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Published: September 25th 2006
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Hey everybody!! Kia Ora!!!
A little explanation before we get started with the recap. Back in Rotorua while we were lugeing, Ash and I were sitting on the chair lift and I said to Ash "Ashley, New Zealand is all about the natural booty!" Yes, yes....i cant talk, i know but it's now just a catch phrase for our trip in NZ, (especially the last couple days).
So the last blog came from Taupo on the North Island and now weve moved down to the South Island! We left Taupo for Wellington-the capital city of NZ- as we drove we went through a big national park that had a desert as well as some active volcanos (one was Mt Doom from LOTR). We spent a few days just checking out this busy, cool city. Both Ash and I quite liked all the shops, cafes, lounges, and the vibe the place gave us! However, it was CRAZY windy there (apparently the windiest place inthe world)! We purchased some thermal long johns and a long sleeved shirt to help with the cold and even more cold in the south. They had a great national museum there called Te Papa that was
free!! and filled with lots of interactive exhibits....went to the top of Mt Victoria to overlook the city and also checked out the botanical gardens-- nothing to our bucharts! Took a trip to the zoo, not as good as Auckland but we did find the SUN BEAR! smallest in the bear family and has a very! long tongue....Ash was considering leaving Jeff for the bear but he already had a girlfriend that was in heat! apparently why he was so active and friendly with Ash (got the two ladies confused)! While in Wellington we also found an amazing ice cream bar thats cravings have plagued us ever since....The MAGNUM! We got persuaded to go dancing with some odd guys, so we happily let them buy us drinks and then we headed home early!
The next day we got onto the interislander ferry (more like a small cruise ship with cafe, pub, cinema, lounger chair areas, etc). 3 hrs later we jumped on the bus and started on the nausea causing roads (they seem to be everywhere here) to Nelson. It was finally sunny and even hot at moments!!! Friday (thurs for you guys) we went for a boat ride
up the coast and hike in the Abel Tasmen national park....BEAUTIFUL....FERNS....don't lose your balance (focus Ash). The water was turquoise and the beaches were golden (rusting from the water) and the walk took 4-4 1/2 hours. Oh and we can't forget the surge of water that soaked Ashleys feet about 3 minutes into the walk...What a trooper, she didnt complain even once. At times we werent even sure if we were making our legs do the walking...but man it was bootyful!!!! Make sure you see the rest of the pictures when we get home! That night we figured we deserved a real meal so with the advice of the hostel lady we headed with a Scottish couple we met on the walk for a steak dinner! The meat came out raw on a 400 degree stone slab and you let it cook in front of you unitl it to your liking....mine was Fantastic! On Sat. we went to a market in town and then, much to Ashleys dismay, we walked up a hill to get to the exact middle point of NZ! it was quite a nice view.....We made an attempt to start a party night but we didnt have
enough wine and it ended with the two of us chatting in bed at 12ish...next time we swear!
Another day driving on the bus..but the first real stormy day we have run into. The west coast was gorgeous with all the crashing waves and mist and lush greenery! The bus made couple stops along the way to Greymouth (can we say a hole in the country)....first was a small walk down to a beach where the waves could be heard from the road...I was in awe of the power the water showed and the noise of the water getting pulled back along the pebbles on the beach....next we stopped to look at the pancake rocks, and much to our surprise they did actually look like pancakes stacked on top of each other. Soooo many picture opportunities! There was also a couple blow holes within the rocks...sweet as!... Aww and we saw our second mouse/rat sighting....also sweet as!.... Got back on the bus and headed to Greymouth--let's just say that we didnt leave the hostel last night.....
Oh by the way were actually at the Franz Joseff glacier but youll get that info after we do the hike --wed
for us, tues for you--
Love you all lots and miss you tonnes!!!
Jen and Ash
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Gramma Scott
non-member comment
Hi there Jen and Ash too!!
Well hello girls, sounds like you are having a marvelous time.. Sky diving no less..WOW I'm impressed..not sure which impressed me more.. the sky diving or having to buy long johns...LOL only kidding..I love all the pictures you add to your blog Jen..gives me a chance to see all the wonderful places you have been , the wonderful experiences you are having and helps me keep in touch with you.. I will look forward to you next blog.. YES I did read the first one, and should have put a message on that one,, but here I am better late than never.. take care... love you Hugs Gramma Scott..