Helicopters and Glacier Hikes

Franz Josef is home to one of the largest glaciers in New Zealand and you get the opportunity to hike up it. Tuesday saw an early wake up call and a group of 9 were at the glacier hike office by 8:30am. Everyone was kitted out with waterproof trousers and jackets, hats, mittens and massive boots. Once again the weather wasn't on our side so after a masterclass on how to put crampons on we were told that the walk wasn't going ahead. However, someone obviously thought it was worth a try and 5 minutes later we were told that actually we were going to do the walk in about 40 minutes. This person was obviously psychic as within half an hour the sun was shining and blue patches of sky could be seen. The glacier is no longer at its prime and its length has slowly been getting shorter and shorter. Its been estimated that within 100 years it will be half its original length. I doubt thousands and thousands of people clambering over it every year really helps either.
Anyway, to reach some of the best ice you need to take a 10 minute helicopter journey which was one of the most exciting things for me. It was a pretty weird sensation, almost like you're floating and my ears kept on popping. It's totally different from planes and I'd quite like to learn how to fly one actually. When you reach the I've you have to slip and slide down some steps that have been cut into the ice to put your crampons on. With a sense of balance as bad as mine this was quite the challenge. They're quite effective though and walking on ice was quite easy, the crampons do make your feet and ankles hurt after a while.
The ice was seriously spectacular though, it forms all sorts or shapes. There are crevices hand water holes dotted around so you have to watch out for them go avoid injury. there were some really cool holes and caves we got to climb through too. We were up on the ice for about 3 hours and it rained for the last hour. Luckily, the water proofs did their jobs properly and the rain made it feel more authentic with a bigger feel of adventure. It was such an incredible experience and definitely worth the wait.
With our ticket we also got free entry into the hot pools across the road from the hostel. After lunch and an afternoon of watching YouTube videos we headed out to the hot pools for a few hours. There were 3 pools; 36° 38° and 40°, the latter only being bearable for about 15 minutes. Most of the time was spent in 38° playing games such as Snaps, the Moon Game, the Train Game and the Ball game. For anyone that doesn't know what these are, they are mind games where you have to guess the rules. They are designed to confuse children but had many of the group absolutely baffled. I felt like a god when I figured out the rules. Afterwards we headed back to the hostel for a pizza feast with garlic bread and chips, don't think I've ever felt so full and sick. The pizzas were delicious though and it included a free drink. All round it was a fantastic day apart from the fact I had stomach cramps due to the over consumption of pizza.
Our next stop was Wanaka and on the way we stopped off at a beautiful walk where you could see the Fox Glacier; check out the photos! We eventually arrived in Wanaka and set ourselves up in the hostel. Lake Wanaka was a 2 minute walk from the hostel so me and Alex decided to go for a dip. It was absolutely freezing and we got to the stage of cold where our skin was stinging. We only managed 2 bombs off the floating platform before we got too cold.
Wanaka is actually really nice and in summer I bet its amazing!
The scenery in this part of the south island is stunning too; rolling mountains and glistening lakes. We're off to Queenstown tomorrow and I'm there for 5 nights as its supposed to be amazing so I'm super excited! It'll be quite nice to stay in the same place for more than a few nights too.
Xxx

