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Published: October 5th 2006
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Auckland
Skytower at night. Well its been a while, but its been strange as its seems the more developed a country has been, the more difficult it has been to get access to the internet. But here comes the latest update!
After a long 13 hour flight from Santaigo, we arrived in Auckland losing a day in the process. Due to crossing the International Date Line, we took off on Wednesday night and arrived on Friday morning! So after a quick nap (couldn't sleep a wink for the whole of the flight as usual while Pizarro counted sheep for most of it!) we started off the first of our 5 days in Auckland. Its a bit of a weird city, as it reminded me of Cardiff somewhat as the centre is really compact and everything is within walking distance. Despite this though, Auckland and the suburbs is huge, spanning some 40 km across and housing an incredible two thirds of the population!
Its been great and strange at the same time being back in a western country, some old habits are dying hard as the first person I met at the airport got the customary 'Hola, como estas?' from me! Its also noticable
Auckland vs Otago
Stu now understands why rugby has such a cult following in NZ! how much more expensive it is as well (cant wait to get to Australia!) Its still cheaper than UK standards but so much more than what weve been accustomed to over the last four months. On top of that, I think what weight we lost in S America has slapped itself back on in some fashion! Our efforts to save money led to us booking a hostel that provided 'free dinner', although I think a case can be made to the Trade Descriptions Act, as in our book, eight french fries and a leathery piece of fish that a dog would look twice at, doesn't really fulfill our requirement of 'dinner'. Therefore we have woorked our way through every ethnic cuisine available in Auckland, satisfying our bellies as well as our cravings while thoroughly emptying our wallets in the process. Oops!
So after a couple of days shopping (Nadine has been tearing her hair out wearing the same clothes since we left, so has snapped and gone on a Topshopesque splurge!) and generally chilling out, we picked up our campervan. We have lovingly christened her 'Dolly' in honour of all the sheep out here. Shes a mean beast built
Viaduct Harbour
Nadine supping on her Martini in the Americas Cup harbour. for four, but she only has to worry carting our two sloth like bodies around. It gives us the option of taking on a few lodgers when the money starts to get a bit low.
Our first stop was to Pahia, in the the beautiful Bay of Islands up in the far North. We took a Powerboat around the bay, but unfortunately it was abit tame as the sea was so calm, there was no huge waves or wakes to bounce off. After that we went sea fishing for about four hours where we managed to russle up ourselves a bit of tea. Nadine was a bit reluctant at first and was only really going for me, but she soon cheered up when she realised that she didn't have to touch the bait or Fish at all. Then she was full of it when she managed to pull up the biggest catch of the day as well! Although I debate this as I believe a Cod I caught was bigger, but it wasnt edible so doesn't count supposedly!
After a quick scoot across the peninsula to the base of ninety mile beach, we did a 3 hour quadbike
'Dolly' our van.
Nadine hanging out in Dolly at Haruru falls campsite. safari, which on my reckoning, was the best activity we have done since we have been away. It took across the type of terrain that we would have struggled to walk across nevermind drive a vehicle over. Nevermind Bungy jumping or skydiving, you want extreme sports? Then try sitting behind Nadine while she does nearly 80 km/h through the sand dunes, beach and rocks! Great fun and got to see scenery, views and terrain that we didnt know existed in NZ. Any one going in the future, I'd definitely recommend Tua Tua tours in Ahipara.
We've also spent a couple of days in Rotorua, the tourist and Geothermal capital of New Zealand. We spent a day here trekking through the various parks checking out the volcanic activity and have managed to see one of the Maori nights. It was pretty good and was a very informal night where everybody gets involved. The 'hangi' was pretty good as well. This is where they steam cook food in the Earth over hot rocks for about three hours and then serve it up as a big buffet. Stuffed as pigs! Again!
So we are in Taupo, now wondering how to spend
Bay of Islands
Fishing at Dusk. our last week in the North Island. We are going to meet up with a mate (Hi Lisa) from the last Toucan Tour and probably head up to Hawkes Bay and get thoroughly drunk on a cycling wine tour. Carnage awaits I'm sure!
Our trip down here from Rotorua was fairly eventful though as we picked up a couple of Trannie hitch- hikers. It turns out that they were two white collar business men doing a charity race to get from Auckland to Queenstown on only $10. You can seem them here at www.curekids.org.nz. They were a good laugh and they gave us a fridge full of food as one of them owned the Cock and Bull chain of pubs in NZ, so pub sarnies and pates now for the next week! Oh, can I point out that I gave them a lift for charity reasons and not because I have a thing for Trannies!!!
Thanks for all the messages guys, keep em coming!
Stu and Nads
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kent
non-member comment
another stunning tour !
I cant belive all the things you get to see and experience ! How we envy you and, how much we love to travel with you "virtually". All fine here in Norway, but fall is coming on strong, and we have plenty of rain these days. Did you have a chance to meet our kiwi companions from the Peru tour ? All love from Meg and Kent,