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| 19/2 Abel Tasman Park |
New Zealand
19/02/2008
19/2 Abel Tasman Park
Today we have done a hike in the Abel Tasman park, First we took the boat for more than two hours to Onetahuti (I just can't count how many boats I've been on ;) ) First I wanted to do the shorter walk of 2 hours, but I was glad I could swap places with a group member, who wasn't able to walk that much further. I was really happy to do the 4 hour walk, because the views from above were great, just like you imagine some paradise island to be. We ended at the beach of Torrent Bay and a fast boat would pick us up. Unfortunately the toilet was a bit further than expected (1,5 km return), so I had to hurry to catch this boat. I just ran on my walking shoes through the sea. It was almost funny to pour one litre of water from both shoes. This boat was really fast, so in 25 minutes we were back on the beach where we started (Kaiteriteri beach).
18/02/2008
18/2 Interislander Wellington-Picton - Nelson
We had the morning in Wellington before we would go to the South Island. Since I have been in Wellington before and have seen all the bigger highlights I wanted to go to a little museum (colonial house), but actually this was closed. But when I was there and I saw a bench I just realized how much I've climbed, (without painful feet of legs !). The streets are very steep here and I've enjoyed the view over the city, seeing the tall buildings, looking not so tall, because they are in the valley.
From the hotel we took the shuttle to the harbour of Wellington. In the ocean we saw some pink jellyfishes.
It was a nice journey with the Interislander, and although it was quite sunny, it was chilly as well, a lot of wind, so I needed my sweater and jacket. Although the two islands are not that far from each other and a lot of the boat trip was in bays. I've really enjoyed the boat trip and I am looking forward to the boat trip in the Doubtful Sound, later this week. I just missed the dolphins, because I was on the toilet right then.
The first view on the South island was promising and it took some hours to drive from Picton to Nelson. I just loved the mountains. We've stayed in Kingsgate Hotel Beachcomber Nelson, a nice room and a outdoor swimming pool.
From the hotel we took the shuttle to the harbour of Wellington. In the ocean we saw some pink jellyfishes.
It was a nice journey with the Interislander, and although it was quite sunny, it was chilly as well, a lot of wind, so I needed my sweater and jacket. Although the two islands are not that far from each other and a lot of the boat trip was in bays. I've really enjoyed the boat trip and I am looking forward to the boat trip in the Doubtful Sound, later this week. I just missed the dolphins, because I was on the toilet right then.
The first view on the South island was promising and it took some hours to drive from Picton to Nelson. I just loved the mountains. We've stayed in Kingsgate Hotel Beachcomber Nelson, a nice room and a outdoor swimming pool.
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| 18/2 Interislan |
17/02/2008
17/2 Hastings-Wellington
It took us 4-5 hours today to travel from Hastings to Wellington. And I've seen a real Kiwi (bird), but actually I have my doubts if it was a real one, or a computer animated one, or one on batteries. It was in a dark place with UV light ???, where the kiwi didn't see us, but we were able to see it, together with dozens of old people who are using their flashlight on their camera, although it was prohibited, and who made a lot of noise. The kiwi isn't that charming as many human Kiwi's. It seems they have a lot of parties, festivals wherever we are and people think we are specially here for the festival.
We've passed the place with the longest name and I was impressed that the tourguide can pronounce it that easily, but of course I couldn't check if she said it properly ;)
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu
It's nice to be back in Wellington and to remember how enthusiastic I was 2,5 hours ago when I arrived here. And now it's easy to find my way and sit in the park of the parliament to have a picknick. I have visited the other floor of the Te Papa museum. It just was too big to do this in one visit, 2,5 weeks ago. And I've watched a street artist, escaping from a straightjacket. It is so fun to sit on the ground and watch the show they are making, involving people from the audience.
We were staying just one night in
Comfort Hotel Wellington.
We've passed the place with the longest name and I was impressed that the tourguide can pronounce it that easily, but of course I couldn't check if she said it properly ;)
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu
It's nice to be back in Wellington and to remember how enthusiastic I was 2,5 hours ago when I arrived here. And now it's easy to find my way and sit in the park of the parliament to have a picknick. I have visited the other floor of the Te Papa museum. It just was too big to do this in one visit, 2,5 weeks ago. And I've watched a street artist, escaping from a straightjacket. It is so fun to sit on the ground and watch the show they are making, involving people from the audience.
We were staying just one night in
Comfort Hotel Wellington.
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| 17/2 Hastings-W |
16/02/2008
16/2 Napier (Art Deco festival)
Napier 176° 55' E, 39° 28' S
Instead of Napier, we are staying in Hastings. There is an Art Deco festival here, so all the hotels were booked. But the bus brought us for one day in Napier. It's a nice city with all Art Deco buildings and because of the festival people are dressed like in the 20's. We feel a bit out of fashion here, although I can look like a sailor in my white-blue striped shirt. There were a lot of old cars in the streets, so I was wondering how many of these cars of the 20's, 30's were left from that time, that still drive. People were really friendly and cheerful.
In the morning I have done my laundry and had a swim. I hope all motels/hotels will have a swimming pool, such a nice start of the morning.
Instead of Napier, we are staying in Hastings. There is an Art Deco festival here, so all the hotels were booked. But the bus brought us for one day in Napier. It's a nice city with all Art Deco buildings and because of the festival people are dressed like in the 20's. We feel a bit out of fashion here, although I can look like a sailor in my white-blue striped shirt. There were a lot of old cars in the streets, so I was wondering how many of these cars of the 20's, 30's were left from that time, that still drive. People were really friendly and cheerful.
