DAY 27: One More for the Road

COLUMBUS, WIS. -- I did not have much time to spend in Auckland so I just wondered around a nice museum in this large park called the Domain on my last day.

I spent a few hours there and saw a Maori cultural performance, which was pretty cool.

After that I had lunch in the park under the bright blue sky in 70 degree weather and then headed to the airport.

The ride from Auckland to San Francisco was not horrible. I did not get any sleep, which is not good because it was a red eye. I did manage to get some sleep from San Francisco to St. Louis, however. That sleep and a coffee helped me make it the rest of the way home to Madison and then Columbus.

Rough day. Back to work tomorrow.

In order the foster my transition here is my top 5 things that I did not like about New Zealand.

1) All that Sun. That is just bad for the skin eventually. I mean reapplying all that sunscreen. Pfff.

2) Can't get a good breakfast anywhere. Most kiwis eat a light breakfast. I however like the large Midwest breakfast.

3) Not very good pizza.

4) No credit card options at the gas pump.

5) Ocean and waterfall mist is bad for the camera lenses.

DAY 26: Welcome to Auckland

AUCKLAND -- So I finally got into downtown Auckland today.

In the morning I did some ATVing for the first time in my life. I thought I would try something different.

I don't really like it much but I had fun on the level beach where I could gun it up to 88 miles an hour, well not time-travel fast, but prolly 40 mph.

I did that for a couple of hours and then made the arduous four hour drive to Auckland where I have set up camp in a hostel downtown. Its not that great of a place compared to others I have stayed, but well enough.

This evening I got a little pissed on some Kilkenny's and then I went to a movie.

Tomorrow I am going to try to squeeze in some sightseeing around Auckland before heading to the airport in the evening.

I leave Auckland around 7 p.m. and arrive home at about the same time. Imagine that.

See you all soon.

DAY 25: Up to the Cape

From NZ - DAY 25

AHIPARA -- Today I went to the northernmost tip of the North Island, Cape Reigna. There is a lighthouse and miles of undisturbed beach.

It also turns out that there are a lot of sheep along the way.

I did a small walk near the Cape, which included a lighthouse and some other areas of the coast.

It was a warm and humid day after raining much of the morning. The rain made me alter my plan which was to do some ATV stuff around Ahipara. Since it was raining I went straight to Cape Reigna. By the time I got there it had stopped, so that worked out.

But since I really wanted to some ATV stuff, exploring the area, here in Ahipara I am staying an extra day at this motor camp.

I had planned to be in Auckland tonight. I won't have much time to explore there since I am coming home on Sunday, but oh well I can't do everything.

I am really beat. Not looking forward to the long day of travel on Sunday, but it will be nice get home and recover from the nicks and scratches and sunburn.

I am not looking forward to the snow however.

DAY 24: I Love Sailing

From NZ - DAY 24

AHIPARA -- Today I took a sailing/dolphin watching trip around the Bay of Islands. I thought it was quite awesome.

I was suppose to swim with the dolphins but they don't let you do so when there are babies in the group -- and there were babies in the group today.

That was kind of disappointing, but we saw tons of bottlenose dolphins in the bay. Watching the dolphins was the first part of the day.

After that I jumped aboard a catamaran. The weather was so nice and it was great just hanging out getting pushed by the wind.

At one point we stopped at one island for a few hours. I did some kayaking and tubing (or riding the biscuit as they called it).

And I did not get a horrible sunburn. How nice. My feet are a bit burned however. After the island we sailed around a few other islands and I just laid back and relaxed laying in the sun.

What a beautiful day. Made me want to buy a boat and live off the sea off the grid.

Of course that would change the first second I saw storm clouds I am sure.

Good day. It makes coming home really hard.

I hope all is well.

DAY 23: Bay of Lazy

PAIHIA -- I am camped out at a YHA Hostel in this small coastal town on the Bay of Islands.

It is quite beautiful and today was quite nice. It took me a few hours to drive here in the morning and in the afternoon when I arrived I went into a slow gear.

I pretty much just drifted about today. I walked along the beach for a few hours, worked on the tan, and drank some beers.

I thought about kayaking, but after a mid-day lunch I decided on a nap instead. Tomorrow should be a big day. I am going out on an all day trip in the Bay of Islands. In the morning the tour involves dolphin swimming, the afternoon entails hurdling along on a speedy catamaran.

I am looking forward to it.

It was such a lazy day I did not even take any pictures today. Sorry.

DAY 22: Glow Worms and Caving

From NZ - DAY 22

AUCKLAND -- I went on two cave tours in Waitomo in the morning.

They were both pretty cool. The glow worm cave was quite impressive. There were so many in this densely compacted area.

They don't even look real. I couldn't take any pictures, but just imagine looking at the night sky in a cave. It was pretty neat.

One thing of note. When people find out that I am from Wisconsin they keep bringing up the Green Bay Packers. I am not sure why as American Football is not at all popular here.

Anyways after the fun cave tours. I headed north. I thought I was going to say in a small community called Raglan, but I did not find any accommodations that suited me so I headed to Auckland where I stayed on the outskirts of the city in a cabin.

It was nice, except in the morning I found a bunch of ants on my food.