The South Island

The ferry journey from Wellington to Picton took 3 and a half hours and that was followed by a loooong bus journey to Kaiteriteri. Me, James, Rachel and Alex had decided to spend 2 nights here as it was the entrance to Abel Tasman National park. We only got to the hostel quite late so couldn't really do anything too exciting but we did make fajitas which were awesome. The next day 2 of us went for a bit of an hours walk around some of the beaches and clambered over some rocks which was fun. We timed it right as when we came back for some lunch it started to lash it down and we were all feeling a bit tired so ended up having a duvet day watching Lord of the Rings. I am absolutely gutted that we didn't get into the park but the weather was just awful and it was expensive to get the water taxi to some of the walks. Abel Tasman is one of the oldest and smallest National Parks but is also supposed to be the prettiest. Hopefully I'll be able to come back in the future.
The next day we hopped on the bus to Westport and the weather was still horrible. The hostel wasn't too bad though. It was a really chilled independent hostel called Bazils and had quite a homely feel so it was nice. The worst thing was the cost of internet - $10 for a day is ridiculous! The others went surfing whilst I went for a wander about the shops. That evening we cooked tea and had a nice chat with some guys who were studying in Auckland and travelling in between. One of them was taking a class in the haka so we were all quizzing him on that and watching videos of classes and stuff so it was another relaxed evening.
The next day we headed out to Lake Mahinapua to somewhere called the Poo Pub. On the way we did a walk to a Seal Colony and there were quite a few pups. I really wanted to take one home as they were THE cutest things I've ever seen. The night was effectively fancy dress night where everyone got really drunk and bonded as a group. We didn't get out to see the beach or lake as it was still pissing it down. It was a hilarious night though and looking back at the pictures was a good laugh. It was a struggle getting up in the morning and on the way to Franz Josef we stopped off at somewhere called The Bushmans Centre. It was one of the weirdest places I've ever been and the people who ran it were off their heads. It was all about the introduction and history of deer farming in NZ but there were possum skins everywhere and it was just horrible.
We made it to Franz Josef eventually and its a town effectively made up of 2 roads but there are some fantastic walks and glaciers around.
The weathers starting to look up so touch wood it stays that way and I can get something resembling a tan!
Xxx

P.s the drivers are really cool too, check out Cuddles who got involved in the fancy dress!

Windy Welly

The weather has deteriorated and we've only seen Wellington through rain and/or fog. Its quite a small city for a capital and is surrounded by hills. Its a shame cos I actually quite liked Wellington as a city but there was some stuff I didn't get to do like "The Writers Walk". Its a quirky little city full of artsy types and cafes everywhere you look. If you're a fan of Chinese/ Thai/ Indian cuisine then you're spoilt for choice too. There was a group of 5 of us who stuck together and on our first full day we went to Te Papa which is the international museum for New Zealand. It was actually a really cool museum and some of the exhibitions were really interesting. Its been refurbished recently so everything was new and nicely laid out. We went for a bit of a walk but it absolutely lashed it down and there was so much mist you could hardly see so we had quite an uneventful evening. We did see the parliament building though which is quite interesting as its shaped like a beehive. The next day we took the cable car up the hill and looked out over the city, it was a good view but would have been much better if the sun was shining. We had a walk down through the botanical gardens afterwards, they're really well looked after so it made a nice walk. I wanted to go to Weta Cave which is where you can see some of the original set and props from Lord of the Rings but for some reason we never made it. In the hostel bar there was a wall made of jagermeister bottles which was pretty cool.
So that's the north island done and dusted. I'm really looking forward to the south island as its got some major activities there. There's also Queenstown which is supposed to be fantastic but I've got a week or so before I get there. We're having to get a 3 and a half hour ferry across to the other side then a long bus journey to our next destination but its all part of the fun. Its Kaiteriteri next which is the nearest city to Abel Tasman Park. Its the oldest national park I think and also supposed to be the prettiest; I just hope the weather perks up!
I've spent far too much money over these past few weeks so am having to seriously budget but I'm hoping I have enough to do everything I want to do. Also, a lot of people have been saying you have to take vitamins when travelling around. I haven't been doing this which could explain why I've been feeling so rough and tired.
The time I've spent out here has absolutely flown by and I can't wait for the next few weeks. Missing the gang back home though
Xxx

