Day 82: Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 Queenstown, New Zealand to Milford Sound. Per Contiki brochure: "Need an adrenalin boost? We'll take you to a bridge to jump off! The bungee jumping bridge provides a hair-raising, gob-stopping adrenalin rush. It is one of the options on this tour that separates the tourists from the purists. Pure fun. Pure rush. Why don't you try it? After this we travel to Fiordland National Park, where we head through the Homer Tunnel (D'OH!) for our first view of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound. Then it's all aboard the Milford Wanderer for an overnight cruise taking in all the beauty of the fjord. There's the chance to kayak and see whales, dolphins and penguins along with towering mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. It'll be an evening to treasure!" We left Queenstown in ... read more

Day 80: Monday, February 15th, 2010 Queenstown, New Zealand Per Contiki brochure: "Leisure is probably the wrong word as Queenstown is known as the "Adventure-Adrenalin capital of the world", one of those places that you can literally do as much or as little as you like. A number of options to astound you await! Ever tried bungy jumping, sky diving, jet boating, river boarding, white water rafting, helicopter riding, luging, canyon swinging, four wheel driving, hiking??? Be extreme! Action by day, action by night- that's Queenstown. Yes, when you've dried off and caught your breath, it'll be time to experience Queenstown's legendary nightlife, and there's no shortage of venues for dining and socializing- why not try an optional meal at the world famous Skyline gondola complex." I woke up to Alex's alarm around 6:30 this morning ... read more

Day 78: Saturday, February 13th, 2010 Christchurch, New Zealand to Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand Per Contiki brochure: "We'll cross the spectacular Southern Alps via majestic Arthur's Pass and take in the jade greenstone carving at Hokitika. Then we'll journey along the South Island's rugged coast to the awesome Westland National Park, home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers." Emmo & Mikey gave us a driving tour of Christchurch as we left (Emmo's from there). Cute little town. Driving by one bridge you see these large metal beams that kind of look like they were remains from an old bridge. Ends up they were beams from the World Trade Center and were given to the city to be used as a sculpture memorial. We also saw the Christchurch C... read more

Day 76: Thursday, February 11th, 2010 Wellington, New Zealand. Per Contiki brochure: "A full day to explore the city and its surrounding area. Take your time to enjoy the amazing Museum of New Zealand, known as Te Papa "Our Place". Maybe do some shopping or see the sights of the Lord of the Rings trilogy or just relax in one of the city's many cafes. Later this evening join us for a walkabout dinner." Today I had my first (I'm so embarrassed to say "first") Lord of the Rings location tour- the Wellington Rover Tour. Now, Emmo had warned those of us that had signed up (Tara being one) that only the truly hardcore fans would appreciate it. I assumed I was hardcore- even though I tend to fall asleep during the extended versions. My heart ... read more

Day 74: Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 Rotorua, New Zealand to Taupo, New Zealand Per the Contiki brochure: "What a day for your travel diary, along the steaming Wairakei Valley to the raging Huka Falls before continuing to our exclusive resort beside New Zealand's largest lake - Taupo. This afternoon you're free to wander the shops, enjoy a jet boat ride with Huka Jet or challenge gravity on the Rock 'n' Ropes. Tonight maybe try fishing and later enjoy the famous local nightlife." So, I'm working off of pictures and the Contiki brochure for the rest of the New Zealand updates. I'm sure much hilarity has been forgotten. I do remember us stopping at Huka Falls because not only did I take pictures, but because the falls looked more like roaring rapids- I didn't se... read more