Oh and I also did some exploring on the way from Waitomo to Auckland. There was some quite nice countryside and some great vistas. I took some photos that you can see in my web album.

I went into another small cave, checked out a waterfall and also the dramatic sloping sheep-filled countryside.

DAY 21: Limping Around the North Island's West Coast

From NZ - DAY 21

WAITOMO -- I am still in rough shape after that glacier debacle and I am having a really tough time going down stairs and even downward slanted walkways.

Going up hurts, but is not too terrible. It is also really hard to get out of the car. Cripes.

Anyways... Today I took a roundabout way north. I headed along the coast and sought out a lighthouse on the West Coast. That was at Cape Egmont on the border of Egmont National Park, which forms a big circle around a massive Mount Egmont.

It sticks out in the scenary quite a lot when you are anywhere near it. It is quite impressive. The only thing is that I couldn't see the top of it at all today. It was cloudy and raining and only the enormous base of the mountain was visible.

Here and there the clouds broke on parts of the snow caps but never an entire view.

That was unfortunate.

After stopping at a natural site, Dawson Falls (not terribly impressive) I made the trek through the countryside toward Waitomo, where there are some interesting glow-worm caves that I will be checking out tomorrow.

I have bunked down in a hostel not far from the caves tonight. After hobbling through the caves tomorrow I will be heading north again into the Northland depending on the hour in the day.

I have heard it is quite beautiful north of Auckland so I will have to check it out.

After that I am headed back to Auckland for a day or so before coming home.

Also the picture above is from Cape Egmont looking back toward the cloud-covered Mount Egmont, which you can partially see if you look closely. This is one of my favorite pictures that I have taken so far.

Day 20: Back to the North Island

From NZ - DAY 20

WANGANUI -- It was mostly another travel day. I made the venture to the North Island after a drive along a short stretch of a coastal road outside of Picton. It was a nice day and I wish I had an extra day to explore the tip of the South Island via boat.

After making it to Wellington on the return trip I immediately headed north along the west coast. I want to make sure to take in this coast and also get north of Auckland, where I am told it is really beautiful.

Also on the agenda for the last week is the Waitomo Caves and its glow worms.

The drive north out of Wellington was not that exciting at all. It was mostly suburbs for most of the way to Wanganui, with a few nice rural spots.

I might find something to do here tomorrow or just head north along the coast looking for adventure.

NZ Notes

*I have spent a lot of time in Irish Pubs while here. I have really been fond of Kilkenny Beer. I am not sure that I have seen it in the states much. It is an Irish cream ale, like Guinness. It is probably a little lighter in weight and color than Guinness. I hate Guinness by the way, so I am not sure why I like it but I do.

*I lost my sunglasses. Crap. This is why I never buy nice sunglasses. I am terrible with them. Anyways, I searched for new ones and couldn't really find any that I liked because all of the ones I see here are the adventure type sunglasses and the Kayne West type sunglasses. Since I am not YET a rap mogul I bought the latter kind. I don't like them and will buy some that are more me when I get home.

*I keep trying to figure out cricket. I don't get it. Really confusing.

*There are a lot of croquet lawns here.

*The soda cans are old in style, compared to what we have in the states. They are like the cans we had in the 50's, more square and narrow mouth.

*It is getting harder to find places to stay as the busy travel season picks up.

DAY 19: Road Day to Picton

From NZ - DAY 19

PICTON -- I had a pretty long road day.

I travelled from Greymouth to Picton, where tomorrow I will be taking the ferry back to the North Island for my final week in NZ.

There is not much happening in Picton so I am just chilling have a few brews and enjoying my Sunday.

It is beautiful out. It is sunny and about 70 degrees. I have a pretty good tan at this point.

The road was pretty nice and calm. I snapped a few shots but not many. The picture above is of the bay in Picton.

DAY 18: I Hate You Franz Josef

From NZ - DAY 18

GREYSMOUTH – Today I went for a glacier walk on the Franz Josef Glacier.

It was quite possibly one of the worst decisions I have ever made.

It was like torture. I don't mind hiking, and even enjoy it, but feeling like you could fall down at any moment and die or break a leg for five hours is just not fun.

The trek started at 1 p.m. and ended at 6 p.m.

The first leg was through the bush, up and over a hill, that I would say is close to the height of Cascade Mountain outside Portage – except much steeper.

So first I wrecked my leg muscles by climbing up and then going down with wobbly legs was disturbing. I was basically hanging by a rope on this muddy, slick and wet track for about an hour and a half. It took another hour to get to get to the glacier weaving through a rocky river bed.

So yeah it took 2.5 hours to get to the damn glacier. So I was on the glacier for about an hour and it was completely not fun. It was all climbing ice stairs feelings like you are going to fall and die. Going down was worse.

I was so tired by the time I got to the bottom of the glacier I could not comprehend doing another 2.5 hours of rough climbing and walking.

At this point the only good think I can say about this experience is that I did not have a heart attack – if I had been at all on the verge of one, this would have been the time.

Being on the glacier was quite lame as well. So the entire walk back to the bus was me thinking... this was horrible. Why did I do this?

Normally this whole thing would have been fine, but the bush walk, climb, was the killer. This was only added because the river decided it wanted to flow over the normal track.