In the morning I have done my laundry and had a swim. I hope all motels/hotels will have a swimming pool, such a nice start of the morning.
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| 15-16/2 Napier (Art Deco Festival) |
15/02/2008
15/2 Whakapapa village-Napier/Hastings
Today we went to Taupo again. The weather was too bad, so we weren't able to do the Tongariro crossing or a shorter hike. But later it cleared up, and the people who wanted to do a skydive got another chance, because the day before it was canceled. We sat there for 2 hours, watching the other people flying and jumping and it looked great (for people who aren't afraid of heights, like me ;)). Three people of our group took off in a little plane, but it was really frustrating for them that they couldn't jump, because there was too much wind. So they only had a free flight to ease their pain.
So we continued our way. First we went to Napier to collect some booklets. Then we went to our Motel, McGinty's Motor Lodge, in Hastings. In the evening we had dinner with the whole group in Napier and there was a lot to see at the street, funnily dressed people for the Art Deco festival.
Hastings 176° 51' E, 39° 37' S
Easternmost place where I have slept
Hawke's Bay
So we continued our way. First we went to Napier to collect some booklets. Then we went to our Motel, McGinty's Motor Lodge, in Hastings. In the evening we had dinner with the whole group in Napier and there was a lot to see at the street, funnily dressed people for the Art Deco festival.
Hastings 176° 51' E, 39° 37' S
Easternmost place where I have slept
Hawke's Bay
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| 15/2 Whakapapa- |
14/02/2008
14/2 Rotorua-Whakapapa village
We left Rotorua this morning and visited some terrible smelling bubbly, muddy fields, with beautiful colours and a lot of steam. Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
And at 10.15 we saw busloads of people, watching a guy putting washingpowder in a geyser, so it will start to boil and erupt. It was nice to see, but almost hilarious to see all the people there, some are dressed in the same shirt. Our group decided we are individuals, so wearing the same shirt was silly.
Later we did a walk along the Huka Falls with its rapids.
The afternoon I've spent in Taupo, when most other people have been to the airport. Some people will go for a skydive (jump out of the plane) and others will watch, cheer and give moral support. I'm too afraid to jump and even to watch, so I have some time to check my email, write my weblog and run some errands.
We stayed the night in Discovery Lodge, in Whakapapa Village really in the middle of nowhere, with a view on a big mountain. In the evening it rained, so a good test for my red raincoat.
And at 10.15 we saw busloads of people, watching a guy putting washingpowder in a geyser, so it will start to boil and erupt. It was nice to see, but almost hilarious to see all the people there, some are dressed in the same shirt. Our group decided we are individuals, so wearing the same shirt was silly.
Later we did a walk along the Huka Falls with its rapids.
The afternoon I've spent in Taupo, when most other people have been to the airport. Some people will go for a skydive (jump out of the plane) and others will watch, cheer and give moral support. I'm too afraid to jump and even to watch, so I have some time to check my email, write my weblog and run some errands.
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| 14/2 Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland |
We stayed the night in Discovery Lodge, in Whakapapa Village really in the middle of nowhere, with a view on a big mountain. In the evening it rained, so a good test for my red raincoat.
13/02/2008
13/2 Rotorua Whirinaki Rainforest
I haven't seen that much of Rotorua, only the big supermarket and we had dinner there the first night. It is possibly a nice place, but we did the walk in the Whirinaki rainforest and that was great. With a group of 10 people we were brought to the forest park and two Maori women walked with us, along trees, a waterfall, some hills. It was interesting to hear the stories and we had a great lunch. After that we drove for a while and then we stopped at a hot pool. Unfortunately the water in all the pools was 38 degrees, so you have to swim very slowly or not at all. So at the motel, I swam some more in our pool. We also had our own hot tub, but smelling the water was enough for me to choose for other pleasures of life at holiday.
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| 13/2 Whirinaki Rainforest |
12/02/2008
12/2 Paihia-Rotorua
Rotorua 176° 15' E, 38° 09' S
Now I am in Rotorua, staying in the Alpin Motel. It took a whole day to come here and I'm glad that we don't have to be in the bus that long everyday. We didn't stop that much or I just can't remember what we have done and seen.In the evening we had a nice dinner, meat on hot stone plates. I'm really looking forward to the hike we will do in a rainforest. No idea what to expect and how hot and wet/humid it will be, so I am prepared for everything. Afterwards we will have a swim in some hot pool. The smell here isn't that nice, sulphur, like eggs, but it is fun to see the smoke just coming from the ground. Maybe not so funny for the people living here, when they discover some day a little geyser in their garden that wasn't there the day before.
Now I am in Rotorua, staying in the Alpin Motel. It took a whole day to come here and I'm glad that we don't have to be in the bus that long everyday. We didn't stop that much or I just can't remember what we have done and seen.In the evening we had a nice dinner, meat on hot stone plates. I'm really looking forward to the hike we will do in a rainforest. No idea what to expect and how hot and wet/humid it will be, so I am prepared for everything. Afterwards we will have a swim in some hot pool. The smell here isn't that nice, sulphur, like eggs, but it is fun to see the smoke just coming from the ground. Maybe not so funny for the people living here, when they discover some day a little geyser in their garden that wasn't there the day before.
