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Day 51
Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 364 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68905, 176.0713238°41’21” S 176°4’17” E
Drinks and live music at two mile bay
March 1, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
We cycled to two mile bay sailing club and enjoyed some live music. I went with Bethany and Carla.
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Day 52
Monday, March 2, 2020
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 16 m
New Zealand Ahuriri Bluff -39.49, 176.9182339°29’24” S 176°55’6” E
Napier. Walk by the beach and meal out
March 2, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
On the way to napier I got stung by a wasp on my stomach when we stopped half way. Second time I've been stung in 2 weeks! Also got stung on my finger while I was taking down the washing off the line. We arrived in Napier about 4pm and checked in to our hostel Criterion art deco. We went for a walk along the beach and checked out some old cars. We treated ourselves to a meal out at drift. Had lamb shank in red wine sauce with a glass of wine. It was very nice. We then went to Emporium bar a quirky bar for some cocktails.Read more
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Day 53
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM
🌙 21 °C
Altitude: 15 m
New Zealand Ahuriri Bluff -39.49007, 176.9179739°29’24” S 176°55’5” E
Art deco walking tour, prison &waterfall
March 3, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 21 °C
In the morning we went on a Art deco walking tour. We learnt about the history of the area. An earthquake in the hawkes bay region happened in 1931 killing 256 people and injuring thousands of people. The devistation of buildings was widespread. Art deco was chosen to rebuild the city.

In the afternoon we went to Centennial Gardens a beautiful garden with a waterfall. We climbed halfway up to the top of the waterfall. After this we went to napier prison. The oldest prison in New Zealand. The prison was built in 1862 and was used until the early 1990's. As well as a prison it was used as an orphanage and psychiatric unit.Read more
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Day 54
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 12:52 PM
🌧 19 °C
Altitude: 13 m
New Zealand Ahuriri Bluff -39.49004, 176.917939°29’24” S 176°55’4” E
Rainy walk to bluff hill
March 4, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 19 °C
We woke up to pouring rain but decided to venture out and go for a walk to the bluff hill look out point. We had views of the harbour and the port. In the afternoon we got the intercity back to Taupo. We were both tired so relaxed in the evening.Read more
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Day 55
Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 9:31 PM
🌙 13 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68752, 176.0774438°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
1
Huka falls jet work night
March 5, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 13 °C
The highlight of our day was a free work event put on by Huka Falls jet. We got to go on a fast jet boat ride worth $139 for free along the river to Huka falls. It felt so quick and was so much fun. We got right up close to the waterfall. They put on a lovely bbq and we had some drinks.Read more
Traveler Looking good guys! Your tan is lovely!
3/5/20Reply
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Day 56
Friday, March 6, 2020 at 10:35 PM
🌙 12 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68754, 176.0774538°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Coffee, shopping and work
March 6, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 12 °C
This morning I met up with Kyra. A friend I used to work with. We went to coffee club where Jeanine works for a hot chocolate. It's been a bit chilly here today. First time I've had to wear jeans. I then had a wonder around the shops and bought a couple of new dresses. I worked on reception this evening and Ashleigh went for a walk around the lake after his shift.Read more
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Day 57
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 8:05 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 375 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68821, 176.0770438°41’18” S 176°4’37” E
Iron man Taupo
March 7, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Ashleigh and I both went to watch iron man Taupo. Ashleigh went in the morning to see it and I went after work when I finished at 4pm. It was a beautiful sunny day and great atmosphere down there. In the evening we went to Lakehouse for a few drinks to celebrate Connys birthdayRead more
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Day 58
Sunday, March 8, 2020
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 375 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68779, 176.0772938°41’16” S 176°4’38” E
Floating down the river
March 8, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
This morning I worked from 7am-2pm. Ashleigh worked on reception all day. In the afternoon we found some rubber dingys in the dungeon (where we keep the bikes) Conny, josh, Carla and I walked down to the river near the harbour and floated down stream to the hot springs. The boat did deflate a bit its made for 1 adult and 1 child so that's probably why. Josh was half in the water by the time we got to the springs. It was so peaceful floating down the river. We also went through some small rapids.Read more
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Day 59
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 375 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68773, 176.0773138°41’16” S 176°4’38” E
Rainy day. Coffee by the lake
March 9, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Not a very exciting day.Yesterday I worked on reception in the evening Ashleigh worked during the day. I went for a coffee at waterside during the day because it was cold and raining. In the evening we had a movie night and watched the ugly truth.Read more
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Day 60
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 379 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68754, 176.0773538°41’15” S 176°4’38” E
Travel planning, lunch and lake
March 10, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
This morning Ashleigh and I booked our bus pass for the south of the island at the i site centre. We had a lovely lunch by the lake. I had BLT with chips. In the afternoon I went to the lake with Carla. It was a little warm but a bit cold today to go for a swim.Read more
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Day 61
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 5:00 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 375 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68783, 176.0772338°41’16” S 176°4’38” E
Walk by the river
March 11, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Ashleigh and I had a lovely walk along Waikato river. Beautiful views of the rapids near gates park.
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Day 62
Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 375 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.6878, 176.0772238°41’16” S 176°4’38” E
Gardens and jumping in the river
March 12, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
This morning I worked 7am-12pm. Then ashleigh, carla and I walked to the botanical gardens. Just under an hour walk from haka lodge. Beautiful view's from the top. We walked through lots of native trees and saw and heard lots of birds. After the walk we stopped at countdown to get some icecream we got some traditional hokey pokey Icecream made with caramel and toffee. We then got our swimwear on and jumped in the clear river. We had steak for tea in the evening.Read more
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Day 63
Friday, March 13, 2020 at 6:00 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 40 m
New Zealand Frankton Junction -37.79821, 175.2780337°47’54” S 175°16’41” E
Cambridge and Rugby at Hamilton
March 13, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Road trip! Ashleigh and I hired a car together to go and watch the rugby chiefs against hurricanes. We stopped off in Cambridge a pretty little town. We walked around a river and went out for lunch at the old George pub. Had a burger and a nice chilled kombucha drink. We then went to Hamilton parked near the stadium and walked in to the town. We had a coffee and cake and looked around the shops.