The people's little guide said Medium (or level 2 of 4) in difficulty. No frickin' way. There were a lot of people who had a very difficult time. It was not just my overweight self.

I left town immediately after the trek and drove to Greysmouth, which is about 2 hours away.

I hired a motel room for the night so I can really unwind. I had a go in the whirlpool. In the states I could not afford a place like this, but the greenback's strength against the NZ dollar is helping me out significantly.

It is about $1US = $1.82NZ.

Air New Zealand Plane Crash

FOX GLACIER -- Maybe I should have went with Quantas.

This is not exactly confidence inspiring.

"Air NZ Crash"

Happy Thanksgiving

FOX GLACIER - Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family.

Hope everyone is well and that the Lions lose like usual.

For those of you doing Christmas shopping for me. I want two more weeks in New Zealand if that can be arranged. Cheers. See you all in a couple of weeks.

DAY 17: The Need for Speed

From NZ - DAY 17

FOX GLACIER -- In the afternoon I booked a jet boat ride as well as a helicopter ride. Both ended up being quite awesome. The jet boat was really fun and I got a little wet, but not too wet.

Before that I had to kill some time so I walked around the Queenstown Gardens and saw Quantom of Solace (it was decent, I was kind of lost having not watched the first one in quite a while.)

After finishing up my day in Queenstown I headed north for the Fox and Franz Josepf Glaciers. I will be doing a glacier walk. The drive was long but spectacular. There was almost nobody around and the scenery was amazing -- a perfect combo.

I am headed north quickly to see as much of the West Coast as possible but still get to Picton by the Nov. 30, when I am scheduled to make the voyage back to the North Island for my last week.

DAY 16: Floating Along in Queenstown

From NZ - DAY 16

QUEENSTOWN -- Today I really felt like I was on vacation. It was a leisure day for me. I decided to sleep in late for a change -- until 9:30 a.m. I then headed out for a peaceful day walking about Queenstown.

The city is rather small but very commercial. It has some nice bars, pizzerias, and shops.

In the morning I took a gondola (basket thing) to the top of a hill to this entertainment complex high above the city.

While I was there I partook in riding several luge tracks, which were great fun. I may do it again tomorrow.

After that I checked into a new hostel downtown, which is just great. It is basically an riverfront hotel at extremely reasonable prices. In the states I would expect to pay $150 to $200 for a night here meanwhile I am paying about $40 for my own room with its own bathroom and TV. This is quite amazing for a hostel.

I had some ice cream, did some Christmas shopping.

I did some para-sailing out on the water on a glorious day surrounded by mountains.

It was a very smooth and quiet ride if you can believe it.

Good fun. Tomorrow I am taking a jet boat ride as well as a helicopter ride up into the mountains.

I Had Some Crumpets Today

QUEENSTOWN -- Since I was going to be gone all day in the Fiordland I needed to back lunch.

Of course I forgot to do this the night before so I had to go to the gas station in the morning and find something to take with me.

I grabbed some blueberry muffins and searched for another item to take knowing I had some chips and apple bars in my bag already.

I came across these pancake looking things and grabbed them.

I didn't realize it until later that they were crumpets. I had no idea what crumpets were until I started eating one.

Quite good. As good as English muffins (which surprisingly I can not find anywhere around here).

I wish I could find these in the states, I might quite come to like them.

DAY 15: Doubtful This Trip Could Get Any Better

From NZ - DAY 15

QUEENSTOWN -- I took an all day trip to Doubtful Sound in the Fiordland of the South Island today.

It was a hell of a day. It started out very rainy but cleared up quite nice by the time we were on the sound.

It took a two buses and two boats to reach but was a fun journey full of sights to see.

It could have been warmer and less cloudy but I am not going to complain.

Afterward the trip I set out for Queenstown where I am staying for a night or two. I plan on doing something adventurous -- not sure what yet.

I also met an Italian guy, who I gave a lift to Queenstown. We had dinner and some beers and good conversation. Tomorrow night we plan to have some more beers.

That is all for now.

I Love Daylight

TE ANAU -- It is 9:15 p.m. and it is still light out.

It will be depressing going back to Wisconsin, where I assume it is dark by 5 p.m.

DAY 14: Amazing Milford Sound

From NZ - Day 14

TE ANAU -- Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

I took a cruise on the Milford Sound today and it was amazing.

It was raining like crazy, but that made it all that more magical.

It is impossible to describe... but let me try. Imagine entering a valley where on all sides you are surrounded by a thousand waterfalls. That is somewhat what it was like.

Since there was so much rain waterfalls dropped off the tops of the mountains in the Milford Sound. It was just amazing. When I say thousands, I mean thousands. Imagine driving 60 miles and being surrounded by waterfalls the entire time. Just amazing.

And that was just the drive into the Milford Sound. When I got to the sound itself I boarded a cruise ship for a two-hour venture.

It was a nice and very wet tour. It was raining like crazy.

The mist of the rainfalls off the mountains created whiteout conditions in some parts and I got crazy wet trying to take pictures.

My camera also got a little wet and I had to keep cleaning the lens with a sock that I threw in my bag.

Since it was so wet I could barely take any of the photos I wanted. You can check out a bunch of photos in my web album from today, but none of them do the place justice.

It was amazing.

