Day 125 - Wellington

A nice lay in this morning until 10.30, mainly because the clocks have gone forward. The weather is looking much better, bright sunshine but still windy, apparently it's always windy in Wellington.

I've gone for an ambitious plan for the day, trying to take in as many sights as possible working my way to the fat side of the city and if need be I'd catch the bus back.

Started off by heading down to Civic Square and saw the Town Hall and Gallery which was, shall we say, interesting. One particular exhibit was about time i think and consisted of a room which a constantly moving machine and 5 video walls and played about 20 minutes, still have no idea what i actually watched to be honest. Another exhibit was described as middle earth on steroids.

From there i headed to the Wellington and Maritime Museum which again was good.

Then i went to see the Government buildings including the Beehive, then onto the Cathedral which was just ugly, looked quite new and boring, almost just plain concrete. From there i went to see Old St Pauls which was a lovely old timber Church in middle of new high rises, much nicer than the Cathedral.

Now it was time to head back to the hostel and although i was hurting i decided to forgo the bus and to walk/hobble back, an hour later i finally got back for a much needed rest, at least if i don't feel upto it tomorrow i know I've at least ticked alot of boxes today. Unfortunately I've just looked at the photos I've took today and 95% of them have been corrupted so i won't be able to show you how lovely this city is.

Spent the evening relaxing my sore muscles and finishing my book.

Day 124 - Wellington

Up at a more reasonable 9am this morning, unfortunately the weather has took a turn for the worse, wind and rain, so hung around the hostel until it eased a bit.

Went out for a walk and had to cut it short as my back and leg are playing up, really have to get them sorted when i get home.

Said goodbye to Bettina and Ann who are flying back to Auckland today, Bettina to stay her travels home and Ann to head up to the Bay of Islands to try and find some work.

Then i went down to the Te Papa Museum again to see it at my own pace which was good.

Then went for another walk in the evening, not sure if it's because it's Sunday but the city is very quiet.

Day 123 - Wellington

Up at 7am for no reason at all, so sat around reading waiting for Bettina and Ann so we could go exploring.

Started off by going to the Te Papa Museum which was very interesting and interactive. Felt a bit rushed though as Bettina and Ann have only got 2 days here so they're squeezing as much in as possible.

I left them add i didn't want to do to much as I've got 6 days here and don't want to see everything in the first 2.

Back at the hostel i spent the evening sorting out my accommodation for the rest of my time in New Zealand, managed to book a cheap single room for my last 3 nights, woohoo! Looking forward to not having people in and out at all times turning the light on and off.

Day 122 - Kaikoura to Wellington

Up bright and early again, 7am and took a short walk before getting on the bus at 9. En route we stopped at a seal colony which was cool and there were hundreds of them.

Arrived at the ferry terminal for the 1.15 ferry which left an hour late so a bit of waiting around. On board was just chatting and playing cards with a lot of the group sleeping.

Arrived into Windy Wellington at about 6pm and immediately out for food and drinks, was a nice night even though there were only a few of us because most have got to be up early for the bus but there's a few of us stopping in Wellington for a few days which will be nice.

Lake Pukaki photos

Milford Sound photos

Bunjy Jump photos

Day 121 - Christchurch to Kaikoura

A very early start to the day, set off from Christchurch at 7.30am, one short stop for a coffee break, arriving in Kaikoura at 11.30.

Some of the group went whale watching, some went swimming with dolphins, i just went for a walk around the town, which only took about an hour.

Hung around waiting for the group to get back and unfortunately the whale watching got cancelled because the whales were too far out and the dolphin swims boat broke down and they never even got to see any, i think i made the right choice.

A fun evening sitting around drinking and playing cards to finish off the day.

Day 120 - Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Up at 8am to get on the bus and feeling rough, there are so many germs flying around the bus it seems impossible to get rid of any sort of illness.

Pretty much a straight drive to Christchurch with one short stop for food, arriving at 1.30pm and straight out to walk around.

As Christchurch had 2 major earthquakes 4 or 5 years ago the city is basically a building site. But we did see a shopping mall built entirely out of shipping containers which was pretty cool, a monument to commemorate the people who lost their lives and a cardboard (more like corrugated plastic) Cathedral.