We headed back to the car before the game. They had shut the car park off but they said if you are already parked here you can stay which was lucky as we were right across from the stadium. We asked if we could go in the fan zone bar and they kindly let us we just had to sign a guest book. We enjoyed a pint with the chief fans. We got given a chief flag. The game was very exciting. It was so close I thought chiefs were going to win but hurricanes scored in the last 30 seconds. Final score 24-27. We drove back to Taupo after the game. Got back about 1am so went straight to bed.Read more
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Day 64
Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68758, 176.0774838°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Boat trip
March 14, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Carla and I went on a free boat trip (work perks) to the maori rock carvings. It was beautiful weather and the lake was calm. We had a few drinks and relaxed on the front of the boat.
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Day 65
Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68755, 176.0774138°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Busy day at work and swim in the lake
March 15, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
73 check outs this morning so been very busy getting everything done. Finished at 3pm. Ashleigh and I headed to the lake to relax and went for swim early evening. It was a little cold but the sun set was beautiful.Read more
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Day 66
Monday, March 16, 2020
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68748, 176.0773838°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Coronavirus ruining travel plans
March 16, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Weird day today. Had to phone jet star to cancel are flight to Australia from fiji on the 29th April due to having to self isolate for 14 days when you arrive which didn't sound much fun! Spent an hour trying to get hold of them on the phone. Finally got through... Tried to get a refund took about half an hour to persuade them. In the end they have offered us a voucher for the value of the flight to use within 6 months. Has to be with jet star though. Feeling down and frustrated that we can't get anywhere. Probably will need to cancel fiji flight too as you have to stop in NZ or Australia to get anywhere where you have to go in to isolation.

I think we will be in new zealand a little while now. Hopefully things will settle down and we can get to at least south east asia before we head home.

We went out for a coffee with Bethany and had a look around taupo museum in the afternoon. We watched a film in the evening and relaxed in trying to forget about everything.Read more
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Day 67
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68752, 176.0774838°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Pamper morning and St Patrick's day
March 17, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
In the morning I got my eye brows done, lashes tinted and hair cut all for $80. Bethany also got her hair cut with me. Bethany cut Ashleighs hair in the afternoon. He now has a new hair style for the first time since I've known him! We then went out for drinks for St Particks day. We went to Mulligans an Irish bar with Marshall, Natalie and Elisa. It was a fun night and great atmosphere.Read more
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Day 68
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.6875, 176.0775138°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Work and hot springs
March 18, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Worked from 9-2.30 then went to the hot springs to relax as if was a beautiful sunny day. Ashleigh worked on reception in the afternoon/evening. Didn't take any picture's because I didn't take my phone with me.Read more
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Day 69
Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM
🌧 13 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68745, 176.0773838°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Pancakes with a view
March 19, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 13 °C
Had a lie is as I was feeling pretty run down and exhausted. Had blueberry pancakes with banana and honey for lunch on the terrace then worked on reception in the afternoon/evening.
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Day 70
Friday, March 20, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 379 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68744, 176.0773638°41’15” S 176°4’38” E
Relaxing at the sailing club
March 20, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
This afternoon we went to two mile bay. Enjoyed some drinks and pizza in the sun.
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Day 71
Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 379 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68743, 176.0773438°41’15” S 176°4’38” E
Coffee in the sun
March 21, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Worked in the morning. Only 21 checkouts. We only have 11 arrivals today. So many people have canceled. It was strange normally a weekend would be completely booked out. They are talking about having to close down the hostel if it stays like this. Our last day in work is 31st March. We are definitely leaving at the right time. Our shifts have been cut. I only have 1 shift next week. Then 1 the following Tuesday. It's so sad that the coronavirus has made a huge impact on the tourist business. Some are having to close down and people are loosing jobs. I do really hope things will get better.

