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Published: April 30th 2006
Auckland from on high
Heres a view of Auckland from the top of Mount Eden,loads of mountains around the city,strange seeing lots of green in a city!So a new continent, a new country, and a new culture! God it was so weird coming to NZ after South America. Firstly people didn’t stare at us as if we were sent from space. Secondly everything was in English! Such a blessing as I was getting very tired of having to translate everything for Rich (hehe!!). Thirdly, and definitely the weirdest after being in such a poor continent, was being in such a westernised society. It really hits home about how poor some of the countries we visited were. We were also surprised by just how many people we met were shocked that we had visited SA. Most of them thought it would be really dangerous and so were very surprised to hear us singing its praises!
So anyway, we stayed in Auckland for a few days, checked out the Sky Tower, and had a few little walks around the beautiful parks and hills around the city. Like Liverpool, it is a lovely green city. In Auckland we picked up our camper that we had hired for the month. And what a beauty she is! It is SO much fun having a camper here in NZ! We can just drive
View from the Skytower
You could jump of this building if you wanted too!We fancied waiting until we dived into extreme sports! around wherever we want, and whenever we are tired, just pull up at the side of the road and set up the bed in the back and sleep! NZ has no camping laws so we can pretty much sleep anywhere…so far we have parked and slept beside the beach, in a wood, beside the ocean, beside a lake, and in a car park (ok we were tired and couldn’t be bothered finding anywhere else!!). It’s such a beautiful country though, and we haven’t even got to the South Island yet, which everyone keeps telling us is much more beautiful than the North! We also have a dvd and tv in the van so when the weather is pants we can settle in with a cup of tea and watch Neighbours! You know that I’m happy!
So from Auckland we drove north to see the Bay of Islands, and then right up to Cape Reinga, the most northerly point in NZ. We then drove down the other side of Northland to Auckland again, and then headed south. We stopped in Mount Maunganui, Rotarua and Taupo. Rotarua was pretty cool, despite the overwhelming stench of rotten eggs (from all the geo thermal
Skytower
The tallest building in the southern hemisphere activity in the area). We did some luging there, and Rich had a go in a Zorb (see the photos!). Taupo was beautiful and had a great atmosphere. This place was the centre of activity sports, and so we thought we would have a go. So…wait for it….both Rich and I……JUMPED OUT OF A PLANE!!!!! Can you believe it? I still cant! It was so unbelievably amazing! I can’t even describe the feeling you get as you tumble out of the plane. The freefall is pretty intense, and totally takes your breath away (in every sense of the phrase!). But from the moment the chute opens, until you land, it is the most peaceful and serene experience I have ever had. The weather was beautiful so we had a stunning view. We fell 12000 feet in around 5 mins! We would both definitely do it again, and Rich wants to learn how to do it on his own (god help us all!!!). We do have some photos, but they are not digital, so we are waiting to find a scanner, then we will put a new blog on! We do have a dvd though which is hilarious. They will be
The bay around cape reinga
The top of the north island!Maori describe the top of the north island as the tail of the fish of Maui.They say that the north island was a giant fish pulled out the sea by Maui. in the post home soon!
So with all the fun over, we headed on down to Wellington, where we are now. Spending a few days here as there is quite a lot to see and do, and also loads of Lord of the Rings places to visit (generally just views, but still pretty cool!).
So from here we get the ferry to the South Island and then have about 3 weeks before flying to Melbourne. Anyone who didn’t get the email…our mobile number here is 00642102393299. Only until May 20th though so hurry!
Keep in touch, lots of love
Rich & Zoë
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Maggie Cornish
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A Catch-up message for Zoe
Hi, lovely always to see your fab photos and to know you are safe and enjoying this wonderful adventure. Keep sending them, as they brighten up our boring existence at the PCT. I am working out of Hastings office now but go over to Bexhill every Wednesday - I have to show my face, wouldn't want them forgetting who I am. Love to you, Maggie