December 3, 2010
Today we did the coast-to-coast Eco tour. What is this all about, you might ask. Well, let me explain the whole day to you. Stu and Donna run this tour and Stu is the driver of the van who picked us up at our hotel this morning at 9:30. It was us and an older couple who were originally from new York and had just gotten off a 20 day cruise, Mike and Barb. They were great fun and reminded me of my aunt and uncle.
Our first stop was at the aritaki visitor center, which is basically an introduction to the waiteke range, which is a sub-tropical rainforest. We learned about some plants and maori culture.
Next was a stop at craftworld, which was a great store that sold nothing but new Zealand made products. I was very happy in that store...
Then, we stopped at a wine cellar and did a little wine tasting (not quite as good as the wine down on the south island was, but still good).
Next, it was lunch time at the honey shop. After we ordered our lunch we got to taste some amazing new Zealand honey. Lunch was great!
Next stop was to see the gannet colony (cool birds that only live in a few places) who live on the cliffs by this beautiful beach. The scenery reminded me of the south island.
Finally, we got to Stu and Donna's farm, where Donna was waiting and took over the tour from there. Being part Maori, she gave us a history lesson and gave us a tour of their house to see how many people on NZ live. Then we went outside to the farm to meet and feed some sheep and to learn about the sheep farming industry, along with learning about different plants and trees ( they also plant a treet every tour to offset any carbon footprint). They also had many other animals as pets, including birds and guinea pigs. Then we got to feed the little orphaned lambs their milk in a bottle. I got to feed Pinky, whom I had been following his progress on facebook. They were very cute. We also found out that sheep don't say "baaaaa", they actually say "maaaaa".
Once we saw the outside farm, Donna took us back in the house, where we had a little tasting of some new Zealand foods, along with coffee or tea.
Afterwards, Stu drove us back to the city. It was a great day out.
When we got back to out hotel, we walked down to the waterfront and had some dinner. Then, we went to the sky city complex for a little slot machine action for me. I played for ten minutes, won 150 bucks, then quit. We went up the sky tower after that...
-- Post From My iPad
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The biggest challenge yet
December 2, 2010
Today we did our most challenging thing ever. It even wore me out. We went canyoning, which is jumping, sliding and abseiling down waterfalls, on top of the long ass hike there and back up some big mountains carrying heavy backpacks.
Pictures and more to come....
-- Post From My iPad
Today we did our most challenging thing ever. It even wore me out. We went canyoning, which is jumping, sliding and abseiling down waterfalls, on top of the long ass hike there and back up some big mountains carrying heavy backpacks.
Pictures and more to come....
-- Post From My iPad
Back to the big city
December 1, 2010
We left Rotorua early this morning to drive back to Taupo at the airport where we were scheduled to fly to Auckland at 9am. Our flight was in one of those tiny planes again...
We got to Auckland before 10am and even with the taxi ride, we got to our hotel in the city centre before 11am, which was too early to check in. So we dropped our bags and walked around the city for a few hours.
We did a dinner cruise with the pride of auckland, which was really fun. We sat with a lady from
The UK who was travelling alone and a guy from Virginia, who was also travelling alone.
-- Post From My iPad
We left Rotorua early this morning to drive back to Taupo at the airport where we were scheduled to fly to Auckland at 9am. Our flight was in one of those tiny planes again...
We got to Auckland before 10am and even with the taxi ride, we got to our hotel in the city centre before 11am, which was too early to check in. So we dropped our bags and walked around the city for a few hours.
We did a dinner cruise with the pride of auckland, which was really fun. We sat with a lady from
The UK who was travelling alone and a guy from Virginia, who was also travelling alone.
-- Post From My iPad
Veering off course
Today started with a few decisions to make: what should we do?
We wound up visiting the rainbow springs birdlife park, which was very nice. As soon as we entered, a bunch of ducklings ran after us, knowing that we had bags of fish food which they loved to eat. They were so friendly. I want a pet duck...
After that, we repeated one of our Queenstown favourite activities into overkill; the luge. We took the gondola up the mountain and rode the luge five times...very fun!
Back into town, we walked to the Polynesian spa (more thermal pools) for yet another soak in sulphur water. You'd think we were all soaked out, but in our favourite over-doing it way, we did another short soak after dinner in our hotel's own private pools...my skin is soft...haha.
Above: rotorua museum
Next: Auckland, the final frontier...
November 30, 2010
-- Post From My iPad
We wound up visiting the rainbow springs birdlife park, which was very nice. As soon as we entered, a bunch of ducklings ran after us, knowing that we had bags of fish food which they loved to eat. They were so friendly. I want a pet duck...