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| 12/2 Paihia-Rot |
11/02/2008
10-11/2 Auckland-Paihia/Russell (Bay of Islands)
Yesterday we left Auckland at 7.30 and we arrived here 18.00. Of course we had many stops on our way to Paihia, some walks like a waterfall, a big Kaui tree, the toilet of Hundertwasser and the museum about the treaty of Waitangi.
Right now I am in Paihia, in the Far North, 174° 40 E, 35° 16' S
The appartment/motel is just 2 minutes from the ocean. Although the people of the group are nice, it is sometimes also a bit hard to adapt to traveling with a group (20 people) and living this pace, sometimes too fast and sometimes too slow for me. I just had to giggle seeing that we got 27 minutes for a walk that was indicated to be 20 minutes. And of course we always have to wait for someone before we can leave. The guide offered a lot of options for excursions, but I decided to take it slowly. There will be plenty of time for me to be on a big boat, seeing dolphins or other big animals, living in the sea. It is hard for me that you have to decide this early what you want to do next week. So I just decide that today was early enough to decide what to do whatever I wanted to do today. And I have had a nice day. So I went by boat to Russell, a nice village on the other side and I've visited two museums there. In one museum was a replica of the Endeavour, the ship of James Cook and in the other museum a woman explained how books are printed and binded. And as always I enjoy sitting on a bench or on the grass, just thinking how lucky I feel to be here.
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| 10/2 Auckland-P |
Right now I am in Paihia, in the Far North, 174° 40 E, 35° 16' S
The appartment/motel is just 2 minutes from the ocean. Although the people of the group are nice, it is sometimes also a bit hard to adapt to traveling with a group (20 people) and living this pace, sometimes too fast and sometimes too slow for me. I just had to giggle seeing that we got 27 minutes for a walk that was indicated to be 20 minutes. And of course we always have to wait for someone before we can leave. The guide offered a lot of options for excursions, but I decided to take it slowly. There will be plenty of time for me to be on a big boat, seeing dolphins or other big animals, living in the sea. It is hard for me that you have to decide this early what you want to do next week. So I just decide that today was early enough to decide what to do whatever I wanted to do today. And I have had a nice day. So I went by boat to Russell, a nice village on the other side and I've visited two museums there. In one museum was a replica of the Endeavour, the ship of James Cook and in the other museum a woman explained how books are printed and binded. And as always I enjoy sitting on a bench or on the grass, just thinking how lucky I feel to be here.
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| 11/2 Paihia/Rus |
08/02/2008
5-10/2 Auckland
Auckland 174° 48' E, 37° 00' S
Auckland
February 5th
February 5th
It was a long bustrip (5 hours), but it was so easy again. I didn’t even miss listening to music, because I’ve put my headphone in my big backpack. There was so much to see, hills, ferns, sheep with long neck (Alpaca’s). And I had a nice chat with a Kiwi guy, who has ‘done’ Europe in three weeks ! So I feel blessed to have so much time in a smaller country instead of hurrying to see 7 different countries.
I'm staying in a hostel in a tower, Princeton Backpackers and I have a room for my own (a double bed, so it takes all the space). I'm sharing a kitchen and bathroom with a Japanese girl. She was all the time apologizing for her bad English, but it was just so nice to have a conversation and hear more about her experiences, living on the South Island. Besides a hostel it is also a house for 'foreign' students, actually living here.
Auckland is enormous, with tall buildings and I love to walk and choose my directions all the time, without a specific plan. I've visited a big department store (Smiths and Caughey) and it was a bit posh for my taste and quite empty. Being here for almost a week I know where to find the things when I need them, like clean clothes, sandals, toothpaste, etc.
Tomorrow is a special day, Waitangi Day but according to the guy from New Zealand I spoke in the bus to Auckland, it was nothing special and all shops and museums will be open. Anyway maybe this is a good time for a boat trip or just little walks and read my book in the park (there are so many parks).
It is nice that there are so many possibilities to check my email, organize my trip, making reservations for busses and hostels and even use skype to speak with my parents and brother and of course to write my weblog. It’s easy enough to book just one day ahead, so I have a good view if I would like to stay somewhere longer or continue my traveling, just depending on my present mood and interests.
February 6th Waitangi Day
I've just hopped on a bus to have a first impression of Auckland. This bus was for free and now I know it will be very easy to take a bus from my hostel to the hotel of the grouptour close to the bus station, so I can leave my backpack there on Friday, while I'm waiting for the group to arrive. There is enough to do and still I always enjoy just sitting in a park and write down my thoughts and read more information. I've just been to the Auckland Art Gallery, a mixture of modern and older art and there were some nice paintings, but unfortunately there were no postcards of the paintings I liked.
I still have no idea this is a public holiday. It's not crowded on the streets, but many shops are open, just as the museums. There were a lot of streetartists and I’ve enjoyed watching ‘Russian’ acrobats. Quite impressive what they can do and actually it seems a bit painful, standing on one hand with the colleague on top of you. They were dressed in the Soviet colours with the hammer and sickle. But they turned out to be Australians. And then there is always the joke of the rivalry between Ozzies and Kiwi’s.
I've walked a lot today, but also took the bus to go in a circle. And when I saw a nice park I left the bus and it turned out to be the big park, Auckland Domain where the Auckland Museum is located. The museum is enormous and it was 1,5 hour before closing time, so I skipped the stuffed animals. I've enjoyed the exhibition about Maori culture, the design furniture, the streets of Auckland in 1866 and all the furniture of different periods. There were also a lot of displays about the New Zealand activities in World War 1 and 2. I've read a lot about New Zealand, months before I left, but somehow there was a lot that I didn't know. For instance I hardly knew the name of any famous New Zealander, except Edmund Hillary.