I am staying the night in Te Anau at a YHA Hostel. In the morning I am being picked up for another Fiordland trip to a place called Doubtful Sound. It will be an all-day trip.

After that I am heading toward Queenstown.

Nate, your right the South Island is kicking my ass. Cheers.

DAY 13: I Just Deleted Every Picture I Took Today Execpt One

From NZ - DAY 13

INVERCARGILL -- Yeah. Crap.

I can't believe I just did that.

I would not have been able to upload them tonight anyways because I do not have wireless.

I spent the day sightseeing and saw three nice waterfalls and an impressive train station. It would be nice to show you but I can't. Crap.

Anyways. I am in some town whose name I can not remember. Just had some brews and will be heading to a new place tomorrow. Will be on the West Coast of the South Island heading for Queenstown.

Cheers. I can't believe I did that. ARRRRGGGGGGGH.

UPDATE: Above I added the sole picture that remains from the day 13 tragedy. At least it is a decent picture. The picture is of the Moeraki Boulders.

DAY 12: Penguins

From NZ - DAY 12

OAMARU -- Most of my day was dedicated to my favorite animal the penguin.

Here there are two colonies of two different penguins.

The first was the yellow-eyed penguin and the second, the blue penguin. Conveniently the yellow-eyed penguins return to their homes two hours before sunset, while the blues return when it is dark.

Therefore I could watch both colonies come ashore.

I spent about 3 hours waiting and watching the yellow come in. I only saw about 20 of a supposed 800 come in. Some of them got really close. They amazingly climbed about 100 yards up a hillside to their homes where I was watching them.

From NZ - DAY 12

The blues were harder to get close to. In fact I had to pay 20 dollars to watch them come into a habitat that was designed for them. They did not allow pictures to be taken because it could scare them.

Penguins are skittish.

It was a cool penguin-watching day.

And just so you know that sign above is actually true. There is penguin crossing, its not just a cute sign.

Burger WisconSIN: Home of the World's Best Burgers

CHRISTCHURCH -- Imagine the surprise when I noticed the sign that said Burger Wisconsin right next door to my hostel this evening when I went out to by a coke.

I was dumbfounded really.

UPDATE: I doubt they use Wisconsin Cheese unfortunately Amber. They do seem to have a lot of cows. Apparently this is a chain restaurant because I grabbed a flier and they have multiple locations.

DAY 11: A Big Church and Flowers

From NZ - DAY 11

CHRISTCHURCH -- I arrived in a new city today. Not much to it really. It has a nice civic centre and a trolley car, as well as a really big old church.

I spent the afternoon walking about in the downtown and in a botanical gardens, which is generally just a large park. There was an impressive rose garden, which is where I took the picture above.

I also went to two museums. The art museum and a natural history type museum. They were both pretty nice and free.

The art museum had some nice works. Now that I have been to a couple of galleries I am starting to like a few New Zealand artists including Gordon Walters.

Tomorrow I am planning on checking out some penquin colonies in a community to the south of Christchurch. I am looking forward to it.

My Morning View

From NZ - DAY 11

CHRISTCHURCH -- This is what I woke up to this morning.

DAY 10: Impressing the Lady Dolphins

From NZ - DAY 10

KAIKOURA -- I had a pretty cool day.

I woke up early in the morning to catch the Inter-Island Ferry to the South Island and then headed to its West Coast -- specifically the Kaikoura Coast.

It is a nice little community on a bay looking into the ocean. I didn't realize it until the fog lifted but there are mountains overlooking the community as well. They are quite amazing and all snowy.

When I got to Kaikoura I booked a whale watching tour. Although I saw two sperm whales, it was the Dusky Dolphin that stole the show.

These acrobatic dolphins were leaping out of the water trying to impress the female dolphins to find a mate.

They were quite beautiful.

I have lined up a bed in a hostel on the ocean front. I am literally about 25 yards from the water which I can see out my window.

I am in a room with three drunken Australian girls -- its only 7:30 p.m. here.

DAY 9: Zoo and Museum

From NZ - DAY 9

WELLINGTON -- I spent the morning at the Wellington Zoo. There were not a lot of people there, which was nice. The zoo was shabby and not that great. It had a fairly good stock of animals.

That said they did not have a lot of the interesting larger animals that you see at most zoos. They had almost no aquatic animals (i.e. penguins or seals).

For the only activity I have had to pay for while in Wellington it was probably the least value.

It was only $13 dollars with my YHA membership card.

I did have a decent time after initially being a little worried because the first three exhibits had no animals.

After the zoo I headed back to the city centre and returned to Te Papa. Yesterday I saw half of the museum before it closed. The second half was probably the best part. I learned a lot about the Maori and their relationship with the white settlers.

I am taking a little break by enjoying some popcorn and a coca cola (in a glass bottle) while doing my laundry.

After I get that done I plan on going out tonight for some drinks. I will probably check out this bar that is having a comedy night. It is called the Blue Note Bar.

Tomorrow I make the trip to the South Island. Should be fun.

DAY 8: Walkabout Wellington

From NZ - DAY 8

WELLINGTON -- Today I spent most of my time walking. I rode on some old time cable cars and wandered around the Wellington Botanical Gardens.

The gardens is a lot like NYC's Central Park, because of its many little nuggets of awesome. The gardens are not as big but pretty fun for several hours of walking.