After that, we repeated one of our Queenstown favourite activities into overkill; the luge. We took the gondola up the mountain and rode the luge five times...very fun!
Back into town, we walked to the Polynesian spa (more thermal pools) for yet another soak in sulphur water. You'd think we were all soaked out, but in our favourite over-doing it way, we did another short soak after dinner in our hotel's own private pools...my skin is soft...haha.
Above: rotorua museum
Next: Auckland, the final frontier...
November 30, 2010
-- Post From My iPad
The road to Rotorua
November 28, 2010
The day started with another kayaking trip, this time on lake Taupo to see the Maori carvings. It was a nice calm paddle on the water and at our break stop, I got to feed a couple of ducks that our guide, Andy, had tamed over two years. They were so cute.
Afterwards, we got into the car to head towards Rotorua, which was where we were going to stay for the next two nights, stopping at two places along the way of the hour and a half drive.
First stop was wai-o tapu thermal park, which is an attraction built around the thermal activity from this area. The pungent sulphur smell is overwhelming at first but the sight of all the volcanic craters is amazing.
Next stop was Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, for another soak in natural hot springs. These ones were taken right from the hot creek and cooled down through their special cooling system.
After our soak, we made our way into Rotorua, then checked in to our hotel. I went down to the pool and had a little swim and then we went for dinner.
Next: wandering the area
-- Post From My iPad
The day started with another kayaking trip, this time on lake Taupo to see the Maori carvings. It was a nice calm paddle on the water and at our break stop, I got to feed a couple of ducks that our guide, Andy, had tamed over two years. They were so cute.
Afterwards, we got into the car to head towards Rotorua, which was where we were going to stay for the next two nights, stopping at two places along the way of the hour and a half drive.
First stop was wai-o tapu thermal park, which is an attraction built around the thermal activity from this area. The pungent sulphur smell is overwhelming at first but the sight of all the volcanic craters is amazing.
Next stop was Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, for another soak in natural hot springs. These ones were taken right from the hot creek and cooled down through their special cooling system.
After our soak, we made our way into Rotorua, then checked in to our hotel. I went down to the pool and had a little swim and then we went for dinner.
Next: wandering the area
-- Post From My iPad
Taupo and more jet boating
November 28, 2010
We left Wellington late in the morning for an hour flight to Taupo. Our plane was even smaller than the last one we took. It was really cool to be able to see out of the cockpit. The Taupo airport was one small building and the representative from Hertz was at the desk just for us. Our motel is ten minutes from the airport and we have a spa pool in our living room. Apparently, that is a big thing here with accommodations and I can't wait to use it later tonight.
A little while ago, we drove up the waikito river to do a rapids jetboat ride...very fun. Tonight we are gonna just do laundry and lay low...
Next: rotorua...not really sure what we will do...
-- Post From My iPad
We left Wellington late in the morning for an hour flight to Taupo. Our plane was even smaller than the last one we took. It was really cool to be able to see out of the cockpit. The Taupo airport was one small building and the representative from Hertz was at the desk just for us. Our motel is ten minutes from the airport and we have a spa pool in our living room. Apparently, that is a big thing here with accommodations and I can't wait to use it later tonight.
A little while ago, we drove up the waikito river to do a rapids jetboat ride...very fun. Tonight we are gonna just do laundry and lay low...
Next: rotorua...not really sure what we will do...
-- Post From My iPad
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Matiu somes
November 27, 2010
A day spent in the city of Wellington, we did a half day tour of matiu somes island out in the Wellington harbour. It's a bird sanctuary that was given back to the Maori people a few years ago. It also used to be an animal quarantine and a human quarantine. We learned some interesting history.
This afternoon, I went for a 90 minute massage, which contrary to the one in Queenstown a week and a half earlier, it was just about the best I have ever had (apart from yours, Steph... :)). It was one helluva walk up a huge hill and confusing streets to find the place (Jason wound up going back to the hotel) but well worth it.
Tonight, we went to the theatre and saw a horrible play called "Robin hood the pantomime". I guess we are just spoiled by living in the city with the best theatre in the world...
Next up: taupo and hiking
-- Post From My iPad
A day spent in the city of Wellington, we did a half day tour of matiu somes island out in the Wellington harbour. It's a bird sanctuary that was given back to the Maori people a few years ago. It also used to be an animal quarantine and a human quarantine. We learned some interesting history.
