Instead of heading north to the tip of the island...
I met a guy from canada and we pitched in to buy a car (it's a very common practice here and easy to buy/sell) and a more flexible way to get around than busses/shuttles/tour bus/etc. It's a 1993 toyota camry, seems to be in pretty good shape and only costs us about $1035 USD. I will re-sell it once I've completed the NZ Islands.
We headed southeast to the
Then turned further south to the thermal activity area around the town of Rotorua
Spent one night in town of Taupo, site of NZ's largest lake which was formed from a HUGE explosion. It blew a hole 606 cubic kilometers big!! By comparison, Mount Saint Helen's was only 3 cubic kilometers. It's massive and home to some of the largest trout in the world!
We then ventured further south to the
New Zealand has an incredible system of backcountry huts that you can stay in when hiking the national parks (although you can tent as well). They help limit the impact on the fragile environment as well as offer an option to those not quite up to 'roughing it' in a tent. They range from$7-20 per night and have bunks, running water (from a rain collection system) and gas burners for cooking. Awesome! We've met families with small kids, and many older hikers as well (older as in 60's and 70's). There are such an inspiration and have so many stories to share! It's funny when you're trudging along with your pack on an 8 hour sweaty, mountainous hike all day...then you arrive at a hut to find some couples in their 70's sipping tea and greeting you "'ello mates!"
I am currently in wellington (NZ Capital) in the southernmost coastal town of the north island. It is a cool, kinda artsy, trendy town with many art museums and restaurants (especially the Oriental establishments serving the huge plates of noodles/rice for $5) Yum!!
The hostels (so far) are incredibly clean, well run, accomidating and fairly inexpensive (average $13-16). The kitchen area is a focal point and many people congregate to cook their own meals and meet people/share stories. What great comradery these travelers have! Most hostels have laundry, kitchen, internet, tv room, book swap, ride boards, and will help you with booking your travel plans.
So, in a nutshell: all is well...or as they say here "Sweet as!" It's their way of saying 'that's cool' or 'all good'
Lots to post but short on time, so....
check out some of the pix I've download to the My Flickr Photos. Look on the right under the "Links" menu.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ubinger/
cheers mates!
6 comments:
John,
Your pix makes me think of our travels in Peru, the only differnce is that I am working everyday and you are hiking in the mountains...
Good idea buying a car, that will help you see the hidden hot spots!!
It is amazing that you can take a car backpacking. The new equepment, light weight and all, is incredible. You can car camp up high in the southern Alps. Yes.... Say hello to the mountains for me. Thank you!
John,
It looks and sounds amazing. I am back in the Burgh for the Holidays and then headed to Japan.
Will you be passing through?
Peace,
Susan
Ubie,
Your pic's have fantastic resolution. What device are you using?
Peace,
Susan
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