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2nd August 2008
We arrived in Auckland at 5am after an overnight flight from Chile. We arrived at our hostel and were told that we couldn't check into our room until 1pm. We all decided that instead of wasting the day we would do some sight seeing.
First stop the Sky Tower. This is the highest building in the southern hemisphere at 328 meters tall. The tower has 3 observation decks and we paid to go right to the top. The views over Auckland city and the Auckland harbor bridge were amazing. In certain sections they had glass floor plates and you could see all the way to ground.
After taking photos and admiring the views we made our way back down. From the bottom we watched someone do a bungee jump from the top of the tower, looked amazing!!!
Next stop was Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater world. First thing we looked at were the stingrays. We could not believe the size of them close up, they were massive. Next we went on a ride through a re-creation of an Antarctic landscape including a colony of penguins. It was amazing to see them close up. The last section was walk through transparent tunnels that had more than 2000 fish and other marine animals inside including sharks.
By lunchtime we were exhausted and went back to the hostel and checked into our hotel, ACB Backpackers which was really nice.
Unfortunately for the next few days Danielle Steven and Carley were unwell. Jonny was the only one that was lucky enough not to catch the bug.
Tuesday 5th August
Everyone was better by Tuesday and we started our Stray bus trip that was going to take us from Auckland , through both the north and south islands and ending in Christchurch.We got picked up from our hostel at 8am and our guide Natalie drove us up to Mount Eden which is the highest of Auckland's volcanic peaks (dormant thank goodness). Here we had a chance to take some photos and we were told how the tour would work.
First stop was Hahei. Here we arrived at a camping ground. We settled in and then got on the bus to go to Hot water Beach were you digand eventually you will get to hot water and you can makepool. At some points the water was actually bubbling it was so hot. Jonny bravely got in his swimming shorts and went in but Carley was too cold and just paddled. It was really amazing to think that this was natural.
We left the beach and went back to the camping ground were we had a BBQ and apple crumble for dessert was delicious.
Wednesday 6th August
Today we left Hahei at 8am and headed for Raglon. This is a small surfing town with amazing beaches.
We got to our hostel that was really nice lodge type building. We relaxed most of the day and went out with the group in the evening and had fish and chips. We got back to the hostel and we had a go on the zip wire. It was quite scary in the dark as you had no idea where the end was. It was a lot of fun but quite scary.
We had an early night that evening as we had an early start the next day, 7am!!!!!
Thursday 7th August
Today we stopped in Rotorua and visited the Waitomo caves, which is famous for its glow worms. There were many options available to see the glow worms and the caves. We both chose to do the tubing through the underground caves. We arrived at the center and got kitted out with wet suits, boots, hard hat and of course a tube. Then we went underground and started the trip. We floated through the caves on our tubes, going over waterfalls, through rapids and through really tight gaps. We all had to turn off our head torches and at this point you could see the glow worms covering the ceiling, amazing sight. It was a lot of fun but was also nice to see light at the end of the tunnel as by the end we were freezing!!!
We got back on the bus and made our way to the Maori Village where we would be spending the night. Here we were met by Uncle Boy who welcomed us into his home for the evening. He took us through to the kitchen area were we were served a delicious meal. Then we were taking through to the hall and the locals showed us a Maori dance. The boys and girls then separated, boys were taught the Hakka and the girls another dance consisting of a ball on a string. Then we all got back together and performed to each other. The boys were much better by miles, Jonny really got into the Hakka. very amusing.
That evening we all slept in the main hall.
Friday 8th August
Today we headed to Rotorua. Here Jonny decided to do White Water rafting and Carley and Danielle went to a Spa for the morning.
Jonny arrived at the white water rafting center where they were given a quick talk and kitted out with wetsuits, boots and a helmet. They then drove to a river close by, had a quick safety talk and then off they went. The raft they were in went through rapids and over a 12 foot waterfall. Jonny really enjoyed the white water rafting and the men that led the tour made it even better as they were really nice.
The Spa was lovely. there were hot pools outside which we relaxed in, all ranging in heat. Then we were booked in for a back massage which was amazing. We met up with everyone else and headed for Taupo. Here we were meant to do our Sky Dive but due to the weather it got canceled. We were disappointed but agreed that we would do it elsewhere.
We spent the rest of the evening relaxing at the hostel, which was really nice.
Saturday 9th August
Today we left Taupo at 6.30am and headed to the Tongariro National Park. Here we had the chance to do the Tongariro Crossing or Ski. We decided to relax at the hotel as it was a beautiful Alpine Lodge with log fire and lovely restaurant, by far the nicest place we had stayed so far so we enjoyed it for the morning.
In the afternoon Jonny and Steven decided to hire biked and go for a cycle. It was really cold but worth it and they seen some fantastic views.
Sunday 10th August
After a late departure due to our bus 'Lesley' breaking down we made our way down to Wellington. We arrived about 5pm and had a shower and went for our first dinner out in ages, a Chinese and it was delicious!! Then we headed to the bar at the Hostel for a pub quiz. Our team came 3rd which we were very proud of.
We would really like to come back to Wellington again some time as it seemed like a lovely city however we didn't really get the chance to look around properly.
