In, Round, Up and Down

Taupo

bobbybell — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:32:00 GMT

Not T'pau which I accidentally called it - (oddly enough not played on the radio here but would fit right in). Arrived here in torrential rain. Being from England it wasn't too much of an issue, but George being Japanese was obviously not built to be waterproof - so that explains the damp smell.

Taupo is very much a black hole for backpackers, people having been here for months on end, working, playing and generally bumming around. No doubt it's a great spot, the lake, volcanoes, mountains, springs (the list goes on and on) but I think it could easily become too claustrophobic. I'm not sure how many bars are in town but imagine everyone goes to the same one, my money would be on an Irish bar. Meet a sound Irish lad (Andy) who has introduced me to Geocaching, which seems a bit odd but think it could be quite a cool thing to do when travelling round.

Jumped my first bungy and what more can I say other than quick. The build up is far better than the jump (kind of like the chase outweighing the catch - think Taranaki again) but definitely recommend going for the full water dunk - just in case I pissed myself on the way down. Debated the skydiving but am awaiting Claire in the South Island and with a little encouragement/ chlorophyll I'm sure she'll be game for a free fall.

Have been extremely impressed with the Blackcurrant Backpackers and even more with the fact that the main core staff members are friendly, easy going, helpful English people. Maybe living in NZ does rub off on people? Now I've completely my first week of work it's time to move on and am hoping the Tongariro is clear for the next two days as have been waiting two days now for the weather to complete the circuit. Only time will tell....

The Forgotten Highway

bobbybell — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:21:00 GMT

First tip: remember your boardies and towel if hanging them on the line. Second tip: fill up with petrol before the highway (or just read the signs that warn this)

I'm not 100% sure why it's forgotten. The views are great, the wrecked cars aside, and if you happen to be passing through Whangamomona on election day then don't forget your passport (every two years on a random Saturday in January by all accounts). A republic unto itself and hopefully will allow me to come back into NZ on my new Whang. passport.

Damper Falls kind of speaks for itself. Discovered that I actually do enjoy my ipod on Random selection which is convenient as Rusty George isn't so good at picking up radio channels in the mountains. Kind of refreshing not to hear "Do you like Pina Colada's" every hour. Something has to be said for N.Z radio - retro, maybe; funky, perhaps; bizarre, most definitely.

Turangi is worth a pit stop to break up the journey and the thermal baths were a real gem in the rain.

Mt Taranaki (Eggmont National Park)

bobbybell — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:03:00 GMT

Cruised on round the surfers highway, albeit minus a surfboard but time is on my side. Next stop New Plymouth, which mildly surprised me, boasting a Top 50 List, although truth be told it could easily be cut to 30. Went up the Botanic Gardens for the summer festival and highlights how NZ puts money, time and resources into developing events/ activities for the public. Great for visitors and even more so for locals, with a sense of community being a priority in most areas I've seen so far.

Day 2 was the day to tackle Mt Taranaki, which had been well hyped up to me prior to our meeting. When signing in the book I read a lady had completed the hike in 10 hours despite being 6 month pregnant. I suspected bullshit and after the climb hoped so or feared she may have been too stupid to have children. The climb is tough, with literal vertical climbs, clambering and scrabbling through varied formations. The last section of shale is exactly what you need after a heart pounding climb - two steps up, one step down. Perfect.

It's definitely worth a read on the Maori legend of Taranaki, who, despite stature, is as weak as any man when thinking too much with his second brain.

Bring on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

On the road

bobbybell — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:16:00 GMT

After the most amazing help from Don (Linden Motors - if buying a car in Wellington I strongly urge you to get this bloke to check it out, honest as the day is long) I soon piled all my gubbins into Rusty George atop of my part time bed for the next 5 months.

First stop Waikanae. Why? Why not? A quick stop at the beach and happened into a fellow English man, now a local, and talked about England through Philosophy to the Kaka bird's near extinction. Name escapes me but what's in a name?

Onwards Northbound to Jerusalem via the Wanganui River Road. The views here should be experienced first hand and the road is all about the scenery not speed, but I pre-warn those in a car of nervous disposition, the last 9km is gravel not road. Good ol' Rusty George passed his first test...just. Spent the night in St Joseph's in Jerusalem, clean, serene and cosy.

Endured the 9km on the return trip and headed up the Atuene (Athens) Look-Out which is weel worth the trip on a clear day and after warnings about valuables in cars, I lugged my laptop with me too. More pain for my back!

Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit

bobbybell — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:03:00 GMT

New to tramping so not quite sure what I was getting myself into, despite the D.O.C telling me that it would be a doddle for a fit young man like me. "Doddle" would not be my choice of words.

If doing this hike/ tramp, best thing to do would look at the train timetable. I didn't realise Saturdays here count as Sundays in terms of transport and Solway is not exactly a hustling bustling town/ village. Hitchhike and all should be good. I managed to get a lift back from the mountain to Wellington. More hospitality from locals.

Advice for future tramps: I learnt how not to pack your bag; lots of ice, pillow, books and trainers do not count as essentials, especially according to my back. Also, hikes in N.Z are phenomenal! I walked for 4 plus hours without seeing a soul, which although was at times a bit daunting, it too enhanced the space of the landscape and brought home the idea of the real outdoors. A definite must for not unfit people (if that makes sense).

Wellington

bobbybell — Sun, 9 Jan 2011 14:47:00 GMT

Coming from Australia, anywhere may have been a financial relief but I was delighted I booked an additional flight to Wellington from Auckland without setting foot in the latter. Despite being the capital, Wellington most definitely has the feel of a place of close quarters but big enough to keep me content and occupied.

Fortunately I lucked out with Couch Surfing, so Erica et al put me up, entertained me and kept me out of mischief for 5 days - a real credit to Wellingtonians(?). I hoped they would be the typical Kiwi's I would meet in the future; welcoming, humorous and fun. Stopped in at the Base (mediocre at best, more designed for people who would rather see a hostel bar than NZ i.e. plenty of English). Did meet Miranda though, a lovely Dutch girl who taught me Bingo (apparently an English card game?) although the rules escape me, so if anyone remembers/ knows then please remind me.

Most certainly going to return through on my way to the South Island and most definitely the best starting point I could have asked for. Also, picked up Rusty George within the Wellington region with a shelf life of 6 months....here's hoping.