This afternoon, I went for a 90 minute massage, which contrary to the one in Queenstown a week and a half earlier, it was just about the best I have ever had (apart from yours, Steph... :)). It was one helluva walk up a huge hill and confusing streets to find the place (Jason wound up going back to the hotel) but well worth it.
Tonight, we went to the theatre and saw a horrible play called "Robin hood the pantomime". I guess we are just spoiled by living in the city with the best theatre in the world...
Next up: taupo and hiking
-- Post From My iPad
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Dolphins
November 25, 2010
Today I swam with wild dolphins. Jason didn't want to so he just viewed them. We boarded the dolphin Eco tours boat at 9am in Picton, which is half an hour away from where we were staying. Leaving the dock in the Marlborough sounds, we spotted a pod in about ten minutes. We were given specific instructions and were told to get in the water and make humming noises. They swam so fast. I caught a glimpse of one really close under me as it swam past. I tried to get a picture but it swam so fast...
The law only allows for four times in the water, so after that we took off our wetsuits and just watched them from the boat. There was actually four pods and even better views from the boat. Some of them playfully followed the boat, jumping in the waves we made. A couple other ones swam in front of us. I have never seen so many dolphins in my life! It was amazing to see them in their own environment where they belong!
After the tour, which lasted a couple of hours, we had lunch and walked around the cute little town of Picton, which is where the interisland ferry launches from to take people and cars over to Wellington on the north island.
Afterwards, we drove back to our accommodations and went swimming. Then, we went to dinner. This was out last day on the south island...
Next: Wellington and the north island
-- Post From My iPad
Today I swam with wild dolphins. Jason didn't want to so he just viewed them. We boarded the dolphin Eco tours boat at 9am in Picton, which is half an hour away from where we were staying. Leaving the dock in the Marlborough sounds, we spotted a pod in about ten minutes. We were given specific instructions and were told to get in the water and make humming noises. They swam so fast. I caught a glimpse of one really close under me as it swam past. I tried to get a picture but it swam so fast...
The law only allows for four times in the water, so after that we took off our wetsuits and just watched them from the boat. There was actually four pods and even better views from the boat. Some of them playfully followed the boat, jumping in the waves we made. A couple other ones swam in front of us. I have never seen so many dolphins in my life! It was amazing to see them in their own environment where they belong!
After the tour, which lasted a couple of hours, we had lunch and walked around the cute little town of Picton, which is where the interisland ferry launches from to take people and cars over to Wellington on the north island.
Afterwards, we drove back to our accommodations and went swimming. Then, we went to dinner. This was out last day on the south island...
Next: Wellington and the north island
-- Post From My iPad
Wellington
November 26, 2010
We woke up and left the vineyard for our flight late morning. After dropping off the car, we waited at the Blenheim airport for an hour and a half for our quick 25 minute commuter flight to the north island: the city of Wellington. The plane sat about 19 people, with an open cockpit. It was a new experience flying on such a small plane that you could see out the front where the pilots were.
When we got to our accommodations, it was only noon, so we left our bags at the front desk and went to explore the city. Cuba street is the big area for restaurants and shopping so we ate there, then visited the te papa museum, which is the biggest and best museum in New Zealand. The next stop was the cable car, which we rode up to the top of the hill, had a look around and then took it down. Now we can say that we've seen the sights in this city. I almost feel like I am back in a smaller version of NYC. It's definitely not
my favourite part of New Zealand by far. Our apartment is really nice, new and modern, though...but no laundry facilities and we need to wash clothes...
Next up: matiu somes island tour, another massage and a play
-- Post From My iPad
We woke up and left the vineyard for our flight late morning. After dropping off the car, we waited at the Blenheim airport for an hour and a half for our quick 25 minute commuter flight to the north island: the city of Wellington. The plane sat about 19 people, with an open cockpit. It was a new experience flying on such a small plane that you could see out the front where the pilots were.
When we got to our accommodations, it was only noon, so we left our bags at the front desk and went to explore the city. Cuba street is the big area for restaurants and shopping so we ate there, then visited the te papa museum, which is the biggest and best museum in New Zealand. The next stop was the cable car, which we rode up to the top of the hill, had a look around and then took it down. Now we can say that we've seen the sights in this city. I almost feel like I am back in a smaller version of NYC. It's definitely not
my favourite part of New Zealand by far. Our apartment is really nice, new and modern, though...but no laundry facilities and we need to wash clothes...
Next up: matiu somes island tour, another massage and a play
-- Post From My iPad
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
High thrills and vineyards
November 24, 2010
We checked out of our hotel near Nelson fairly early, heading towards the centre of Nelson for a quick breakfast. Parking in the centre of town, we found a little bakery cafe for capuccino and a bagel.
