KAITERITERI - Beaches and seals kayak trip . . . link here

Abel Tasman National Park is right atthe top of the South Island and stretches along the coast for miles, and has a beach that has been voted one of the top 5 in the world.
It was an early rise for us which was a bit of a shock to the system, and an even bigger shock that the kayaking was the first thing we were doing, Bbbrrrrr!!!!!
After a brief lesson, we doubled up in our kayaks and headed off around kaiteriteri beach. We struggled a bit at first as Helen couldn't get to grips with the steering and we managed to crash into every single rock available and had a nightmare trying to get going. Once we managed to actually get round the corner we found ourselves at Tidal Lagoon which was stunning. We then kayaked along to Split Apple Rock, which is huge and 2 Gods founght over it and therefore it got split in 2. (Far more interesting story really but I can't remember it that well!) On the island right by this was a tree full of birds that looked like penguins. On closer inspection, one of the poor things had gotten tangled and looked like it had hung itself!! I tried to get a good piccie but not sure how it turned out.
We had a little picnic at the beach and Gloria told us the story of Abel Tasman, who the National Park is named after, and how he hasn't even actually stepped foot on the land! She used a violin to tell the story too which was a really cool touch.
We switched around in the kayak and I had a go at steering which was actually quite easy, and headed back to base singing a few Maori songs along the way.
Our water taxi was waiting for us and we went further along the park to Tonga Island seal colony where heaps of seals were sunbathing and swimming around us. It was really relaxing to watch as the gracefully twirled themselves around and, of course, I got a few snaps.
Our little trek was from Onetahuti to Bark Bay, and so off our 'Team Extreme' went. When we got to Bark Bay we stripped off and headed straight for a swim which was freezing but the first time in ages that I actually felt like I was on holiday again. We met a Welsh couple and Gareth insisted that his wife take a picture of us in the sea, me and Helen on an arm each as he thought his mother would like it! Yeah right!!! We picked a glorious sunny day which made it even better too.

Start of South Island, NZ

We're in Nelson at the moment, and its a very laid back town right by a load of wineries, one of which we sampled on the way here. We have walked to the Centre of New Zealand, and of course got our cheesy snap, and went for a walk along the Dun Mountain track with Dan who is staying at out hostel. It was gloriuos sunshine one minute and then all of a sudden the heavens opened and it was freezing for about 10 minutes. We put on brave faces and carried on our little trek all being freezing half to death!!!

Tmrw we are heading to Abel Tasman National Park for a spot of sea kayaking so watch this space.

PS Can't believe its nearly Christmas, it certainly doesn't feel like it here!!!!

North Island Round Up

We fully intended on doing the Tongariro Crossing by Taupo while we were here but couldn't as they had extreme weather conditions and the time. I also missed white water rafting in River Valley as the water was too high, but supposedly theres a better one in Oz so I don't mind waiting. Wellington was pretty nice. A huge shopping area that reminded me slightly of some of the quirkier areas of London and the other end was the posher area. It didn't have a big city vibe theough and was still pretty laid back so that added more to its charm. There was a Welsh bar in the middle of it too which used to be a public toilet so we found this hilariuos as we could wind up one of the Welsh guys on the Kiwi bus!!

Waitomo Glowworm caves . . . link here

This is by far the best thing on my trip so far. The adventure was called The Black Abyss.

Part one was a 35m abseil into the caves, into a narrowing hole where the walls were slimey and slippery. We wandered along a few dodgy paths and came to a rope. I was first and suddenly I found myself hanging from another ledge and being shoved into the drakness on a zip slide. It was amazing. As you loked all around you the glowworms were light up and it was like millions of star. After a quick cuppa and flapjack we had a go at black water rafting which is basically floating in a tube. Not as extreme as the names sounds really!!! But we grabbed our tubes and jumped off a 3m ledge into the water and had a good look around as we floated through the caves with our head lamps off again. Technically glowworms are maggots which is gross, but they're pretty in the dark all the same!
We then walked and swam through the caves and played a game of find your way around the cave in the pitch black. Helen held on to might as tight as she could so I had to guide my way, and smack my head many a time as the cave got lower and smaller.
The big finale was exiting the cave via 2 waterfalls. We basically had to climb right up the middle of them and they were pretty damn powerful! Tim showed us exactly where to put our feet and as I crawled out throught the exit it was a brilliant sense of achievement from such an enjoyable day.

Its definitely something I would recommend everyone do if you ever get the chance.

Check out the link in the title

New Zealand fun and frolics!!! . . . Zorb link here

So we've finally managed to make it to NZ and what a shock to the system!!!! I stepped off the plane in my flip flops and shorts and it was windy as hell and raining!!!! Unimpressed!!!!!
Auckland is pretty similar to any big city and was a shock to the system after Fiji. It reminded me of Vancouver and England combined so couldn't wait to get out of there. We're now on the Kiwi Experience bus which is good. They take us along, stopping at various places where we can do activities or chill on the beach etc and there are some really nice people.
Yesterday we went zorbing, which is basically a giant rubber hamster cage that they stick water in a roll you down a hill. It was so funny, we managed to stand up for about 5 seconds and then fell in a heap and rolled the rest of the way. In the evening we went to a Maori Village evening where they performed traditional dances etc and gave us traditional food, very similar to a roast but cooked underground in rocks and leaves. It was very tasty!!!
Today is just a chill out day. We are in Rotarua and there is a distinct eggy smell which is due to the thermal activity, volcanoes and geysers etc.
Still heaps more to come which I'm looking forward too.

Sorry but this is a bit of a cheat entry as I only had time to cut and paste my email that I sent to most of you already!!!!

Fiji . . . BULA!!!

Well I've been shipwrecked on a few islands for the past 2 weeks and had a great time but now have to write this all down in a nut shell.

We were with around 7 other people doing the same trip as us so had a great group to hang round with and met loads of people along the way.

Highlights would be the snorkelling, spear fishing, and then de scaling and gutting the fish, swimming with huge Manta Ray, jumping off the top of the cruise boat, kayaking to other islands, watching the sunset of course, and snoozing in hammocks, coconut husking, anklet weaving. We visited the place where Castaway was shot, and Blue Lagoon which is beautiful. I also managed a sneaky game of touch rugby with the locals who were lots of fun, and a night on the Kava which is just like drinking dirty dish water, eugh!!!!! A volcano had erupted in Tonga and washed up onto one of our beached so we thought I would be amusing to go swimming in it. Once in a life time experience I think!!!! I've eaten so much riec in the last few weeks though that I can't face any more! And I'll give you all a tip too, don't drink coconut juice straight from the shell as its a laxative as me and Adam found out!!!!

Once I start to write this thing loads of stuff goes out of my head but I've kept a small diary to lok back on too so I can tell you all more about my adventures when I return.

Only a few minutes left again so must dash!!!!!