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Kia Ora!
We are well on way around New Zealand now, in a campervan that we have lovingly named Malcolm, in honour of the legendary taxi man that took us to pick up our new home. The name also works well for fans of "2001, A Space Odyssey" - Hal has become Mal, our trusty friend for the next few weeks (although we're hoping for a better relationship!)
Over the past week, we have driven almost the length of the North Island and here's an overview of our adventures:
Explored every inch of Auckland like true tourists - macs, maps, snaps and snacks
Scenic drives through the Coromandal region and stayed next to deserted Hahei Beach
Went to Hot Water Beach - dug a hole in the sand which revealed hot thermal water (and we mean HOT, almost too hot) which we bathed in - first time in a long time...
We've repeatedly bumped into an Irish guy (Mark) that we met in Fiji, we're up to three times and are aiming for double figures
Descended Waitomo Caves and saw thousands of glow worms... er... glowing unsurprisingly
Tramped round the Kiwi House in Otorohanga to see the nations bird life. This actually turned out to be quite a harrowing experience as we witnessed a bird fight in which we're sure one has now surely perished. We then got attacked by close to two billion starlings who decided we'd make a great toilet... But we did get to see the rare and iconic Kiwi and lots of other birds to add to our growing list
Held our noses in Rotorua, which has to be one of the smelliest places on earth due to all the sulphur pools and geothermal activity in the area (they built the town in the crater of an active volcano... brave) Lots happened here including a Maori cultural experience, we were force fed fresh trout by Aussie fishermen, saw geysers erupting and mud pools bubbling at a geothermal wonderland and bought stupidly expensive walking boots in preperation for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing....
Upon arrival to Tongariro National Park we found out the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was closed due to a severe weather warning... does anybody want to buy any walking boots?
We're currently at the bottom of the North Island in Martinborough which is Wine Country, and tomorrow we're going seal spotting off the southern most tip of the Island at wild and windy Cape Palliser. Then we head to Wellington on Saturday for a couple of days, before departing for the South Island. First stop = whale watching and swimming with dolphins!
With love from the three of us xx
P.S. We're still having problems uploading pictures, so our sharp wit will have to do for now until the interweb is cheaper and we can try harder!
- comments
Jack & Mike Hi Mal, Al and Carly - sounds like you're having a fantastic time and seeing/doing so much - what an experience! Hope you'll be able to use your walking boots on the South Island then you won't feel it's been a waste buying them. Say hi to the whales and dolphins and watch out for Irish Mark doing the South Island experience! Lots of Love, Mum and Dad xxx
Mama & Papa Vincent Wow & wow again! Great blogging guys -who needs pictures? Funny about the boots-just like us in the Lakes(bought on the last day!) Happy seal, whale and dolphin spotting, Keep safe and be nice to Mal...love you both xxxxxxxxxx
Sar Hi both, great blog, sounding amazing and bringing lots of memories back! NZ is awesome isnt it,when do you start jumping out of planes and bungying? There was a huge sperm whale that washed up on British shores yesterday, unfortunately though it didnt survive, but they tried :( With the lack of pics its a good job you're both very adept at keeping us entertained with words alone...nice work. Take care xxx
Nic Hi guys it all sounds and looks (have just checked out the pics) awesome! I'm so envious! I think you should look to publish the blog, it's very funny...keep up the good work!! xxx
nathan Hey you two geezers (see what I did there?)! GREAAAAT! sounds great! aw, so jealous, I feel like I'm there when I'm reading :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLY!! hope you're spoiling yourself. :) Say hello to the Irish dude from me x x
Tim That was my fave blog entry so far from the trip!! Made me chortle. You basically sound like your doing the same trip that I did. That Rotorua place made me lose my sense of smell as it stunk so bad that it has never recovered. Please do not forget to go deep sea fishing as its amazing! Whilst I want you to stay travelling and have a great time, I also want you to hurry up and get back.....do me a favour and chop chop! x