February 7th
Today I have taken the boat to Devonport, just 15 minutes from the city centre of Auckland. It's a nice village with a lot of shops. It was nice to walk there and when I saw a nice bench on a hill I decided that this would be the place for me to have a picknick. I don't understand why people sit on a hot terrace where they don't have a nice view and are surrounded by other noisy people ;). So I got myself a lunch at the supermarket. Always nice to see supermarkets and choose something, like fruit or bread, scones etc. The bench up on the hill was a bit further than I thought, but there were so many benches on my way there, so I’ve used some of them, offering me a great view over the Bay and Auckland, so it wasn't that hard. I'm glad I wore my sporting shoes, they just fit perfectly, so at night it seems I have to peel off my second skin ;) Many people walk on flipflops or sandals here. Great for fresh feet, but not my thing. Actually the hill is called Mount Victoria, so it is a mountain, maybe a vulcanoe? I've had a great view 360 degrees and I just sat on every corner. I realized that I am perfectly capable in not thinking at all or just, exclaiming " Oh it is so beautiful'. I thought that this would be the great place to do some thinking about my life, my future or whatever. And without thinking that hard I had some interesting thoughts. Life is so nice here, but don't worry I will return to home one day (just 5,5 weeks).
February 8th
I'm now waiting in the lobby of the hotel. The group will arrive any minute now and it was nice that I got the key of the room. So now, after a shower I smell nicely again. And I washed my clothes, a lot easier than to do it by hand. I haven't done anything special this morning. After leaving my backpack in a locker at the bus station I've bought some purple flipflops. They weren't that expensive, but good enough for my use. I can't imagine walking on these flipflops in the city, like the other people do, but is nice when I sit in the park to give my feet some fresh air. So I've been to my favourite Albert Park again to find a place in the shade to read my book. It's about a neurotic guy who writes travel guides for businessmen who don't want to be bothered by local culture and just want their regular American restaurants. (The accidental tourist by Anne Tyler).
February 9th
Yesterday I've met the 20 people of the group I will travel with for the next three weeks. When I saw them entering the lobby of the hotel I was just overwhelmed. There were just so many of them and at first it was hard to remember all the names. But after a dinner with most of the group I think I now know all the names and the first details. Today I’ve spent the day with the girl I'm sharing the room with. First we’ve visited the sky tower, that is really high. If I remember correctly it’s the tallest building on the Southern hemisphere (328 metres, but I will check that in one of my many booklets ;)). Later we made a full circle with the bus for almost an hour to see to which place we want to go later. Because I'm in Auckland since Tuesday I know the way and some nice places, so I can play being guide. Quite funny because my feeling for directions is not that well, but now I feel like a local. We’ve had a picknick in my favourite park. After 5 days I consider that I'm entitled to give it that name, the Albert Park. By bus we went to the hip suburb Ponsonby, every guide writes about it, so we were curious what is so great about it. There are many shops, but of course there is another park and we went down hill, just wanting to find out what is down there. Then we went by boat to Devonport. I've been there on Thursday, but it is a nice place to visit again. We weren't in the mood to climb the hill for the fabulous view, but of course I’ve already enjoyed it earlier. We had a pizza in a Greek restaurant and sometimes it feels a bit weird to realize that we are in New Zealand. Right now we are in the hotel and the girls behind me, waiting for a computer, are talking Chinese. The hotel is Chinese. So another reason for feeling disoriented sometimes. Tomorrow we will leave at 7.30 to go to Paihia in the North. Holiday is fun, but also hard work, but I really enjoy everything here. Still more than 5 weeks left ;)
Auckland
February 5th
February 5th
It was a long bustrip (5 hours), but it was so easy again. I didn’t even miss listening to music, because I’ve put my headphone in my big backpack. There was so much to see, hills, ferns, sheep with long neck (Alpaca’s). And I had a nice chat with a Kiwi guy, who has ‘done’ Europe in three weeks ! So I feel blessed to have so much time in a smaller country instead of hurrying to see 7 different countries.
I'm staying in a hostel in a tower, Princeton Backpackers and I have a room for my own (a double bed, so it takes all the space). I'm sharing a kitchen and bathroom with a Japanese girl. She was all the time apologizing for her bad English, but it was just so nice to have a conversation and hear more about her experiences, living on the South Island. Besides a hostel it is also a house for 'foreign' students, actually living here.
Auckland is enormous, with tall buildings and I love to walk and choose my directions all the time, without a specific plan. I've visited a big department store (Smiths and Caughey) and it was a bit posh for my taste and quite empty. Being here for almost a week I know where to find the things when I need them, like clean clothes, sandals, toothpaste, etc.
Tomorrow is a special day, Waitangi Day but according to the guy from New Zealand I spoke in the bus to Auckland, it was nothing special and all shops and museums will be open. Anyway maybe this is a good time for a boat trip or just little walks and read my book in the park (there are so many parks).
It is nice that there are so many possibilities to check my email, organize my trip, making reservations for busses and hostels and even use skype to speak with my parents and brother and of course to write my weblog. It’s easy enough to book just one day ahead, so I have a good view if I would like to stay somewhere longer or continue my traveling, just depending on my present mood and interests.
