Unpredictable Weather

Friday evening whilest out for coffee and muffin, we some how managed to win 2 set of tickets to the open air cinema in the south bank this weekend. So after some catching up on Youtube clips including one hilarious Irish parody of 50 Shades of Grey by the Irish comedian Conal Gallen which had us in stitches, must say we were getting some bizarre looks and stares in the media building, The Edge.
When we finally managed to peel our selves off the ground, we went home and watching Tinkerbell and secret of the wings with nachos and salsa to feed our inner child. We both agreed  that thought this film was nearly better than the original.

So we gradually made our way into south bank, the next day, whilest on the bus, the weather took a turn, from gorgeous  sunshine to wet downpour which ended up cancelling our VIP Ben & Jerry studded treatment at the open air cinema which would have been a Channing Tatum double bill - 21 Jump  Street / Magic Mike but at least we got 2 set of pairs of complimentary passes to use at a future screening of our choice. To cheer us up further we ended up in Max Brenner sharing a Chocolate fudge brownie sundae and cookie before heading home to watching Toy Story 3 on tv followed by Hotel Transylvania on my laptop.

I was treated to gorgeous Sunday veggie roast cooked and prepared by Niamh. After which we made our way into town via Coles to get few nibbles for the open air cinema later. Once in the culture quarter, we made our way to the museum to level 0 to the Playasaurus Place where the giant T-rex almost had a fighting match with Niamh. After few other bits, we strolled over to the Brisbane Openair, to collect our comp tickets and to our pleasant surprise, which were told, by the same woman from the previous night who has remembered us and how many times we were talking with her, not sure if that a good thing or a bad thing, that the tickets were actually VIP ones, so we were entitled to beanbag chair, comfy blanket, bottle of sparkling lemon favoured wine and as much Ben & Jerrys one could muster. Prior to the film starting at 7, there was music and games from half 4. All the games had a Ben and Jerry flavour to them, between both of us, we managed to win all the prizes that were available including T shirt, cooler bags, ice cream locks, key ring, ice cream cooler sleeve etc. Even before the film even commenced, we were having a blast, helped too that the weather was dry. Both of us agreed that the fim  - The Goonies, was actually better than we remembered.

The following day we learned Niamh was allowed to use her comp tickets for a different screening this week, so we are going Friday to see The Sapphires. To get in to the Oktoberfest mood, we both had German hot dogs, a Vegan Bratwurst and  NYC style which happened to be on 2 for 1 Tuesdays.

Typical, as were about to go to the farmers market for our now weekly veg shop on Wednesday.. we get soaked in a downpour but at least we got our veggies first :). So we decided to get out of the rain and go for coffee in our usual spot in the culture quarter - the library cafe. whilest we were there chatting away, Niamh got a last minute phone call from the agency, for a shift that night.. so after a quick dash home to get change, dinner etc.. sprinted for the bus and just and me just made the connecting train at central station... had her on the phone.. had heavens when I left her she made the train..

Despite a pleasant change in the weather, it was quite breezy, on Friday.. After our successful outing to the openair cinema on Sunday  we get to use the comp tickets Niamh had won but couldn't use due to the cancelled event on Saturday because of the rain. The film is the new Chris O Dowd film - The Sapphires based on true aboriginal story.   

Culture update

Made our way into culture quarter and south bank which seems to be turning into a daily ritual.
We made our way to the museum to get tickets to see The Mummy - secrets of the tomb but were sold out for that day - Saturday however lucky had some available for the next day -the final day. So we decided to go to the art galleries instead - GOMA And QAG.
Some how ended up playing a Qscan based phone game called secret slq which involves following clues and hint around the library.
From here we ended up strolling about south bank and ended up having dinner in burger joint called Grill'd whose chips are yummy. And for desert we decided to try the much talk about chocolate place called Max Brenner - chocolate by the bald man. My words about the foods would do it an injustice, simply out of this world. When we got home ended up booking tickets for the Ben & Jerry's Brisbane open air cinema which runs here during various evenings during the summer.

Our now daily trek into town, bought us to the museum to see the mummy which entailed a 3-D movie narrated by none other than Patrick Stewart, followed by walking around 4 mummy remains including the top billed remains of Nesperennub and other ornaments involved in the burial ritual.
Once we were finished with the exhibit, went exploring other aspects of the museum including the discovery centre on level 3, dressed by the best exhibit on level 4 and of course Queensland own discovery of the dinosaur Muttaburrasaurus langdoni.

Leaving the museum we walked through the whales mall.
We will so have to make a visit to the sciencentre and ENERGEX Playasaurus Place next opportunity we get.

