New Zealand, the big adventure

A 32-day adventure by Yvonne Read more

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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 8
Monday, March 7, 2016 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 420 m
New Zealand Lake Tikitapu -38.2, 176.33333338°12’0” S 176°19’60” E
Lake Tikitapu
March 7, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Lake Tikitapu or Blue Lake, is the smallest of four small lakes lying between Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island.

Along with the others, Lake Tikitapu lies within a volcanic caldera formed within the last 300,000 years. The blue colour of the lake can be attributed to rhyolite and pumice on the lake bed.

I drove around the lake and found a 'lookout' sign. Walking through forest the path led to a small but absolutely charming bay. As it's not that obvious that it's there, there were only a few other people there with me (and a dog). The sun came out from behind the clouds and I had a little swim. It was glorious and so quiet that all you could here was the nature around you and the dragonflies buzzing past.Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 8
Monday, March 7, 2016 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 359 m
New Zealand Pariwhaiti -38.208145, 176.36579738°12’29” S 176°21’57” E
Lake Tarawera
March 7, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Lake Tarawera is the largest of a series of lakes which surround the volcano Mount Tarawera in the North Island of New Zealand.

From the landing you have an amazing view down the lake. I stayed for dinner at the cafe. They serve fresh fish that they catch every day. Manager Phil went out for a little kayak tour before changing into a suit and starting his shift. That's a great work life balance if you ask me. 😀Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 8
Monday, March 7, 2016 at 5:50 PM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 359 m
New Zealand Pariwhaiti -38.208145, 176.36579738°12’29” S 176°21’57” E
Lake Tarawera (Otomutu Reserve)
March 7, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
This is a little reserve that I stumbled across as I wanted to see how far I can drive around Lake Tarawera.

It seems that lots of anglers come here during the summer and people have their boats anchored when they are not in use. There are little boat garages which I found quite funny. 😊Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 9
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 322 m
New Zealand Whangioterangi (Echo Lake)-38.35826, 176.3689838°21’30” S 176°22’8” E
Rotorua (Wai-O-Tapu)
March 8, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Waiotapu (Māori for "sacred waters") is an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of theReporoa caldera, in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. It is 27 kilometres south of Rotorua. Due to dramatic geothermal conditions beneath the earth, the area has many hot springs noted for their colourful appearance, in addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette, Primrose Terrace and boiling mud pools.Read more
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Day 9
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 1:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 61 m
New Zealand Kapongaru -38.26153, 175.1145538°15’42” S 175°6’52” E
Waitomo (Ruakuri & Glowworm Cave)
March 8, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
I took part in 2 tours today. One which is a guided tour of the Ruakuri Cave and then a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

Both are absolutely stunning but my favourite is the Ruakuri Cave.

The Ruakuri Cave has everything: Amazing limestone formations, glowworms, underground rivers, hidden waterfalls. The pictures in this post are from this cave. Photography is not allowed in the Glowworm Cave.

The highlight in the Glowworm Cave is definitely the boat tour underneath a 'sky' of tens of thousands of glowworms. Even knowing that they are little predators and cannibals I still find them absolutely beautiful. 😊

To see what nature has created here is mind blowing.Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 9
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 7:38 PM
🌬 20 °C
Altitude: 421 m
New Zealand Te Kopua Point -38.69648, 176.0256138°41’47” S 176°1’32” E
Taupo
March 8, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 20 °C
After a rather sleepless night in the hostel in Rotorua, I decided to book an Airbnb for the night. I cancelled the 2nd night in the hostel and am now in Taupo with Linda and Stuart. Their house is in the most amazing location and the picture is the view from my bedroom.

Just the right thing after a long day of driving and exploring. 😊💖

Link to their Airbnb page:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5347564Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 10
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 347 m
New Zealand Huka Falls -38.64864, 176.0900538°38’55” S 176°5’24” E
Taupo (Huka Falls)
March 9, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Before I got into my reliable little rental car to drive 2 hours to Napier/Hastings, I stopped by the Huka Falls, which are about 10 mins drive from Taupo.