Since we were early, we had time to stop at Happy Valley Adventures for the skywire ride, which is a giant zipline high up in the mountains. It wasn't scary at all, but nice, zipping high through the valley and then backwards.
Then, it was on to Blenheim, right in the heart of New Zealand's wine country, where we started off doing a wine tasting tour on bikes. We were fitted for bikes and gear, then given a map of wineries and a little info about them, then we were off on our own. Riding alongside the gravelly road where cars are speeding past you was not the best experience, though once getting to each winery, it was worth it. We stopped at three wineries and it was unanimous between us two that the Sauvignon blanc 2009 and the rieslings were the the best everywhere. At Highfield winery, we had a cheese platter, while sitting outside, where there was a beautiful view of the vineyards.
Having had enough of the street riding, we came back early, dropped our bikes off and went to our accommodations, which is on a vineyard. Our cottage is called "the stables" and is very nice.
For dinner, we drove into town and ate at a great place called "scotch". Then we walked around the town and down by the river. It was only 7 o'clock and everything was closed. Living in New York, it's hard to imagine places actually closing early....
Next up: swimming with dolphins
-- Post From My iPad
We checked out of our hotel near Nelson fairly early, heading towards the centre of Nelson for a quick breakfast. Parking in the centre of town, we found a little bakery cafe for capuccino and a bagel.
Since we were early, we had time to stop at Happy Valley Adventures for the skywire ride, which is a giant zipline high up in the mountains. It wasn't scary at all, but nice, zipping high through the valley and then backwards.
Then, it was on to Blenheim, right in the heart of New Zealand's wine country, where we started off doing a wine tasting tour on bikes. We were fitted for bikes and gear, then given a map of wineries and a little info about them, then we were off on our own. Riding alongside the gravelly road where cars are speeding past you was not the best experience, though once getting to each winery, it was worth it. We stopped at three wineries and it was unanimous between us two that the Sauvignon blanc 2009 and the rieslings were the the best everywhere. At Highfield winery, we had a cheese platter, while sitting outside, where there was a beautiful view of the vineyards.
Having had enough of the street riding, we came back early, dropped our bikes off and went to our accommodations, which is on a vineyard. Our cottage is called "the stables" and is very nice.
For dinner, we drove into town and ate at a great place called "scotch". Then we walked around the town and down by the river. It was only 7 o'clock and everything was closed. Living in New York, it's hard to imagine places actually closing early....
Next up: swimming with dolphins
-- Post From My iPad
Abel Tasman: sea, air and land
November 23, 2010
Driving to Abel Tasman park, we almost got lost. Our GPS system wasn't working very well and was telling us to turn around even though we realized later on that we were going the right way. We were totally late for our sea kayaking trip and I was starting to get stressed out. When we found a phone booth, I called and everything was fine.
When we got there, they gave us all of our gear and our guide, Hannah, got us all ready. Then we were off, paddling the sea in double kayaks. Jason and I were arguing at first because coordinating a kayak with another person was a little harder than it seemed, but after a little while, we got the hang of it and got into the groove (sounds like a Madonna song..haha).
We paddled for a couple of hours, then stopped at a sheltered beach for lunch. After lunch, the water taxi picked us up to go further up the coast (Abel tasman park is all on the coast so you have to take water taxis to go further). Once at bark bay, we were dropped off for a couple of hours so we could hike the trails around the mountains. The path we took was supposed to take two and a half hours, but being new yorkers, we finish it in just over an hour and a half, without rushing.
The water taxi picked us up afterwards, where we had to walk pretty far into the beach because it was low tide, so the water had receded very far out. I had never seen anything like it. When we got back to the town of marahau, where we had started, the tide was so low that they got a tractor to tow the boat back to the base. It was a first time for me riding a boat on the road, on the back of a trailer pulled by a tractor...haha.
Once back, I had to call Tasman sky adventures to make sure that we were all good for my microlite scenic flight. All was good, so we got in the car and drove to motueka, which was a 20 minute drive back. I didn't have time to be nervous about doing something that I had always wanted to do...
We arrived at their hangar, which was at the motueka airport. Trevor, the owner, and Mitch, my pilot, greeted us. They were very personable and made the experience that much more enjoyable. I was outfitted with a flying suit, gloves and a helmet with a microphone attached, so I could talk with Mitch while we were flying. My camera was hooked onto me and they pulled the machine out. I got in first and then Mitch got in the seat in front of me. Then we were off. Mitch talked to me the whole way. It was such an unbelievable experience...we flew over a little of Abel Tasman park (he was trying to find a stingray or seals to show me, since we hadn't seen any in the park).
