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A 31-day adventure by Vander Wonders Read more
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  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Free camping spot in Napier

    November 25, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    A beautiful beach view parking area where self contained vehicles are allowed to camp. One of the reasons why we chose this one is because the i-site close by offer $1 showers and after 2 days of no showers, it was much needed.

    Little did we know that the showers close at 4:45pm. We only arrived at 5:30pm so we were kinda forced to make use of our shower in the van.

    We grabbed our trainers and went for a short run to explore, we found a free gym park and did 3 circuits before walking back to the camper for a shower.

    Isabel had a shower and by the time I got in, the campers water supply ran out. It was my own fault as I passed up on two opportunities to fill up earlier today. Oh well the only other logical option was a quick dip in the ocean. Interesting experience to brave the cold water and a specially on a black beach where you can't see what's in the water with you. I will always remember this swim, more than what I can say for most swims in the ocean.

    {Roedolf}

    Ek het vir Roedolf bitter jammer gekry, sy reaksie was skreeusnaaks, maar om in die yskoue see te swem was geensins 'n opsie vir enige verstandige mens nie. In elk geval hardkoppige mense moet maar op die harde manier leer. Ons was by die waterfill stasie (nit once but twice) toe besluit hy, hy is te lui om dit te doen en dit is net 'n 10minute exercise. Ek het voor ons draf ook n herhaaldelik voorgestel om die tenk net gou vol te maak, maar nee pappie. Ek het skoon gekom maar dit was nie juis 5ster toe die water opraak nie. Vet pret veral vir party van ons. #primitief

    {Issy}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Napier East Coast

    November 26, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Napier caught me off guard with its beautiful beach and long promenade. I could not resist to go for a little run. It was super windy though.

    The town are filled with cool art deco stuff even along the beach. We explored and enjoyed the beautiful views of bluff hill.

    On our way to Taupo I spotted the local Saturday market & we got fresh cherries, tangerines and asparagus. I am obsessed with the asparagus here ooh sooo crunchy I got a massive bunch for $5. The fresh produce is world class. I can embrace the down to earth lifestyle here. People value the right things, authentic living is not clouded by big fancy cars and material things. They live more because they own less, being outdoors is a priority and a lifestyle.

    The other fabulous thing is how green conscious New Zealanders are. They protect & treasure their natural heritage something the rest of the world can learn from. ( the only other country that impressed me was Canada) . Recycling is the rule and not the exception, a change and habit I want to implement once we are settled again.

    {Issy}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Rotorua Top 10 Holiday park

    November 27, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    This campsite is the last campsite on our camping road trip. It have all the bells and whistles we would need before and after a half marathon, not to mention washing clothes and packing for the next adventure.

    Unfortunately it rained both nights we were there which meant we did not get to braai on our portable braai one last time but at least the facilities was good enough for us to cook inside the kitchen or under a roof on their provided BBQs.

    The camping road trip really surpassed all my expectations and we really enjoyed. Don't get me wrong I am looking forward to live in a building again where you don't have to go out in the middle of the night to go to the toilet or fold away your bed everyday.

    Yes I would think of camping as a means for a Holiday, just not every holiday.

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler
    1
    1

    My half marathon experience

    November 27, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    I entered the race last minute in an effort to support my lovely wife in one of her dreams on this trip, I was always keen to do the 10km race but for some reason I was curious to see if I have what it takes to do a half marathon.

    The night before Isabel gave me pearls of advice on when to take breaks and when to take energy gels etc. With all of that and my personal running ability in mind we devised a plan of attack.

    The plan was to run an average of about 7 min per km for 10 minutes at a time and the walk for 2 minutes to rest but never stop. Depending on how slow I walk that should get me to the finish in under 3 hours.

    Now if there is one thing I have learnt about myself in the last few months is, when I make a plan I can stick with it no matter what.

    Before the started we were mesmerized with one of the local Maori tribes performing the HaKa, wow, that was special and the All-blacks can come have some lessons from these guys they know what they're doing and they look way more scary than the All-blacks ever do.