After that I went to the New Zealand government buildings and got a tour. It was nice. The buildings are not very impressive at all -- especially comparing them to the U.S. Capitol and even the Wisconsin State Capitol. Anyhow. The nice thing about Wellington is that everything is free.

I went to a museum about the Cable Cars, which was free. The tour of Parliament was free and the country's largest museum, Te Papa is also free.

My legs are tired. I may go to a movie at a cinema close by. Cheers.

DAY 7: The Long Way to Wellington

From NZ - DAY 7

WELLINGTON – After leaving Castlepoint I headed south for Wellington. I had to choose between the quick route and the scenic route. I chose the scenic route even though my Rough Guide basically said there is not much to see.

I wanted to make sure to see Cape Palliser for some reason. My guide said it was a “bleak and windswept coast.” I ignored that and went anyways for the hell of it. I am so glad I did.

At the end of a very isolated route, unpaved, I found myself in front of another lighthouse.

But the real story of the day was not the lighthouse. At one point, with the lighthouse in view I stopped at this large rocky area along the coast where I could take a picture of the lighthouse.

I snapped away and was about to get back in my car when I heard a screeching moan. It was an animal of some kind. I could not see it because these boulders and rocky area was in between me and the noise. At first I thought it was a dolphin from the way it sounded.

I decided that I had to investigate. I climbed through the rocks, turning corners and jumping from stone to stone.

All of a sudden I could smell something foul. I thought it was bird droppings or something. I was not quite sure. I moved on thinking I was getting close. I turned the corner around another rock and I was startled to come withing a meter of a seal staring right at me. He barked and I freaked out almost running for my car.

After realizing that the thing was not charging me. I stopped and grabbed my camera. I took a few steps closer and then around another rock I could see a baby seal. I freaked out a little again. I figured that this could be bad.

While it might not be a problem to tempt fate with an average seal. It probably would not be as good an idea to sneak up on a mother and her baby. Nonetheless the seal was tame and seemed to have very little interest in me. It wanted to sleep more than anything.

It was amazing to be that close with a wild seal. It was even more cool that it was just out there in the middle of nowhere with nobody around but me.

Later I found a ton more in other places. I could smell each one of them before I saw them. They were that smelly.

What an adventure that was.

After that I made the trip back out of the countryside toward Wellington, where I stayed the night.

DAY 6: Gannets and a Lighthouse

From NZ - DAY 6

CASTLEPOINT – The glory that was my view in the morning from my cabin almost matched that of my hangover.

Early in the morning I headed to the gannet tour place. It was a nice tour. The bus that took the about 8 others on the trek to the colony weaved through the hillside of a large sheep and beef farm full of stories about the land and the people on it.

The tour guide was an older farm women of Asian descent that sounded like the British woman on my GPS device. She was very good.

The gannet colony was quite impressive. We got very close to the birds. I could have kicked one if I had wanted. I got some pretty decent photographs as a result.

The tour was about three hours, most of it was spent in travel. It took an hour to get to the colony and an hour to get back after spending a hour with the birds.

After the tour I headed out toward another coastal point – Castlepoint. My Rough Guide told me very little about Castlepoint so it was kind of a whim that I went there. I am glad I did. It was quite cool. There was a lighthouse and a wonderful cove that was at the end of a hiking trail.

I enjoyed it. There were not many people around so it was quite peaceful.

I ended up staying the night at this hotel a few miles off the coast. It was a hotel/bar. I had a drink and hired a cabin behind the bar. The cabin was not in great shape but it was cheap and had a shower.

DAY 5: Drinking Buddies

From NZ - DAY 5

CAPE KIDNAPPERS – Early in the morning I got found my way to the National Aquarium not far from my hostel.

It was decent but for a “national” aquarium I was a wee bit disappointed. After spending about an hour and a half looking at the fishies I wandered along the Marine Parade, a long road along the coastline which has tons of shops, gardens, bars and park area.

I had some Italian ice cream and wandered about. At midday I hoped aboard a Duck tour (like they have in the Dells). It was to get on the water, but there wasn't much to the tour except the last part – a wine and brewery tour.

The first stop was a winery called Church Road. I taste tested four different wines. Two were good and the others were okay. I am not a wine guy, anyways.

The next stop was at the Filter Room, a brewer of cider and ales. I bought a tray of six different brews and proceeded to taste. They were great. The ciders were actually better than the ales. It was a nice afternoon drink.

A couple of hours later I was on the road south out of Napier. I was headed to Cape Kidnappers where I had booked a tour of a Gannet colony.

If you want to know why Cape Kidnappers (locals pronounce it Cape Ka-nippers) is called such click here for an explanation.

I planned on finding a place to stay when I got in the area. I eventually found a motor/holiday park that had cabins. I hired one for $40NZ.

It was glorious. The cabin, which was suitable with a kitchen, overlooked Cape Kidnappers.

While settling in I ran into the camp manager, who told me to have a beer with him. I obliged and was introduced to three other drinking buddies. They were Perry, a local kiwi, and Tommy and Katie, travellers from Finland.

We stayed up most of the night drinking Double Brown Beer. It is a kiwi beer that is on par with Blatz.

