Tramping around New Zealand...it's not what you think ;)

So I have been a delinquent again, and neglected my blogging activities…but, we have been busy since we have crossed Tasman Sea.

Random cow staring Mark down as we drive through the country. The sheep are nicer.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Auckland-

We arrived in New Zealand’s largest city in the evening on new year’s eve, and we were pleased that our hotel was again in the centre of the city and easily accessible to everything. Originally we were tired, so we went to get some take-away and had the plan of only walking outside to sea the fireworks and then call it an early night. However, as usual that is not what happened. After the fireworks, the general sense of merriment drew us to the city’s main bar district and soon enough we were sharing a pint with a very friendly Kiwi couple who had befriended us. After many more pints…it was now 3:30am, and we just had time to grab some early morning kebabs and drag ourselves back to the hotel. I think I have found a new after-partying food…I love the kebab, it was actually better than shish. (Blasphemy, I know.)

Our hotel in Auckland.

Sky Tower.

Sky Tower with fireworks...we have a terrible camera for night photos. :(

Pints to ring in the new year...just a few. :)

Rangitoto Island-

A few days later we ventured out to Island, a volcanic island that is only 600 years old and covered in old lava flows. We spent the day tramping around the island, and came back exhausted. Tramping is the kiwi –way to say hiking…not what I originally thought it meant.

Cabe exploring on Rangitoto Island.

Cooled lava flow.

Christchurch-

As most of you know, New Zealand is made up of two islands. Since our flight home is from Auckland (north island), we decided to start our tour on the south island and work our way back north. We took a short flight to Christchurch, and although not as big as Auckland, I really enjoyed the small picturesque city. Unfortunately, Mark’s nagging toothache worsened and he had to go to the dentist. Sure enough, he needed a root-canal, so for him, Christchurch memories will always been remembered through the veil of dental surgery. Lovely. :)

Mark- Post root-canal in Christchurch.

A familiar feeling on the otherside of the world.

Banks Peninsula-

Close by Christchurch is the Banks Peninsula. Although the main town there is a bit touristy, we couldn’t deny that the area is beautiful. Doesn’t’ it look like a postcard?

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park-

Everyone who comes to New Zealand raves about the natural beauty of the land, and so far it has not disappointed us. After spending the first week in city hotels, we picked up our car (just a Ford Focus, no campervan for us in NZ. Strangely enough, we both kinda miss Lucy, which I didn’t think would happen so soon) and headed into the countryside.
We spent two nights in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. OMG! Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe this scope of this majestic mountain range…which is also called the Alps. Being a western girl, I have always loved the site of high peaks, and this place did not let me down.

The temperature in New Zealand is also very different from Australia. We actually had snow falling on us in the mountains. We were happy that we had the foresight to pack tuques and gloves, even though we had to dig to the bottom of our backpacks to find them.

Happy in the tuques..a little taste of the winter we missed.

Hooker Glacier.

Today, we are in Dunedin (the hometown of Judy’s good friend, Marie). Unfortunately the weather is not good as it is raining and cold, but it is a good day to be in front of the computer. Mark found ESPN at the motel and is as happy as a pig in mud watching the Saturday night NFL game. When we are quiet and relaxed like this it makes me feel like home….I just wish I could do some baking. I have had the biggest desire to bake for weeks, so be prepared for lots of cookies when I get home.



We continue down the east coast of the south island, and then work our way up the west coast to catch the ferry. The countdown is on (6days) until we reach Queenstown, where we will either bungy jump or do the canyon swing. Even I am starting to get a bit nervous...Mark's resolve is also weakening. So fingers-crossed that we will actually make it through this next week. :)

Lots of love, we miss you all,
Sarah and Mark
xoxoxox