(pictures to come)
We landed on a strip of grass right next to the runway (they don't ever land the microlites on the runway). I couldn't believe that I actually did it. It made my year...
Next, we had dinner in the town of Motueka at "the gothic", which is a restaurant in a converted old church. Jason had fish and chips and I had the most amazing tofu steak. Then, we headed back to the hotel.
Next: wine tour
-- Post From My iPad
Driving to Abel Tasman park, we almost got lost. Our GPS system wasn't working very well and was telling us to turn around even though we realized later on that we were going the right way. We were totally late for our sea kayaking trip and I was starting to get stressed out. When we found a phone booth, I called and everything was fine.
When we got there, they gave us all of our gear and our guide, Hannah, got us all ready. Then we were off, paddling the sea in double kayaks. Jason and I were arguing at first because coordinating a kayak with another person was a little harder than it seemed, but after a little while, we got the hang of it and got into the groove (sounds like a Madonna song..haha).
We paddled for a couple of hours, then stopped at a sheltered beach for lunch. After lunch, the water taxi picked us up to go further up the coast (Abel tasman park is all on the coast so you have to take water taxis to go further). Once at bark bay, we were dropped off for a couple of hours so we could hike the trails around the mountains. The path we took was supposed to take two and a half hours, but being new yorkers, we finish it in just over an hour and a half, without rushing.
The water taxi picked us up afterwards, where we had to walk pretty far into the beach because it was low tide, so the water had receded very far out. I had never seen anything like it. When we got back to the town of marahau, where we had started, the tide was so low that they got a tractor to tow the boat back to the base. It was a first time for me riding a boat on the road, on the back of a trailer pulled by a tractor...haha.
Once back, I had to call Tasman sky adventures to make sure that we were all good for my microlite scenic flight. All was good, so we got in the car and drove to motueka, which was a 20 minute drive back. I didn't have time to be nervous about doing something that I had always wanted to do...
We arrived at their hangar, which was at the motueka airport. Trevor, the owner, and Mitch, my pilot, greeted us. They were very personable and made the experience that much more enjoyable. I was outfitted with a flying suit, gloves and a helmet with a microphone attached, so I could talk with Mitch while we were flying. My camera was hooked onto me and they pulled the machine out. I got in first and then Mitch got in the seat in front of me. Then we were off. Mitch talked to me the whole way. It was such an unbelievable experience...we flew over a little of Abel Tasman park (he was trying to find a stingray or seals to show me, since we hadn't seen any in the park).
(pictures to come)
We landed on a strip of grass right next to the runway (they don't ever land the microlites on the runway). I couldn't believe that I actually did it. It made my year...
Next, we had dinner in the town of Motueka at "the gothic", which is a restaurant in a converted old church. Jason had fish and chips and I had the most amazing tofu steak. Then, we headed back to the hotel.
Next: wine tour
-- Post From My iPad
Caves, tubes and winding roads
November 22, 2010
We woke up early again to get on the road to be at the caving office by 8:30am. It was in a small town named Charleston. There was only three of us going on the underground rafting tour so it was a very personalized experience. There were a few other people with us on the van and then the little rainforest train (which takes us close to the cave entrance) but they were just going to see the gloworms.
After riding the train, we got off and walked a short path over to an open area of the forest where we got dressed up In all of our wetsuit gear. Then we were off to the cave, stopping once to grab our inner tubes. It was about 130 steps up to the cave entrance. Once up, we had a short discussion about the cave system (it was only discovered in the sixties) and then proceeded down into the cave. There were various stops to see stalactites and stalagmites one the way down. We even got a chance to drink some fresh cave water...
Once all the way down, we reached the water. Our guide, Louise, linked us all together on our inner tubes and floating us backwards down the river. All of the torch lights were turned out and we stared up in the pitch blackness to see all of the gloworms. It was a truly amazing sight to see...
As we flowed out near the sunlight, we got out for a minute for a few pictures, then got back in the tubes and flowed down the outside river, over a few small rapids and down to where we started. Once back to the start, we changed, got back on the train and were headed back to the office. What an awesome experience!
We got back in the car and drove to Nelson, our next stop for the next two days. Along the way, we stopped to see a seal colony and then for an iced coffee in the small town of westport.
Dinner was at a nice restaurant in our hotel, the orangerie.