All Blacks

One of my highlights this year has to be seeing some of the rugby world champions New Zealand All Blacks this morning in Queen street Mall stage. It was complete mayhem and chaos with the crowds going down the street and beyond. The weather couldn't have been nicer, it was so hot and warm, I'm glad I decided to wear shorts and top. The highlights for me had to finally get to see Dan Carter in the flesh and person.

                                               

             

                            

Brisbane Update

Quick update:

Now we are settled into Brisbane, its finally nice to be unpacked and not to be living out of a suitcase. We are living in a suburb called Kangaroo Point, its a nice and peaceful little spot, about 30/40 mins walk or 5 mins by bus to either South Bank and the Culture Quarter or over Story Bridge to The Valley. Niamh started doing agency work, so far worked in a few different hospitals and seems to enjoy the work to date.
The Culture Quarter seems to be where we spend a lot of our free time, as the man made beach and swimming pool, nice place to chill and relax. We learnt that the coffee/hot chocolate is very different in the space of ten feet, the cafe in the museum is below standard where as what seems to be turning into our local cafe, the Library Cafe, has yet to steer us wrong in food or drinks and the free WI-FI accessible from the state library doesnt hurt things either.
On Monday 15th, as Niamh was working in the Logan Hospital, I decided to head into Culture quarter whilest I was waiting for her to come into town, and went for coffee and see the GOMA, one must keeps ones culture up. Throughout the week, when Niamh wasnt working we went for a swim and such along the South Bank, Stroll over the Good Will Bridge to the Botanic City Gardens and a quick visit around QUT Campus and Old Government House Museum.

Something which we only discovered as we were on our way for a coffee that there a farmers market every Wednesday Afternoon in Brisbane Square, where we managed to pick up some bargains.
But the Highlight of our trip so far as been meeting some of the Qantas Wallabies in Queen Street Mall Stage today and getting our photos with them and getting a mini rugby ball signed. On such a high, we decided to go retail shopping for a few bits. To round off the evening we went for coffee and listened to stories through indigenous eyes in an event called Black Ink, which is it seems is on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

New Zealand Vids

The videos of our travels around New Zealand including :

1. Below Zero Ice Bar - Queenstown
2. The March of the Penguin - Curio Bay
3. The Waddle of the Sea Lion - Surat Bay
4. The View from Nugget Point Lighthouse - Nugget Point
5. The Cry of the Fur Seals - Nugget Point
6. Cadbury World Window Display - Dunedin
7. Liam's Kawarau Bridge Bungy  - Outside Queenstown
8. Cable Car - Wellington
9. Lady Knox Geyser - Rotorua
10-15 Maori Culture and Experience - Auckland Museum

Brisbane

As we arrived so early into Brisbane, we ended up watching Wanderlust on my laptop at the Roma Street Train Station. After which we made our way to Chill backpackers despite a good location we weren't overly impressed. After a quick bite to eat, we went off exploring, and happened to find the culture quarter on South Bank. It quite a lovely area containing the museums, state library (free WI-FI), a quaint cafe, man made beach outdoor swimming area. and the Wheel of Brisbane.

During most of our time we stayed in chill back packers was actually spent at the library looking for accommodation and jobs. Then Wednesday we walked and carted our luggage from chill to bunk backpackers in fortitude valley which was a pleasant  change and experience. The first night we actually got a welcome cocktail and meeting and then at half 6 free snack. Despite some of the lack luster and sometimes worrying accommodation, we found a house in Kangaroo Point. One of the highlights of our stay in the valley was a free subway and drink that Niamh and me got thanks to registering free online and discovering vegan hot dog at a place called 5 Dogs.

On Tuesday Whilest I did the RSA (Responsible Serving of Alcohol) cert course, Niamh went to the AHPRA about her registration for nursing.

On Wednesday, Niamh went to her appointment for HCA (or NAA) sorting out the last few bits of paper work. After a tad bit of advice Niamh started badgering AHPRA about the reg.

On Saturday we strolled from the Valley down to South Bank as it was such a beautiful day and went to the beach for a swim. We treated ourselves to a ice cream cone with nuts. Still managed to end up at the state library lol which yet again for the third day running ended up helping a damsel in technological distress.

Yesterday enjoyed a lazy Sunday getting ready for the move and spent time in the hot tub. The lazy Sunday came about due to lack of sleep induced by the French dorm mate bagging some random French hartlet.

Monday morning early rise due to check out of the hostel and making the  2km plus walk over Story Bridge (I still think it was an endurance test) towards kangaroo point our new house for the next 3 months. Finally unpacked and sorted into the house. After a quick dash back from Coles to turn off the oven, couldn't have timed it better, food was just done. After which did the first big shown Coles and made our daring escape with the trolley filled of groceries (paid) back up the hill to the house.