February 6th Waitangi Day
I've just hopped on a bus to have a first impression of Auckland. This bus was for free and now I know it will be very easy to take a bus from my hostel to the hotel of the grouptour close to the bus station, so I can leave my backpack there on Friday, while I'm waiting for the group to arrive. There is enough to do and still I always enjoy just sitting in a park and write down my thoughts and read more information. I've just been to the Auckland Art Gallery, a mixture of modern and older art and there were some nice paintings, but unfortunately there were no postcards of the paintings I liked.
I still have no idea this is a public holiday. It's not crowded on the streets, but many shops are open, just as the museums. There were a lot of streetartists and I’ve enjoyed watching ‘Russian’ acrobats. Quite impressive what they can do and actually it seems a bit painful, standing on one hand with the colleague on top of you. They were dressed in the Soviet colours with the hammer and sickle. But they turned out to be Australians. And then there is always the joke of the rivalry between Ozzies and Kiwi’s.
I've walked a lot today, but also took the bus to go in a circle. And when I saw a nice park I left the bus and it turned out to be the big park, Auckland Domain where the Auckland Museum is located. The museum is enormous and it was 1,5 hour before closing time, so I skipped the stuffed animals. I've enjoyed the exhibition about Maori culture, the design furniture, the streets of Auckland in 1866 and all the furniture of different periods. There were also a lot of displays about the New Zealand activities in World War 1 and 2. I've read a lot about New Zealand, months before I left, but somehow there was a lot that I didn't know. For instance I hardly knew the name of any famous New Zealander, except Edmund Hillary.
February 7th
Today I have taken the boat to Devonport, just 15 minutes from the city centre of Auckland. It's a nice village with a lot of shops. It was nice to walk there and when I saw a nice bench on a hill I decided that this would be the place for me to have a picknick. I don't understand why people sit on a hot terrace where they don't have a nice view and are surrounded by other noisy people ;). So I got myself a lunch at the supermarket. Always nice to see supermarkets and choose something, like fruit or bread, scones etc. The bench up on the hill was a bit further than I thought, but there were so many benches on my way there, so I’ve used some of them, offering me a great view over the Bay and Auckland, so it wasn't that hard. I'm glad I wore my sporting shoes, they just fit perfectly, so at night it seems I have to peel off my second skin ;) Many people walk on flipflops or sandals here. Great for fresh feet, but not my thing. Actually the hill is called Mount Victoria, so it is a mountain, maybe a vulcanoe? I've had a great view 360 degrees and I just sat on every corner. I realized that I am perfectly capable in not thinking at all or just, exclaiming " Oh it is so beautiful'. I thought that this would be the great place to do some thinking about my life, my future or whatever. And without thinking that hard I had some interesting thoughts. Life is so nice here, but don't worry I will return to home one day (just 5,5 weeks).
February 8th
I'm now waiting in the lobby of the hotel. The group will arrive any minute now and it was nice that I got the key of the room. So now, after a shower I smell nicely again. And I washed my clothes, a lot easier than to do it by hand. I haven't done anything special this morning. After leaving my backpack in a locker at the bus station I've bought some purple flipflops. They weren't that expensive, but good enough for my use. I can't imagine walking on these flipflops in the city, like the other people do, but is nice when I sit in the park to give my feet some fresh air. So I've been to my favourite Albert Park again to find a place in the shade to read my book. It's about a neurotic guy who writes travel guides for businessmen who don't want to be bothered by local culture and just want their regular American restaurants. (The accidental tourist by Anne Tyler).
February 9th
Yesterday I've met the 20 people of the group I will travel with for the next three weeks. When I saw them entering the lobby of the hotel I was just overwhelmed. There were just so many of them and at first it was hard to remember all the names. But after a dinner with most of the group I think I now know all the names and the first details. Today I’ve spent the day with the girl I'm sharing the room with. First we’ve visited the sky tower, that is really high. If I remember correctly it’s the tallest building on the Southern hemisphere (328 metres, but I will check that in one of my many booklets ;)). Later we made a full circle with the bus for almost an hour to see to which place we want to go later. Because I'm in Auckland since Tuesday I know the way and some nice places, so I can play being guide. Quite funny because my feeling for directions is not that well, but now I feel like a local. We’ve had a picknick in my favourite park. After 5 days I consider that I'm entitled to give it that name, the Albert Park. By bus we went to the hip suburb Ponsonby, every guide writes about it, so we were curious what is so great about it. There are many shops, but of course there is another park and we went down hill, just wanting to find out what is down there. Then we went by boat to Devonport. I've been there on Thursday, but it is a nice place to visit again. We weren't in the mood to climb the hill for the fabulous view, but of course I’ve already enjoyed it earlier. We had a pizza in a Greek restaurant and sometimes it feels a bit weird to realize that we are in New Zealand. Right now we are in the hotel and the girls behind me, waiting for a computer, are talking Chinese. The hotel is Chinese. So another reason for feeling disoriented sometimes. Tomorrow we will leave at 7.30 to go to Paihia in the North. Holiday is fun, but also hard work, but I really enjoy everything here. Still more than 5 weeks left ;)
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| 5-10/2 Auckland |
05/02/2008
3-5/2 Taupo
Taupo 176° 04' E, 38° 43' S
Lake Taupo
Instead of going to New Plymouth at the Westcoast, which will mean maybe 5 hours in the bus I prefered a shorter time in the bus, and to go more directly to Auckland. I still have to get used to the idea that I can do whatever I want, as long as I will be in Auckland on February the 8th to meet the group. I have chosen for Taupo because it seemed easy enough to come there by bus and some hostels to choose from and I’ve seen some nice pictures of the lake. But I have made a little mistake. I thought I had booked a bus to leave Palmerston North at 9.55 in the morning (a.m.), but actually it was the bus of 9.55 p.m., so I was 12 hours too early.