Sky dives and Mount Doom

Yesterday I did something I never thought I'd do in a million years; sky dived. I'd not really thought about what I was doing till I was up in the plane. It was a 15,000 ft jump over Lake Taupo which is the largest lake in NZ. I couldn't decide whether to do one or not but I ended up tagging along with a guy called Marius who we'd been on the bus with for a few days. He'd done one before and was doing his best to persuade me it would be incredible. He was correct and I can't thank him enough for not letting me wuss out. It was a tandem dive so I was attached to a man called JP but i told myself it was Jude Law to make me feel better. Going up in the plane was fine. In fact, the views were pretty amazing. At 8,000ft everyone had to wear an oxygen mask until we reached the top. When it came to opening the door, it wouldn't open which added to the already present element of fear. I was the last one out of the plane and as JP is sliding us towards the door I'm screaming " I CAN'T DO IT. DONT MAKE ME DO IT PLEASE!" But he slides me to the door with my feet hanging out of the plane anyway. You have to lean your head back onto the guys shoulder so you end up in a banana shape. I was still trying to persuade him that maybe this wasn't a good idea but then he just jumps out of the plane. He does a flip as we leap out and then we're just free falling. Its the strangest sensation, I was completely disoriented for the first 10 seconds and couldn't catch my breath properly but when I realised what was going on it was the coolest thing. After about a minute of free fall the parachute was released and I got to appreciate the views over the lake and it was the most spectacular sight. It was possibly one of the best things I've ever done and I'd definitely do it again just to appreciate even more. After being out till the early hours the night before we also discovered its a pretty good hang over cure too! The afternoon was spent as a big group down by the hot springs next to a river with a picnic. We went quite extravagant and had brie and ham baguettes.
On Sunday 7 of us were on a bus at 5:30am to do the Tongariro Crossing which is a 20km hike. Its supposed to be the best day hike in New Zealand. We started at about 7:30 and managed to achieve the first 2km quite quickly as they were on flat terrain but this is obviously to give everyone a false sense of security. Quite honestly, the rest of it is a bitch and definitely a challenge. Everything's uphill which just makes it more difficult. There are signs along the way basically telling you to turn back. Its so difficult to explain but take a look at some of the pictures to see what i mean. The crossing is home to Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings movies. The lads climbed up and down that which took them 2/3 hours while the girls went The Emerald Lakes which was actually quite a dangerous walk. We had to clamber up rocks in incredibly strong winds, at some points I was genuinely worried about getting blown over. We kept on tripping and there were points when we considered just turning back. It took us about an hour and a half to walk up but the views over the lakes was beautiful. Its weird thinking that what we were walking over used to be molten rock. We were really lucky with the weather as it was clear and gloriously sunny. We made it back to the bus for 3:30 so it was a long day. It was the most difficult walk and I am genuinely so proud of us all for completing it in one piece. But would I do it again? Absolutely not. There were some crazy Germans who carried their bikes up to the summit of the volcano and cycled all the way down. Needless to say we were all absolutely shattered when we got back and in desperate need of a foot massage. I slept like a baby.
We got the bus at 9 the next morning only to be dragged out on a 2 hour walk to Taranaki Falls so my hips and feet are pretty sore. We headed off to somewhere called River Valley which is literally in the middle of nowhere. It would have been the perfect place to relax and go for a swim in the river but the weather has been terrible. It rained a bit yesterday then was over cast for the rest of it and this morning we woke up to heavy down pours so white water rafting was cancelled. The best thing was we got a roast dinner last night, but the Yorkshire puddings left a lot to the imagination. There's 5 of us heading off to Wellington and I think I might stay there for afew nights as it should be quite nice. Theyve got a fantastic museum, a mountain, good nightlife and I quite fancy some retail therapy.
I've been eating a lot of chocolate over here simply because they do $1.99 massive slabs of cadburys chocolate. The best is a Rocky Road bar which is incredible and I shall definitely be bringing some of that bad boy home.
Xxx