Sydney

Flight landed into Sydney Int. Airport about 8 am, after collecting baggage and such, the most  long and tedious wait through passport control and customs. We waited for the free shuttle to the hostel, which was slight wait due to the morning rush of flights into the airport. We left our suitcases in the luggage storage room, which was interesting trying to bring them done a windy staircase whilst there was a painter painting the walls. We then went off on the trek around the city. During the morning stroll, we managed to get our bank accounts and mobile numbers sorted. Before returning to the hostel, we had a coffee break which just happened to be Starbucks lol. The Hostel in question was the Westend Nomads, where do I begin about this hostel, mmm, the lift had a mind of its own, when it worked, which isn't fun when your on the 6th floor, which brings me onto the facilities and staff, lack of and rude. So when the lift wasn't working, the use of the stairs was unusual and I can't see how could have passed fire and safety. Once checked in and that, we started to explore the city properly, firstly seeing the famous Westfield Shopping Centre, which would be any fashionista's place of heaven, here is also the home of the Sydney Skytower. We walked down Elizabeth street toward the Wharf, where you sights of the city pier, the Opera house, Harbour Bridge, Botanic Gardens amongst other sights.

We ate at a local chipper near the wharf. We decided to walked the 30 min or so back to the hostel down along Macquarie Street, passing the Botanic Gardens, State Library of New South Wales and such. We had an early night due jet lag.
We got up early on day 2 undertaking a self guarded tour of the city, seeing Parliament House, Art Gallery of NSW, The State Library, passing the Hyde  Park Barracks, Sydney Hospital, St Mary's Cathedral before heading down near Circular Quay, entering the Custom House where there a 3D model of the city, from here went to the Contemporary Art Gallery, Nurses Walk, the Rocks and the Observatory.

Circular Quay looks so much different light up at night, especially the Opera House and the Sky tower. We gradually made our way back towards the hostel walking down George Street house to some of Sydney Designer stores including of course one of the Biggest Apple stores we've ever seen. We ate that night in an Irish Bar called Scruffy Murphys where if you buy a soft drink or alcoholic beverage you could get a meal for 7 dollars which was quite tasty. After this we went down stairs as there was a quiz one. The quizmaster was a unusual bred of entertainer, we ended staying here for a few hours good laugh..

We got up early the Friday morning and made our way to the train station, where we got a Day Multi Trip pass for 21 dollars (Bus, Train and Public ferries) to Bondi Junction and then the bus towards the beach. We spent a small while here, over crowded and over hyped. Once we made our way back into the city, we got the train over Harbour bridge to Milton Point and from here got the ferry back. Another reason the hostel annoyed me so much, was the fact the electrics blew yes I mean blew my good world travel adapter, so made the mad dash run around George Street, managed to get one in Woolworths for 10 dollars, which is still serving me well. It was a quiet after that due to the thunder and lightning during the night.
After Check out Saturday at 10 am , we relaxed around the town before making our way by train to Central Station via quick stop off at Apple store. We got the 16.10 train from Sydney to Brisbane, we arrived 6.30am. The journey was over 14 hours and was not totally bad experience, we would travel by Country Link again.

Final Days in NZ

Ended up in sky city casino for a quiz at 8 pm for a bit of fun with a group of us. Had some of the randomest questions ever, fun was had at least. After the quiz went to the famous Fergburger joint. Omg the size and taste. 

Early rise this morning for departing from queenstown, the bus collected us at 8 from hostel. After few  other pick ups we head out of queenstown, the Kawarau gorge bout 8.30. First stop is a toilet stop in town of Cromwell itself at 9.20 for 20 mins, the home of giant fruit. Leaving Cromwell we pass over lake Dunstan, man made after the creation of the Clyde Dam, go further on up over the Lindis Pass into MacKenzie Country, making our way towards Christchurch 419km away. McKenzie country contains NZ highest point 1000m above sea level and home to the world famous Merino Sheep. 

We stop for few mins for a photo op at 11.39 in Lake Pukaki, glacier craved lake, in the McKenzie basin, you see Mt Cook and Mt Tasman slightly in the distance. Arrive at Lake Tekapo about 12.15 for photo op and see the historic church of the good Shepard and the lake. About 1 pm kiwi bus got pulled over for a routine police check. Arrive into Geraldine, south canterbury, almost down to sea level for 30 mins lunch pit stop at 13.45. Through the bus up we watched a true story new zealand movie called the fastest little Indian. We meet a connecting kiwi bus at 4 at outskirts of Christchurch and said our goodbyes to mikey and Giulia, dam you goodbyes. 

