Paihia and Whangarei

Day 66
So the beginning of this trip started very eventful. On the walk down to the bus I had a dramatic, clumsy fall and sprained my ankle. OUCH! Even though it hurt it wasn't the most thing we were worried about. I couldn't really walk so we needed to find a cab and get downtown asap. Race against the clock! After making the bus wait for us for 15 min we barely made it. Now, we were on a 4 hour bus ride north of Auckland. Maybe we could avoid bad weather by going to the winterless north (weird south is cold and north is warm by the way). The rest of the day was pretty boring since I could only hop around on one foot and I refused to pay to go see a doctor unless it got worse. All we did was nap and go to the hostel bar to drink beer and ice my foot.

My swollen and bruised foot

Day 67
I could put some weight on my foot but it was still pretty swollen and bruising. I was determined not to let this injury get in the way of things we would have done if I wasnt so uncoordinated. All I could manage was to hobble to the beach. It felt like the hottest day we have had in New Zealand so it was a good beach day! We treated ourselves to a lunch at Cafe above the Bay and then headed back to the beach to soak up the sun some more!

Paihia beach

Day 68
Today we had booked a day bus trip to take us to around the surrounding  points of interest.

90 Mile Beach



First, we drove along the sand and surf of 90 mile beach. It is [the only] registered highway along the beach. Also, it is not actually 90 miles but rather 76 km? it was estimated to be this long because when a man walked a bull, that walks approx. 30 miles per day,down the beach it took him 3 days. He forgot to take into consideration that this heavy bull would be sinking into the sand and therefore not walking as far.

Te Paki sand dunes

Next stop was New Zealand's largest sand dunes to do some sandboarding. We all grabbed a board and climbed up a giant dune in what felt like a sandstorm. Can't beat an exfoliation like that! Once getting to the top, one by one we went head first down the hill. Some people were a little more extreme and did a running start but I kept it safe and slow. I wish it wasn't so windy and I didn't have a gimp ankle so I could have done more than one run!

Tapotupoto Bay

Tapotupoto Bay was our lunch stop and also the most northern beach in New Zealand. Only the brave ones went for a swim!

Cape Reinga

Pohutukaura tree

Cape Reinga is the top of New Zealand. The famous lighthouse is at the tip overlooking where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet. There is Maori legends surrounding this place because it is believed that after a Maori person dies their spirit passes through to the other world here through a sacred Pohutukaura tree growing impossiblily from the cliff side.

Kauri Forest

The last stop of the day was at the Puketi Kauri forest that has trees up to 2000 years old. We did some tree hugging while we were there.

Day 69
We booked another day cruise to take us around the Bay of Islands highlights. The Bay of Islands is a pretty area consisting of 144 islands. It was a another windy day in the region so the open water was choppy. Unfortunately we got on the boat with a field trip of at least 30 kids so it wasn't going to be a quiet day. Hardly 15 minutes into the trip we found a small pod of 6 bottlenose dolphins. They were very playful jumping in the wake of the boat and doing tricks like they were at Sea World. It was the best part of the trip for sure. The rest of the day was spent visiting the various islands and their caretakers, and venturing out to the iconic Hole in the Rock. We were on whale watch too because the trip the day before saw a humpback whale. No luck though! Before the day was over charlotte and i got dropped off in Russel, the hell hole of the Pacific. It was named this because ships used to stop here for all the brothels and rowdy bars. It's been a few years since then and Russel is now a quiet town. Not as good of a time anymore and not what I was expecting!

Trying to capture the dolphins jumping



Hole in the Rock

Day 70
For a place that was supposed to be in a drought it sure rained a lot. The rain must have followed us! It did get sunny and we managed to go for a walk before catching the bus down to Whangarei. The bus driver had us worried because as he dropped us off he told us we would need to know how to fight if we went out. Not to get too worried though because we had a local to keep us safe. We stayed with yet another Whistler friend, Ayla.