HOBBITS

Rotorua is also known as Rotten-rua because there is a constant sulphur smell that hangs over the town. Basically everywhere smells a bit eggy. Its something to do with the fact it pretty much on top of volcanic rocks I think. Anyway, the day we went luging which is effectively a go kart without an engine. You make your way up a massive hill in a gondola and then choose a track out of scenic, intermediate or advanced. You have pull the handle bars half way to move and all the way back to break. It sounds silly but racing around corners surrounded by trees and nature is surprisingly a lot of fun.
That night we went to a Maori village which was fascinating. The village was all laid out beautifully and they had little demonstrations of wood carvings, fitness tests and how to do the haka. We also got to see a performance of Maori song and dance to learn more about their culture and way of life. However, one of everyone's favourite part of the evening was the food. We had a hangi which is a feast that is cooked over rocks in a sand pit in the ground. Given that none of us had really had a proper meal in a while it couldn't have been more perfect. Don't think I've had such tasty and nicely cooked chicken and lamb before and being able to eat fresh cooked vegetables was a novelty so we all stocked up. The stuffing was incredible too. Dessert consisted of peaches and pavlova which was also delicious. There were two of the guys who managed 3 plates piled high with the main course and then 3 bowls of pudding, literally have no idea how they managed it. The bus journey back to the hostel was hilarious too with the driver getting every country to sing a song from home. We naturally sang Stop by The Spice Girls. The bus driver then started singing "She'll be coming round the mountain" whilst doing circles around roundabouts. No bus journey would be complete with "The Wheels on the Bus" except this one was a little bit different with lines such as 'The driver on the bus.......has no licence, no licence, no licenceeeeee'.
The next morning I had a walk down to the lake to work off the previous nights meal and it was gorgeous. The water was so clear and the sun was glistening. I could never get bored of looking out over lakes and oceans. I love the people over here too, they are so friendly. Everyone smiles at each other and if a tourist looks lost the chances are a local will notice and offer some help. There's such a massive sense of community everywhere.
In the afternoon we went to Hobbiton. I could hardly contain my excitement it was untrue.  We got picked up at the hostel and then drove about an hour to Matamata which is where the set is. It looked just like it does in the films; so authentic.  The amount of work that leads to so much detail is unbelievable, the production team spent 3 weeks attaching plums and leaves to represent a tree mentioned in book. The tree is only seen for about 10 seconds! The way they filmed size differences between the Hobbits and Gandalf was pretty creative too. There's a scene where him and Bilbo are sat on a bench outside a hobbit hole and they made the illusion by sitting Bilbo 3 metres behind Gandalf. It works perfectly because the camera is always head on and doesn't move. I've added some pictures as my descriptions do it absolutely no justice.
This morning we went to a geothermal park called Te Puia which was interesting, its full of geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot pools. We got to learn a bit more about Maori culture too. Some of the wood carvings they do are so detailed it really is incredible.
Today its off to Taupo. Some of us have had to get a public bus as we were on the waiting list but the bus was full. Its just a bit more of an adventure. Also, I had a hot beef sandwich today that was so big I had to eat it with a knife and fork.
Xxx

Hot Pools and Caves

Its been another good few days, we left Auckland really early and drove down to Hot Water Beach. The accommodation wasn't too bad either, I was originally in a dorm with 6 German lads but ended up moving into a caravan with 2 lads I'd met on the bus and I got the double bed which was great! Once we'd got set up in the hostel we took a 15 minute bus ride to Cathedral Cove which is a gorgeous beach only accessible by foot or kayak. The walk takes about half an hour but is gorgeous, it was like being in a forest but you looked out over the ocean.  We stayed down on the beach for about half an hour but the sun had moved round and there was a breeze so it was pretty chilly.  The views were fabulous though and there are rocks out in the ocean that landed there after a volcanic eruption. 
Back at the hostel we had a BBQ that consisted of burgers and some very questionable chicken. We'd bought a lettuce but after a few leaves had been taken off we discovered that the lettuce was home to a large caterpillar so couldn't eat that.  At 10pm we headed down to Hot Water Beach after consuming far too much alcohol to dig ourselves some hot water pools. There is a vent that comes up from an underground volcano that makes the water so hot. It was that hot you couldn't actually stand in it for more than about five seconds without scalding your feet. For me, the best thing about the night was the stars. It was a perfectly clear night and there were no artificial lights so you could see every single star in the sky.  I can honestly say I've never seem anything so beautiful, we could even see the milky way! I didn't even bother trying to take a picture as that would have done it absolutely no justice but it was the most spectacular sight ever.
The next day everyone surfaced with a terrible hangover and we were all dragged out to walk around an old gold mine.  I'm actually really glad we did it as that was beautiful.  You had to walk over moving rope bridges which made everyone feel a bit queasy as the lads were making it swing but it was definitely worth it.
That afternoon I got to do one of the things I've been looking forward to most; Black Water Rafting through glow worm caves. The wetsuit was the most uncomfortable thing I've ever worn but it was the best 5 hours.  First we had to abseil 35 metres down a hole then walked over rocks, under stalagtites.  Next we zip wired down to the waters edge and had a sit down where we had hot chocolate and flap jack to give us some energy. Then came the glow worms.  The interesting thing is that they're not actually glow worms, they're actually maggots. And what glows is a special chemical found in their faeces.  So technically we were looking up at glowing maggot poo. We had to do a 2 metre jump into freezing cold water whilst landing flat in a rubber ring. We then pulled ourselves through the caves with our torches turned off looking up at a mass of glowing dots on the caves. It was absolutely amazing. Then we were climbing over rocks, through water and having to swim across to dry bits of cave. We climbed through the tiniest holes and I managed to fall and hit my hip on a rock so I've got a nice big bruise to remind me of my time. Last but not least we climbed up a waterfall, it was a free climb so I could have easily fallen but managed to make it to the top in one piece. Seriously, I had the biggest sense of achievement and would recommend it to everyone.  We resurfaced at 7:30pm and had some soup and a bagel to warm us up. It was expensive but so so worth it.
Today we're off to Rotorua which is called the geothermal capital of the world with hot water pools dotted around. Me and this guy called James have stuck together for the past few days and are staying there for a few nights and going to Hobbiton tomorrow and a Maori feast and village tour tonight so that should be fun.
Really enjoying it out here and we've been lucky with the weather. Hope it keeps up :)
Xxx

