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Published: December 7th 2006
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Hallo all-
So it has been an incredible second week here traveling south in the south island. After the glaciers I cut inland driving past sharply cut snow tipped mountains which drop into glowing blue waters which are surrounded by bushes of pink, purple and yellow Lupins that have a beautifully pungent smell similar to that of Lilacs. This road leads to the most picturesque little town I have ever seen- Wanaka.
I spent 3 days here but could have spent many more. The town sits right on Lake Wanaka which I mountain biked around. I was so involved in the scenery that I even got lost for a bit. But honestly, it was the best town to take your book and read all day under a willow along the lake. This is the town I would recommend anyone to visit.
After such a relaxing atmosphere in Wanaka I arrived in the adventure (and probably tourist) capital of New Zealand- Queenstown. This is also a gateway to Milford Sound on the west coast, which I visited first before exploring Queenstown.
A girl from Perth- Sarah, and I jumped on a bus early the next morning
to spend the night in bunks on a cruise ship in Milford Sound. Again, the drive alone is enough to take your breath away, and leave it there! I have never seen anything like the scenery I saw here, and along with the crazy views came the crazy NZ weather. We passed through rain, snow and ended with bright warm sun by the time we reached Milford Sound.
During the cruise trip we kayaked and saw dolphins, seals and fiordland crested penguins...(which are one of the only two penguins that are endemic to NZ--the other being the yellow-eyed).
The morning cruise out into the Tasman Sea was so glorious that it was hard to get back into a car, but Sarah and I hitched a ride back with two guys from... Manchester NH! Ha, how crazy. They enjoyed making fun of the small town of Lyme.
Back to Queenstown...and the scary adventures begin.
So, yes, I bungeed the highest bungee in NZ and the second highest in the world, the first being in South Africa, although it hasn't been open for some time (not sure why, but when it does open I am sure I
Wanaka Biking
The scenery explains my love for this town... will try and get there to jump it too 😉 This one is called 'The Nevis' and drops 134 meters or 440 feet. Yes, I do believe that this suggests I am a bit crazy, but it was amazing. You fall for 8 seconds before you feel any pull, which may not seem like a lot, but trust me, it is long enough to have your life flash before your eyes not once, but a few times. Ha. The only negative thing was that I popped a couple blood vessels in my eyelids from all the pressure and blood running to my face, but I guess this is not too uncommon. I have the full event on DVD for all those who can handle it and maybe the few that would like to take the plunge sometime in the future 😊
Sunday I spent the morning bruising other parts of my body galloping on a horse through Lord of the Rings locations. The forest of Ithilien, the site of the Misty Mountains, Isengard and other small scenes were filmed in this area. Don't worry, I have plenty of pictures for all of us who are ridiculous fans like
myself.
Now I am heading even further south to the tip, Stewart Island. Not many travel here so it will be less touristy. I go in hope of spotting some Kiwi birds and other wildlife before I head back up the east coast and on the ferry to Wellington in 2 weeks time.
I hope everyone is well. I look forward to seeing you all very soon!
Love Elizabeth
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jared
non-member comment
you know your crazy when...
you jusp off a cliff with a rubber band around your ankles. it looks cool though, even though i could never do it myself . i gotta check out that video sometime. peace