Next up: Abel Tasman park kayaking and my microlite flight...
-- Post From My iPad
We woke up early again to get on the road to be at the caving office by 8:30am. It was in a small town named Charleston. There was only three of us going on the underground rafting tour so it was a very personalized experience. There were a few other people with us on the van and then the little rainforest train (which takes us close to the cave entrance) but they were just going to see the gloworms.
After riding the train, we got off and walked a short path over to an open area of the forest where we got dressed up In all of our wetsuit gear. Then we were off to the cave, stopping once to grab our inner tubes. It was about 130 steps up to the cave entrance. Once up, we had a short discussion about the cave system (it was only discovered in the sixties) and then proceeded down into the cave. There were various stops to see stalactites and stalagmites one the way down. We even got a chance to drink some fresh cave water...
Once all the way down, we reached the water. Our guide, Louise, linked us all together on our inner tubes and floating us backwards down the river. All of the torch lights were turned out and we stared up in the pitch blackness to see all of the gloworms. It was a truly amazing sight to see...
As we flowed out near the sunlight, we got out for a minute for a few pictures, then got back in the tubes and flowed down the outside river, over a few small rapids and down to where we started. Once back to the start, we changed, got back on the train and were headed back to the office. What an awesome experience!
We got back in the car and drove to Nelson, our next stop for the next two days. Along the way, we stopped to see a seal colony and then for an iced coffee in the small town of westport.
Dinner was at a nice restaurant in our hotel, the orangerie.
Next up: Abel Tasman park kayaking and my microlite flight...
-- Post From My iPad
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Glacier hike and moving on
November 21, 2010
We woke up early before our hike, which was at 8:45am, thinking that the little village of franz Josef would be hopping early since everyone comes here to hike the glacier, but when we went out walking at 7, it was like a ghost town so we went back to the "hut".
At nine, we got ready for our hike. Once the guides told us what to do, we got all of our gear and were off to the glacier. From the car park, it was an hour walk across the valley to actually get to it. Once at the beginning of the ice, we put on our crampons (spiked boot covers for walking on ice) and headed up the glacier. It was out of this world walking on all of that ice. I learned a new term, too: "goat walking". It means walking up a hill zig zagging like a goat...I love it!
The whole hike was four hours and afterwards, we got back on the road to drive three hours to punakaiki, which is probably the most scenic coastline in new Zealand.
Dinner was at the punankaiki resort. The restaurant is right on the beach and we walked on the beach afterwards...and then went to see the pancake rocks (the main reason for stopping in this area). Stay tuned for pictures...
Next up tomorrow...underworld cave rafting
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPad
We woke up early before our hike, which was at 8:45am, thinking that the little village of franz Josef would be hopping early since everyone comes here to hike the glacier, but when we went out walking at 7, it was like a ghost town so we went back to the "hut".
At nine, we got ready for our hike. Once the guides told us what to do, we got all of our gear and were off to the glacier. From the car park, it was an hour walk across the valley to actually get to it. Once at the beginning of the ice, we put on our crampons (spiked boot covers for walking on ice) and headed up the glacier. It was out of this world walking on all of that ice. I learned a new term, too: "goat walking". It means walking up a hill zig zagging like a goat...I love it!
The whole hike was four hours and afterwards, we got back on the road to drive three hours to punakaiki, which is probably the most scenic coastline in new Zealand.
Dinner was at the punankaiki resort. The restaurant is right on the beach and we walked on the beach afterwards...and then went to see the pancake rocks (the main reason for stopping in this area). Stay tuned for pictures...
Next up tomorrow...underworld cave rafting
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPad
Saturday, November 20, 2010
To the glacier country
November 20, 2010
We left queenstown this morning just after 9am. We picked up the car at the apex car rentals office in town and after a few minutes of explanation about new Zealand driving, we set the gps system and were off for franz Josef glacier. The five hour drive was about the most scenic drive that I have ever taken. It started out with rolling hillsides and sheep farms, then up into a giant mountaintop, then into beautiful rainforests and spilling out to the ocean, then back up into the rainforest mountains to glacier country.
We arrived at franz Josef village in the afternoon and checked into our tree hut. Then we had dinner at their restaurant, which was amazing. We checked out the village and the stores, then made a booking for the glacier hot pools later at night.
Our 45 minute private hot pool was amazing. Situated right in the rainforest, the hot pools' water is taken right from the glacier itself. Bathing in this water is incredibly relaxing. Jason, who was apprehensive about the hot pools last night, is now addicted...