Out on the night for food and drinks, found a nice irish bar, was a nice night with just four of us as the rest of the group stayed in the hostel.

Day 119 - Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

Up and on the bus for 9.30 after saying goodbyes to most of the people I've been travelling with.

Our first stop was at Lake Pukaki which was stunning, the bluest waste i have ever seen with Mount Cook as a backdrop.

Then onto Lake Tekapo which is equally as beautiful, the town is very small though, it took about 3 seconds to drive through. All checked in and everyone is just having a chilled evening after the frivolities of Queenstown. So just sat around chatting and then watched a movie and then an early night after going down to the lake and staring up at the clear sky to see the stars as Lake Tekapo is the largest black sky reserve in the world. It was amazing to see all the stars but I've definitely seen better back home.

Goodbyes
Lake + mount cook

Day 118 - Queenstown

A small lay in this morning, up at about 9.30 and nerves are starting already as I'm about to do my first bunjy jump and it happens to be the 3rd highest in the world at 134m!

Went for a quick walk to kill some time and read my book to take my mind off it which seemed to work. Checked in at the shop and found out that we jump in order of weight, heaviest being first which pleased me as i didn't fancy hanging around, so i would be third off.

45 minute drive up to the jump, everyone getting quite nervous but weirdly i was feeling Ok.

At the jump and harnessed up, had a look over the edge and Oh my god is it high. They took us three first jumpers over in the cable car first and still feeling Ok, just excitement at this stage. Started by getting our leg straps and still feeling good. I got to watch the first two go, the first having dressed up as superman. Started to get a little nervous at this stage. My turn was up and sat me in the chair to attach the bunjy chord, still feeling Ok. Out of the chair and shuffling towards the edge, that's when it hit me what i was about to do, luckily everything goes so quick there's no time to think, a couple of quick photos and 3,2,1, bunjy, no time to hesitate, i jump and it's the most amazing feeling, falling for 8 seconds which feel like 1 and then the bunjy chord kicks in and you're bouncing. Unhook the leg straps and sit there taking in the amazing view before i get pulled back up. Unattached and I'm shaking, i can't believe what I've just done!!! The most amazing feeling though.

Back across to the shop to check out the photos and video which i had to buy and get my ididit t-shirt which got immediately worn.

Another 45 minute drive back to town and everybody feeling pretty pumped, to the pub for a celebratory all day breakfast and a pint.

Out on the night for a pub crawl including the minus 5 bar, which was pretty cool (no pun intended), except they only serve cocktails or shots, and I'm not a fan of either.

An absolutely amazing day!

Bunjy jump
All day breakfast and pint
Bar crawl

Day 116 - Wanaka to Queenstown

Up at 7am so i decided to have a walk down to the lake to get a coffee, so glad i did because it was so clear and the view was awesome.

On the bus at 8.30 and off to Puzzling World, which didn't particularly sound great but luckily it was free to suit in the café and do some of the puzzles, only there for an hour before we headed off to Queenstown.

On the way we stopped off at AJ Hacketts bungy Centre for people who wanted to to book their activities for the next few days, while we were there two of the lads decided they couldn't wait a few days so just went for it and did a bungy off a bridge, dipping into the river below, was pretty cool watching them.

Then onto Queenstown arriving at about 3pm, all checked in and some of us were so hungry we dumped our bags and headed off to try the world famous Fergburger. It was definitely worth the 20 minute queue, absolutely amazing burger.

Then out on the night as a lot of the buses have sort of congregated in Queenstown so i met a lot of people from my old bus. A good night out finishing in Cowboys which serve litre steins of beer, nice but dangerous.

Day 115 - Franz Josef to Wanaka

Started the day off getting soaked through walking down to meet the bus. We stopped off at Lake Matheson to see the mirror reelection of Mount Cook in the water, unfortunately it was tipping it down so there wasn't much of a view.

Stopped off a few more times including Lake Hawea which was stunning especially as the sun had now made an appearance.

Then on to Wanaka getting there at about 5pm. All checked in and out for a walk, this is a truly beautiful town, sat on the side of Lake Wanaka with snow topped mountains in the background. This is definitely a place i could spend some time.