Charlotte, Steve, Ayla and I in the rain

Day 71-73

On these few days we hung out around Whangarei with Ayla, her boyfriend, coworkers and family. We went to Whangarei Falls, one of the few attractions to see in the area.  We also crashed her Christmas party predrink where I met a contestant from NZ's Master Chef. Cool guy who wants to become a travel food writer! I want that job! We also went to Sandy Bay to go to Ayla's moms 60th birthday party. Haha nothing is awkward when free food is involved! But it really was another good day with someone else's family! On Monday afternoon we caught the bus back to Auckland and said our goodbyes to Ayla, another great hostess! 

Whangarei Falls

"Take only memories. Leave only footprints." - Chief Seattle

City Life

Day 56
Back to the Big Smoke! Auckland! We took the train to Meadowbank where Jen, another Whistler friend lives. She runs a daycare during the week so visiting during the weekend was perfect. While trying to figure out our night Jen remembered the deal of the day was 50% off going to the Ice Bar. So we bought some tickets! Before going downtown we went to Newmarket to a Mac's bar for a cider with her boyfriend. Then Freddy's Ice Bar was cool! I had never been to one even though they looked so interesting. Everything was made out of ice -- the walls, the bar, the glasses and fun sculptures! We took loads of pictures! We went to a couple more bars and Danny Doulaw's being the most fun with loud live music! An old man at the bar came and asked me if I purposefully tried to look like Princess Laia because my hair was twisted back! HA! Must have been awhile since he watched the movie because there was no gold bikini or buns on the side of my head.

Day 57
Jen had found Charlotte a babysitting job so she was gone most of the day doing that. Jen was also busy with an anniversary party and BBQ. I just relaxed for the day in a hammock with a book and watched movies later on.

Day 58
Jen drove us back to Posonby to Amanda's house. We all had a short catch up before walking down to the triathlon with everyone (Amanda, Darren, Jo, Becca, Michael and Charlotte). We watched the men swim and jump on their bikes. Some of these men we would be seeing at London 2012 because they were qualifying for Olympic spots. We stopped at the supermarket and created a feast of snacks that we had on the front lawn. Spontaneous picnic of deliciousness haha!

Triatholon

Day 59
It's been 2 months since I've really talked to anyone so it was awesome to skype Jenny and Tyler. I felt like I was sitting on the couch right beside them having the regular Sunday talks! I miss living with them!
Anyways, since it was Monday that meant Monday night dinner party. Charlotte an I offered to take a turn while we were there again since we had a couple dinners made for us. The theme was BBQ so we spent the afternoon preparing kebobs, sweet potato wedges, salad and for dessert, chocolate covered strawberries with chocolate molten lava cake! Everyone loved it!

Day 60
It was a sunny and hot day in the city so we packed a lunch and headed to a beach. Sentinel Beach is a small city beach just a half hour walk from Ponsonby overlooking the harbor bridge. Such a hard life relaxing all day in the sun! The day got even better when Darren got back from fishing with tons of red snapper to fry up. Becca whipped up a meal and we stuffed our faces with lots of super fresh fish. Yum! I could get used to this NZ menu.

Day 61-63
We caught the bus for only $10 to take us to Hamilton to visit Jojo. We had visited her at her parents place in Waikou but we wanted to spend a couple days having quality time with her and her baby, Mason. Unfortunately we weren't going to be able to meet Jo's man, Bryce because he was out of town for work. We spent the next couple days shopping around town looking for a birthday dress and hanging around the house. Jo is such a happy and grateful Mom <3 She makes me believe that things happen for a reason and they happen when it's the right time! And 10 minutes before having to leave to catch the bus back to Auckland Bruce arrived home early. Now our Hamilton trip was complete!