The Bay of Islands

I definitely made the right decision coming to Paihia on Friday.  Its a tiny little town that is a gateway to a collection  of 144 islands called the Bay of Islands and they are absolutely beautiful! I met a girl called Amy and we had a wander around the waterfront and came across an hour and a half jet boat ride around the islands.  The price for an adult was $95 which we reallllly couldn't afford.  Then something happened which made me LOVE the kiwis. The guy running it goes "if you can pretend you're under 14 then I'll give it you for $40".  We absolutely did not look under 14 but took the offer anyway.  It started out really well even though it was quite overcast but about an hour in it started to rain. Having said that the Islands are incredible and we got to drive through the famous Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave.  Even with grey skies the water was the most gorgeous shade of blue. We were shattered after a long day and had an early night as we had an early start the next day too.
On Saturday it was another 7:10am bus to Cape Reinga, the northern most part of New Zealand but it was so worth it. We stopped at a forest called Mangingina on the way which was nice. They have these centuries old trees there (completely forgotten their names) which, in Maori culture, are supposed to give you energy if you hug it. I was feeling pretty shattered so me and the tree had a long embrace. After picking up something for lunch the bus drove down Ninety Mile Beach.  It was a special 4WD bus so we drove through the sand and even the sea at times which was cool to see the water cascading down all the windows as it sprayed up from the wheels.

Next we moved on to sand boarding which was so so so much fun.  The only real way of describing it is with a picture.

One of the best parts of the day for me was lunch time and it wasn't even because of the food. We stopped off at a beach and a few of us decided to go for a swim. We'd not been out long when about a metre away from us about 8 dolphins started jumping through the water. It was so picturesque and beautiful. I got so excited and tried to swim out to them but then got caught by a wave and ended up with wet hair. And then didn't have time to dry off so was soggy for the rest of the day. But I really don't care as I got a few metres away from some dolphins.
Last but not least we headed up to Cape Reinga which the Maori people believe is where the spirit goes after it has left the body. Many people come here to say goodbye to loved ones and say things they didn't get to say before passing.  Its a form of closure and a means of remembering your lost loved one at their best. Its also helps people see how blessed they are. It truly was a beautiful place, albeit the light house was slightly unimpressive.
We ended the day with fish and chips. The chips weren't proper chippy chips but the fish, oh my god THE FISH was absolutely delicious. Puts fish back home to shame. However, I almost fainted when they tried to charge $3.70 for some mushy peas. So I stuck to vinegar which was amere $1.70. One of the things that made the tour was the guide, Barry. He was reason 2 of why I love the Kiwis. He went round the bus finding out where everyone was from and saying hello in that language, he told the greatest stories and had an incredible sense of humour. He was just all round a top guy and I'd recommend that tour to anyone just to meet him.