Afterwards, we went back to our "hut" and now it's time for bed, as tomorrow is an early day...
Next up: glacier hike
-- Post From My iPad
Friday, November 19, 2010
Say goodbye to Queenstown
November 19, 2010
Our last day in queenstown was spent doing a bunch of fun stuff. We woke up fairly early and had breakfast at a cool little restaurant. I had pancakes with grilled banana and the best maple syrup that I have ever had. Then it was off for to the spa for a massage and a half hour in the floatation tank. Floating inside that tank was an unreal experience. I don't know if it really served it's purpose for me but it was cool nonetheless. The massage, on the other hand, was a big disappointment. I won't get in to the logistics of it, but it left much to be desired. Jason signed up for the floatation tank but didn't like it.
Afterwards, we had to come back to the hotel because I needed to shower again (my fourth one of the day already!). I had Epsom salt all in my ears from the float tank and excessive oil all over me from the massage where I was drowned in lotion.
Next, we headed up to the gondola that takes you all the way up this huge mountain, which I believe, is called coronet peak. At the top, there is a restaurant with amazing views and luges that you race down a track. Some of the other crazy activities launch from up there, too, like a bungy jump and paragliding (which I hope to try someday soon but there isn't enough time now). The top of the mountain is also the starting point for the ziptrek tour, which is what we were about to do...
High up in a treehouse starts the 4 zipline tour and it's amazing fun zipping through the trees way up at the top of the mountain. Since it's an Eco-tour, we also learned about sustainability.
After ziplining, we took the ski lift up even further up the mountain and did a couple of runs on the luge.
Then, we came back down on the gondola and had dinner before we were picked up for a relaxing private hot pool soak overlooking the shotover river...an awesome end to a great day!
Tomorrow, we start our drive....
-- Post From My iPad
Our last day in queenstown was spent doing a bunch of fun stuff. We woke up fairly early and had breakfast at a cool little restaurant. I had pancakes with grilled banana and the best maple syrup that I have ever had. Then it was off for to the spa for a massage and a half hour in the floatation tank. Floating inside that tank was an unreal experience. I don't know if it really served it's purpose for me but it was cool nonetheless. The massage, on the other hand, was a big disappointment. I won't get in to the logistics of it, but it left much to be desired. Jason signed up for the floatation tank but didn't like it.
Afterwards, we had to come back to the hotel because I needed to shower again (my fourth one of the day already!). I had Epsom salt all in my ears from the float tank and excessive oil all over me from the massage where I was drowned in lotion.
Next, we headed up to the gondola that takes you all the way up this huge mountain, which I believe, is called coronet peak. At the top, there is a restaurant with amazing views and luges that you race down a track. Some of the other crazy activities launch from up there, too, like a bungy jump and paragliding (which I hope to try someday soon but there isn't enough time now). The top of the mountain is also the starting point for the ziptrek tour, which is what we were about to do...
High up in a treehouse starts the 4 zipline tour and it's amazing fun zipping through the trees way up at the top of the mountain. Since it's an Eco-tour, we also learned about sustainability.
After ziplining, we took the ski lift up even further up the mountain and did a couple of runs on the luge.
Then, we came back down on the gondola and had dinner before we were picked up for a relaxing private hot pool soak overlooking the shotover river...an awesome end to a great day!
Tomorrow, we start our drive....
-- Post From My iPad
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Jet boat/Rafting fun
November 18, 2010
Today, the adventure stuff began. We woke up this morning, got ready and walked into town for some breakfast. We ate at a great little place called post office cafe. Jason had salmon and egg on a roll or bagel (can't remember) and I had sweet ricotta pancakes with figs and bananas. We both ordered iced coffee, forgetting how iced coffee is served down under. New Zealand does the same thing to iced coffee that australia does. It's not just coffee over ice...it's a while spectacle with cream that looks like ice cream (I don't eat that stuff cuz I am not a fan of it). Overall, an amazing breakfast....
We checked in at the queenstown rafting office in the center of town at 12:30 and rode the shuttle bus up to the shotover river where we put on jackets and locked up our possessions. They took our pictures a few times, once before getting in the boatels several other times while on it, from the shore. That ride was so much fun! The boat went speeding up and down the river, manuvering in and out and around the bends of sharp rocks, faking us out like we were going to crash into them. Then, at various times, he'd make it do 360 degree turns...so much fun!
After getting off the jetboat, we were directed next to the rafting outfit, where we were giving wetsuits, booties, jackets and life vests and were crammed into these things. We got on another bus for a 45 minutes crazy ride up through skippers canyon, which is a winding road high up on a large mountain...not for the faint-hearted (it was narrow, with no bumpers on the sides, either). I thought that Jason was going to have a coronary...