Then made our way to the hostel jailhouse which we booked online for 79 dollars for a twin room. Once checked in, went for stroll around Christchurch, from the jailhouse, in Addington into city centre seeing botanic gardens, Canterbury museum, outline of the red zone including the destruction in cathedral square.

Strolled back towards Addington, got a cheap Dominos, watched Doctor Who and early night as the super shuttle bringing to the airport was collecting us at 3 am. Got checked in and hostel booked thanks to free wifi. Flight depart at 6.35 arriving into Sydney at 8.05am 

Bottom Bus Adventure

Check out from Nomads was 10 am. Leaving time for the bottom bus tour was at 10.30. Nearly missed the bus due to a skype call from home, and trying to book flights to Sydney. Made our way from Queenstown to Dunedin, which is the home of Speight’s brewery and Cadbury World. Soon after leaving realised, we were missing few items, but after getting into contact with one of the girls from Manchester on the tour, Giulia, - our guardian angel :-) -crisis was averted, as she got the items for us, from reception, as someone had handed them in this morning after we had left. After a 5 mins toilet stop in Cromwell, we head towards the east coast via the massive Clyde Dam. At the Clyde Dam we stop at the lookout point to have a look and photo op. Further down the road we stop for a picnic lunch in the sun in a small town called Clyde with the snow-capped mountains in the background. The last stop before Dunedin was in a tiny town called Lawrence, for an ice cream stop, cheap and omg so tasty, also first town with free public WI-FI throughout the town. When we entered Dunedin, the bottom bus brought us on a tour of the city seeing the highlights of where the Speight’s brewery, the new all-weather Forsyth rugby stadium, University of Otago, the old railway stadium, Catholic and Protestant Cathedrals and Baldwin street – the worlds steepest street according to Guinness book of world records, now that was challenge and struggle to get to the top don’t mind back down! The Bottom Bus dropped then off at our accommodation, the On Top Backpackers, which cost 26 dollars a night for the dorm room and 20 refundable deposits for the key. Once we got settled, we went to the public library literally across the road, to use the free WI-FI, to organise a few things.

After which we went on a walk about the city, starting at Cadburys World, felt like been a kid, the smell of chocolate alone was making me hungry. A short walk from there, we came to the old railway station, if I didn’t feel like a kid already I did here, up close, you can see why the building is the most photographed building in Dunedin. Myself, Niamh and the a german girl on the tour Susanne, were having a laugh walking around Dunedin in the twilight, one of the highlights after the railway station was at Spleight’s brewery, who had built into the wall a beer barcel, brilliant photos were taken. Along the way back to the hostel, we saw the St. John Catholic and St. Paul Protestant Cathedrals. After dinner, well done Niamh, a very tasty meal, went to try and book our hostels for Sunday and Monday on Hostelworld for Queenstown, sneakily on our iphone / ipad in the end outside McDonalds, was interesting in the cold but got there in the end.

                          

Bottom bus collects us from the backpackers at 8 am saturday 22nd for our trip down to the far south. The Catlins which is probably furthest south, we probably will ever go unless we somehow make an expedition to Antarctica. The Catlins also home to some amazing and rare wildlife including yellow eyed penguins and sea lions that have re-colonised on beaches on that coast and been in particular unique has been rarest member of seal species left on the planet. The adventure into the Catlins started with panoramic view from Nugget Point, hold on as the Southerly wind can sometimes make it seem a lot closer than the 4800 km to the South Pole. The first stop of the day after leaving Dunedin is at Kaka Point at 9.45 am for a 30 mins coffee break, the scenery of beach and surrounding area is breath taking especially on such a sunny warm day. Short drive up the hilly trek we arrive at Nugget Point scenic reserve at about 10.30.We stroll the 150 m to the cliff top viewpoint to see the view of nearby Dunedin and Kaka Point. On the way to the lighthouse we sight 1 year old fur pup seals which have been kicked out of home. Then walk the remaining 600m to the lighthouse and its viewpoint, where you see the Catlins coastline, cliff edge and see and hear the soaring seagulls. From here we stroll the 900m back to the bus. The toilet facilities in the Kaimatital car park are limited using a toilet system called vault toilet, in my eyes posh way of saying long drop toilet. We leave Nugget Point area at about 11.15 towards scenic route which about 8km from Kaka Point. We arrive into Cannibal Bay at 11.45 to see sea-lions, up close and personal, though there a 10m rule to stay away from the sea lions for your own safety, so they won’t charge at you as they can get up to 25km and definitely don’t get between them and the sea. A casual 20 min walk brings to False Islet close to male New Zealand’s Sea lions on Surat Bay, one of the rarest species. Unbeknownst to me I almost bumped into of the smaller darker sea lions, lucky he was asleep and I was warned.

