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Published: February 1st 2008
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Hello all! Well, since we last wrote we've done a far few more kilometres and crossed over into the North Island! Starting where we left off in Queenstown, we slowly came down from our adrenaline high and left for Wanaka. Unfortunately it was a very rainy day (took us back to the good ol' days of Manchester weather - oh how we miss it!) so we stopped in Wanaka but the lake was almost covered in cloud so wasnt really much to see! So, we carried on driving North to escape the rain, which turned out to be quite a cool drive as loads of waterfalls started popping up over all the cliffs (some right by the roadside) & the rivers were going mental! We parked up for the night at a place called Pleasant Flat which was not very pleasant at all as we were attacked by an army of sandflys - they surrounded us & were bouncing off the windows in their attempts for fresh blood! The next day we headed off to the Glacier Country & stopped at one of the two glaciers, Fox Glacier. It was pretty cool - we've never seen one before - they're massive!
Whats makes these ones so unique is that they are surrounded by forest so the view is spectacular! Afterwards we went for a walk round Lake Matheson which was beautiful although it was unfortunately too cloudy to see the reflection of Mount Cook which it is famous for. The following day we had the chance to walk on a glacier as we did a guided tour to the Franz Josef Glacier. First we were kitted out with boots, cramp-ons & jackets & then started the walk up to the glacier end. That was quite a trek in itself as we had to go up and over the hillside to reach it which involved climbing up and down ladders! When we got to the start of the ice, we strapped on our cramp-ons (spikes that go onto your boots) and began our climb! It began with a steep climb up ice steps which have to be carved out every trip as the ice is constantly changing. It was really cool - wierd to be walking on one massive ice cube! Theres loads of little streams of water running along the ice too and every now & then there is a hole
in the ice where it all flows down. Strangely, it was not cold - we trekked up in t-shirts! Walking up through all the valleys in the ice was amazing - there were massive columns of ice around us and we even crawled through an ice tunnel! The whole experience was ace - another to add to our list! To finish the day, we chilled out with a frosty bad boy (beer for those of you who do not speak 'Chris'!!)
Our journey continued up to Punakaiki to see the pancake rocks - massive rocks which strangely enough are stacked like pancakes!! The coastline there is really rough so it looks pretty impressive with the waves crashing in - when the tide comes in the waves blow up through the holes but sadly we were too late to see it! Memories we're sure for Nanna, as we now have learnt that this was the place where she broke her ankle (with Bobby & broken arm landing on top of her!) The next day was a driving day up to Motueka, a stopping place before heading to Abel Tasman National Park. On the way, we stopped at a family run
old Gold Mine which the great great grandson is now trying to get up & running again! Also, stopped to see the seal colony at Cape Foulwind - they were cute with little babies!! So, the next day we drove up to Marahau where we got on a water taxi to the starting up of our 3hr trek through Abel Tasman NP (which we did in 2.15hr - Chris is very proud to say?!) The views were amazing - bright turquoise sea and loads of little bays and inlets. We just had time for a quick dip before we jumped on the water taxi back! That night we stopped off at a campsite on the way to Nelson which we discovered as we parked up was a trailer park - all the caravans were cleary permanent & quite shabby (yep, we found the gypos of New Zealand!) However, was still better than Manly Backpackers!!
Nelson was our next stop, which was a quiet little town. Just relaxed for the day as we had been quite busy - looked round the town & went to the beach. Next, we drove on to Picton via the Queen Charlotte drive, one of
the prettiest roads in NZ. The views over the Marlborough Sounds were amazing - we went for a short walk along the Queen Charlotte track for a picnic & a paddle at one of the bays. Ended up in Picton which was a very small village - only really there because of the ferry port to Wellington! Had a drink on an old boat which has been converted into a bar! Almost adopted a cat which wanted to sleep in our van - was 'butting' like Millie cat!!! And then our journey through the South Island was over as we boarded the ferry for Wellington.
The ferry journey itself was beautiful and we arrived in the city & drove out to stay with Gloria & David (friends of Nanna). We were greeted by a roast dinner (woohoo!) and pudding (double woohoo!!) We have been here for two days & they have spoilt us with lots of good food & knowledge of NZ. Yesterday we went into the city & went to the national museum, Te papa (yes Sarah another museum - they are really good out here - this one even had an 'earthquake house'!!) We went up on
the cable car and then walked back down through the botanical gardens which were lovely and had some cool views over the city. Saw the Parliament house which is the biggest wooden building in the world (we think, sorry David if we are wrong!) - it was cool anyway - you wouldnt guess it was wood at all, looks like stone! Also saw the parade for the Sevens rugby tournament which they go crazy for over here & everyone goes in fancy dress! Finished the day by enjoying fish & chips on the beach with Gloria & David & family. Today, they took us to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary which is a native forest for native NZ birds & animals. It was huge & has a predator proof fence all around which you can see for miles! We spotted some birds & saw a tuatara (NZ lizard) which were previously extinct on the mainland. We also went up to the wind turbine and Mount Victoria lookout for great views over the city!
Tomorrow we head back out in the van for our trip around the North Island - have 9 days to see as much as we can until
we jet off to Fiji (which we hope has better weather than the recent cyclone?!) Loving NZ so far - its such a beatiful country - we definately want to come back! We will try & update before we go to Fiji, if not we should be able to get internet access there! So, until next time, miss you all! Lots of love xxx
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Benji Mwariwari
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Benjani
Well can you believe it, Benjani Mwadiwadi signs for the mighty City!! 3.8 million, wot a snip.....i have to first off agree with Nitalite, i also watched Dos Santos playing for tunisia, he was shite!!! lol...the pics and latest blog entry are cool as always, althou Wiff, u look like your taking a number 2 in that little ice cave, which is nice!! By the time you get this, you would have had your birthday, so i hope you had a brilliant day, just in the spirit of your birthday i would like to deliver some great news - Corradi has scored 5 in 8 games for Parma and is now there Captain!! - FACT!!! can you adam and eve that?? hahaha...Swezzay!! Lovin yer hair do as aswell mate, you could well audition for the 2008 version of Michael Jacksons Thriller!!! HE HE!! Neway, im off now as Ev has finished on the toilet and is calling me to wipe his bottom!!! hahaha...life of a king, life of a king!! cya soon Skid!!! haha...Belly Cackster....also mum and dad have bought a Nintendo Wii!! game on!!