Mason likes beer just like his mom ;)

Day 64
It's my birthday!!!!! At least on this side of the world! It doesn't feel like my birthday at all because it's warm outside. Cool! I always wished I could have a summer birthday. This way I can have at least one. Becca and Mike made me breakfast of pancakes, fruit, bacon and fresh juice. Very thoughtful of them! Then I got to skype Dave, Ange and the kids! I missed seeing their faces! After getting ready Becca, Jo, Mike, Charlotte and I piled into the car to go on an adventure. We went north of Auckland to a town called Leigh to go to a bar called the Sawmill Brewery for some pizza and beer. Next, we stopped in Mantakana to the Rusty Tavern for drink #2. Before getting back home we stopped at the grocery store to stock up on munchies. We discovered we didn't need the food because after we were done getting ready it didn't leave us much time to pre drink before our dinner reso. The girls went to Kens Japanese restaurant and I had sashimi (raw fish) and warm saki (alcohol) for the first time. After dinner we stayed in the Britomart area and went to a bar called the Country Club. It's a really cool outside bar that looks like what you would think a country club would look like with grass, gardens and a place to play croquet. That bar closed at midnight so we went to the club next door, 1885 where we danced the night away! Good birthday!!!!

Birthday breakfast!

Charlotte, Becca, Jo and I at 1885

Day 65

No time for hangovers today! Becca woke us up to ask us if we wanted to go to some markets. She is always so good at planning and enthusiastic about them! Good person to have around! So off Becca, Jo, Charlotte and I were off for another day of adventures! Charlotte was feeling more rough than the rest of us so the car ride was not kind to her. The Clevdon Market had lots of yummy samples! Then we went to Maratei beach to enjoy a lunch on the sand. NZ is definitely not short of pretty beaches! Once we got back to town there was no time for sitting and we went for a walk under the Harbor Bridge and around to look at the big boats. 1 in 4 Aucklanders own a boat of some sort so therefore there is lots of boats to look at. When I got back I skyped into Saturday night festivities in Canada to talk to Evie, Jen and Robyn! Only 4 weeks until I get to see them in Sydney! woooo!

"What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do, especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you.
No yesterdays on the road." - William Least Heat-Moon

On the road back to Auckland

Day 48
On the road again! It's amazing how blue sky's can really change your day and the scenery! When we stopped at Lake Tekapo we got awesome views of Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak at 3 754m. In 1991 this mountain lost 10m off the top! The southern alps are continuously growing and if they were made from something stronger than limestone they would rival the Himalayas in height! It's an ever changing landscape!
We arrived in Christchurch, the south islands biggest city, in the late afternoon. In February 2011, the city had a 6.3 earthquake and the city, especially the downtown, is still in a bad way. Because of this disaster Kiwi experience no longer stays over night in Christchurch but they did drop us off here. We were staying with another of Charlotte's Whistler acquaintances, Mike, for the night. He was a good host and made us a meal of fish & chips! That night we just hung out at this house while a few friends came around for some cider and beer.

Mt Cook

Day 49
Mike took us on the "earthquake tour" around Chirstchurch. I was surprised by the damage and the lack of rebuilding. We were told that most insurance companies require a minimum of 60 days of no earthquakes over 4.0 before rebuilding and the aftershocks have all been above this! Brick buildings and church's seemed to have taken the hardest hit. We also saw where entire cliffs just fell down and left houses ripped in half. He also showed us where a giant boulder crushed 2 construction workers. So scary! It is quite devasting and the downtown is still a fenced off redzone. It looks like the end of the world or the movie I am Legend. Beside the redzone they have constructed a shopping area out of shipping containers. It is a very bright and creative attraction to get people back into the city centre!
We are back on the bus too soon to leave Christchurch and go to Kaikoura, the "south islands best kept secret". It is truly beautiful
here with snow capped mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean crashing on the other. We went for a walk down the beach and through the park as the sun set ...how romantic! Charlotte booked wild dolphin swimming for the next morning and I really had to contemplate not to go so I hope I don't regret that decision!

Christchurch earthquake damage

Kaikoura

Day 50
When leaving Kaikoura we drive the coastline for most of the way to Picton. Our only stop was to take a closer look at the seal colony on the Kaikoura peninsula. Once in Picton we caught the ferry for the 3 hour ride back to Wellington. I was super lame for a Saturday night and accidentally fell asleep at 7pm. Haha oh well!