What 100% New Zealand says:
The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Just before the Huka Falls it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The effect is nature's large-scale equivalent of a fire hose feeding into a very fine nozzle.

The previously placid waters roar and rumble at great speed along the ravine before bursting into space out over Huka Falls to crash into the turbulent pool 11 metres below. A foot bridge right at the top of the falls puts you in a prime position to get up close and witness the amazing display of more than 220,000 litres of water blasting by every second.

I hiked the Huka Falls to Spa Park trail (return). Passing through exotic and native forests, the track emerges again alongside the river and the roar of the falls grows louder at every turn.

The water of the river is unbelievable with its blues and greens. It is also so clear you can see to the bottom. The falls look like they are turquoise in colour. It is a magnificent spectacle of the forces of nature.Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 10
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 1:00 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 445 m
New Zealand Lake Pohue -39.25019, 176.682639°15’1” S 176°40’57” E
Taupo to Napier (Te Pohue)
March 9, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Loved driving on the straight State Highway Number 5 for a while. It happened that I was the only one on the road sometimes, which was a little bit weird and great at the same time. It's preparation for the South Island.

I had sunshine nearly all the way until I came over quite a high ridge and suddenly I drove into fog and clouds and it started raining ☁. 10 mins later the sun was out again. 🌞

I'm staying in Hastings in a lovely self-contained studio (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8571472). There are a lot of vineyards to see and also Napier which is famous for its Art Deco buildings.Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 10
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 92 m
New Zealand Te Mata -39.7, 176.9166739°42’0” S 176°55’0” E
Te Mata Peak
March 9, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Te Mata Peak is at the western boundary of the wine-producing Heretaunga Plains and stands nearly 400 metres above sea level. From the summit of the peak you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru Ranges and Cape Kidnappers.

The Te Mata hillscape has an amazing story to tell: Many centuries ago the people living in pa (fortified villages) on the Heretaunga Plains were under constant threat of war from the coastal tribes of Waimarama. At a gathering in Pakipaki (near Hastings), a wise old woman (kuia) suggested that the leader of the Waimarama tribes, a giant named Te Mata, could be made to fall in love with Hinerakau - the daughter of a Pakipaki chief - and turn his thoughts from war to peace. This mission was quickly accomplished, and Te Mata fell under the spell of the beautifully Hinerakau.

However the people of Heretaunga had not forgotten the past and wanted revenge. They demanded that Hinerakau make Te Mata prove his devotion by accomplishing seemingly impossible tasks. His last task was to bite through the hills between the coast and the plains, so that people could come and go with greater ease.

Te Mata died while eating his way through the hills. His half-accomplished work can be seen in what is known as The Gap or Pari Karangaranga (echoing cliffs) and his prostrate body forms Te Mata Peak.

What I can say is that the views are absolutely stunning. I drove up to the peak but there were several very sporty people who came up running, walking or by bike. 😥Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 11
Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 12:00 PM
🌬 20 °C
Altitude: 95 m
New Zealand Ballance -40.40227, 175.8011640°24’8” S 175°48’4” E
Hastings to Wellington (Ballance)
March 10, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 20 °C
Stopped here after a 2 hour drive to meet my friend Gerald and his fiancee Annette for lunch. The Bridge Cafe on Gorge Road is totally rustic and charming. The food is delicious. They have a cute cat who decided that sitting on everyone's lap in turns and then having a drink out of my water glass was the only way forward. 😆 After my lovely break I went on to the next 2.5 hour leg of my journey to Wellington.

