Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Top of the day to you!
Having a truly fantasic time, the past week has been full of action. I have been thrilled beyond belief, not forgetting being scared witless, out of my mind. I have been white water rafting, sky diving and hiking across the Tongariro Crossing. The white water rafting was brilliant, especially going over a seven metre drop! And our all female crew cleared it...The other raft who was with us, got flipped over. I think it was more scary for us seeing it all because it looked terrifying when they flipped. The sky diving was absolutely mind-blowing, a complete sensory overlaod. I jumped from 15,000 feet. My free fall lasted a whole minute. It was definately a once in a life time experience. Hmmm, well maybe not, becuase I would love to do it again. If you ever get the opportunity to do it, just take it, because the andrenline rush is in its purest form and wonderful. The Tonga crossing was spectacular. The 6-7 hour hike has been the described as the best one day hikes in New Zealand and I would have to agree. Mount Tongariro, Phihanga and Mt Ngauruhoe were incredible sights. You will have seen Mt Ngauruhoe in 'Lord of the Rings' as Mount Doom.
ROTORUA
There's no big surpirises at the huge choice of activities here, white water rafting, river sleding, jet boating, mountain biking, zorbing, (rolling down a hill in a huge plastic ball) as well as kayaking , walking, sitting in hot pools, 4 wd bikes etc. etc.... Rotorua is often called 'sulphur city' because it smells like rotton eggs. I didn't find it that offensive, although I guess it all depends on how the wind blows. Rotoura has the most energetic thermal activity in the entire country. (Lots of bubbling mud pools, gurgling hot springs and gushing geyers). This is the place I did the white water rafting. The river has the highest drop (7m) in any commerical river and is a grade 5. Many scary moments were had.... I also attended a cultural evening at the Mitai Maori Village. I got to taste a 'hangi', food cooked in the earth. I ate like a king, lots of chicken, lamb, sweet potatoes and salad. The evening was really enjoyable. The singing and dancing was breath-taking, especially the 'haka', (the war dance). They danced with such intensity and pride. Awe Inspiring...
TAUPO
Taupo is settled next to the Lake Taupo. This is the very place I did the sky diving. Much partying and celebrating was had in the 'Taupo Urban Retreat'. I met many people here at this very friendly place. The sky dive as metioned was truly amazing. The free fall is out of this world. There is no way to really describe it, other than its a complete senory overload. I got the t shirt, the dvd and the pictures. Unfortunately, I'm swearing most of the time, or screaming 'oh my god.' The sights over lake Taupo and the national park were stunning. Breath-taking.....I would love to do it again. I also got to sit out in the thermal hot springs. It was very strange to sit and stand in a hot stream in the rain. Laura and I (girl from N.Wales), got caught out in a freak hail storm. Bloody typical when neither of us had any rain coats, we had to take shelter under some trees and then from a nice man and his car. The hail attacked us, it was like having thousands of needles on your head, face and hands. Not nice... Rain coats are good investments here. Like in all towns in New Zealand you have a great choice of actvities and hostels. Taupo rocked even in the hail....
TONGA CROSSING - 6-7 hour hike.
My hiking partner was called Laura. It was a great day, the sky was blue, the air was fresh and everything was covered in snow. I would have to say that is was one of the best hikes I have ever done. It passes maginificent views of the Mongatepopp valley and the peaks of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. I would love to do the hike again. I'm sure I will........
NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE
This was a very small settlement that serves as a gateway to Tongariro. It caters for all the skiers, the boarders, the bikers, the climbers etc with plenty of accomodation. People were still going out on their skis and boards when I was there. I did a numbers of hikes in and around the village. I really enjoyed my hike to the waterfall at the gorge. (see picutes). It was quite challlenging because the bush country was very dense and the tracks were not very obvious. My hostel was lovely, very clean and tidy and the beds were comfortable too. The staff were very friendly and always had a smile.
PARAPARAUMU
Kathy Thomson gave me a contact here, namely Anne and Les. They put me underneath their wing for a few days and spolit me rotten. I had great company, lovely food, good wine (lots) and a very comfy bed. It was all wonderful. My thanks goes out to Anne and Les for making me feel so welcome. Their company was great fun.
I'm now in Wellington, where I will stay for a few days before I make my way over to the South Island. I hope you are all keeping well and behaving yourselfs> I'm off for a run now so I can go and explore.
Take care now always.
Love Annie. xxxxx
- comments