving we sought refuge in a cinema and got to watch the amazing 'Slum-dog Millionaire'. A really delightful movie, though we still both think the book is better! Our plan had been to join the 7s revellers out in town, but by the time we were ready to join them we were 10 pints behind and never going to catch up! The following morning many people looked worse for wear. After gathering some ideas, we walked up Mount Victoria, areas of which were used as the Lothlorien forest in Lord of the Rings. The view from the top was incredible with a 360 panorama of the city.  Down from the dizzying heights we wandered into town through the cafe lined streets. We stopped off at Fidel cafe for incredibly coffee and a snack before topping off with sushi. Our wanderings were successful as we found some items to buy and then finished off our art wander at the harbour. The second day of the 7s was in full swing which just added to the frivolity of the long weekend. Sadly out time in Wellington was just a taster as we needed to push onward at to the reputedly more beautiful South Island. As the North Island was spectacular, we were more than a little expectant boarding the plane and pushing ever southward!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233688920/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233688920/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kirstyandmike/1/1233688920/tpod.html Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:36:29 -0500 Mike and Kirsty's very BIG Adventure

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Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand

As our drive from Tauranga to Rotorua was just over an hour, we trundled into town mid-morning and had the day stretching ahead. At a funky cafe in town we had a coffee before getting to the information centre and being booked immediately for a Maori Village experience. Though it sounds aweful, the afternoon was fantastic and very informative. The village itself is called Te Whakarewarewatangaoteopetauaawahiao, or just Whaka for short! Maori people have been living in this village for centuries. It is the only village of its kind in this area. We started our trip with a Hangi lunch, basically a roast cooked using the thermal steam. It wasn't bad and is supposed to be incredibly healthy. At the same time we got to look on as two locals were brought into the ceremonial hall for their funeral with most of the village reverently attending. Well fed we headed up to watch typical Maori dancers including the Haka in all its vehemence and tongue thrusting. The highlight of the afternoon was a guided tour by Anita - a third generation guide. It was fascinating getting an insight into her life and how the people have used the thermal activities at Rotorua for their daily lives - including heating, cooking and bathing. The village is set in an area of intense volcanic activity and after the tour we got to wander past hot pools, geysers and bubbling mud pools. To complete our afternoon of volcanic activity we took a walk past the Ohinemutu church and thermal area, which inspired a run along the lake shore and were often speeded on by the sulphuric smells following us. Back at the YHA we met another South African working in the area, who gave us some further insight into being an expat in kiwi land, before bed. Rotorua was finished with a Gondola trip up the mountain, where we enjoyed the thrill of luging down - sled on wheels heading down steep hills along various spectacular tracks. On our way out of town we picked up a Canadian hitch-hiker who entertained us most of the way to our next stop at Waitomo, and the glow-worm caves. Arriving in town at the same time as a Contiki bus left us short of accommodation. We eventually managed to find the very nice Big Bird B&B. We had a self contained unit, looking over a small pasture with Ostriches providing us with entertainment, and a cat for company. That night we abseiled down about 40m into a crevasse that provided a perfect environment for glow worms. Our first abseil down was at twilight, so that we could get our bearings, while the second was lit by millions of glow worms, providing a full 360, starlight experience. It truly felt like we were in a fairy wonderland, or some galaxy far far away!  On the advice of our guide, we headed down to the Ruakari Bushwalk for a thirty to forty minute stroll through rainforest and wonderful cave formations! We then drove on through to Taupo where we had a picnic lunch overlooking the lake, before heading down to stroll past the Huka Falls. Incredibly clear beautiful, powerful water flows over the rapids at a rate too spectacular to describe. We stopped at the Craters of the Moon thermal area, after Rotorua were rather disappointed. Exhausted by our exploits we stopped in at the Honey Factory for a tasting, coffee and ice-cream while watching some hapless recruits try various orientation obstacle courses. Having gotten a feel for Taupo, we drove round the spectacular lake stopping often to admire the view before we headed up towards the Tongariro National Park to admire it from on high. The drive across the park was very dramatic with the peaks of Mt Tongariro (Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings) and Mt Ruapeho always in our view. That night we stopped at the Ski busy town of Ohakune, which in summer is very sleepy. To wake ourselves up we a run along the river through gorgeous scenery spurring us on, before having a great braai in the shadow of Mt Ruapeho. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and we had to hot-foot it down to Wellington the next day to return our car. The drive was very pretty, particularly the coastal views coming into Wellington.
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