After a slightly heavier night than anticipated (wine and jetlag don't mix well together, apparently) I had a nice lie in this morning. I'd booked onto something called "Te Waka" which was kayaking in a Maori kayak around the Bay but when I woke up didn't fancy doing it.  It was too late to cancel though so I just went. The guy doing the tour was called Nick and he was late showing up and I was the only one doing it. I just wanted to leave but felt too rude to say anything and now, I'm so glad I kept my gob shut as I had the best morning. We set off at about 9:45am from the beach at Paihia and started to paddle. We decided to go to Russell which was just over the water. Russell was the first place the Europeans settled in New Zealand and promptly turned it into anyone full of brothels and booze. Now, its quite different; a quaint place full of 19th century buildings and lots of culture. Not a brothel in sight! Reason number 3 why I love the Kiwis; Nick bought me food. We sat outside a cafe looking out at the sea dotted with boats drinking a latte and eating the best nachos ever and a smoked salmon bagel. It would appear that food over here is always as fresh as can be and wonderfully cooked with the best ingredients. On the kayak back we talked about British food a lot  and comparing chippies and he couldn't understand why people would have mushy peas and gravy together on the same plate. I found this hilarious but he was genuinely baffled. We stopped talking about food for long enough to jump out and have a swim.  Even though the water was quite cold it was refreshing and beautifully clear.
I could definitely get used to the way of life over here.
Unfortunately I'm back in Auckland for a night now but am off to Hot Water Beach tomorrow which is on the Coromandel Peninsula. These first few days have flown by; I've met some fantastic people and had the best few days. Its a full bus tomorrow so hopefully everyone will be lovely.
I'm really hoping that I tan soon as its far too obvious that I'm British due to white with patches of red sunburnt skin.

Xxx

P.S sorry the pictures are in no order, can't organise them properly on this thing! The picture of 4 is Barry and some others from the bus, there's one which shows the lighthouse at Cape Reinga, the one looking down over the beach is where the dolphins were, the other beach picture was of Paihia this morning and I hope you can guess the other ones

Days 1&2 - Auckland

Helloooo! I decided to do this blog to let friends and family know what I get up to while I'm away, so thanks for reading :)
Things didn't start off very well, firstly my flight was delayed due to a security scare at Manchester's terminal 1. Secondly, the seats in were given were aisle seats and I absolutely could not get comfy, especially not when people were brushing past and nudging my feet/legs/arms. It was a very very long 28 hour journey. Having said this the food on the plane was actually really nice so well done Emirates. Last but by no means least, there was some MAJOR airport drama.  I was waiting for my luggage to come out on the moving belt when it stopped moving.  I just thought something had jammed in it but was then informed that it was because all of the luggage was out. "It can't all be out cos I've not got my nackpack " I said to the Emirates lady.  I had a look at all the luggage that was left and it definitely was not there.  By the time I made it to the baggage desk I'd got quite flustered and worked up. Someone had definitely have taken it. To cut a long story short, some European lady had picked it up thinking it was hers.  Apparently they looked the same. They didn't. Mine was grey hers was black and also alot more full than hers. Something positive did come out of it though; I'd ended up in such a state that Emirates gave me a complimentary spending card with 62 NZ dollars loaded onto it. So if I have learnt anything it is that if you want something for free you'll probably get it if you cry.
Anywayyyyyy, I'm not a big fan of Auckland up to now.  Its pretty boring.  It would seem that people are only really here because they have to be whether its for a job or whatever.  After a bit of a kip I headed out to explore the city.  Its relatively small but also quite busy.  Its full of shops and everywhere you look there's a food place offering Sushi.  The weather isn't great right now either as its overcast but also quite humid. The one thing I do like about Auckland is that its very considerate to its pedestrians. I was about to walk past an exit for a car park when I suddenly heard a buzzer and just in front of me was a flashing red sign saying "CAR COMING".  Also at traffic lights there's a count down showing how long left you have to cross which is cute.
I can't write much more as I'm unbelievably jet lagged and can hardly keep my eyes open. Sorry this has been a terribly boring first post with no antics! I'm leaving for the Bay of islands tomorrow which should be fab. Hopefully I'll meet a lot of people on the bus.  Unfortunately it leaves at 7:10am :(
Need to catch some zzz's as I've clearly lost my ability to write
Xxx