Link to their site: http://bridgecafe.co.nz/Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 11
Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 16 m
New Zealand Wellington Ferry Port -41.29238, 174.7783641°17’33” S 174°46’42” E
Wellington (The SetUp on Dixon)
March 10, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Arrived in Wellington in the afternoon after quite a stormy drive. It's very very windy here as well but I've been told that that's quite normal. 😊

I'm staying in the SetUp on Dixon, which is a mix of dorm rooms, apartments and normal rooms for travellers on a budget. It's clean and the rooms are nice and airy (https://www.setupdixon.co.nz/). It's also conveniently located for Cuba Street, which is my favourite street so far.Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 11
Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 21 m
New Zealand Lambton Harbour -41.28646, 174.7762441°17’11” S 174°46’34” E
Wellington (Fly me to where you are)
March 10, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
I went exploring for a little while and found this wonderful art installation called 'Fly me to where you are'. It's the culmination of a 4 year project with children aged 8-12 who expressed their hopes, fears, ideas and concerns through art. It's quite powerful when you stand underneath all these flags. 😊

You can find out more about the project here: festival.co.nzRead more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 11
Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 3:04 PM
☁️ 19 °C
Altitude: 15 m
New Zealand Wellington Ferry Port -41.29227, 174.7782941°17’32” S 174°46’42” E
Wellington
March 10, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
I know I mentioned this before but let me say it again: It is very very windy in Wellington, no joking.

But...close to the harbour there is a magical little playground which is part of a festival that is on until 20.03.16. This playground is people powered only and the carousels are amazing.

I then walked up Cuba Street - which is officially my favourite street in NZ so far - to find Ekim, who make absolutely yummy burgers and milkshakes (thanks to my friend Harry for the tip).

Oh and I even found a plank. Wasn't aware there were pirates in Wellington. You learn something new every day. 😊Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 12
Friday, March 11, 2016 at 9:00 AM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 15 m
New Zealand Tokongawha Point -41.007793, 173.00889841°0’28” S 173°0’32” E
Marahau
March 11, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
I took the 9 am ferry from Wellington to Picton. The weather was a bit 'unstable' with 6 metre waves and 90 km/h gale force winds. It was like riding on a rollercoaster. Apparently there was a little earthquake in Wellington when we left but because we were on water I didn't feel anything.

So the voyage was a bit rough but as soon as we hit the Marlborough Sound it was the most beautiful adventure.

After we arrived in Picton I made my way to Marahau which took about 3.5 hours. Here I'm staying at a great hostel called Kanuka Ridge which is in the middle of Nowhere. To have WiFi I have to walk up a hill. Love it! 😊

Link to hostel page: http://abeltasmanbackpackers.co.nz/Read more
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Day 13
Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 34 °C
Altitude: Sea level
New Zealand Te Pukatea Bay -40.95262, 173.0562740°57’9” S 173°3’23” E
Abel Tasman National Park
March 12, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C
There are a lot of firsts on this holiday and today was the day of my first proper hike on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.

A watertaxi brought me to Anchorage where I started my hike. I first walked around Pitt Head and to Te Pukatea Bay which is a 1 hour loop back to Anchorage.

Then I started my way back to Marahau along the coastline of the park. The track section is 13 km long and took me 4 hours to complete. The first part is very steep and hilly but after 45 mins the track levels out and is very nice to walk.

The amazing thing is that you're mostly walking in the forest with the birds singing like mad to cheer you on. And then you come to places where you can see through the lush green vegetation to see glimpses of little bays and beaches and the turquoise waters underneath you and you can hear the ocean lapping up against the rocks.

The beaches are easy to reach and are great for little breaks.
I had my lunch in Apple Tree Bay and enjoyed sitting on the warm sand and dipping my - at that point - slightly sore feet into the water.

Tomorrow is my first time kayaking. We'll see how that goes, but I was promised see lions... 😆Read more
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Day 14
Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 15 m
New Zealand Tokongawha Point -41.007793, 173.00889641°0’28” S 173°0’32” E
Marahau
March 13, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
I had a bit of a late start this morning compared to my usual wake up times. My Kayak tour started at 11.30am and Kahu Kayaks brought me and the other 2 ladies who were going with me to Anchorage by water taxi.

Once there we got a briefing for the Kayaks and how to paddle and off we went. Along the coastline back to Marahau. It was great to see the section that I walked yesterday from the other side. Apparently they have stingrays here who come in to feed during high tide but I didn't see any. But I saw fur seals and a penguin!! Boom! 😊

I didn't take pictures from when we were in the Kayaks as I just enjoyed being on the water but I have some that I took from the water taxi.