Once to the river, we got instructions, were divided into groups and got in our rafts. The rapids topped out at grade 5, which are pretty much the biggest. It was a pretty long trip down the river, ending with a dark tunnel that dropped out into the final rapids, which were huge! Overall...an awesome experience!
When we got back into town, we came back
To the hotel, changed and went back into town for dinner. We wound up eating at a Mexican restaurant where we had to taste all of the crazy-titled hot sauces, the funniest one being named "burn in hell, Osama"...absolutely hilarious...
Next up tomorrow...massage/floatation times, ziplining and luge...
-- Post From My iPad
Today, the adventure stuff began. We woke up this morning, got ready and walked into town for some breakfast. We ate at a great little place called post office cafe. Jason had salmon and egg on a roll or bagel (can't remember) and I had sweet ricotta pancakes with figs and bananas. We both ordered iced coffee, forgetting how iced coffee is served down under. New Zealand does the same thing to iced coffee that australia does. It's not just coffee over ice...it's a while spectacle with cream that looks like ice cream (I don't eat that stuff cuz I am not a fan of it). Overall, an amazing breakfast....
We checked in at the queenstown rafting office in the center of town at 12:30 and rode the shuttle bus up to the shotover river where we put on jackets and locked up our possessions. They took our pictures a few times, once before getting in the boatels several other times while on it, from the shore. That ride was so much fun! The boat went speeding up and down the river, manuvering in and out and around the bends of sharp rocks, faking us out like we were going to crash into them. Then, at various times, he'd make it do 360 degree turns...so much fun!
After getting off the jetboat, we were directed next to the rafting outfit, where we were giving wetsuits, booties, jackets and life vests and were crammed into these things. We got on another bus for a 45 minutes crazy ride up through skippers canyon, which is a winding road high up on a large mountain...not for the faint-hearted (it was narrow, with no bumpers on the sides, either). I thought that Jason was going to have a coronary...
Once to the river, we got instructions, were divided into groups and got in our rafts. The rapids topped out at grade 5, which are pretty much the biggest. It was a pretty long trip down the river, ending with a dark tunnel that dropped out into the final rapids, which were huge! Overall...an awesome experience!
When we got back into town, we came back
To the hotel, changed and went back into town for dinner. We wound up eating at a Mexican restaurant where we had to taste all of the crazy-titled hot sauces, the funniest one being named "burn in hell, Osama"...absolutely hilarious...
Next up tomorrow...massage/floatation times, ziplining and luge...
-- Post From My iPad
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Milford sound
November 17, 2010
Milford sound was at the top of our list of must-see sights and yesterday, we did a day tour. It was a long day because it's 4 hours travelling each way. The bus stops for a break both ways in te anau, which is a small town halfway there. We also picked up a few more people from there.
Me in te anau
It was amazing to watch the scenery change drastically as we got closer to the fjords. The lush green fields filled with sheep, cattle and deer farms suddenly turned into tall forests surrounded by towering mountains. We had to go through a tunnel that went right through the mountain and then we were actually in the fjords and it was absolutely amazing.
The roads got really winding as we climbed up to great heights..
...and the final destination and highlight was an hour and a half cruise on famous Milford sound...
After the long day (13 hours), we got back to our hotel at 8pm and went back out to get Thai food and check out some of the stores. We also stopped at the night n day, which is like 711, to get water and snacks. They have some really cool food here...
More to come tomorrow, as we are about to go jet boating and rafting....
-- Post From My iPad
Milford sound was at the top of our list of must-see sights and yesterday, we did a day tour. It was a long day because it's 4 hours travelling each way. The bus stops for a break both ways in te anau, which is a small town halfway there. We also picked up a few more people from there.
Me in te anau
It was amazing to watch the scenery change drastically as we got closer to the fjords. The lush green fields filled with sheep, cattle and deer farms suddenly turned into tall forests surrounded by towering mountains. We had to go through a tunnel that went right through the mountain and then we were actually in the fjords and it was absolutely amazing.
The roads got really winding as we climbed up to great heights..
...and the final destination and highlight was an hour and a half cruise on famous Milford sound...
After the long day (13 hours), we got back to our hotel at 8pm and went back out to get Thai food and check out some of the stores. We also stopped at the night n day, which is like 711, to get water and snacks. They have some really cool food here...
More to come tomorrow, as we are about to go jet boating and rafting....
-- Post From My iPad
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