Fortunately it was quite easy to change my reservation for the next bus, one hour later. I'm glad because there were just two buses a day. I've enjoyed the bus trip, there is so much to see I just hope I will never get used to all the beauty in the landscape and that I will enjoy everything as much as I do now. I've seen the first real high mountain with snow and a really big lake. Taupo is on the North of this lake. Since I've arrived I just have done some shopping, so afterwards I will have my little picknick along the lake.
My hostel was Burke's Backpackers, a clean and comfortable room, but quite noisy.
On February the 4th I've had a lazy day in Taupo, so no bungy jumping, skydiving, jetboating etc. for me. I've organised my next days, booking a bus to Auckland and a hostel. In a rose garden I’ve read some brochures and my magazines. I've visited the Taupo Museum. I always like the museums with different subjects, so I saw a little shop, a lot of stones, a nice quiet garden and a house of the Maori. And I realized that there is another thing that makes my backpack a lot heavier after my holiday than before. I seem to pick up a lot of nice, beautiful or interesting stones, while I'm abroad ;). But my backpack was 12 kg when I started to travel, and actually this is not as much compared to what I’ve heard of many people I’ve met.
Lake Taupo
Instead of going to New Plymouth at the Westcoast, which will mean maybe 5 hours in the bus I prefered a shorter time in the bus, and to go more directly to Auckland. I still have to get used to the idea that I can do whatever I want, as long as I will be in Auckland on February the 8th to meet the group. I have chosen for Taupo because it seemed easy enough to come there by bus and some hostels to choose from and I’ve seen some nice pictures of the lake. But I have made a little mistake. I thought I had booked a bus to leave Palmerston North at 9.55 in the morning (a.m.), but actually it was the bus of 9.55 p.m., so I was 12 hours too early.
Fortunately it was quite easy to change my reservation for the next bus, one hour later. I'm glad because there were just two buses a day. I've enjoyed the bus trip, there is so much to see I just hope I will never get used to all the beauty in the landscape and that I will enjoy everything as much as I do now. I've seen the first real high mountain with snow and a really big lake. Taupo is on the North of this lake. Since I've arrived I just have done some shopping, so afterwards I will have my little picknick along the lake.
My hostel was Burke's Backpackers, a clean and comfortable room, but quite noisy.
On February the 4th I've had a lazy day in Taupo, so no bungy jumping, skydiving, jetboating etc. for me. I've organised my next days, booking a bus to Auckland and a hostel. In a rose garden I’ve read some brochures and my magazines. I've visited the Taupo Museum. I always like the museums with different subjects, so I saw a little shop, a lot of stones, a nice quiet garden and a house of the Maori. And I realized that there is another thing that makes my backpack a lot heavier after my holiday than before. I seem to pick up a lot of nice, beautiful or interesting stones, while I'm abroad ;). But my backpack was 12 kg when I started to travel, and actually this is not as much compared to what I’ve heard of many people I’ve met.
 |
| 3/2-5/2 Taupo |
03/02/2008
1-3/2 Palmerston North
Palmerston North 175° 37' E, 40° 21' S
Palmerston North
I had to leave Wellington earlier than expected, because of the sevens event (Rugby) and I had booked for only 2 nights. I went to Palmerston North, 2,5 hours by bus. My first time to see more of New Zealand and it was promising, especially the ocean. In Palmerston North it was in the beginning a bit hard to find the right direction of the hostel, because my feeling for direction isn’t that well-developed. And maybe my backpack felt too heavy.
I've stayed in a nice little hostel, Pepper Tree Hostel in a dorm room with 6 people. I've slept fine, although it was quite warm, so I didn’t need my blanket. On Friday night I have been to a nice café together with a German girl from my dorm. And it seems like a quiet town. We spent the Saturday together just walking a lot in the city and even more talking. I’ve bought a watch with an alarm and you can see the time in two different places, so I don’t have to think what time it is at my parent’s in Finland (11 hours later), when I would like to call them. The Netherlands are exactly 12 hours later. We haven’t visited any cultural sights, just walking an talking. First we would have liked to hire some bikes, but the hostel that rent them doesn't exist anymore (not even the building). At the spot where the buildings was supposed to be, we had a nice conversation with a shop owner selling, renting costumes, like the people at the Sevens can wear. She has given us some inside information about the city, what would be nice to do and see. In a big supermarket I met the three Dutch girls again that were on the same plane from Auckland-Wellington, some days earlier, who were in Palmerston North for their studies.
We just walked to the park in the South of the city. There was a little train (for little and bigger children), so we had a nice view of the park and all the flowers. My feet weren't that painful, so I have good hope I will be able to make some longer hikes in the next weeks. We had dinner together, so nice to be able to cook your own meal. And I’ve booked my next bus and hostel in Taupo.
Palmerston North
I had to leave Wellington earlier than expected, because of the sevens event (Rugby) and I had booked for only 2 nights. I went to Palmerston North, 2,5 hours by bus. My first time to see more of New Zealand and it was promising, especially the ocean. In Palmerston North it was in the beginning a bit hard to find the right direction of the hostel, because my feeling for direction isn’t that well-developed. And maybe my backpack felt too heavy.
