As the Canadian crew and I greeted a much awaited term break, we packed our things and headed North to explore the other wonders that New Zealand has to offer.
Our first stop brought us to the beautiful Abel Tasmen National Park, one of the most serene and peaceful places in this country. We unloaded our packs at "The Barn", a friendly backpackers located just minutes away from the park entrance. Our first two nights there, we slept in traditional North American Style in a large Tipi that smelt...like wet camping clothes. The experience was really cool, and, at the demand of Larissa and Shannon, would fall asleep playing "Name that Movie Quote"--FOR POINTS!! Shannon: Winner gets to make the others do whatever she wants...guess who won?!!
After our first two rustic sleeps we were happy to move to the "Seaview House", a lovely cabin complete with fireplace and tons of windows. This was a welcomed move, especially after the completion of a 26km tramp (hike) which left all of us with less than a desire to move (I am still recuperating from massive blisters and a death-by-sandfly curse that has seemed to follow me around the South and North Island for the entirety of the trip to date)!
The tramp, although long, was an amazing experience. For a long time I felt that I was thrown back two years, with scenery as beautiful as the golden sands found in Thailand capturing all of my gaze.
In the first couple of days at Abel Tasman we were also able to go Kayaking with a great guide named Ali. We took our boats all around the shore stopping at various golden beaches to enjoy a great lunch and the terrific view. There was nothing greater than being on the open ocean looking towards a land so diverse and bold as New Zealand.
Next stop: Wellington. We said our farewells to the friendly staff at "The Barn" and caught a very windy, and somewhat cramped, bus to the ferry terminal in Picton four hours away. The Inter-Islander, that was to take us across the Cook Straight to Wellington, was absolutely massive, with 9 floors and two cinemas. Thank goodness that the ride wasn't too rocky, as I have forgotten my seasickness pills back in Christchurch, along with Tod.d, and after some great coffee, journal writing, and lots of music, we arrived safe and sound in Wellington.
The city took me by alarm, as I seem to have forgot what it is like to be amongst large office buildings, and a downtown core. Wellington, minus the coast and array of boats, reminds me a lot of Calgary. The atmosphere is semi-arty and there is a lot to see and do.
Once we stepped foot off the ferry, we were able to get our rental car, which can barely fit my left foot, let alone four university students and accompanying luggage! After much probing and prodding, we managed to get all the gear, and people, in safely, and made our way to "The Downtown Backpackers". Now, coming from "The Barn" with friendly staff and a great atmosphere, perhaps our expectations were too high, because this place is a total dump. That may be a bit too harsh, but the industrial kitchen with four sinks, and no fridge, as well as the sketchy surroundings and unfriendly staff really have me missing Abel Tasman. Who though a dorm room would need an industrial kitchen but fail to put in a fridge? At least we have running water!
Today we spent a rainy morning and afternoon trying to park the car for the cheapest price, and enjoying the National Museum. The place was absolutely massive, and had an incredible amount of information. The entire museum had 6 levels with an outside environmental area and even simulation rides!! I could have (well I guess I did) spend hours looking around at everything, and still be able to go back again and see entirely different stuff. There is no way that anyone would be capable of taking in all of the information presented, but for what you could absorb in one visit, it was really worth the while. The center reminded me a lot of the Science Center in London, and was really accessible for both adults and children. I was also able to take some great photos which I will upload upon arrival back home in Christchurch.
Tomorrow we are headed to Lake Taupo and then to Rotarua to go zorbing (going down a hill in a massive Hamster like ball filled halfway with water), I can't wait! After Rotarua we are heading further north to Waitomo (to see glowworms make their home in deep caves), The Coramandel Peninsula, 90 Mile Beach and then with a final stop in Auckland before flying home again. This two week trip definitely isn't long enough to see all that we want, but we are most definitely making the best use of our time!
New Zealand is starting to look better and better as a place to eventually settle!
Our first stop brought us to the beautiful Abel Tasmen National Park, one of the most serene and peaceful places in this country. We unloaded our packs at "The Barn", a friendly backpackers located just minutes away from the park entrance. Our first two nights there, we slept in traditional North American Style in a large Tipi that smelt...like wet camping clothes. The experience was really cool, and, at the demand of Larissa and Shannon, would fall asleep playing "Name that Movie Quote"--FOR POINTS!! Shannon: Winner gets to make the others do whatever she wants...guess who won?!!
After our first two rustic sleeps we were happy to move to the "Seaview House", a lovely cabin complete with fireplace and tons of windows. This was a welcomed move, especially after the completion of a 26km tramp (hike) which left all of us with less than a desire to move (I am still recuperating from massive blisters and a death-by-sandfly curse that has seemed to follow me around the South and North Island for the entirety of the trip to date)!
The tramp, although long, was an amazing experience. For a long time I felt that I was thrown back two years, with scenery as beautiful as the golden sands found in Thailand capturing all of my gaze.
In the first couple of days at Abel Tasman we were also able to go Kayaking with a great guide named Ali. We took our boats all around the shore stopping at various golden beaches to enjoy a great lunch and the terrific view. There was nothing greater than being on the open ocean looking towards a land so diverse and bold as New Zealand.
Next stop: Wellington. We said our farewells to the friendly staff at "The Barn" and caught a very windy, and somewhat cramped, bus to the ferry terminal in Picton four hours away. The Inter-Islander, that was to take us across the Cook Straight to Wellington, was absolutely massive, with 9 floors and two cinemas. Thank goodness that the ride wasn't too rocky, as I have forgotten my seasickness pills back in Christchurch, along with Tod.d, and after some great coffee, journal writing, and lots of music, we arrived safe and sound in Wellington.
The city took me by alarm, as I seem to have forgot what it is like to be amongst large office buildings, and a downtown core. Wellington, minus the coast and array of boats, reminds me a lot of Calgary. The atmosphere is semi-arty and there is a lot to see and do.
Once we stepped foot off the ferry, we were able to get our rental car, which can barely fit my left foot, let alone four university students and accompanying luggage! After much probing and prodding, we managed to get all the gear, and people, in safely, and made our way to "The Downtown Backpackers". Now, coming from "The Barn" with friendly staff and a great atmosphere, perhaps our expectations were too high, because this place is a total dump. That may be a bit too harsh, but the industrial kitchen with four sinks, and no fridge, as well as the sketchy surroundings and unfriendly staff really have me missing Abel Tasman. Who though a dorm room would need an industrial kitchen but fail to put in a fridge? At least we have running water!
Today we spent a rainy morning and afternoon trying to park the car for the cheapest price, and enjoying the National Museum. The place was absolutely massive, and had an incredible amount of information. The entire museum had 6 levels with an outside environmental area and even simulation rides!! I could have (well I guess I did) spend hours looking around at everything, and still be able to go back again and see entirely different stuff. There is no way that anyone would be capable of taking in all of the information presented, but for what you could absorb in one visit, it was really worth the while. The center reminded me a lot of the Science Center in London, and was really accessible for both adults and children. I was also able to take some great photos which I will upload upon arrival back home in Christchurch.Tomorrow we are headed to Lake Taupo and then to Rotarua to go zorbing (going down a hill in a massive Hamster like ball filled halfway with water), I can't wait! After Rotarua we are heading further north to Waitomo (to see glowworms make their home in deep caves), The Coramandel Peninsula, 90 Mile Beach and then with a final stop in Auckland before flying home again. This two week trip definitely isn't long enough to see all that we want, but we are most definitely making the best use of our time!
New Zealand is starting to look better and better as a place to eventually settle!
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