Day 114 - Franz Josef Ice Explorer

Up early again this morning to go on the Franz Josef Ice Explorer, all checked in at the shop and kitted out in our hiking gear. And we were told we may have to come back early because the weather was meant to get bag in the afternoon, luckily it held out and we had a full trip.

The trip started with a helicopter ride up on to the glacier, which was cool being my first time in a helicopter. The flight in was amazing, i still can't believe that this spectacular glacier is so accessible. Spent 3 hours up on the ice, walking and climbing and going into little caves, and also having snow ball fights. It was truly amazing. I still can't quite get my head around just how big it was, you just lose all perspective until you see some other hikers way off in the distance and they just look like tiny specks. Then another helicopter ride back to town and as we got there the rain came, so we were very lucky.

Spent the night drinking and playing games in the hostel as sine of the others had decided or hostel was better.

Day 113 - Westport to Franz Josef

Another long day on the bus, left at 9.30am, stopping off at Pancake Rocks along the way, which are really cool, basically rock formations that look like stacks of pancakes.

Eventually arrived into Franz Josef at 4.30pm, confirmed our activities for tomorrow and up to the hostel. Got the hostel and although it seemed very nice, me and a few of the others were getting a bit annoyed at paying top dollar everywhere we go just because Kiwi "recommends" it. So asked the driver about a hostel we had seen in the way in and she told us, oh that one's rubbish, but thought we'd give it a go anyway. It turns out she's wrong, it was a lovely, cheap place, $7 a night less than the recommended one and had free wifi, free breakfast, free dinner and a free limo tour of the town. I don't think we'll be listening to the driver again.

Back down to the bar on the night for a few beers and the rock, paper, scissors competition. One of our bus won a free bungy swing in Queenstown.

Day 117 - Milford Sound

Up bright and early after 3 hours sleep to get on the bus for a day trip out to Milford Sound. A lot of weary people on the bus today after a big night out. I was feeling surprisingly Ok though.

A long drive out to Milford Sound, as the crow flies is only 117km but because of how windy the road is, is actually over 300km to drive.

The drive was good though, stopping at done beautiful places along the way, including a mirror pond where we could see perfect reflections of the mountains in the background and Monkey Creek where we could fill out water bottles with some lovely fresh water. Our driver today was awesome too, really funny but at the same time so knowledgeable and so passionate about what he was showing us.

Arrived into Milford for the 1.30pm ferry tour, when we started it was quite cloudy and kind of eerie, all you could see was hints of gigantic things hidden behind the clouds and mist. About half way the clouds cleared and it was just spectacular, again like Franz Josef i just felt so small and insignificant in this amazingly beautiful place.

Back on the bus for our long drive back to Queenstown, getting back at nearly 8pm it was a really long but amazing day. So just a quick $5 Domino's and a beer with Battina before heading back to the hostel to chill.

Amazing day!

Day 109 - 111 - Kaiteriteri

Not much to tell about my time in Kaiteriteri as it was just some time to chill and relax and hopefully get rid of this damn man flu.

So most of my time was spent on the beach, reading my book. Taking part in the pub quizzes, no drinking rounds here though so i couldn't show off my new skill of downing a pint in 3 seconds. Also went with Battina to watch her so her skydive, wow she was so excited.

A nice few days!

Day 112 - Kaiteriteri to Westport

Back on the bus now and left Kaiteriteri at 9.30am, our first stop was at Nelson Lake which i can imagine would be very picturesque, unfortunately for us it was tipping it down. That didn't stop a few people jumping in though, they didn't stay in long though.

Then another long drive to Westport. Our driver decided to try and make the journey go quicker by making us all play speed dating which was, shall we say, interesting.

Arrived into Westport at about 6pm and checked into our funky hostel, it had a bit of a reggae vibe, it was pretty cool.

Spent the night cooking and chatting with a few of the girls while the majority of the group went to get drunk at the brewery, apparently some of them had a very good night as two of them were caught having sex in the corridor in the early hours on CCTV cameras, oh dear.

Day 108 - Wellington to Kaiteriteri

Up bright and early to get the bus to the ferry, 7.15am and on the boat at 8.30. A nice 3 hour ferry ride across The Cook Strait to the South Island, on which most of the group slept as they didn't get in until 5am after a night out in Wellington.