                                

Then we got to see the bigger lighter black male wadding into the sea and smaller one pruning himself. About 12.30 we gradually made our way back to the bus. On the trek back we saw the bigger male on a different beach, at Cannibal Bay. Left Cannibal Bay at 1pm, to make our way to our lunch stop, where we arrived into a town called Owaka, which means place of the canoe in Maori at 1.15. The café In the town called Catlins café, quite tasty food. Left Owaka at about 2pm travelling further down south. We stop at about 2.20 at Purakanui Falls for a roughly 20 min bush walk. After that we continued our journey south. We stop for quick photo at 3.15 at Florence hill lookout over Tautuku beach, Tautuku peninsula, Rainbow Island & spouting cave and Long point. We drive a min up the road to Lake Wilkie to check out the local flora and fauna for about 30 mins leaving just before 4 pm. We stop for few mins at Niagra Falls NZ at 4.30, a settler named it, who seems had a sense of humour. We continue the 8 km from here to Curio Bay. We park between Curio Bay on the left and Porpoise Bay on the right at about 4.45, lovely sight of the 2 Bays. We stop for a pitstop and a milkshake at Porpoise Bay at stop called Curio Bay Holiday Park, where read a story about the case of the missing penguin, an interesting story. From here we drive 400m to Petrified Forest and walk to the lookout. Once we get down to the shoreline, we see two yellow eyed penguins up close.

                           

We left Petrified Forest for the final stretch to Invercargill at about 5.45. On the way we happened to make a very quick stop about 47 km from Invercargill, because of the weather was perfect to see Stewart island on the left and Buff Hill on the hill in the horizon and see one hell of a sunset. Our bus driver Don, said it been the best weather for weeks. We arrived into Invercargill at 7, which is New Zealand most southerly city with a population of 50,000, stayed at Tuatara Backpackers which cost 29 $ for a 4 dorm room.

                           

We headed out of Invercargill nice and early, Sunday 23rd, so that we could meet up with the Milford Explorer at Five Rivers. By finally getting all some not fully awake heads onto the bus, we departed by 7.45 from the backpackers. First stop of the day was a quick photo stop about 9.30 at Lake Manapouri. After which we stop further down the road for a toilet break. From here we continue to Te Anau, to meet our connecting Kiwi Bus. On route we sight sites of where Lord of the Rings was filmed including Anduin River and Fangorn Forest. Our bottom bus driver, Don shows us around Te Anau, as he lives here. We arrive here at 10 am. Te Anau only has a normally population of about 2,000 but in summer overnight population can reach near 10,000. Lake Te Anau is NZ 2nd largest lake after Lake Taupo, with 500km of Coastline. We have our morning coffee break stop here till 10.30. We leave Te Anau and get onto highway 94 and head towards Milford Sound. The construction of this Milford highway began during the great depression 1929 and took 25 years before completion, opening in 1954. This highway regarded as one of the most scenic drives and over 110 km to Milford Sound. Jamie our Kiwi driver has been one of the most hilarious, dirty minded and sarcastic drivers and had us in stitches laughing from the off. We drive through the Fiordland National Park which is the biggest National Park of the 15 in NZ, with a size of 1.4 hectares and 14 fiords in the park. It’s been a national park since 1952 and is a world heritage site. We stop in the park for a photo op, at 11.20, to see the snow-capped mountain range which goes up 2k and the forest stops about 300m from the top. Then just up the highway, we stop again at Mirror Lakes for a ten min walk through the lakes to the other end, indescribable mountain range.

We drive past 45 degrees latitude in the beechwood forest in the park, which is half way before the equator and the South Pole. Which means Fiordland Park has a temperate climate, therefore has rain every 2/3 days. Further into the park we stop for the only toilet break before the cruise at a place called Knob’s Flat. From Knob’s Flat it’s 45km to Milford Sound. As we drive through the park we pass Lake Gunn, Lake Fergus, and The Divide of the Southern Alps which brings us to the West Coast and roughly 80km from Tasman Bay, Lake Hollyford which had originally in the past been the 15th fiord, river Hollyford, and Falls Creek. We stop at Monkey Creek at 12.30 for a photo op and to fill our water bottle from the creek it’s about 24km to Milford Cruise. We drive past a patch of highway that was closed for 3 days last week due to 3 different avalanches. After this we drive by Gertrude Valley. About 12.45, we start driving through Homer Tunnel, which was created using 100 tonnes of dynamite, has 200m of slope and is 1.8km down. The other side is commonly known as valley of 100 waterfalls. We arrive down at the wharf about 1pm and get ready for the Milford cruise which departed at 1.30. as we got off the bus, Jamie the driver gave us 3 passes, - Boarding Pass, Meal Pass, and Discovery Centre Pass. On the cruise there a buffet lunch, hot and cold, included. We cruised casually around Milford Sound on a boat called Spirit of Milford and into the Tasman Sea. The cruise must say been some boat trip as when we entered the Tasman Sea, it got bumpy and windy which it seems is unusual. Seems it’s not normally this dry or sunny as its usually has high rainfall. Now we see why they say it’s a must do In NZ. We arrive at the underwater observatory discovery centre at 3 for a look around for roughly 45 mins before heading back to the wharf.

