debbie811

I enjoyed Christchurch and i'm a bit reluctant to leave, but i had to because there is so much ahead of me to see. I'd had a glimpse of the Banks Peninsula from the top of the Gondola and it did look enticing. My drive there was over narrow, steep climbing roads with lots of intrepid cyclists and wonderful views over land and sea. From the top of the saddle overlooking Akaroa harbour - very like a Scottish sea loch but actually a flooded volcanic crater (and an enormous one at that) - the views were magnificent. The road to Akaroa took me through some pretty little villages on the coast with some interesting signs leading to tempting high level country routes and coastal bays. Akaroa was absolutley charming. It's French history is reflected in it's ... read more

Ok so since I haven't really done that much since I got here to Christchurch I will try and cram a week in now! To start with, the drive here was awesome! Very long, but amazing scenery! I stopped in Pickton for a knight, but haven't got much to say about that as i spent so little time there. I'm staying in the x base hostel at the mo. It's really nice, but i had a terrible night’s sleep on my first night. A guy in my room has a terrible cough and when he wasn’t coughing he was snoring so loud! I asked to move rooms which was no problem. I headed into town and looked around Cathedral square. It’s a bit of a pedestrian area where the tram goes through and the big cathedral ... read more

All done , and ready to go!! Went to get my car about an hour ago from the Backpackers Car Market. It was ready and waiting when i got there. It was all very easy changing the ownership over, getting insurance, and i got some AA breakdown cover as well. Thought it wise been traveling on my own and all. I'm so relieved! I was really dreading not knowing anything about cars and buying one on my own. It was a lot easier than i thought! Largely down to the Car Market! Very helpful! I defo recommend that place! Right! Going to get my stuff together and leave Auckland to start my backpacker travel adventure! ... read more

Well that was a lot easier than i thought it would be!! Bit of a early start. A couple of the guys work in my dorm, so i was woken at about half seven by there not so quite morning rituals. I thought i'd use this early start to my advantage. So after getting ready i headed up to Karangahape Road at the top of Queen Street as the Backpackers Car Market is just off of it. (Took me a minute to find! East Street, Half way up Karangahape Road on the left, if you're coming from the Queens Street end). For some breakfast ( There's some really nice cafes up there). The Backpackers Car Market's pretty well located. it's under cover in a kinda car park. Which was good as it was looking like it ... read more

After a long flight, i touched down in Auckland at 9am. Which gave me all day to find a hostel and find my bearings! I rally couldn't be bothered to way up the pros and cons, so just went with the first half decent one the Lonely planet suggested. X Base backpackers hostel. Right in the middle of the City, which suits me fine. It's actually really nice! It's quite large, and clean, and my dome seems to have some pretty cool people in it. I've been here a while now. Just spent a couple of days chilling. Then exploring the city center, right on my door step. After seeing the man made sights i had a look round the outstanding natural beauty the Auckland area had to offer. The most perceptible landmark around Auckland is ... read more

After a nine hour bus journey I finely arrived in Cairns. I arrive late afternoon I resolve I am going to take things easy today. Staying in a hostel called JJ's, Think this place will do for my base for the next few days, for the trips I want to do from cairns. The hostels here have very good travel shops, so I decide to have a day free tomorrow, then book two different day trips. On the Saturday, I just have a look round Cairns on my own, I walk into the City centre which takes about 25 minutes. Every where is very green. North East Queensland in known for heavy rain, so i guess thats why?? Weather is good today. Today I'm going on a day trip to Cape Tribulation, which is north of ... read more

Fraser Island was sooo good! I loved it! Met some really cool people! And the lakes were amazing! I love swimming in fresh water! I even drove the 4x4 along the beach. I defo recommend it. And if you go make sure you have a look over Indian head. It's a cliff edge. If you go at sun set or rise you can see some awesome sights! I saw a massive sting ray! and a load of turtles. After Fraser Island i headed to the Whitsunday Islands for the mandatory sailing tour of these stunning islands and bays. Whitehaven beach is one of those places which look much better in reality than in even the glossiest magazines. Just paradise! Just having a bit of a stop off, then up to cairns.... read more

Just arrived in Hervey bay. I really want to to do a 4x4 self drive. So i've found a company that stick you in with 7 others to drive round the Island. Thought it would be a good way to meet other people. Haven't done much research into the company, but really can't be bothered. Hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the bum!?! lol.. I don't leave until tomorrow, just gonna chill to then.... read more

Still here!! lol.. Really quite like it here. Just been staying in the yha. It's nothing amazing but it's clean and not to expensive. There's lots of nice shops bars and cafes. So i've just been lazing around on the beach. Which i love! I think it's my fav so far! Although the weather is meant to change pretty soon. So think i will hit the bricks.. ao to speak. I really want to go to fraser island! I've heard really good things about it so far! So may one or two more days here, then there? ... read more

After a long and boozie couple of days catching up with my friend, i felt i should make a move further up the east coast. So here i am in byron bay. I took the greyhound bus, and i did it over night. It quite a cool way of saving on a nights accommodation. Not the most comfortable nights sleep i've ever had though! Really like byron. It's a small coastal town. Very surfer orientated, Which gives it a really nice layed back feel. Crossed with a hint of 18-30s vibe. I haven't been out yet because i only arrived this morning. So i've just checked into a hostel and slept till now. Think i will spend a couple of days here. The beach looks awesome! But wont to make my way to faser island soon. ... read more