    At the started people started slower than I anticipated but I stuck with my pace even when the pace picked up and people started passing me I stuck with the plan.

    I broke the race up in 7 small races of 3km( also Isabel's suggestion as this is a comfortable distance for me). Each time I reached a finish of a mini 3km race I celebrated inside and kept going for the next one, before I know it I smashed 5 of 7 little races, but before I could get arrogant 6 of 7 got me back to earth and by km 18 I was feeling the distance. Isabel's Advice kicked in and I just tuck with it at a slightly slower pace to get to the last 3. As soon as I reached the last 1.6km I saw I was actually not to far behind the 2 hour 30 min pace maker and decided to drop a gear to try and come in under that. With about a km to go I paced the pace maker and that just gave me the energy to finish strong, at the 500 meter to go mark I dropped another gear and finished strong.

    This was really a huge accomplishment for me, one that I would cary with me with pride for a long time to come. At this point I can not see myself do another one but never say never.

    The route was amazing in that it was like a site seeing tour, after about 6 km we entered the forest and passed some beautiful streams before entering the Redwoods which was jaw droppingly beautiful, those trees seem like the go up for days. I had to stop myself from looking up to avoid tripping and falling.

    Shortly after exiting the Redwood forest we entered the geothermal active area we were literally running through fields of steaming holes in the earth, it stank to high heaven so deep breaths was not a good idea. Again one of those mind-blowing natural wonders that NZ have to offer.

    And we ended up next to the beautiful Rotorua lake.

    My highlight of the day must be seeing Isabel's shocked/happy face when I crossed the finish line 30 minutes earlier than she anticipated. 😘 Then she met me at the water table with teary eyes. 😂

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler
    1

    Rotorua halfmarathon

    November 27, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Doing a half marathon out of a camper van, kinda wack, Roedolf finishing a half marathon, totally crazy. This is a life event. I went à la naturale and experimented with beetroot as pre race food. Something that Bonnie inspired me to do. Since I was not chasing PB's today, I decided to give it a shot without trying it in training. Today is about fun and experiencing the NZ running community.

    The huge local Maori's performed the haka before the 21 & got us all pumped up. We ran through the historic town, the 100 year old redwood forest & the natural geothermal area (with a bit of a rotten eggy odour). I got a huge kick from the different terrains of the race, have to say the bit on the golf course was my least favorite, the grass really slowed me down. I felt strong on the trial in the forest. I passed the 10km mark at 54minutes. When I got tired, I just imagined how tired he was, never covering this distance before. I am amazed how our bodies obey when our minds entertain powerful and positive thoughts.

    Today was half no11 for me, every time it gets easier. The distance is not an unknown territory for my body or mind anymore, I know where to push, drop a gear or just hang onto my breathing. The sense of accomplishment battling through the last couple of miles today gave me a confidence boost to pursue bigger things.

    It was a big highlight of our trip to see Roedolf smiling ear to ear when he crossed the finish line. I was so lucky to be at the right place at the right time to capture this. I am incredibly proud of him doing this in such a good time.

    {Issy}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Fly the old fasion way

    November 28, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    It's a short 45min flight from Aukland to New Plymouth to visit Jaco and Esteé.

    We arrived at the airport an hour and 15 minutes before the departure of the flight, l headed to check-in and typed our confirmation number and boom printed our tickets, no ID or passport required. It printed our bag tags which we attached, weighed our bags at the bag check counter and then dropped the bags directly onto the trolly that takes it to the plane.

    Then we walked to our gate which was out off the main building, back to the street and a few yards down,there it was. There was no security check point, removing shoes chucking waters, we just walk to the small departure lounge off the street.

    When we arrived in New Plymouth the baggage collection was straight of the trolley from the plane.

    It is so easy to travel like this. I assume this is what it use to be like before the world had to be protected against terror attacks.

    Great that the Kiwi's are not feeling that urge yet. Like they say "good on ya mate!"

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler
    1

    Hells gate

    November 29, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Fitting name for a very eerie place, a place where water and mud just boils naturally at temperature between 90°C and 120°C.