I've stayed in a nice little hostel, Pepper Tree Hostel in a dorm room with 6 people. I've slept fine, although it was quite warm, so I didn’t need my blanket. On Friday night I have been to a nice café together with a German girl from my dorm. And it seems like a quiet town. We spent the Saturday together just walking a lot in the city and even more talking. I’ve bought a watch with an alarm and you can see the time in two different places, so I don’t have to think what time it is at my parent’s in Finland (11 hours later), when I would like to call them. The Netherlands are exactly 12 hours later. We haven’t visited any cultural sights, just walking an talking. First we would have liked to hire some bikes, but the hostel that rent them doesn't exist anymore (not even the building). At the spot where the buildings was supposed to be, we had a nice conversation with a shop owner selling, renting costumes, like the people at the Sevens can wear. She has given us some inside information about the city, what would be nice to do and see. In a big supermarket I met the three Dutch girls again that were on the same plane from Auckland-Wellington, some days earlier, who were in Palmerston North for their studies.
We just walked to the park in the South of the city. There was a little train (for little and bigger children), so we had a nice view of the park and all the flowers. My feet weren't that painful, so I have good hope I will be able to make some longer hikes in the next weeks. We had dinner together, so nice to be able to cook your own meal. And I’ve booked my next bus and hostel in Taupo.
 |
| 1-3/2 Palmerston North |
01/02/2008
30/1-1/2 Wellington
Wellington 174° 48' E, 41° 20' S
WellingtonNZ.com
In December I've booked this hostel for the first two nights. And I'm just glad I've done that on time. In December I didn't know how long I wanted to stay in Wellington. Maybe I was thinking that it is a very big city and I might prefer to start in a nice quiet town along the Tasman Sea, like Plimmerton or Paraparaumu. Further I had no idea in how many days I want to travel north to Auckland to meet the group on February the 8th. No idea of the distances and if it will be best to travel in pieces of 2 hours or stay somewhere more than 2 days.
But it turned out that booking in advance was necessary. After the first two nights it was impossible to get a room for the weekend, because of a major rugby event (Sevens).
I've seen a lot of people, dressed in rugby shirts (the players) and a lot of people dressed in costumes (the audience), like Mexicans, angels with wings, funny men in white suits who are hugging everyone they see, nurses, and even someone in a diaper. This seemed quite uncomfortable in the hot sun, all that plastic and no protection from the sun. My face has got some colour, so I have to wear my hat or find one, that is more Kiwi-style, not like Crocodile Dundee or an American tourist.
advertentie uit tijdschrift hier in voegen.
The atmosphere was quite relaxed in Wellington, people walking on flipflops or even bare feet, having a picknick in the park of the Parliament. A nice first impression of this country.
On Wednesday my first afternoon in Wellington I've walked a lot, but everything is quite close to each other and there are some nice benches along the bay and in the park of the parliament. I've visited the City gallery and arranged transport and accommodation in Palmerston North for Friday.
On Thursday I've seen Wellington from a big hill (going up by cable car, down by foot , walking in a beautiful Botanic garden. I'm glad hayfever season is over here. And I've done a short trip with a boat in the harbour of Wellington, so this gives a good impression of the city. A lot of tall modern buildings, and also some 19th century buildings, that look a bit like in the UK, only the weather is better. And because there is nothing I have to do, it doesn't matter where I end up, because every street is interesting to get an idea of Kiwi life.
My hostel is a former hotel and Queen Elisabeth has stayed here a long time ago (1953), but I suppose her room was bigger than mine, although I was really content with my single room with television and a shared bathroom. It's located next to the railwaystation. In the evening I have visited the Te Papa Museum. This is enormous and has different exhibitions, about the earth, eartquakes, animals, Maori history, Pacific islands and immigration.
WellingtonNZ.com
In December I've booked this hostel for the first two nights. And I'm just glad I've done that on time. In December I didn't know how long I wanted to stay in Wellington. Maybe I was thinking that it is a very big city and I might prefer to start in a nice quiet town along the Tasman Sea, like Plimmerton or Paraparaumu. Further I had no idea in how many days I want to travel north to Auckland to meet the group on February the 8th. No idea of the distances and if it will be best to travel in pieces of 2 hours or stay somewhere more than 2 days.
But it turned out that booking in advance was necessary. After the first two nights it was impossible to get a room for the weekend, because of a major rugby event (Sevens).
I've seen a lot of people, dressed in rugby shirts (the players) and a lot of people dressed in costumes (the audience), like Mexicans, angels with wings, funny men in white suits who are hugging everyone they see, nurses, and even someone in a diaper. This seemed quite uncomfortable in the hot sun, all that plastic and no protection from the sun. My face has got some colour, so I have to wear my hat or find one, that is more Kiwi-style, not like Crocodile Dundee or an American tourist.
advertentie uit tijdschrift hier in voegen.
The atmosphere was quite relaxed in Wellington, people walking on flipflops or even bare feet, having a picknick in the park of the Parliament. A nice first impression of this country.
On Wednesday my first afternoon in Wellington I've walked a lot, but everything is quite close to each other and there are some nice benches along the bay and in the park of the parliament. I've visited the City gallery and arranged transport and accommodation in Palmerston North for Friday.
On Thursday I've seen Wellington from a big hill (going up by cable car, down by foot , walking in a beautiful Botanic garden. I'm glad hayfever season is over here. And I've done a short trip with a boat in the harbour of Wellington, so this gives a good impression of the city. A lot of tall modern buildings, and also some 19th century buildings, that look a bit like in the UK, only the weather is better. And because there is nothing I have to do, it doesn't matter where I end up, because every street is interesting to get an idea of Kiwi life.