Then a long drive to Kaiteriteri arriving at about 5pm, and a relatively chilled night in the bar as most of the bus were in bed for 9pm recovering from Wellington.

Looking forward to some time off the bus over the next few days as I've decided to stay in Kaiteriteri for 4 nights.

Day 107 - River Valley to Wellington

Woke up this morning not wanting to get out bed as I've developed the start of man flu. Feeling pretty rough. So just hung around the lodge waiting for the group that had gone white water rafting.

Not much to tell for the rest of the day, left at about 12.30 and arrived into Wellington at about 7pm. I was planning on stopping for 4 days but as it's the All Black game on Saturday every need is taken so unfortunately just the one night, and as i wasn't feeling too good i spent the night relaxing in the hostel.

Day 106 - Taupo to River Valley

Our first stop today was a ski resort up in the mountains to take a short walk up to a lookout to check out Mount Doom. A pretty spectacular view. The temperature has definitely dropped now, wooly hats and jumpers are out.

Then heading south to River Valley, a very remote lodge in the middle of nowhere. A very scenic drive in, some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen.

Arrived at River Valley which is just beautiful. A timber lodge ay the bottom of a valley with a stunning river flowing just out the front. A lovely home made roast dinner and a few drinks along with playing some games. A really nice day.

Day 105 - Taupo

After the adrenaline of yesterday i was feeling pretty tired today so i just spent the day walking around the beautiful Lake Taupo finding a nice spot to stop and read.

Sitting by the lake just starting out at the snowy mountains in the distance was a really nice way to spend the day.

Day 104 - Rotorua to Taupo

We started out that day gong to a Geothermal Park which was very interesting, saw a Maori welcoming ceremony, also Maori carving and weaving school. Also alot of hot pools, one of which was hot enough to boil eggs, also a 30 metre geyser.

From there we made a short stop at Huka falls to check out the 11x7m waterfall, quite impressive.

Then headed into Taupo and checked into the hostel, just an hours wait until i got picked up for my skydive. Picked up in a limo which was cool. I'd felt nervous all day but now it was just excitement i was feeling.

It started off with the obvious safety brief and selling of photos and videos. The bloke was so good at putting you at ease. Unfortunately a bit of waiting now as we were on the 2nd plane. My instructor, Carl again was great at easing my nerves. Up the plane and climbing, he said we're now at 3000ft, how are you feeling, i said great but i can't believe we've still got 9000ft to go, it looked so high. The view was absolutely spectacular, could see the massive Lashes Taupo beneath us, snow caped mountains in the distance, i don't think i could have picked a more beautiful spot for my first skydive.

It was seconds between racing 12000ft and actually jumping, sat on the side, legs dangling out and then we were out, there are no words to describe the feeling, it was like nothing i ever imagined. 45 seconds later the shoot opened and we just floated down taking in the amazing view, i got to steer as well which was cool, taking us into a fast spin. About 5 minutes before we landed, i can honestly say it was the most exhilarating thing i have ever done.

Then back to the hostel for drinks and celebrating, an absolute amazing day!

Day 103 - Waitomo to Rotorua

On the bus for 10.30 and on our way to Hobbiton, the set of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Everyone was incredibly excited, like little kids, can't wait to get there.

Before the tour started i took a look in the gift shop and spotted something i just had to have, The One Ring 😄. Off on the tour and walking around all the hobbit holes and finishing at the Green Dragon for a beer. A great day in the sun.

A short drive onto to Rotorua. 30 of the group had booked onto an overnight stay at a Maori village leaving 8 of us to stay in Rotorua. A nice chilled out, domesticated evening.

Day 102 - Hot Water Beach to Waitomo

Not the best nights sleep as the smoke alarm kept going off but up and on the bus to head to Waitomo.

On the way we stopped off at some mines to have a look around and walk through the tunnels. Possibly the midday beautiful mining site i have ever seen with a river flowing through it. Then onto Waitomo arriving at about 1.30pm.