All in all a really lovely day and I realised I like kayaking. 😊Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 15
Monday, March 14, 2016 at 5:57 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 11 m
New Zealand Lyell Creek -42.393411, 173.67918242°23’36” S 173°40’45” E
Kaikoura
March 14, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Drive time today about 4 hours and a bit. Luckily, I didn't have to drive alone as I picked up Lukas and Sonja in Nelson. I met them in Marahau and offered to take them with me.

We stopped at the rugged and wild Waipapa Bay and saw a fur seal sunning itself on the beach. The colours of the water here are stunning. So many different blues.

A few kilometers later we came past the Ohau Stream walkway. I wanted to drive there anyway to see the fur seal pups, but didn't know it was on the way to Kaikoura. Off we went for the 10 mins walk. It was so amazing to see the pups play and frolick in the water. I could have watched them for hours. We then drove to the lookout and saw more seals lazing around on the rocks enjoying the sun.

Checked in to my hostel Sunrise Lodge. It's a bit out of town but not too bad. Tonight it's pizza time as it's Lukas' birthday and he wants to celebrate. 😊Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 16
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 1:43 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 2 m
New Zealand Goose Bay -42.477612, 173.53112442°28’39” S 173°31’52” E
Goose Bay
March 15, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Today was whale watching time with the guys from Whale Watch Kaikoura. I got on the 10am boat. Sightings of whales can't be guaranteed but we were so lucky. We saw 3 sperm whales and a lot of dolphins. We even spotted some big albatrosses and the odd fur seal.

It was absolutely beautiful to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. One of the whales was snoozing on the surface so we got a good look at him. 😊Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 17
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 3:00 PM
⛅ 11 °C
Altitude: 6 m
New Zealand Avonside -43.527642, 172.65289343°31’40” S 172°39’10” E
Christchurch Central
March 16, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
It's a weird feeling being here confronted with a city that's still pretty much a construction site in the city centre 5 years after the big earthquake in 2011 in which 185 people lost their lives. I went to a memorial site for those people (picture with white chairs), which is a temporary art installation. It was quite humbling to see all the empty chairs, to think about the destructive force of nature and how small and - yes - helpless we are in the face of it.

Christchurch is slowly being rebuilt and people are optimistically looking into the future. There is a pop up container shopping mall with lots of little independent eateries and shops. I hunted for a cash point for quite a while until I figured there are only 3 left and they are in pop up banks which don't come up on Google Maps 😊.

The botanical gardens are beautiful and a welcome change to all the construction sites. The city is also a canvas for all the street art artists who try to make their city as colourful as possible. Unfortunately some of the amazing graffiti is now being blocked by new buildings going up. You can't have both I guess.

I'm staying at the Chesters Backpackers Hostel: http://www.chesterst.co.nzRead more
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Day 18
Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 2:00 PM
☀️ 11 °C
Altitude: 739 m
New Zealand Castle Hill -43.231667, 171.71888943°13’54” S 171°43’8” E
Kura Tawhiti
March 17, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
This area has special significance to Nga-i Tahu, with ties that stretch unbroken from distant ancestors to present generations.

Kura Ta-whiti literally means "the treasure from a distant land", referring to the kumara that was once cultivated in this region. Kura Tawhiti was claimed by the Nga-i Tahu ancestor Tane Tiki, son of celebrated chief Tuahuriri. The nearby mountains were famed for kakapo, and Tane Tiki wanted their soft skins and glowing green feathers for clothing to be worn by his daughter Hine Mihi.

Such stories link Nga-i Tahu to the landscape. The traditional knowledge of trails, rock shelters and rock drawings, and places for gathering kai (food) in the area known as Kura Tawhiti form an integral part of past and present tribal identity.