Perry couldn't walk straight by 10:30 p.m, or maybe I just couldn't see straight.

Travelling is Exhausting

WELLINGTON -- So I managed a good update for Day 4 (see below), but have yet to give you the scoop on the last few days.

It is hard to find the time in between planning for tomorrow, sleeping, eating and having the time of my life to update this bloggeroo.

I promise I will get to it in good time.

Nonetheless I included links to my albums from pictures of the last few days for you to enjoy.

NZ - DAY 5

NZ - DAY 6

NZ - DAY 7

I Found the Internet Again

WELLINGTON -- Kia ora mates,

I came out of the bush and found the tubes of the vast world wide web again.

The last few places I stayed, out in the edges of nowhere, did not have Internet. Therefore no updates.

That should change. I have planted my flag in Wellington for a few days before I take the ferry across the straight to the South Island.

I am staying at a really nice YHA Hostel. It is pretty nice for a hostel. My Rough Guide told me that it is the best urban hostel in the country. It very well could be as it is quite nice. Not luxuriously, but nice. I decided to spring for a private room for my stay.

It was a relatively taxing drive into Wellington during rush hour. There is basically nowhere to park. After much avail I found a public parking ramp and locked it down.

So there you have it. Hope everyone is well.

Now that I have Internet I will shortly update you on my last few days.

Cheers.

DAY 4: Taupo to Napier

From NZ - DAY 4

UPDATE: NAPIER -- I left Rotorua in the morning heading south toward Taupo with the idea of hitting a few thermal related sights on the way.

My first stop was Huka Falls (pictures are in my Day 4 Album). It was a very refreshing first stop because the spray of the waterfalls was in the air on the bright and warm day. Just think about that spray hitting your face in the morning looking at some amazing sights.

The falls was not entirely impressive but the flow of the falls was unparalleled with anything I have ever seen before.

My next stop was at the nearby Volcanic Activity Center. I learned a few things about volcanoes that I did not already know include what a “lahar” is. I also learned about the local volcanoes and there most recent eruptions.

According to what I learned at the center, New Zealand is basically split down the middle by two tectonic plates that are rubbing up against each other creating a string of volcanoes in the country.

New Zealand is located in the volcanic ring of fire in the pacific if you didn't already know that.

Anyways after the short time at the small but very informative center I headed to check out a natural thermal area, Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park, a few miles away.

From NZ - DAY 4

Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park was quite nice (check the album for pictures). It was a fun walk through these different thermal areas and into a pretty cool little cave.

After that fun I hit the road for Napier. It was a rather long drive through some of the most rural areas of the country. It was nice to be out in the middle of nowhere on my own schedule.

At one point I needed to stretch my legs so I pulled off at a scenic point. It didn't seem like much from the tiny sign. When I got to it I was absolutely astounded by the magnitude and grace of the waterfall I found. It was amazing that there was very little notice of this waterfall anywhere in the literature I saw about the area and also read in my Rough Guide.

From NZ - DAY 4

It was amazing. I could have so easily missed it. It makes me wonder how many wonderful things I am missing along the way.

I arrived in Napier in the evening and took a walkabout around town after checking into a nice little hostel near the waterfront.

It is a nice quiet town, that has plenty to do. I definitely enjoyed the vibe of the community, which proclaims to have seen the first sunrise of the 21st Century.

----

NAPIER -- Just settling down in a hostel in Napier tonight. I just walked around town and it seems pretty cool.

I may stay here another night but have yet to decide. There is a fair amount to do tomorrow, so we will have to see.

I will give you the details on my day later when I have better internet access and can give you some pictures. Stay tuned.

Everything is well here so far. Cheers.

I Had to Eventually, Right? Sheep Picture Day

From NZ Day 3

ROTORUA -- This picture was taken outside of Rotorua. The sheep posed perfectly for me for about five minutes. Good sheep. I got some other wide shots that I like as well, but this is a pretty decent sheep shot.

DAY 3: Tramping in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

From NZ Day 3

ROTORUA -- Above is a picture from the Echo Crater in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

I took a three hour tramp through the valley today. It was long and arduous. Most of it was easy except this one section which went up and over Mount Hazard. I think it is named after a local who died in the the last eruption here in 1886, but it certainly could have meant hazardous.

It was rough and took a lot of out of me. My legs got a good workout but it should be good training for the coming weeks.

The tramp ended with a boat trip around Lake Tarawera. There are springs and geysers everywhere in the valley.

There is a really interesting story that I learned about later in the day by visiting the Rotorua Museum of Art and History.

Apparently there use to be these terrace type steps (like those in Yellowstone) that were created by the minerals in the volcanically affected waters. Anyways they created natural pools where people could bath as well as they just looked darn cool.

Well apparently there were two of these -- a pink one and a white one.

That was before 1886 when the last eruption occurred and wiped them out. There is some interested Mauri (native) legend about this eruption as a prophecy.

It is an interesting story if you look into it. It also says a lot about Mauri and the relationship with colonialists.

Not pleasant, but not as bad as what happened to Native Americans.

Anyways... so in 1886, these terraces, which had become a worldwide tourist destination were wiped away by this massive eruption that also killed 120 people.

Later on the hot waters were sold as "cures" for numerous ailments and people flocked to get "treated" at a bath house in a rebuilt Rotorua. This was the place where the Museum is now located.