The Kiwi bus departed here at 4.15 pm heading back the same highway towards Te Anau where we stopped for a quick toilet break and continued onto Queenstown. When we arrived into Queenstown, we checked into Nomads Hostel which we had booked on Hostelworld at a cost of 29 $ for 6 bed dorm, however we got upgraded to an ensuite, into the exact same room we had last Thursday by the same receptionist. Met up with lads from the Kiwi bus for a get together, random and crazy night was had.

Week Three

Check out the next morning Monday 19^th was at half 9, and we started our journey south towards Franz Josef. We drove through a town called Ross, which is famous gold mining town. Shortly after a short drive of just under an hour, we stop in small town called Pukekura for morning coffee break. We head south to the Franz Josef Glacier village, nestled in the Westland National Park, passing numerous kettle lakes along the way. These lakes are created as glaciers retreat and leave chunks of ice behind that melt and form deep lakes. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a striking feature of the glacial region, encompassing the 2 famous glaciers – Franz Josef and Fox. When we arrive into the village, we confirm the activities for our stay. The accommodation was called Rainforest Retreat and cost 29$ for a dorm for night with a 20 $ refundable deposit for the key. That evening in the Monsoon Bar located in the Hostel grounds, the prizes for the fancy dress was held, 1^st Prize went to the guy dressed as a pile of rubbish and second to the paedo. It was quite an early night due to the early start the next day.

Tuesday 18^th wake up time was 7.30, to get ready for check in at the Franz Josef Glacier Guides at 8.30 to do the Ice Explorer at cost of 250$. You get a Heli Transfer to the glacier. Where our guide Will navigated us through a maze of ice and explained the dramatic environmental changes over the last few years.  Will was telling us it was the best weather they’ve had to do this in nearly 2 weeks. Will was using his Pickaxe Gary to navigate our path. He had a great sense of humour and wit during the tour where he craved my name for some reason into the ice. I managed somehow to pick up a superficial war wound at the end where my sliding down ice went arse ways.  This has been one of the most unique experiences of my life so far and highlight of the trip so far. Also included in the price is entrance to the Glacier Hot Pools. The pools contain 3 different pools of varying temperatures, 36, 38 and 40 degrees and spent hours just relaxing in them. Sure got our money’s worth while we gossiped. Someone on the tour managed to nab a towel from there, pointing no fingers Giulia. Once we got back to the hostel, we realised, we needed stuff for a picnic lunch, with a mad dash to the supermarket, managed to get supplies as it was closing.

The departure time the next morning, Wednesday 19^th was at 8 am, the departure was so early in order to catch the reflection of Mount Cook on Lake Matheson near the town of Fox Glacier. After we pass the township of Haast, we bid farewell to the coast and head into the mountains. We cross the bridge at the Gates of Haast, head up the pass and into the Mount Aspiring National Park. We stop in the park for a picnic lunch, the weather couldn’t be sunnier. After lunch strolled down to the Haast River and filled a bottle with clear spring water, so cold too. As pass through Haast Pass, stop briefly to check out the Thunder Creek Falls, and any excuse for photo Op. As we come down the eastern side of the main divide of the Haast Pass, we track down toward Makarora. An hour or so drive from Makarora takes us through to Wanaka where we enter the Otago region with its stunning lakes and mountain ranges. On route we experienced slight traffic jam near Lake Wanaka due to a recent Mud Landslide. Wanaka is known commonly as the headquarters of Mt Aspiring National Park. On the way to this picturesque spot you skirt past the fifth largest lake in NZ, before crossing over to Lake Hawea. We stop for quick look over the lakes where we initial view of Dingle Burn Range. The accommodation was Base Wanaka Was a tad expensive for what it is 29 dollars but had 3 dollars off so got it for 26. Only dorms available were 8 bed dorms, small but clean. The walk along the lake front was peaceful at dust. At the hostel bar, the mint, there was a Karaoke night, with the Kiwi bus against Stray bus, another tour company, which our bus won and was a random fun night.