Kura Tawhiti has To-puni status, which is a legal recognition of the site's importance to the Nga-i Tahu tribe. The term comes from the traditional custom of chiefs extending power and authority over areas or people by placing a cloak over them.

The existing status of the land as a conservation area is unchanged, but To-puni status ensures that Ngai Tahu values are recognised, acknowledged and respected and Ngai Tahu take an active role in management. It recognises Nga-i Tahu mana whenua and rangatiratanga and symbolises the tribe's commitment to conservation.

Landforms - Sculptures in stone
The geology of the rocks at Kura Ta-whiti is tertiary limestone, mudstone, sandstone and tuffs. Limestone is formed from layers of organic sediment, deposited in deep oceans far from land. The layers are compressed into soft, soluble rock.

The area was once under a large, shallow inland sea that began to infill some 30 million years ago. Pressure over time caused extensive uplift and folding and faulting of the Torlesse and Craigieburn Ranges.

Thrust up from their origin, the limestone rock was eroded by water into these distinctive sculptured landforms, called a karst landscape.

This place is very popular with climbers and people who like bouldering.

I thought it was absolutely stunning. 🗻🌞Read more
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New Zealand, the big adventure Yvonne Reinartz
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Day 18
Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 660 m
New Zealand Cave Stream Scenic Reserve -43.19688, 171.7425343°11’49” S 171°44’33” E
Cave Stream Castle Hill
March 17, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and underground rivers/streams ideal for caving. 🗻💖
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Day 19
Friday, March 18, 2016 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 538 m
New Zealand Mackenzie County -44.069673, 170.16518544°4’11” S 170°9’55” E
Lake Pukaki
March 18, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
What can I say? This lake is a beauty! Stopped here on my way to Mount Cook.

Lake Tekapo is also on the way and very good for breaking for lunch. They also have a supermarket which comes in handy as Mount Cook doesn't have one so you can buy all you need in Tekapo before driving on.Read more
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Day 19
Friday, March 18, 2016 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 880 m
New Zealand Hooker Lake -43.68861, 170.1038943°41’19” S 170°6’14” E
Mount Cook National Park
March 18, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
My home for the next 2 days and it's my birthday. Wahoo! 😊
The weather forecast is a bit miserable, it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow and the day after, but I don't mind. I had a wonderful day today.

After checking in to Motel (Aoraki Court Motel, Mount Cook Village), I went on a 3 hour hike of the Hooker Valley Track. It's quite an easy hike and I was lucky enough to have the sun come out for part of it. On my way way back the fog was descending and it started to rain a bit.

On the track there are 3 swing bridges which are a lot of fun and you have views of Mount Cook, Hooker Glacier and the Southern Alps. It is really quite impressive. 🗻😃Read more
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Day 20
Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 1,023 m
New Zealand Westland Statistical Area -43.597661, 170.21562943°35’52” S 170°12’56” E
Tasman Glacier
March 19, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
It's been raining and very windy since last night, but I decided to jump in the car and take a walk to see the Tasman Glacier.

This Glacier is 24 kms long and retreats every year by 480 - 820 metres. They expect it to be 20 kms long by 2020.Read more
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Day 21
Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 6 m
New Zealand Dunedin -45.878761, 170.50279845°52’44” S 170°30’10” E
Dunedin
March 20, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Today I drove from Mount Cook to Dunedin. The drive took around 4 hours and I stopped to see the Elephant Rocks which are 5 kms from Duntroon.

Weather was funny and I had everything from 15° and rainy to 31° and gloriously sunny.

Once I arrived in Dunedin and had checked into my hostel 'Kiwi's Nest (it's a bit basic but clean which is the main thing), I went out to explore the city.

I went to see the railway station (loved the glass stained windows and the mosaic on the floors), the Otago Settlers Museum and the Chinese Garden. The museum was great and so informative. It's unbelievable what the first settlers went through to get to this country.

Dunedin is known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and a large student population. The adjoining Otago Peninsula is home to colonies of albatrosses, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins.

I'll be seeing the penguins tomorrow. So excited! 😆Read more
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