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Published: January 10th 2008
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View over Raglan
Lookout from the bush walk Far too much to report! Will try and keep it brief!
Had a cool time in Raglan over xmas, was a bit wierd though. Unfortunately didn't get to go surfing as the waves decided to disappear altogether so no joy! It was raining but still warm and had a lovely xmas dinner, sitting looking out over the forest.
Wasn't feeling too great on boxing day so didn't bother doing any of the activities but went to Maketu for a cultural evening. Had some traditional Mouri food and then had a min concert with war dances and songs etc. Was really good, very scary in parts. All the guys got taught the hacka, and then we performed it in front of the girls, very funny!
Next day tried some white water rafting, grade 5 wooo! Was lots of fun and went down some big waterfalls, the biggest was a 7 metre near vertical drop! Managed to stay the right way up though so all good.
There was talk of sky dives in the afternoon and as it was a perfect day for it decided to put my name down. Wasn't confirmed until just before so didn't really get
Kaori Lodge
Xmas day festivities on the balcony looking out over the 'bush' any time to get too scared. But waiting at the bottom watching other people float down started to get pretty nervous. The time came to put on the jump suits and then got into the tiny pink plane. The ride up wasn't too bad but as we started getting really high reality hit! oh my god!
A girl went out first at 12000ft but we carrie don up until 15,000ft playing the waiting game. Then had to shuffle my way to the end and hook my feet around the bottom of the plane. Before I had time to look down we were out. Sheer terror for the first 5 seconds as your whole body turns to stone. Then the woooooo began! Far too much fun, really impossible to describe but once you get used to the fact your falling it was amazing. The view was ridiculous and when the parachute finally opened after a 1 min free fall, took a look around, very fun! Made it to ground all safe and sound and everyone was running around hyper on adrenaline! Unfortunately don't have many photos of it but got a DVD with the dive so will try and upload
Mouri
Evening at Uncle Boys it somewhere, absolutely hilarious!
Next day went off to the Tongariro national park and then the following day did the Tongariro crossing. Supposed to be the best thing in the north Island and it didn't disappoint. Views of Mount Doom (lord of the rings) and amazing views from the top with craters, pools etc. Amazing day for it aswell, very lucky, as its so exposed they cancel it quite a lot due to bad weather. Went down to Wellington the same night.
Spent a couple of days there, just wandering around and sitting on the prom enjoying the sun. Decided to get to South Island as quick as possible as people are always raving about it, so got the ferry on new years eve and then got taken to Abel Tasman National park to stay at Old MacDonalds farm. Had a nice bbq and drinks round the fire. Pretty quiet for new years but was fun.
Wasn't even feeling too bad new years day so took a walk out along the coastal path. The next day got a water taxi (speed boat) along the coast and walked all the way along the coastal path 6 hrs in
The tiny plane
knees are knocking flip flops. Very nice scenery and most of it was under the shade of the bush(forest). had a nice dip in a few pools along the way and also back at the farm as there was a stream behind our cabin, sweet!
Next day went sea kayaking to take a different view of the park, and was pretty cheap so couldn't hurt. After a breifing went out on the sea, paddled along the coast up to some lovely beaches for lunch and then went out to a couple of small islands in search of Blue penguins, no joy though. Also tried a huge green mussel that the guide pulled of a rock. wasn't really sure about eating it raw but gave it a go, not that great bit too salty and squidgy! Still alive though and no upsets of any kind.
Next stop was Barrytown, a tiny place where only 40 people live. Stayed in a nice pub/farm and the next morning did some bone carving. Pretty cool.
Then went to Franz Josef and booked a glacier walk for the following day. After being provided with the necessary equiptment got driven to the begining of the glacier.
Sky Dive
Me and Andreas getting syked for the sky dive! Was slow going as the guide had to keep cutting steps but once we got up quite far it was amazing. So white and blue, and had to hop over some very scary holes. Went through a tiny cravase that you couldn't actually move in it was so small, everyone pulling each other through in a long line. Unfortunately no time for photos. Got out though and also saw some caves and tunnels.
Spent another day in Franz josef as it was raining all day, not much there but nice surrounding etc. Spent a night in Makarora, spot of Karaoki and am currently residing in Wanaka. Staying next to huge lake so have been swimming everyday, is really hot.
Hope that wasn't too much to take in in one go, actually hard to find a descent internet cafe over here. Will try and keep more up to date now though. Basically everything is pretty cool here, really relaxed and lovely places to see. Wouldn't go on a bus tour thing again, is a bit lame really. Wastes a lot of time and spend far too much time on the bus. Met loads of fun people though so is
Mount Doom
Me and Nena still alot of fun, just not as good as travelling by your own means etc.
Anyway enough writing, hope you all had a fab xmas and new years and hope 2008(?!) is brill for everyone! x
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Hazel
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Wow!
Brings back so many good memories .... glad you're having such a good time! Happy New Year! x x x