Day 51
We got up and going this morning to the farmers market to pick up fruit and supplies for dinner. Why don't I do this at home? It's a good way to spend a Sunday morning! We later walked to a city beach called Oriental Bay and watched some beach volleyball. It was turning out to be quite a warm day outside so this called for ice cream, right? When eating icecream there seemed to be something going on close by so we followed the people to find a Christmas celebration in the town square! Christmas carols in 25 degree weather is odd but at the same time amazing!
Our night consisted of watching jello wrestling at the hostel bar. Highly entertaining...especially the male wrestling because they had to wear bikinis!

Oriental Bay

Day 52
We went to Cuba street, which is Wellingtons trendy street that has lots of shops and cafés. Wellington has more cafés and restaurants than New York City apparently! We went back to Oriental Bay to bask in the sun to read and write in our journals. Sun sun sun!!! Did you know that it only takes 7 minutes to burn in New Zealand? Gotta love the hole in the ozone!

Day 53
We had a long drive from Wellington to Taupo. We passed through Bulls again and leave River Valley behind. We then traveled along the desert road where we actually got views of Mt Ruapehu and the volcano used as Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings. It was Much better weather than last time we passed through Tongariro National Park hence why we could see it this time. Mt Ruapehu is the north islands popular ski field despite it being New Zealand's most recent volcano to erupt in 1995!
When we got to Taupo, Emma took us in again! She was back from School in Dunedin for summer holidays. She picked us up from the bus stop and showed us around again. We went to Huka Falls, the Prawn Farm, the lake and her work at Plateau restaurant. We had a drink before she started work for the night but only for us to return a couple hours later to get drunk at her bar. I forgot how much it helps to know the bartender! Deal!

Mt Doom

Emma, Charlotte and I at Huka Falls

Day 54
After a good sleep in a real bed, we got ready to take Emma's boat out on Lake Taupo. It was rough waters because it was windy but Emma found a bay for us to anchor in. It was one of my favourite days in New Zealand! We ate lunch, sunned ourselves, went swimming in the freezing water and I went tubing for the first time ever! SO fun! I couldn't stop laughing :) Good weather, good people, good time! The good day continued with ice cream from our fav spot, kaffee eis, which we thought we left in Wellington. Later on, Emma's mom made us a home cooked meal! It feels good to be mothered when your so far from home.

Tubing in Lake Taupo

Day 55
That morning we left Taupo and basically went down the highway a bit to Rotorua. Charlotte and I went for a walk around to see if we missed anything last time in the rain haha but mostly to find a movie theatre to buy tickets for Breaking Dawn! TwiHards! Afterwards we took a city bus out to go Zorbing. This randomly was one of the few things I knew I wanted to do before I came to NZ. Zorbing is rolling down a hill in a large inflatable ball. I did 1 dry run on the straight track and 1 wet run on the zig zag track. This was just another activity that I just couldn't stop laughing while I rolled down the hill. Something tired us out when we got back because we had a 3 hour nap but it really just prepared us for Twilight! We were nerds and started the line up for the theatre haha And it was the best movie in the saga yet. Team Edward! I don't think I can wait a year until part 2...it will be so good!

Zorbing!

Now..back to Auckland!!!

"Twenty years from now you will be more dissapointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in you sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Queenstown part II

Day 45-46
We are staying at Flaming Kiwi instead of Nomads this time around mostly because of the free internet. Over these couple days we just did laundry, chill out in the sun at the park and go to Brazz for $2.50 beers! Nice and relaxing days with great weather and beautiful scenery!

Day 47
Isabelle Grace Dodge was born today! (on Nov 8 at home) She was 8lbs and 2oz and mommy and baby seem to be doing very well :) Congrats Devin & Jen and Madeleine on being a big sister! I wish I could have been there and I can't wait to meet her in a few months!

Our last day in Queenstown was grey but we did go for a walk to the water and skip some rocks. We did a few of our favorite Queenstown things like happy hour at Brazz, FergBurger and going to World Bar.

