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Published: October 16th 2006
So hey everyone,
I've now been in the land of Kiwi's for 10days and it honestly feels like months. the kiwi experience bus has been quite an experience and i haven't stopped since i got here. Spent my first couple of days in Christchurch then headed over to the West coast of the south Island. the scenery's amazing and I only just missed the snow season - never mind the mountain tops are still dusted with the glorious white stuff and its building up my excitement for Canada. On my first day on the tour I went jet boating in the buller gorge. This crazy guy was driving the boat - which he pulls to the river using a tractor and he was mental. We were zooming up the gorge missing rocks by cm's doing 360 turns and getting soaked by the after splash. It was awesome and at times i was a little scared. Next stop was Lake Mahinuapaupai or something like that. We stayed the night at the poo pub which is run by a 81year old. We had a huge bbq feast with steaks and venison stew. After supper it was time for the party. All the guys
had to dress up as girls and the girls got to dress up in bin liners. It was really cold but at least when any drinks were spilled they didnt stain. Good fun was had by all and some of the guys were enjoying it a bit too much.
The next day a hungover bus made there way to Franz Josef. A gorgious little tourist town which makes its maoney form one thing - the Franz josef glacier. At 11km its pretty long and it also is one of the fastest forming in the world increasing by up to a metre a day. We went hiking on it the following day and it was out of this world. we had to wear crampons which were really great and carry ice axes which made us look mean. We sopent the day exploring icy crevasses, traversing ice pools on tiny steps about 20cm wide (how anyone did not fall in amazes me yet) and generally climbing on this spectacular glacier. its one of the most exciting activities ive done so far and in such a different environment too.
Following Franz josef we made our way through to wanaka a beautiful little ski
town near queenstown. its on the shores of a glacial lake and is very close to cardrona ski fields and snow park. our hostle was quite fancy and at only $20 it was a steal we had a tv, fridge and ensuite in our rooms and a little balcony too.
Next stop was queenstown the adventure capital of the world and its no surprise too. I opted not to do the bungy here although watching others do it at Kawarua bridge (the original site of bungy) i really wanted too. Instead i did the shotover canyon swing. A 60m freefall 109m above the canyon river, then when the rope takes tension you swing in a 200m arc across the canyon. the first time was really scary as i launced myself off the platform and felt myself plummeting towards the earth at 150km/hr. The adrenaline hit was too much though and i had to do it a second time. This was scary than the dfirst as i was suspended lying on my back looking behind me with my legs crossed over the wire. The desired affect is that you swing upside down backwards then uncross your legs once your swinging to
funny cycle sign in christchurch
they're kinda becoming an obbsession of minereture to a seated position. when they cut the rope though i freaked out uncrossed my legs and flew through the air. It was still awesome though and if i had one of them in my backy id never be off it.
So now im making my way up north and cross into the north island tomorrow. It should eb good and i'll keep you updated in due course. So far New Zealand is living up to its name and more, beautiful scenery, friendly people and good beer. what more do you need (oh yeah plenty of adrenaline rushes). Ta for now, keep having fun,
Julie XXX
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Linda-Lou
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Sniff!
Julie, this all looks far too muckle fun! I'm so green. Miss you. Stay alive please! ;-) xXx