Update on my where abouts...

Right now I am in Auckland and head north tomorrow to the Bay of Islands. Far away from the quake in Christchurch.

Extreme Hiking

During my time in Taupo (middle of the North island) I went for a hike at Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Or I should call it 'tramping' like the New Zealanders. It is known as the BEST one day hike in NZ. This is no leisurely tramp. Its 19.4 km and with an incline of 2,400 ft! It should take you 7 hours to complete - I did it in 5 hours.  You hike through 2 craters full of barren areas, lots of rock and the vegetation varied throughout. Somehow, the last 4km you hike through a tropical jungle???

The brochure they give you states things like this:

"Please do not walk too close to the edge of the Crater
because if you fall in you will not come out"

"This section is called Devil's Staircase,
you will find out why we call it this when you get there."

"This section can be scary when the winds are strong as you may get pushed around or even find you may need to be on your hands and knees"

....oh yes, I would call this extreme hiking.

Approaching the highest point, (Red Crater) 
the skies were clear and beautiful.
Then.........

.....as you move to the other side of Red Crater,
the clouds start rolling in......

The visibility becomes very minimal and it gets windy and cold!.
Its like being in a horror film when you look behind
and you can barely make out an image in the fog that's coming towards you.
Sorry, this is a quick 360 for those who have weak stomachs.

Christchurch

Hey Everyone....in case you have heard the news there was an earthquake in Christchurch on the South Island today. Thankfully I am safe on the North Island.

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Taupo

I started my backpacking tour with Kiwi Experience and the first stop is Taupo. Its a 6 hour drive from Wellington to the centre of the north island. It is full of options for extreme sports eg. Sky diving, bungie jumping, skiing etc... I briefly thought about the sky diving, but I'm way too chicken.

Lake Taupo is the same size as Singapore!

On my way to the beach I came across this hole in one competition. I haven't hit a ball in ages. Its about a 130 yard shot and my first ball hit the platform. The spectators got a little excited. I didn't get a hole in one but I can tell from the photo that I'm taking the club too far inside - its like looking at my father's swing. Ha! Sorry Dad! Something to work on when I get home.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Wellington

On my first day I spent the afternoon at the warf area. I rented a bike, found a beach and took a dive in the ocean.

I did some people watching I am noticing how relaxed and casual everyone is. It like a beach town next to a commercial district. It also reminds me of Cape Town in South Africa.

Here are a couple photos of the water. I have taken to my 'au naturelle' side as a result of minimal packing space for hair products, roller brush, hair dryer, makeup etc....scary, I know...

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Facts

Traveling time to Wellington, New Zealand from Zurich: 36 hours

Time change: 18 hours ahead of Ontario and 12 hours ahead of Europe

Weather: Its summer here and 22*C!!!

Luggage: everything I need for my 3 month stay is packed in the photo attached. I am marveled with how I pulled it off....

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

So now what......

Thank-you for sharing in my European journey!

Today I leave for New Zealand and will arrive 2 days from now. I am not looking to the 26+ hour flight from London UK to Auckland....but it will all be worth it.

On Monday I start a 25 day Kiwi Experience tour then I will be making my way to Marlborough. I will be be helping with the wine production at Kim Crawford winery. 

I am leaving my computer behind in Zurich and blogging will be difficult. Therefore I will become even more obsessed with finding wifi hotspots so I can use my blackberry!