    Then theres the smell, the smell of rotten eggs fill the air as steam cushes out the ground.

    After walking through the Geothermal area we relaxed our weary legs in a mud bath and thermal pool both of which is believed by the Maori warriors to have natural healing powers.

    Awesome relaxing experience, but I think we will smell like rotten eggs for at least a week after this.

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Unravelling the flat white

    November 30, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Frothing folding and pouring. The art of coffee unfolds in the forgotten ingredient milk, the skill of the barista and the quality of the espresso.

    In short!!
    Flat White has an even mix of liquid milk and smooth velvet foam so it feels like drinking an espresso, only yummier.
    Cappuccino has stiff foam and feels like drinking bubbles with a bed of coffee hidden at the bottom.
    Latte is milky, has a little foam on the top and feels like drinking a milky coffee.

    The exact science
    Cappuccino is a light milk-coffee. It consists of one third espresso, one third steamed milk and one third milk foam. The number of calories in a Cappuccino will vary depending upon the type of milk used. If nonfat milk is used, a Cappuccino will contain about 75 calories. If whole milk is used it can contain as many as 120 calories.

    Latte is a more dense milk-coffee drink. It consists of one third espresso and two thirds steamed milk with little or no foam. A Latte contains more milk, and caloric content ranges from approximately 130 to 290 calories.

    Flat White is a small, yet very dense and textured milk-coffee drink. It consists of a slightly more concentrated and stronger version of espresso and very richly steamed, thick, whole milk. Because a Flat White must always contain whole milk, the flat white calories per cup are always at least 220 calories.

    The espresso component of the Flat White is a bit stronger than in the other two beverages. This is because the amount of water used to create the espresso is slightly less than that used for Cappuccino or Latte. It is created using two ristretto shots of espresso. This is a term meaning "restricted". The shot is cut short before it is fully poured. This makes the flavor of the espresso more concentrated, stronger and sweeter.

    The origins of the flat white are a hotly debated topic. Traditionally, Australia has taken credit for the birth of this tasty drink, but New Zealand natives are adamant that the drink originated within their country.    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    New Plymounth plesiertjies

    December 1, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Dis 1 Desember, die jaar lê op sy rug. Dis offisieel somer in die suidlike halfrond. Die son het sy verskyning in New Plymouth gemaak en dis heerlik vandag. Ons is vroeg uit die vere om op die New Plymouth coastal walkway te gaan draf. Party outjies is dalk bietjie effens ambisieus na die halfmarathon, maar ek sê nie veel nie en aanvaar die bereidwilligheid met ope arms. Mount Taranaki (berg) pronk nog met 'n lagie sneeu en is uiteindelik sigbaar agter die banke mis die laaste twee dae.

    Dis 'n pragtige kusroete oor die Fitzroy rivier al langs die see, randomly gaan mens 2x oor 'n treinspoor. Daar is oral mammas met stootwaentjies, fietsryers, ywerige drawwers en 'n paar bleek New Zealanders wat net die son wil groet. Dis 'n drawwer se droom om soveel opsies in 'n stad te hê, sonder verkeer.

    Ek sukkel ook ma bietjie plek plek, maar my kop haak uit met die mooi natuurskoon en ek hol 7km. Roedolf is gebreek en ek help nie. Ons stap 'n ent ( bietjie stadig vir my standaarde ek raak, kry koud), toe draf ek weer.

    Tuis bou ek vir Roedolf 'n roereierwrap ( hoe weird klink dit)? Ek smyt wasgoed in en tittewyt bietjie vir bietjie Isabel tyd in die dorp. Ek moet se dis hemels om weer die luukshede in die lewe terug te hê, 'n haardroer, straightner spieel en natuurlik 'n warm stort. .Ek drentel deur New Plymouth se strate en drink ' n L'Affare coffee by Petit Paris- my lewe is n sukses met ietsie frans in die mix. Ek dagdroom oor my plekkie eendag, ek dink ek kort n papier en 'n pen of 'n spreadsheet ( spreiblad klink net nie reg nie).