Departure and check out time was at 9am where we depart Wanaka to Queenstown on Thursday 20th. The first stop was puzzling world where you can try to conquer the maze; I do mean try, it’s frustrating but hilarious fun and mind blowing stuff in the illusion house. Check out the toilets too which are hilariously entertaining. Afterwards we head around the edge of the manmade Lake Dunstan towards the Kawarau Gorge. We make a pit stop in small town called Cromwell at a fruit and veg shop called jones fruit stall, reasonably priced. Soon after we enter the Kawarau Gorge, the home of AJ Hackett Bungy, we stop for a video history about the Bungy. Before we got here, no one on the bus was doing it but after the video, 14 including myself, Mikie, Matt, Lisa, amongst others on the kiwi bus, braved our fears and did the 43M Kawarau Bridge Bungy. The bungy was on offer at 99 dollars if you did it that day. It bungy was done from the historial suspension bridge over the Kawarau River; it was such an adrenaline rush, like nothing I’ve ever done before. Soon after we were all on the bus, we made the 20 mins journey into Queenstown, the accommodation for the night was at the Nomads hostel which cost 35 dollars for a 6 bed dorm ensuite, although was a tad expensive, the hostel was like nothing we meet so far on this trip.

Week Two

Left Base Taupo at 9.15 am Monday 10th heading towards Tongariro National Park, where some of the background scenery for the Lord of the Rings was filmed in particular the background for Mordor and scenes of Gollum in the Falls.

The accommodation in River Valley was 29 $ for 6 bed dorm but the kitchen was quite basic. Also as we were in a Valley no phone signal and the internet was expensive and we were told quite choppy. The method of crossing the river which is optional to go for a trek was quite an experience. The trek once you cross is something but remember you gotta cross back the river the same way again on the pulley device. Part of the river was used as the Anguin River in The Fellowship of the Ring. As we were in the middle of no where, was a good opportunity to chat and interact with people on the tour.

The next morning the 11th we left at check out time 10am due to the weather. As the rain was so bad we had to get the rafting bus back up the hill instead of walking the short distance. Once everyone was back on the KiwiE bus we got on our way. We head from River Valley through Taihape, the Gumboot Capital. 2 hour into the journey towards Wellington we stopped for a pitstop and food at a place called Bulls, where every service building had Bull in the title like; Const-a-Bull.

The drive from here to Wellington is dominated by the Ruahine and Taraua Ranges. Not too far from the City , we pass along the Kapiti Coast, most of which was wrenched out of the sea by large earthquake in 1855. Kapiti Island which can be seen from the coast is a native bird sanctuary. Once we arrived into Wellington, we checked into the Nomads hostel on Wakefield street which we had pre-booked on hostel world for 29$ a night for a 4 bed dorm. The staff here are very friendly and helpful, and willing to aid you with booking your onward ferry to the South Island, which you need to book the night before if you want to get the discount, which cost us 52$ or with anyone other travel/tour bookings. Wellington is located itself directly on a major earthquake fault line, where a quake occurs under the city roughly once a week. The majority of the Museums, Botanic Gardens and House of Parliament are free to enter.

We spent Wednesday the 12th touring around Wellington, starting at 10am at the National Museum, Te Papa. This museum is well worth a visit, with its interactive elements and national treasures. From the Museum, we walked along the waterfront, where we turned onto Lambton Quay to gain entrance to Cable Car, on Cable Car Lane. The ride on the cable car is 3.50$ for a single ride up to the top, where the Botanic Gardens, and Carter Observatory are located. The Cable Car ride is worth it, as from the top of the hill, you are able to see picturesque views of Welly, the nickname of Wellington, the other been, the windy city and with good reason. I'd recommend with the cable car, to get a single journey up to the Botanic Gardens and take the downhill walk city.

 It was a pleasant and peaceful journey down through the gardens to the bottom passing the Observatory, the Lady Norwood rose garden, and Roberston Way into the Bolton Street Memorial Park. When you reach the bottom and have time, head towards 'the Beehive' building, the executive wing of the parliament building, where a free tour of the executive wing, house of parliament and parliamentary library. The guided tour commences on the hour. Once the tour is over, you have the opportunity to enter the house of parliament gallery to witness the order of business, when we were there, it was general debate. Once we left here, went over to see Old Pauls Cathedral, which is totally constructed of wood, its a must-see experience when your in Wellington. After our visit to the Cathedral, we went down the same street to the New Zealand Archives where the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi and 1893 Women's Suffrage Petition are on show in the Constitution Room.
 

