Well after 3 weeks of fun, giggles, relaxation and adrenaline...it's time to leave New Zealand. Quick summary of the highs...
Nelson - Abel Tasmin Trek and Kayaking. The scenary was astounding. Couldn't believe New Zealand could look so tropical. Blue skies, crystal waters & almost white sands. The whole experience was amazing. Nothing like jumping in the cool (and cool it was!!) water after a 3 hour hike. Then to follow up with a kayak trip along the coast was just amazing. Only wish we'd been there longer than a day.
Greymouth - Not a whole lot to see here, however, if ever anyone decides to jump on a Magic Bus, the tour of Montieth's brewery is essential. It was on this 'all you can drink' tour that we got to know our travelling companions a little better. Ella & Holly, the young 'uns from England, Fahed from Canada & Neal from US (who provided most laughter on our journey), gorgeous Mae & Vanessa - 2 cool girls. The bond was set over a few tasty beers.
Franz Josef - The glacier. The plan was to do the Heli-hike but unfortunately the weather wasn't with us. I'd walked up this glacier the last time I was here. So I left Malte to head up with the boys while me & the girls got us some Quad Bikes & raced around the base. Took turns with driving \ being passengers. Vanessa had us off our seats more than once. Our arms were killing us for days, just from hanging on. Later that evening we hit the Blue Ice Cafe with our driver Lefty (called this coz he took the left side off his own bus while going over a narrow bridge). Lots of drinks later there was dancing around poles...I believe there are photos of this and general more getting to know everyone "you're great..no you're great" etc..
Queenstown - Could harp on for hours about this place as I'm sure anyone who's been here can relate to. It's the highlight of New Zealand for most visitors I reckon. We spent a few nights here. Went on a day trip to Milford Sounds. The journey there was just as spectaclar as the Sound itself. Snow capped mountains & generally gorgeousness everywhere. Lots of entertainment on the bus as the whole lot of 'the gang' went. We haaad to go out that night coz Fahed & Neal were leaving us. Rounds of Tequilla were involved. Things got messy..but in a good way :o) Unfortunately missed out on the Canyon swing as it was booked out so we did a swing over Queenstown instead. The video is really embarrassing as I screamed every vulgarity that came to mind. Was fantastic though. The main difference from the bungy is that it's your job to pull the pin that makes you plummet 43metres. Another highlight of this place...the Ferg Burger. You can get a burger with Blue cheese or Brie...it was the tastiest burger we've ever had. Agreed by all. Aside from the activities & events...Queenstown is spectacular in itself. A small town surrounded by the aptly named mountains 'The Remarkables'. Very sad to leave Queenstown as we were leaving without Vanessa, Mae, Fahed & Neal.
Lake Tekapo - Just had a BBQ here at the hostel...the hostel that faces an absolutely beautiful lake. On the way here we passed some lakes so blue, it looked like someone had dyed it. Stunning! A great night was had by all, ended with some star gazing.
Blenhiem - Me & Malte parted with the girls (only for a brief couple of days) to head to Marlborough. The hostel we stayed in (crazy as it was) made everything very easy for us, giving us free hire of bikes. We headed off for the day. Hit our first winery around 10.30 and drank our way through about 10 different winerys throughout the day. Even stopped for Lunch in a gorgeous place Whaiya River. Was a rough ride home against very strong breeze (which wasn't the only reason the bikes were wobbling). Great fun though...best was to do it!
Wellington - Met back up with the girls to get the ferry across to Welly. Pete was waiting for us at the port. Great to see a familiar face. Stayed with him for the few days. Absolutely luxurious pad! Fahed & Neal had decided to stick around so met up with them again - Yey!! Had a great night out the night we arrived which ended in Pete calling in sick the following day. Wellington is a lovely city. Really easy to get around & nice to waste a few hours just walking around. Stuck around for Pete's birthday & we were sad to leave him & Ella & Holly. Great though, that the boys decided to come with us.
Napier - Driver made mistake of giving us cheap beer in Tui Brewery far too eary in the day...thirst was on. Drank for the rest of the day & right through to the evening. Yes, we were those annoying people down the back of the bus telling each other our life stories.
Taupo - Main thing we did here was the Jet-Boating. So much fun. All decided we were buying one between us by the time we left.
Rotorua - Did the white water rafting on arrival. Highlight was the biggest commercial drop in New Zealand. We all managed to stay in the boat for the 7 metre drop. Laughed throughout the whole experience. Was loadsa fun. That evening went to Maori cultural experience. Malte was chief of our bus & did a great job. Was a lovely night with very tasty food!!
Taranga - Noooothing to do here. So obviously got beers in & played cards til early hours of the morning. Interesting to meet some 18yr old girls in the hostel who kept refering to me as 'that lady'. I felt veeerrrry old. Their night ended with one of them in hospital getting her stomach pumped...oh to be young again!
Auckland - Went out for meal last night to say goodbye to the boys. Really sad leaving them. Weird how close ye get so quickly. Definitely instend on meeting up again in Brisbane. Now we're just about to head to airport.
This has been my second time to travel round New Zealand. I think maybe this time I appreciated the country itself a bit more than the last time. It really is stunning. Every time the bus turned a corner we wanted to hop out for photos. We were spoilt really by the Magic Bus, not having to think about anything & getting the opportunity to meet some like-minded & hilarious people. I'll be sad to leave and intend to come back...even just to get that canyon swing done!!!
Vegas here we come!!!