My hostel is a former hotel and Queen Elisabeth has stayed here a long time ago (1953), but I suppose her room was bigger than mine, although I was really content with my single room with television and a shared bathroom. It's located next to the railwaystation. In the evening I have visited the Te Papa Museum. This is enormous and has different exhibitions, about the earth, eartquakes, animals, Maori history, Pacific islands and immigration.
 |
| 30/1 - 1/2 Wellington |
30/01/2008
28-30/1 Amsterdam-Osaka-Auckland-Wellington
Airport AmsterdamSchiphol 4° 46' E, 52° 18' N
Airport Osaka-Kansai 135° 27' E, 34° 47' N
Airport Auckland 174° 48' E, 37° 00' S
Airport Wellington 174° 48' E, 41° 20' S
On Wednesday I've arrived in Wellington and I feel fine, hardly any sign of a jetlag. The weather is great, sunny and a breeze. After a Dutch rainy winter it is summer! It were two long flights (10 and 11 hours) and I hardly slept in the planes or actually I just can't remember that I have. Waiting 7 hours in Osaka for the next plane was fine. The best thing were the comfortable couches and the shuttle between the gates, so we had some fresh air and some entertainment. The airport was just very clean and modern, but no idea if this gives a proper first impression of Japan. It was nice to meet other Dutch people, waiting for the same flight to Auckland, so we went to the transfer desk together with 15 people, and we talked a lot about our plans in New Zealand and our lives in the Netherlands.
In the second plane I tried to sleep, but this was hard because I was surrounded by 8-12 year old South-Korean children, who really and quite loudly enjoyed the entertainment center and all the movies in the seat in front of us. My bandana to cover my eyes and my mp3-player to cover my ears were just not enough to create my own private place to be able to sleep. It seems the children just fell asleep, before breakfast. Arriving at 8 o'clock in the morning in New Zealand I just felt sorry for their teachers to deal with a lot of extremely tired children who have to travel further to a 'language lab', maybe 3 hours from Auckland.
In Auckland the border formalities were not that hard as I expected. The regulation is very strict and food is forbidden. I got my first stamp in my new passport. Maybe I looked too happy with it, and the border control man understood that being part of the European Union you just never get a stamp in your passport, traveling in Europe.
I just had to show the back of my hiking shoes, because I, honestly, filled in the form that I have been in a forest in the last 30 days, but I've cleaned my shoes very thoroughly. It was funny that after traveling for 36 hours, with hardly any sleep, I felt fit enough to stand on one feet, carrying my big backpack (12 kg).
In Auckland I took a domestic flight to Wellington. This was just one hour. From the plane I've seen a lot of the West coast, very promising. I took a taxibus to my hostel and the driver was telling a lot about the city, rugby etc. This gave me a good opportunity to get used to New Zealand English, because the pronunciation is somehow different than the British English I've learnt on highschool.
Airport Osaka-Kansai 135° 27' E, 34° 47' N
Airport Auckland 174° 48' E, 37° 00' S
Airport Wellington 174° 48' E, 41° 20' S
On Wednesday I've arrived in Wellington and I feel fine, hardly any sign of a jetlag. The weather is great, sunny and a breeze. After a Dutch rainy winter it is summer! It were two long flights (10 and 11 hours) and I hardly slept in the planes or actually I just can't remember that I have. Waiting 7 hours in Osaka for the next plane was fine. The best thing were the comfortable couches and the shuttle between the gates, so we had some fresh air and some entertainment. The airport was just very clean and modern, but no idea if this gives a proper first impression of Japan. It was nice to meet other Dutch people, waiting for the same flight to Auckland, so we went to the transfer desk together with 15 people, and we talked a lot about our plans in New Zealand and our lives in the Netherlands.
In the second plane I tried to sleep, but this was hard because I was surrounded by 8-12 year old South-Korean children, who really and quite loudly enjoyed the entertainment center and all the movies in the seat in front of us. My bandana to cover my eyes and my mp3-player to cover my ears were just not enough to create my own private place to be able to sleep. It seems the children just fell asleep, before breakfast. Arriving at 8 o'clock in the morning in New Zealand I just felt sorry for their teachers to deal with a lot of extremely tired children who have to travel further to a 'language lab', maybe 3 hours from Auckland.
In Auckland the border formalities were not that hard as I expected. The regulation is very strict and food is forbidden. I got my first stamp in my new passport. Maybe I looked too happy with it, and the border control man understood that being part of the European Union you just never get a stamp in your passport, traveling in Europe.
I just had to show the back of my hiking shoes, because I, honestly, filled in the form that I have been in a forest in the last 30 days, but I've cleaned my shoes very thoroughly. It was funny that after traveling for 36 hours, with hardly any sleep, I felt fit enough to stand on one feet, carrying my big backpack (12 kg).
In Auckland I took a domestic flight to Wellington. This was just one hour. From the plane I've seen a lot of the West coast, very promising. I took a taxibus to my hostel and the driver was telling a lot about the city, rugby etc. This gave me a good opportunity to get used to New Zealand English, because the pronunciation is somehow different than the British English I've learnt on highschool.
 |
| 28/1 Amsterdam- |
26/01/2008
Preparations/Voorbereidingen
 |
| Preparatio |
Just 12 kg in my big backpack, but also 7 kg in my smaller backpack.
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