I miss it all already! Goodbye Whistler...I mean Queenstown :) !

Roadtrip

Day 41
We checked out of Queenstown to get a shuttle to the airport to get our rented car for our roadtrip! Everyone could now know how cheap we were as the car had El Cheapo splashed across the side. Haha! Dunedin, a university town, was our destination of the day. Charlotte had a friend from Whistler named Emma that was letting us stay with her. She goes to school in Dunedin but she is from Taupo. When we arrived all of us plus her roommate jumped into Emma's car to show us around. We went up a couple hills to lookouts where we saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time since getting to New Zealand! We also went to the steepest street in the world, drove through the campus and shown where 'scarfies' live (student ghetto).
Doing as true students do we started drinking games with Emma and her 3 roommates early on in the night and continued till going to the bar at 12. They seemed to think the bars were dead because of exams but we still had fun out till 4 in the morning! Belated birthday celebrations for Charlotte! (she made me say that because she didn't want people thinking she was actually getting old haha!)

 World's Steepest Street

 Dunedin

 Charlotte, Emma and I

Day 42
Once our day got going we said our goodbyes to our Dunedin friends and went on the Cadbury World tour! Mmmmmm chocolate! I felt like I was in the Willy Wonka movie...no umpa lumpas but there was a chocolate waterfall!! After we jumped back into the car we drove north of Dunedin to the Moeraki boulders. It's a mystery how the 60 million year old boulders came to be these large smooth spheres scattered along this pretty beach but it's cool tourist attraction none the less! CHECK!
This is where this day takes a cold turn. On our way back through Dunedin to get to Invercargill, the most southern city in the world, it started snowing! Almost the whole way was like a blizzard! Didn't I leave Canada to avoid this weather?! We arrived late into Invercargill therefore all the hostel receptions were closed meaning we were going to sleep in the car on our coldest night of the trip. We parked in a McDonalds parking lot and embarrassingly enough got a knock on the window at 2am asking us to leave. Kicked out of a McDonalds! We got very little sleep as it hailed all night while we shivered in our little car on a side street.

The 2nd most photographed building in the Southern Hemisphere - Dunedin Rail Station

 

Moeraki boulders

 

Day 43
It's hard to tell where the previous day ended and this day began. In the early hours of the day we decided to drive to Bluff for the sunrise. Bluff is known as the end of New Zealand. The saying goes to Cape Reinga to Bluff. The only other reason to go to Bluff is Sterling Point to get a picture of the landmark sign. CHECK! After the sunrise that didn't really happen because it was cloudy of course we went back to Invercargill to check it out in the daylight. There is nothing much to see here except the water tower, as we were told.  We then started our drive to Milford Sound. There was lots of snow on the ground and sanded roads. This was a scene I would expect to see in November in Canada not New Zealand. When we got to Milford Sound I was overly excited about a nice warm bed to finally sleep in.

Day 44
We went on the Milford Sound cruise at 9:15 this morning. The weather was not as bad as the day before but since we were on the west coast it was raining. An advantage of the rain is that there was several pretty waterfalls, like the 4 sisters, that wouldn't be there if it had been sunny. The landscape reminded me of Jurassic Park or Avatar with the floating mountains in Pandora ! Also, our search for penguins is over since we saw 2 pairs of Fiordland Crested penguins, one of the rarest penguins in the world! CHECK!  Milford Sound is spectacular how massive mountains come straight out of the water and although some peaks took imagination to see because of clouds it was still beautiful and worth the trip!! CHECK! On our way back via the Milford Hwy we stopped a couple times for a few short hikes and lookouts since we couldn't appreciate the trip the day before because of snow. We had lunch in Te Anau, which is about a halfway point between Milford and Queenstown. With a total of about 4 hours we were back in good ol' Queenstown late afternoon!

The 4 Sisters Waterfalls

Milford Sound

Roadtrip over! :( We were back in Queenstown a couple days before getting back on the Kiwi Experience bus!

 The road back to Queenstown