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Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Wanganui December 29th 2005

Hello Hope you all have had a fantastic tummy filled Christmas!! We had a super Christmas and Boxing Day (after feeling a little homesick on Christmas eve seeing everybody doing all there christmas shopping). We ended up having a bbq with a German guy camping next to us - steak and lamb if your interested, with just a little champagne and beer for Chris. During which Chris sustained a small injury, a nasty split on his lip which is currently healing. Now, I hear you ask, 'how did Chris do this to himself?' I am going to give you 3 options, and you can decide which sounds most likely for Chris... a) he got into a fight b) surfing accident c) ran into a washing line Boxing day was wonderful sunshine and we went to the ... read more
Sunset over Fitzroy beach

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Southland December 29th 2005

Back out to Route One and on the trail south to more exciting adventures. They are just beginning. Route One from Dunedin to Balclutha, the Big River Town straddling the Clutha River,(63kms)and the turnoff to the left to the Catlins. (alternate if the weather is miserable is to bypass the Catlins staying on Route One to Invercargill(217kms - 5 hrs). A full side trip may be in order depending on your desires and time frame. I recommend this way if you have been through this way before actually. Will add more to this in time to come but for now his route encompasses the art deco town of Ranfurly, one of the most impressive communities if St. Bathans and its haunted pub (don't miss this place and drive down to the lake across from the pub ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Wellington December 29th 2005

Took a walk around Oriental Parade, an interesting spot for a walk along the water. One thing about Wellington that you notice is the amazing collection of colourful buildings. And, like in Auckland, each residential building is individual. Even in the 'burbs, you don't see the streets of similarly-constructed houses by one builder. Each one looks like it's been custom-made. Part of the reason for that would be the terrain; seldom would one-plan-fits-all be suitable for the variety of landforms in each plot! Everywhere here you see indications of the harsh elements to which the city is constantly exposed. Many public buildings and spaces look worn by the ravages of the wind and water, with mould, mosses and crumbling concrete decorating most buildings that are not constantly maintained. This is seen in the first picture, where ... read more
It's Art!
Another example
Erin doing some banking

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Nelson Region » Nelson December 29th 2005

Went to WOW today which is the World of Wearable Art and collectable cars. It is such a cool place. It is a museum which houses costumes from the annual World of Wearable Art shows. All the costumes are really crazy and are made of weird stuff. Anyone can enter a costume and the best ones end up on the show in September. There are various categories but bizarre bras was my favourite. The designs had to be seen to be believed! Animal heads seemed to be a VERY popular choice. As well as the costumes there were the cars which were less interesting to me but still very cool. They had a very nice classic pink Cadillac which I liked the look of. I don't think it would be very practical though as it was ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Glaciers December 29th 2005

Arrived in this small glacier focused town, just stopping on the way for a spot of gold panning (no nuggets found alas) just in time for my heli-hike. I thought it was worth blowing the budget and getting right up on top of the glacier to really appreciate the size and magnificence of Franz Joseph, and I wasn’t wrong! I got into the front seat of the helicopter (there are definite pro’s to be light weight!) feeling like a member of the A-team and with my ear protectors in place we took off. The experience of flying in a helicopter was amazing, although flying along you got so close to the rocks it is pretty scary at times! We landed right on to the ice, a real feat of skill for the pilots as everything is ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Hawkes Bay » Hastings December 29th 2005

Gisborne Spent two nights at a Homestay in north Gisborne and then we hired a car to take us all the way to Wellington at New Year. Eventually we got the bike into a Corrolla and ventured further south. At the Information Centre first thing we met again our intrepid cyclists from Malvern, Harvey and Catherine, who were staying in town as well. Then off to stay with Don with whom Lesley stayed with last time, a lovely man, who lives in a small bungalow in Hastings. And off to the Hawkes Bay Sun Club where we were greeted by a single member who then left for Rotoroa leaving us on the site on our own! We were in an old partially reconstructed home of three bedrooms but a bit needed doing. Next morning Lesley had ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Wellington Region December 29th 2005

hey guys, marc is filling you in on the journey as we speak so i'll fill you in on the now! we are relaxing in a little place just a couple of hours drive from wellington (unless you get stuck in the biggest traffic jam known to new zealand on the way) called Levin. After the stresses and strains of christmas.... a whole hour of shopping we had to do you know.....tis great to be relaxing. so our sunshine fueled days have been spent mountain biking (resulting in a near fall for me and a temporary loss of marc in the forest) tennis playing and wandering around the beach. yes its december but its hot and we're by the beach....go us! we're still staying with tony, clare, kathy and andy who are treating us wonderfully, surrounding ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Wellington December 29th 2005

Well people, Auckland came and went and i'll first give you a brief summary of how the car saga was concluded. The last you all heard i think was that we had a lovely Nissan lined up for collection in the next morning. Twas so lovely in fact that by the time we had got there bright and breezy at 9am someone else had been in the previous day to get it just before closing time. Whereas this may have stunned and confused less worldy backpackers, myself and claire knew exactly how to panic in the most time effective and logical way. Consequently we spent the rest of the day ambling around Auckland looking into the possibilities of flying, renting a car, getting the bus, hitching, pogo sticking (no really that was a good hours discussion) ... read more
The Beard
Marc and Claire meet Huka

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » West Coast » Punakiaki December 28th 2005

Punakiaki is famous for its 'pancake' rocks. So called because the limestone rocks have weathered to resemble stacks of pancakes. At high tide the sea is forced through blowholes in the rocks to give spectacular effects.... read more
Punkaiki

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island December 28th 2005

We slept in a little and had breakfast in our room. We then walked around Wanaka, ran a few errands and spent several hours at the Internet café catching up on e-mails, downloading the blog, etc. We went back to our room and had a snack of hummus and bruschetta before going to the Paradiso to see King Kong. We arrived at the movie theater, bought a bag of popcorn and a bottle of wine to have while we watched the movie. We entered the theater and it was a large stepped room with seating provided by old couches, lounge chairs, airplane seats and part of a Morris Minor automobile. We sunk into one of the old couches to watch the movie. It was not a huge screen but adequate and the sound system was okay. ... read more




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