    Happy December
    {Issy}    Read more

    See translation
  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Paritutu

    December 1, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    When Jakes & Esteé finished work we went on a afternoon outing, they share our love for outdoor & active stuff hence it involved climbing Paritutu. It's a 250m steep climb & the views are spectacular ( I don't think you believe me anymore). I had a bit of a close encounter coming down luckily I grabbed the chain and managed to stay up with my apparently strong hip. Phew !! The angels worked overtime here in New Plymouth. It would have been tragic breaking something at this stage of our adventure.

    Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain! Man climbing mountains is kinda my newfound buzz!! Or an old one that I am reconnecting with not exactly which one.

    Bermuda's lack of mountains make me appreciate this so much more. I am definitely getting enough leg workouts here, without even trying.

    Afterwards we went for a walk on their favorite local beach, I did not quite felt like swimming but beautiful nevertheless.

    {Issy}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler
    11

    Suspension bridge for £695

    December 2, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    The original suspension bridge over the Waitara River, linking the Tikorangi and Huirangi communities near Waitara, was built in 1897 for £695. In 1927 the bridge was replaced by one of similar design. For safety reasons it was closed to traffic in 1985. A private trust raised $630,000 for its restoration, and the bridge was re-opened to light traffic in 2006.

    This is the first suspension bridge that I have seen that can actually take vehicle traffic. Not sure how strong the bridge is so I thought I will hold it up for a bit.

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Lucy's gully

    December 3, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Die eerste van "kom ons wys hulle nog n plekkie" volgens Esteé.

    Dit word Lucy's gully genoem omdat Lucy daar vermoor is.

    Die stappie is nie 'n man se maat nie, ons al vier het iewers 'n plaas gekoop. Die paadjie was nogal modderrig en party plekke het mens gly gly geloop.

    Was rerig fun om saam met Jakes en Esteé 'n stappie te doen. Die bopunt van die roete het 'n ongelooflike uitsig oor Taranaki.

    Asof die 5km stap op en af by die bergie nie genoeg was nie het ons gou by nog plekkie Pukekura park so 2km stappie gedoen net om die bier van "crate day" lekkerder te laat smaak. Nog 'n laaste plekkie was Pak n Save, wat Esteé vir Isabel moes wys..'n makro op steroids.

    CRATE DAY COMMANDMENTS
    All Crate Day supporters must abide the 10 Commandments of National Crate Day. They're like laws, but more important. So read the rules below, and get your mates to read em over too.

    COMMANDMENT #1: Thou shall begin at midday.
    COMMANDMENT #2: Thou shall listen to The Rock Crate Day Hundy
    COMMANDMENT #3: Thou shall wear thy stubbies and thy singlet
    COMMANDMENT #4: Thou shall support thy Crate of Origin
    COMMANDMENT #5: Thou shalt not toss any salad.
    COMMANDMENT #6: Thou shall respect thy neighbour.
    COMMANDMENT #7: Thou only beef that shall attend National Crate Day is thy beef for thy BBQ
    COMMANDMENT #8: Thou shall look out for thy mates, even Dave
    COMMANDMENT #9: Don’t let’th the sun get thy best of you and your provisions
    COMMANDMENT #10: Thou shall always keep rules 1-9 top of mind, to ensure we continue The Rock National Crate Day legacy for centuries to come.

    {Roedolf}    Read more

    See translation
  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Crate day 1 Isabel 0

    December 3, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Lessons learned
    1) don't drink beer if you don't drink beer
    2) don't play beer pong if you don't drink beer
    3) don't then switch to passion fruit and vodka kiwi pong
    4) don't have a partner that makes you drink even if its her turn to drink

    Me and Esteé had fun getting ready, she curled my hair. Then made braai broodjies and went down the street to join the boys and the rest of the crowd. It was all very tamed till we started a beer pong tournament and the competitiveness took over. Great to celebrate this tradition with the Kiwi's. But they clearly have a much higher tolerance for booze than the average Jo.