The museum gave you a great in and out look at the operation. Much of the museum still had remnants of the baths.

Other parts of the museum displayed Mauri culture, which I knew nothing about. It was great to finally get an idea the real New Zealand Heritage.

There are some pictures in my Day 3 web album that you can check out from my tramp and the outside of the museum.

As a side note there were resplendent lawns in front of the museum which people were using to play crochet. I found that amusing.

After that I found myself checking into a hostel in town. I did not really plan to stay here tonight, but this is a pretty cool town.

I had some brew and food at an Irish pub that was nice while I watched the U-17 Women's World Cup Football match between the U.S. and Germany. Germany was winning when I left.

Anyways that is about it. Tomorrow I am heading south to Taupo for more adventuring.

I am ready to leave the sulfur smell behind. The entire town smells of sulfur. The only good part of this is that you do not have to worry about how bad you smell after a three hour tramp.

Cheers. Hope everybody is well in the motherland. Weather here is amazing!

Day 2: The Coromandel Peninsula

From NZ - Day 2

TAURANGA -- Today I spent most of my time getting in and out of my car. I did a lot of driving. I drove the Thames Coast Road, which is quite curvy and beautiful.

In some parts it reminded me of the Oregon Coast (thanks for making me think about that the other day Beth).

I took the picture above along that road at one spot. You may not be able to tell right off, but these were two blokes fishing. I heard it was quite good that day because of the calm waters.

The weather was great. Warm and sunny. I had to use the air conditioning in the car and got a bit of a sun burn -- mostly because I am Wisconsin winter white at this point.

Anyways the tan is coming. Right now I am mostly red on my right side (my driver's side). Driving was much easier today. The roads are good. There were also fewer people on the roads which made things more relaxing. I still go to the wrong side of the car after stopping sometimes but it is starting to sink in.

Anyways after the Thames Coast Road I found myself in the town of Coromandel, which is very touristy.

I ventured there because I was seeking the Driving Creek Railway, a small rail that goes up into the hills. It was built by an eccentric artist.

There are pictures in my Day 2 photo album. You can view them by clicking here.

After the rail trip up the hills I hit the road again and tackled the other coast of the peninsula via Tairua, Whangamata and Waihi.

I have settled for the night in Tauranga at a hostel. Its a pretty nice place so far. It is a short walk to a host of pubs, cafes, and eateries. I took advantage of them for my first brew in NZ. The fact that it was $7.50 NZ was quit shocking, but it was a ocean front posh pub and in NZ dollars.

It was a dark beer that was delicious.

After this update I am plotting my next day down under. I am thinking that I will be headed to Whakatane to catch a lift to White Island a volcanic hot spot.

On the Road to Coromandel

AUCKLAND -- I am off to the town of Coromandel as my Rough Guide tells me that there is a cool train that weaves through the hills there.

After that I am heading toward Tauranga to find a stay in a hostel there.

Making Fun of President Bush

AUCKLAND -- I am watching a morning show on Channel 3 and they are openly making fun of President George W. Bush. This is a pretty mainstream channel and program from what I can tell but still they are just chuckling about Bush not being able to sell his memoirs.

"It is probably a picture book," one anchor tells another with a laugh.

"It could be the next Harry Potter," the other says back.

This is quite amusing.

UPDATE: They're back on it. They just called him a "monkey" and are having an e-mail contest on what Bush should call his book. Wow. The anchor also shook his head and shrugged when they did a story about how Sarah Palin said she would not rule out running for President in 2012.

Jeez, even Keith Olbermann calls the president Mister.

Some of the ideas so far:

"A Man and His Crimes"
"Misunderestimated"
"The Presidency for Dummies"

Good Morning from Down Under

AUCKLAND -- Looks like another brilliant and bright sunny day in NZ. Yesterday the weather was in the 70's. I think it will be the same today.

I am currently plotting my route out of the Auckland area into the Coromandel Peninsula and possibly over into the East Cape.

DAY 1: Looking Over Auckland

From NZ - DAY 1

AUCKLAND -- This is taken from One Tree Hill in Cornwall Park. I will have more in an update later.

I need to rest for a bit.

First Interaction with a New Zealander

AUCKLAND -- Okay so admittedly I have trouble understanding a lot of Americans too, but its been rough so far.

Here is my first conversation with a guy at McDonald's this morning:

GUY: Can I help you?

ME: Can I get Hotcakes, a hash brown and a coffee?

GUY: White or black?

ME: Black.

GUY: (not sure)

ME: What?

GUY: (not sure)

At this point I just handed the guy $10 NZ. At which point I think he noticed my greenbacks in my bill fold.

GUY: Is that American money?

ME: Ya.

GUY: Can I buy some off you.

Me: Sure.

He then gave me a $5 NZ for two George Washington's. I also gave him the spare change in my pocket.

GUY: Cheers.

Touchdown

AUCKLAND -- So I made it so far. That was rough. But not as bad as I thought it could have been.

The fluids in my face, as in ears, nose, sinuses were relatively under control during the entire trip. That is very unusual. I often have some terrible and very painful issues with my ears and forehead from the pressure changes. I also usually can't hear at all when I am on a plain -- the bubble effect. Did not have that this time.