As you can imagine, we were a tad tired after the jam packed day of culture. So we returned to the hostel, where Mark in reception helped us book our Interislander ferry to the South Island and The Lord of the Rings Ultimate Movie Tour which is run by Movie Tours. After Dinner went for a short stroll to the Embassy Theatre, it was here where the premiere of Return of the King was held. This got us in the mood for the following morning for the tour.

The next morning at 10 am, we were collected at the hostel by our tour guide for the day, Alice, who is your typical sarcastic funny kiwi. For the first part of the day, we had a private tour where we went to see the film locations in Hutt Valley such as gardens of Isengard, Rivendell where we had lunch, Helms Deep and Minas Tirith. In the afternoon we saw the Dunharrow Plateau, shortcut to the Mushrooms, Get off the Road, and Village of Bree. Throughout the tour there was an opportunity to dress up as hobbits/elf and have fun. Towards the end of the tour we saw Park Road Post, Stone Street and Camperdown Studios. To round off the tour, we paid a visit to the Weta Cave - The home of Weta Studios. A fun and enjoyable experience was had throughout the tour.

Friday the 14^th, the kiwi bus collected us from the hostel at 7.10 am and made our way towards the ferry terminal, where we check in our luggage. Then we board the ferry and get comfort for the 3 and half hour ferry from Wellington to Picton, crossing the Cook Strait. When we land, collect our luggage from arrivals then board the new kiwi bus in Picton. We made a pitstop in an area called Marlborough valley, where the option to do wine tasting of 4 local wines for 2 dollars in wine cellar called Bouldevines. Then made the onward journey towards Kaiteriteri, on the way we pass thru small town called Havelock, whose claim to fame is the ‘Green lip mussel capital of the world’. After brief food stop in Nelson we travel through to Kaiteriteri at the doorstep of the Abel Tasman national park. We stayed at Kaiteriteri lodge only few mins from the beach at 30 dollars for dorm room, with also a 20 dollar refundable deposit for the key, our had an ensuite. There’s a bar next door called the Beached Whale.

Check out time on Saturday 15^th was at 10am, so after quick breakfast in their decent kitchen facilities, we left at 10.30. We left Kaiteriteri and travel through to Murchison for a stop at tea rooms with their famous ice cream. From Murchison we wind our way down the amazing Buller gorge. Buller gorge is one of the south island’s lognest and most scenic drives. We travel alongside the almight Buller River, which rises from Lake Rotoitit and flows into the Tasman Sea at Westport. The accommodation for the night was Bazil’s hostel, which was 25 dollars for a dorm room with our YHA card, normally 28. Watched the rugby matches in a local bar called The Cosmopolitan. Was quite a random funny sort of night, the local rugby team were also in the bar, as they had played a northern island team, and won, so were out celebrating.

We left about 9.30 the following morning, and started making our route to Lake Mahinapua along highway 6 which stretches 435 km along the rugged Tasman shoreline from Westport in the north to the Haast Junction in the south. The road winds through a diverse series of landscapes, which include the snow-capped Southern Alps, sparsely populated towns, lush green rainforests and deserted Goldfields. After a short drive, we stop for a short walk, about 45 mins, at Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay, where there one of New Zealand’s largest sea colonies.  Tauranga is New Zealand’s closest point to Australia.  On route we stop at Truman track, because the weather was really nice and sunny, walked along the trek to the bay, barefoot, which itself was quite an experience. When got to the bay strolled along the beach and got soaked by the incoming tide, which was quite funny. Once back on the bus, made the short journey to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Stopped here for lunch, and then walked through the Pancake Rocks to the coast edge with our ice creams.  The scenery and work of Mother Nature was unbelieveably beautiful. Leaving Punakaiki, our next stop Greymouth, stopping here to stock up on food and cash as there very little opportunities between here and Wanaka. The Lake Mahinapua Hotel cost 21 dollars for the bed and 11/10 for the food. The owner Les who is the oldest publican in New Zealand is quite a character. The facilities are not bad at all for a building which is over 150 yrs old. There no phone service around the area. the nearby beach which is only a few mins walk away has dark sand and is lovely. The lake for which the area is called, is a short stroll from the Hotel and the conservation area quite scenic. Dinner was served at 7, was quite a feed and very tasty. After dinner everyone started getting ready for the fancy dress party which was in the hotel bar, the poo bar. The theme of the party was that the costumes had something to do with the letter P. There were some very imaginative costumes such as peodo, pimp, pile of rubbish, preschooler, posh spice, prostitute, present, playboy bunny, peacock, amongst others. It was quite a random interesting night. The local police officer made his routine stop at the hotel, he was quite funny, as I got him to pretend to arrest the guy dressed as a peodo and put him in the back of the police car. It was one of the funniest nights so far as also one of the guys on the tour it was his birthday.