    Let's just say It was fun till it wasn't fun anymore...

    {Issy}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler
    1

    Isabel walking the dog

    December 5, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    I never thought I would see the day that Isabel would walk a dog.

    Now that I see thats she's willing to walk a dog I think we should get a big dog that she can take out running.

    Isabel pretended she's 3 years old and joined the the playground kids on a hamster wheel, this was hilarious as she almost lost her top when the wheel turned quicker than anticipated.

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler
    1

    Reconnecting

    December 5, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Een ding wat ek opnuut besef het op ons trippie is dat ware vriendskap nooit vergaan nie. Ek het vir Christine in matriek laas gesien, dis exactly 15 jaar terug. Sy en haar gesin het permanent New Zealand toe getrek. Ek het haar in Mei laat weet ons beplan om NZ toe te kom en het haar 'n paar updates oor ons movements gegee soos ons reëlings in plek begin val het. Ek het haar gebel toe ons nader aan die Noord eiland kom en toe reël ons 'n kuier. En is dit nou 'n kuier van epidermiese proporsie. Ons is tot op 'n missie om skoolmense se lewens se ontrafel dis mos lekker om te sien hoe al die uitblinkers en akademiese reuse uitdraai ooo en "stalk" in goeie styl op facebook.

    Dis heerlik om net aan te hou kuier waar ons opgehou het donkiejare terug. Sy het ons opgelaai by die lughawe en toe gaan lunch by so lekker Italiaanse plekkie by die North Westgate mall. Ek was baie beïndruk met die basil plantjies op die tafels, nog 'n oulike idee. Ons is almal bietjie gaar want Christine het nagskof gewerk en ons is vroeg op in New Plymouth na laat in die bedkom. Ons het op 'n uitstappie na Takapuna beach met Boss gegaan. Dis duidelik 'n rykmans neighborhood met allerhande kafeetjies en koffie plekkies. Ons eet die lekkerste roomys OOIT by Movenpick, ek munch 'n coconut swiss chocolate, dit smelt in my mond soos 'n Ferrero Rocher dit proe soos NOG en NOG.    Read more

    See translation
  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Merge like a Zip

    December 5, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    I now understand why freeways everywhere are so congested, nobody really knows how to merge like a zip 😜.

    Auckland traffic is terrible and just confirms that city life is not for us anymore.

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    The Conservatory

    December 6, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Spur of the moment awesome day in Aukland, we planned to take the ferry to Waiheke island for the day and miss the 11:10am ferry due to traffic. Instead of waiting at Devonport ferry terminal till 13:10pm for the next one we took the ferry to Aukland CBD.

    We walked along the waterfront and enjoyed the atmosphere of the city as we passed several restaurants and bars.

    We decided to get something to drink at the Conservatory which turned into lunch and more drinks.

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler
    1

    Auckland vibes aye

    December 7, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    The only NZ city we really spend time in. Nice city on the water with beautiful surroundings. The vibe in the city is not quite the hustle and bustle you get in other big city's around the world, very laid back as you would expect from the kiwis.

    I really like it here, but the traffic will drive me insane!

    {Roedolf}    Read more

  • Vander WondersNew ZealandTraveler

    Waiheke Island

    December 7, 2016 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Only a 35min ferry ride from Auckland is the secluded Waiheke Island that basically has a bunch of vineyards and wineries and beaches.

    We rented peddle bikes and cycled about 15km. On the way we tasted wine at the Goldies Estate and had a late lunch at Cable Bay Vineyard. For lunch we enjoyed a "Mezze Platter" with cured meat, cheese, hummus, olives and pita bread and don't forget the bottle of 2014 Cable Bay Pinot noir.

    Another highlight on our final day in NZ.

    Looking back on the past 31 days, NZ really treated us well and we enjoyed our time here. This country has such a rich abundance of natural beauty for outdoors lovers like us to enjoy. Traveling here is absolutely a must do for anyone who loves nature.

    {Roedolf}    Read more

    Trip end
    December 7, 2016
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