The only real issue was descending into LAX. My right ear went nuts. It hurt bad and I could not hear out of it the entire time I was on the ground in LAX -- which was problematic since my change over was difficult to find and I could barely hear the people I was asking for help.

Anyways the long flight to NZ was relatively easy compared to that. Once we got up above the clouds my ear cleared up and it has been fine ever since. I got to watch a number of movies while I was in the air. My list includes The Dark Night, Wall-E, Bull Durham, and The Hulk. I also watched several episodes of House and Gossip Girl.

I arrived in Auckland at about 5am. So I had some time to kill before I could even check into any hotel. Therefore I cruised around Auckland a little bit. And also learned how to drive on the left side of the road. Not that hard but not that easy especially after traveling 20 hours through several time zones.

Never the less I made it to a motel and plan to shower and sleep during the mid-afternoon and maybe find a pub later this evening.

Airport Number One

MADISON -- I am waiting for my flight at Dane County Regional Airport. I will be connecting in Chicago to go to L.A.

Waiting for my allergy medicine to kick in, which I think it is doing.

I tried to log on to the airports wireless network but it costs $6.99. What the frick. Screw that. So I hooked up my cell phone which has internet.

Thats it. So far so good.

Done

Okay. I think I am friggin' done.

Check back throughout the day on Sunday as I give the play-by-play on airline travel.

Still Packing...

and I cut my hair.

I am getting there.

Forecast

The forecast for next week in Wisconsin includes brisk, chilly conditions as a polar air mass moves in from the north.

Enjoy everyone!

Still Packing.....

Packing

I am in the process of packing and it is going very slowly.

Mostly I have spent the majority of my day packing my iPod. Can't travel without "This American Life" episodes.

A work in progress.

I am also tentatively planning a late night trip to Wal-Mart. I know, I know... but its open 24/7.

Why New Zealand, You Ask?

This has been the most frequent question that I have gotten after telling people that I am vacationing in NZ.

Well for those of you I have not had the chance to discuss this with here is why:

For those of you who don't know I have done a lot of traveling around the country in the last few years. I tend to travel cheap and on my own -- which means hostels are the lodging of choice.

When staying in hostels you tend to meet a lot of people who are on round-the-world trips and most of them tell me that the most beautiful place they have been on their trek is NZ.

So I thought -- hey that sounds like a good place to go.

My goal was to get to NZ within five years of graduating college. Come next week I will have accomplished that goal.

So, hopefully that answers that.

Make Sure to Vote in My Poll

Over there ------------->

Somewhere...

Inspired!

My friend Nate got me excited for my trip on Sunday. Nate was in the NZ for three weeks in 2004 and sent me a few pictures to whet my appetite.

Nice. Can't wait.

Tentative Plans for the Interested

I will be Renting a car and humping across the North Island for the first 9 days. Then I will take the ferry to the South Island and spend about 10 days there before heading back on the ferry. I then intend on spending the last 3-4 days in Auckland before flying back.

I'll probably do a little hiking in the national parks, maybe camp a bit. I will probably stay in a lot of hostels. I also always like doing stuff to check out wildlife and such.

Go Greenback, Go!

The U.S. dollar is kicking the kiwi dollar's ass.

Since I have been following the exchange rate over the last month the U.S. dollar has gained about 30 cents on the New Zealand dollar.

Sweet.

Right now $1 US = $1.839 NZ

Too Far, Not Far Enough?

I am starting to get a little anxious about this vacation. I feel like I have a lot left to get together, but at the same time I feel like I have most everything squared away.

I got the backpack. I got the plane tickets. I am working on a list of things to pack. I have my camera and electronic gear ready to go.

The main remaining item yet needed is a rental car. Prices are looking pretty decent for somewhere around $800 for a month -- I thought it would be more.

The date is sneaking up on me and slowly unfolding at the same time. Rock 'N Roll.

Dates Finalized

The plane tickets are bought. I will be flying out of Dane County Regional Airport in Madison to Chicago to Los Angeles to Auckland on Sunday, November 9, 2008 and I will be returning via Auckland to Los Angeles to St. Louis to Madison on Sunday, December 7, 2008.

Not a bad deal at all flying out of Madison. Only about $80 difference from Milwaukee and Chicago. And that it is worth it as I will not have to drive far just to start the travelling (notice how I used two l's there). The official rate was $1661 for round trip.

I have bought a nice backpack from REI and will be getting that in the mail soon. The next step will be to get all the minor items. I need a outlet converter so I can use my American electronic devices. Need a bunch of other random things as well.

That's it for now.

Things are moving along

So I have been making several purchases in last few days to prepare for my adventure. I now have a new Canon Digital SLR. It's 12 MP and should give you all a good look at what I am seeing on vacation.

I am also working on the all important backpack.

Things are moving along, but I still need to purchase the plane ticket and finalize my dates.

Just Getting Started

Friends, Family, Countrymen. Lend me your eyes. This is the official blog of my trip to New Zealand slated for November. I am expecting to leave shortly after the November elections and return sometime in December. It is going to be Summer down under. Sweet.

While traveling I intend to update this blog to keep everybody up to date and also to rub in the faces of all my friends who I asked to come with but were too wuzzy to come along. Cheers.