In the afternoon we took a stroll down to the lake to. We went to Waterside cafe where you can get a coffee for only $3. It was nice to sit outside in the sun. I went with Jeanine , Natalie and Bethany. Ashleigh was on reception until 2pm and then helped Timo our manager to build some furniture in his new house. He got some money for helping him which was good.Read more
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Day 72
Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 5:00 PM
🌧 17 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68756, 176.0775638°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Acacia bay
March 22, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
I went out for a 11km walk on my own to Acacia bay. It was a bit grey but luckily enough it didn't rain until the last 10 minutes of walking back. Acacia Bay is a small inlet on the western shores of Tapuaeharuru Bay. It was a beautiful spot to sit and relax. It was well worth the walk. When walking back from the bay a very cute border collie started to follow me. He was laying on his back wanting me to rub his belly and was jumping up licking me in the face. He was very friendly. I soon came to realise he wasn't with his owner. He had a lead and collar on with a number on so I took him in to the local shop. Some locals were very helpful and said they would look after him and try and get hold of the owner.

In the afternoon we were looking at going to Roturoa on Wednesday. Unfortunately the white water rafting, maori village and red wood tree walk were all cancelled due to the virus. We were very disappointed as we were really looking forward to getting out of Taupo for a day.Read more
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Day 73
Monday, March 23, 2020 at 3:00 PM
☁️ 19 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68756, 176.0774538°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Huka falls/ South island trip cancelled
March 23, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Woke up to some bad news.... It seems to be one thing after another at the moment. Our south island trip for 3 weeks has been cancelled. They are not letting anyone from the North Island travel to the South island due to the virus.We've worked hard for nearly 2 months in our hostel and we were really looking forward to traveling again.

We decided to go for a 10km hike to huka falls to take our minds off the sad news. It was a lovely walk to the impressive falls. When we got back we tried this new zealand fruit called feijoa. It was sweet and tasted a bit like bubblegum.

In the evening we saw the news.... New zealand is going in to lockdown for 4 weeks from Wednesday. Bit shocked but I understand why it's so important. Hoping we can stay in the hostel during this time. Or do we just try and go back home. Unsure on what to do.Read more
TravelerSo gutted for you! Hope you work things out. Stay safe ❤ xx
3/24/20Reply
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Day 74
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 378 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68755, 176.0774338°41’15” S 176°4’39” E
Preparing for self isolation
March 24, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
This morning we worked from 9am. Timo our manager told us some very sad news, the hostel is shutting down from tomorow. So everyone has to leave. We were going to leave next Tuesday to head to the South island. He has asked us to stay in the apartment and look after the property for 4 weeks, but all are friends we work with have to leave by tomorow. We felt awful for them. It was an emotional day for everyone. We are hoping they find a hostel to stay in. Our manager, Leanne and Theresa all have lost their jobs too. Very sad. Timo has just moved to Taupo with his family to work and has a mortgage to pay for. We carried on working until 12.30pm but it did feel strange this will be our last shift.

In the afternoon we went to the shops to get some things we needed to get us through 4 weeks of self isolation. Ashleigh bought a couple of books. I will download some on my kindle before they cut off the wifi. I bought a sketch pad and watercolour pencils to keep me a bit busy. In the evening we had our last takeaway for a month. Pizza hut was the only place open. The town is already feeling like a ghost town. We watched a film together it will be our last night together before we head our separate ways to isolate. We decided to watch a comedy to lift our mood. We watched blended it was very funny. A story about two families who go on holiday to Africa. Definitely recommended it.

Luckily Bethany, Natalie, Carla and Marshall have found a place to stay. In the YHA in Taupo for a week. I was awake until 2am worried about what's to come.Read more
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Day 75
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 375 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68768, 176.0772438°41’16” S 176°4’38” E
Goodbye Haka Family. Sad day
March 25, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
This morning we said goodbye to everyone. Bethany and Marshall went to the YHA in Taupo. Natalie, Elisa and Carla made a last minute decision to go to Auckland in the hope to fly back home. There was no transport running from taupo but there was from Roturoa to Auckland. Leannes daughter kindly offered them a lift to Roturoa. It was so sad to say goodbye to them all after working with them for a while. We had some beers on the terrace with Timo our boss, Leanne and Conny before they left the hostel. It felt so quiet after everyone was gone.

In the evening I heard a strange sound coming from my phone. It was an alert message saying that New Zealand is now going in to emergency level 4 isolation. Meaning we should stay at home from tomorrow. (see video below)

We moved our stuff over in to the apartment and had an early night.Read more
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