All checked in and then straight to the Waitomo Caves for the Black Abyss caving experience. I wasn't sure whether i wanted to do this or not but I'm so glad i did. Started off with getting changed into a very fetching wet suit and gum boots. Then off to the caves, the first task was a 100ft abseil down a very narrow, dark hole which was amazing, loved the feeling of not being able to see the bottom. Next was a zip line through an opening full of glow worms, it was like flying through space. Then it was jumping into the water with a rubber tube and floating through the caves in darkness again staring up at the glow worms filling the darkness. Next was a series of walks/swims through the caves, crawling through narrow holes, crawling under rocks and climbing up waterfalls. I was first to make the climb out of the caves and it felt amazing, coming out into the darkness of night and selling the starry sky above. An absolute amazing experience, definitely one of my favourite things on this trip.

Then back to the hostel for dinner and down to the bar for a "few" beers.

An awesome day!

Day 101 - Auckland to Hot Water Beach

On the bus for 8.40 and stopped off at Mount Eden to take a short 30 minute walk up to the top to see the crater and the views out over Auckland.

Then down to Hot Water Beach and checked into our accommodation which is really nice. A holiday park but much nicer than you would expect.

We then went on a 2 hour walk to Cathedral Cove which again was beautiful even though it was raining.

Back to the hostel for dinner which was awesome as 8 of us had decided to chip in and get the ingredients for a chilli. A much needed proper meal.

Then down to the beach at about 8pm to dig ourselves a hot water spa the sand. I have no idea what causes it but the water that comes up through the sand when you start digging is absolutely boiling to the point i think i may burned my feet.

Day 100 - Paihia to Auckland

A small lay in this morning as we didn't need to check out until 10.

A few of us decided to go on a short walk up to a lookout which was hard work because although it was a short walk it was very steep. A beautiful view grin the to though of The Bay of Islands.

On the bus at 1.30pm and back into Auckland for 6pm. Quickly dropped our stuff into the hostel and our for $5 pizza from Domino's which was amazing.

Then out for a few drinks and early night which turned into a lot of drinks and a late night, great night though!

Day 98 - Cape Reinga

Up bright and early this morning which wasn't easy after a fair few drinks last night. 7.10am pick up for our day trip to Cape Reinga.

Drove for about an hour up the coast before taking the bus onto the beach to drive up 90 mile beach weird weirdly is only about 90km long. Saw some seals on the beach which was cool.

We then turned off the beach to drive up a stream (actually in the water) for 3km which was interesting. Stopped up the stream to go body boarding down the sand dunes, unfortunately because the rain had made alot of the dunes collapse into the steam we had a fairly long steep walk to get to the top of the dunes. Body boarding was quite fun but definitely not worth the walk.

We then drove upto the top of New Zealand where two oceans meet. A stunning drive up, the scenery here is absolutely spectacular. Similar to Britain but you can see for miles, i never knew there were so many different shades of green. The top of New Zealand is a beautiful place with amazing views.

We then headed back stopping off at a wood carving place, the things they have managed to carve is amazing including a set of spiral stairs carved into the middle of one tree. Again heading back down south we stopped off for sine award winning fish (Harpuka) and chips which was beautiful.

Our last stop was a short walk in the forest to see just how big the trees grow here, absolutely massive is the answer.

Then back to Paihia for about 6pm and back to the bar for more drinks, quiz night tonight in which i got nominated by my team to take part in a skulling beers contest, the teams had to bet on who would win and if they were right they got a point for their team. I was up against a small South African, a smaller Aussie and a big Kiwi. All but 2 teams bet on the Kiwi with 1 team being on the South African and my team betting on me. I won with time to spare apparently ☺.

Another great day.

Day 99 - Bay of Islands boat trip

Another early start to be down at the pier for 8.45am to go or boat trip around The Bay Of Islands.

It's a beautiful Bay with 144 Islands, we saw a few tiny little Islands which are privately owned, some people have definitely got themselves a slice of paradise. Saw a few dolphins on the way too which was nice. Then upto the hole in the rock which is exactly as described, we were supposed to take the boat through but unfortunately the sea was a bit too rough.

Sailing back we stopped at a beautiful island for lunch, such an amazing spot to just sit and take in the views.

On the way back we decided to get off at Russell to have a look around and take advantage of our free ferry ticket back. Russell is a beautiful quiet little town and an amazing place just to suit on the waterfront and have some food.

Then back to Paihia for a much needed early night after the last 2.

Another nice day.