Well...there were no christmas lights, no christmas carols, no snow and now presents. There was beach, beach, and more beach ! There were hills, hills and more hills ! Left on xmas eve and did a 4 day trek up the Abel Tasman, and it was fantastic ! They say easy to moderate trek, but I would say more moderate. Lots of hill climbing, and when packing gear for four days, food, clothes, sleeping gear, tent...etc....those hills get longer and longer by the minute. Of coarse I had a bottle of wine and my friend Mr. Smirnof tag along, to keep [View Full Entry]

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Can you say spirit ? This main street has performers every 3rd door, outdoor vendors, and happy people everywhere ! Its very touristy during the day, lots of lookers and shoppers and walkers, but still a lovely atmosphere. I met a very friendly couple who run Bluebird Charters, doing fishing charters out of Nelson. Very nice people, I recomend looking them up if you are into some deep blue fishing ! Hostels. Accents on the Park Lodge....my rating 90% One of the top three hostels I have stayed at now, in fact it is probably the #1 in the top three, [View Full Entry]

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Could very well be ! I fell in love here, there second I drove over the hill to discover the deep blue Lake Taupo spanning out to the base of snow cap mountains and the famous Mt. Doom from LOTR. (Lord of the Rings) The town is built to handle ten times the number of people here, streets are wide enough for 5 cars, parking is abundant, ONE traffic light, miles of lakefront town view, and more than enough watering holes ! Hostels. I have stayed over two weeks, on two different visits here, at the Action Downunder bps, about 70% [View Full Entry]

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I landed in Auckland, spent 9 days there, then took Magic bus up to Bay of Islands and stayed in Paihia for a week. From there I saw Cape Reinga, the pretty white light house you will see if you google new zealand images. Sand doon riding, drove down 90 mile beach in the bus...for 64kms at 100km/h....craZiness ! I fished for snapper and caught 15...was a lovely day out ! I bused back to Auckland for 1 night, then followed through on to Rotorua...or egg town. IT STINKS ! You get used to it after a little while..but it stays [View Full Entry]

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SWEET AS ! Well I am chilling out in the north island in a town called Paihia. Nice little place, lots of travelers having fun. Took a bus trip up to Cape Reinga, 10 hour day, 7 hours driving. LONG DAY, but the sights were amazing. Sand doons were right on, same as back home, only home is snow instead of sand ! haha Staying in the Pipi Patch hostel, hot spot indeed, and not half bad lodging. Went snapper fishing with Spot X Fishing for $85, and was a blast ! Caught lots of snapper, ever time the hook went [View Full Entry]

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Hey all ! So, starts off with airline losing my pack. Then customs says their is methomedisomeshat on my bag, so I argued with them for an hour that their machine is buggard cause I have never even seen the stuff ! Get to hostel about 8am...can't have room until 2pm...been up for 28 hours already.....we could say that was not the most favorite moment of my trip so far. It does get better, I have done some sight seeing, Underwater world, Zoo, Korean Army parade, Santa Clause parade on a beach, and a govt. protest parade through downtown Auckland. All [View Full Entry]

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The Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Not quite sure how to put them into words. I have had the luck of growing up next to the Rockies, and have made many memories in them. From camping to treking to kayaking to skiing to hot springs....their a world of their own. I do suggest that if you travel to Alberta, do take in the Rockies, whether it be Banff or Jasper National Parks, both just as impressive. Radium Hot Springs, Lake Louis Ski Resort, Grizzlies Fondu dinner right in Banff, are a few recomendations. Please enjoy ! [View Full Entry]

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Ola ! Just a quick note to rave about this resort. 5 Star indeed ! I have been to a few different resorts throughout Mexico, and Bahia Principe has stolen my heart. I strongly recomend to anyone looking for a layed back relaxing holiday. From beaches to the 9 pools, 15 bars and 12 restaraunts, there is no lack of venue. I will definately return someday. I actually booked an extra week while there and did some scuba diving along Cosumel and Playa Del Carmen, as well as some cenotes, all were magnificent. Check it out ! [View Full Entry]

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