Monday 11th August
Today we left the North Island and got the ferry over to the South Island for the next part of our trip. The ferry crossing was quite smooth and along the way seen some amazing scenery.
We arrived in Picton and were met by our new driver Baggins and set off towards our next stop. On the way we stopped off at the Marlborough Vineyards and here we got to try some red and white wine. Then we carried on our way to Abel Tasman. We arrived early evening and were staying at old MacDonalds farm in small huts in the middle of nowhere.
That night Baggins arranged a BBQ for is all which was delicious and we had a few drinks. We both had an early night as we were booked to do a Skydive in the morning.
Tuesday 12th August
The day of the Skydive arrived and we were both excited but really scared too. We got to the jump site. The weather wasn't great so they made us wait a bit for it clear. As soon as it did they got us both kitted out andup we went in the plane. When we got to 13,000 feet the doors opened and Jonny was the first one out. Then it was Carley's turn. We both had a free fall of 50 seconds, which is an amazing feeling just falling through the sky. Then the parachute is opened and you gradually make your way down to the ground. It was a brilliant experience and we were so glad we done it. We bought the photos and the DVD so we could remind ourselves of the day.
Wednesday 13th August
We spent the day making our way down to Barrytown where we would be staying for the evening and our bus had to dress up. The theme was Olympics. Carley dressed up as a tennis player and Jonny as a Gymnast. It was hilarious and we had a really fun evening. We also had a roast dinner that was nice, but not quite the same as home!
Thursday 14th August
The first activity of the morning was Bone Carving. Carley went along and made a really nice necklace out of a cows calf bone. It turned out really well and she was proud of what she had made.
That afternoon we made our way to Franz Josef. We checked into our hostel which was a lodge and was really nice. We got an early night as the next day we had to be up early for our full day glacier hike.
Friday 15th August
Today we got up early to start our Glacier walk. We arrived at the center where we were given trousers, coat, hat, gloves, socks, walking boots, crampons for the boots and a bag. The crampons were to use when walking on the ice to stop us from slipping. We drove to the glacier and began our walk up it. This involved walking up steep steps made out of ice, going through small tunnels and walking through lots of snow. It was an amazing sight. As we were on our trek it started to snow. As we were walking so much we didn't really feel the cold and we loved the experience. We had to turn back slightly early as our guide said that because it was snowing so much it could make it difficult for us to get back so we all agreed and headed back. It was so much easier coming down!!!
When we got back to the hostel we went in the hot spa to try and warm us up and then relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Saturday 16th August
Today we were meant to leave Franz Josef for Makorora however due to the weather we were stranded in Franz Josef for one more night. This was a bit of a boring day and we just went fora walk and watched some DVD's. It was quite nice just to do nothing for a day as so far on our trip we had been really busy.
Sunday 17th August
Today we left Franz Josef and headed straight for Queenstown. On the way Jonny decided that the next day he would do the Nevis bungy jump which is the 2nd biggest in the world at 134 meters high.
That evening a group of us decided that we would go for an Indian. It was delicious although onece again not the same as home. Then we all headed to the Minus 5 bar which is a bar made out of ice. You are given a warm coat, gloves and boots to wear and you can only stay inside for 30 minutes as its so cold. The drinks are even given to you in glasses made of ice. It was really fun and different thing to do and we really enjoyed our evening.
Monday 18th August
We had our first lie in in a few weeks and woke up at 10am. We decided to take the gondola ride up a mountain so we could get a view over Queenstown. Once up the top we had breakfast with the most amazing views of mountains, lakes and the town. We made our way back down and Jonny went off to do his bungy!!
He went to the office and the got on a 45 minute bus ride to the Nevis jump site (2nd biggest bungy in the world). As soon as they arrived they were put in their safety harnesses and then put in a metal cage. This cage took them over to a pod suspended 134 meters over a lake. From here they did the jump. Jonny as very scared when he was at the edge of the edge but he knew he has to jump. Eventually he worked up the courage and did it!!! He said it was one of the best things he has ever done.
That evening we went to the famous Fergburger. Here you are meant to get some of the best burgers in the world and it didn't disappoint They were amazing!!!!! Jonny got the Big Al and Carley got the Codfather. After eating a lot of food we made our way to the bar to say bye to some of the friends we had made on the bus as the next day we were doing our final leg of the journey and heading to Christchurch.
Tuesday 19th August
Today was a whole day spent on the bus making our way to Christchurch. This was the final journey on a Stray bus. We arrived at Christchurch and got our belongings of the bus for the final time.
We have had a brilliant time on the Stray trip and would definitely recommend it to everyone. It had been such a fantastic way to discover both islands.
Our final days in New Zealand where spent in Christchurch which is a really nice city. The first day we spent doing a bit of shopping and having a wander around. The next day me and Danielle went to watch Mama Mia. The final day in New Zealand we sorted out all our winter stuff and sent it home, as from now in hopefully going to be HOTHOT HOT!!! We did some washing and packed our bags. That evening we went for a Thai meal. We were all very excited for the next part of our trip, Fiji.
We have loved New Zealand. Its such a beautiful country with so much to do and so much amazing scenery. We would love to come back one day and see what it has to offer in Summer time.
Next stop Fiji - Yippeeeeee
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