Blogs from New Zealand, Oceania - page 2435

Hello from Ponsonby Road! Caitlin and I have moved on from the Fat Camel. It was nice but kind of a sterile environment that was trying too hard to be the Real World. Imagine living in those trendy IKEA rooms... not the most homey feel. We've moved on to a suburb just west of Auckland called Ponsonby. We're at the Ueneke (?) Lodge right on the strip of cafes, nightclubs, bars and cute little boutiques. It's a yuppie neighborhood so I feel pretty lucky for this prime real estate for only NZ$20 bucks a night. The biggest plus is there is FREE PARKING for our newest travelling companion. Introducing..... CHIPPY! Our mint green (haha, mint chip?) 1984 Honda City is a 2 door, tiny little car complete with fold down hatchback style seats, a tiny little ... read more

It's taken some time, but I am feeling better about staying here for a while now. It's good to have my own space in the house at Percival Street and I'm doing more recreational activities, chilling out and soaking up the cosmopolitan lifestyle in the city and enjoying the atmosphere. There are tons of theatres and cinemas in Wellington - firstly here's a photo of the one where I'm working, which is called Circa - it's right on the harbour with a fabulous view and a lovely dining area. It's quite a laid-back and sophisticated environment in the theatre, although convincing the customers that they have plenty of time to eat before going in to the play takes some patience!! At the moment there are two plays showing, with matinee performances on weekend afternoons. Nearer Christmas ... read more

I woke up this morning depressed. Wondering why Mark and I can't live in a place this beautiful all of the time. We finally made it out of Auckland. It took us two full days to shed our fear of driving. And not just because the kiwis drive on the other side of the road, but because they drive with shear determination, determined to get wherever it is they need to go as fast as they can, so they can relax. Just a few hundred kilometers north of Auckland, we stumbled upon a ferry. Mark asked the attendent how long the journey was and she laughed, "Oh hon, it's only five minutes. We're nearly there." And just as she was done talking, the ten-car ferry door opened and it was like the flag was waved at ... read more

November 1 - Crossed over from the North Island to the South Island aboard the Bluebridge, our favourite ferry. Good pricing, more than adequate interior accommodation plus the friendliest staff. Went into Picton to pick up our mail and headed for the Picton Motor camp in town where we hang out on our visits here as we pass through. November 2 - Off to LeCafe in the morning on the waerfront our favourite coffee spot. Also needed to see what the entertainment was this weekend. They are in the habit of bringing in very good music usually. Brazilian I am told by Peter the Swiss owner. Then it was off to Blenheim to have the bus brakes checked and pick up a few odds and ends before beginning our circuit south next Monday. This will ... read more

What a way to celebrate Halloween!! For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to sky dive. I think it’s just the whole concept of pushing yourself to the ultimate edge...and jumping from a plane. Considering al the other adventurous, adrenaline pumping things I have done in NZ, I thought "what the heck, I might as well sky dive here too!" Luckily, I had a few friends who wanted to do the same, so on our final hoorah weekend, Rachel, Liz, Ngaire, and I all leapt out of airplanes. FANTASTIC! We woke u at 6 am to call the sky dive center, in order to confirm that the weather was decent. When they said •come on over" we all hurried into the car and made our way to the jump site. Within a couple ... read more