Free-falling!

Despite what some people may think I have never really wanted to do a bungy jump, it just doesn't really appeal in the same way as white water rafting or coasteering or other relaxing saturday afternoon activities! As a child I did want to be a astronaut; adventuring in space, discovering planets and orbiting the sun all sounded quite exciting and possible...but I'm not entirely convinced they have a space programme here in Taupo, so I had to opt for the next best thing.

I have always wanted to do a parachute jump, I'm not sure whether it's because I like the idea of jumping out of a plane a million miles up or what, but today I got that chance!

Having discovered that bad weather had closed the Tongariro crossing, Anna (my Dutch friend) and I decided this was the perfect opportunity to book ourselves in for a tandem jump. I wasn't really expecting them to be able to fit us in for today, but before I knew it we were booked in for a 4pm pick up...yep, they sent the Limo!

At the main base of operations we were asked which jump we wanted, either the 12,000ft or the 15,00ft? I figured if I was going to be jumping out a plane, the higher the better...?! 

So, I signed all the lovely forms, watched the safety video and checked out the T-shirts (well, if all went well I might need one to take home? 

30 minutes to jump...

We had to wait a considerable amount of time before it was our time to head up in the plane, so Anna and I chatted and watched the groups before us suit up and pack themselves in to the pink plane. (Really..a pink plane? Why would they do that...) Anyways, shortly after we saw the reassuring sight of parachutes blossoming in the sky above us we were called inside...we were next. 

It didnt take long to get kitted up, we were dressed in rather attractive blue jumpsuits, very uncool hats, goggles and just incase we ditched in Lake Taupo a lifejacket (kinda like the ones you get in a plane, but fortunately all wrapped up nice n small.)

The next step was to meet the jump cameraman - apparently attempting to take my own photos is not recommended! And Matty my Tandem Master (as they are called); he checked my harness and asked how I was doing... pretty excited! I thought I might be a bit nervous, but apparently not...crazy eh?

We climbed aboard the PAC 750 XL, (the pink plane...) I had less leg room than in economy and there was no sign of an inflight meal - the oxygen was pretty good though!

We climbed quickly and I loved watching out of the window seeing the world below get smaller and smaller, heading ever upwards as we passed through the clouds, the sun heading in the opposite direction.

After a few slightly posed photos and a run through of what I should do on exiting the plane - fall?

we reached our designated height and the door was opened...

My Tandem Master Matty and me probably about 9000ft! (Not posed at all..) 

There were 4 people jumping before me, the wind loudly rushing in around me as we slowly made our way towards the door. This was it the moment I had been waiting for

As I sat on the edge of the plane my legs hanging out below me the countdown began. I clutched my harness as instructed and leaned my headback... 3,2,1...JUMP!!!

The feeling was unreal...suddenly rushing towards the ground, the noise around me seemed to double ... it was hard to register what I was seeing...spiraling around until in what must have only been seconds we levelled out into the right position. I felt a tap on my arm, the signal that I could let go of my harness throw my arms out and enjoy the free fall...so, I did!

Lets talk about free fall!

I had over a minute of free fall after exiting the plane, I was up above the clouds in a different world...

I passed through the silent clouds, the wind roaring past as the world below came into focus. It looked like the perfect model, full of detail and amazing to see, tiny houses, beautiful scenery, the hills below speckled by shadows made by the clouds above me... I was loving it! 

Loving those goggles!

...just, awesome...

As I tried to catch my breath I noticed Matty checking his altimeter, I'm not sure at what height he pulled the tag and the chute opened. But suddenly the chest harness pulled tightly up by my neck as our descent slowed significantly... The parachute opened without a hitch - No worries mum!

The moment of truth...Phew!

Sorry, quite a dark photo, but this is me back on solid ground!

After several enjoyable minutes swooping from left to right the landing field appeared. I was given instructions on the landing procedure and before I knew it I was sat on the grass back on the ground.

I watched the sky to see Anna appear and land safely... Just minutes earlier we had been sat in a plane at 15,000ft...now we were back on solid ground with some amazing memories and maybe just a little adrenaline! It was an awesome experience and Yes, I would do it again!

Me and Anna...Achieved!

Abel Tasman and me

I only had one day in Nelson and having decided that I definitely didn't want to get up early again, my plans to have a lie in were somewhat rearranged when I discovered that if I wanted to do a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park then I was going to have to be up early for my 7am pick up!!

The weather was forecast to be sunny and it seemed too good an opportunity to miss, I made a snap decision, booked the day out and then had to run to the supermarket to find supplies! 

Who needs sleep eh?!

Out on the water taxi on the way to the trails.

I managed to make myself breakfast and coffee before 7am arrived and shortly after that boarded the bus to Abel Tasman. It took around an hour to get to the park and once there I was shuttled out to the start of the walk by Water Taxi. The boat ride itself was pretty cool, we got an amazing view of the park's coastline and golden beaches, we also saw a little blue penguin out for a swim, seal pups and sting rays!

Not the best picture.. but here is my penguin!

After paddling ashore I found the start of the walk and set off to explore Abel Tasman with a nice German lady I had met at the hostel. The sun shone and we enjoyed exploring the trail, walking from Bark Bay to Anchorage Bay, stopping in at small coves and taking photos. The path was not very challenging, but was very picturesque winding along by the shore, heading in land through forested areas and then back out to the coast.
Tomorrow I'm off to the north island, hopefully catching up with new friends, have left you a few photos of Abel Tasman.. enjoy! :)

Through the forests...

...and down to the beautiful beaches.

Not a bad spot for lunch!

Whistle stop tour of the south

The trouble with New Zealand is that there are just too many amazing places to stop and see. Even with a month to spend here I really need longer.. perhaps another 6-12?!
In an effort to see a little more and in order to be able to make it back to Auckland to catch my flight to Fiji, I needed to move a little quicker...

Queenstown and beyond...

I got organised! I booked my buses and hostels and travelled north...
Queenstown, was a definite stop - although no bungy jumping for me! Instead I took a ride up the Gondola for some spectacular views and then there was just time for a few rides on the Luge! (Sort of Go-Karting fun!) before an evening cruise on the 100 year old TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steam boat.

The following morning saw another early start - one of travels great joys! - it was however a beautiful morning as the clouds caught fire behind the mountains as the sun crept up.

Morning by the lakeside

Bus journeys in New Zealand 

My next stop was the realm of ice and snow - well Glacier country - Franz Josef my home for the night.
The last time I was here I was able to go out and explore the glacier on a half day hike. Things have changed a little in the last 5years as the glacier itself is retreating, a huge chunk of the ice fell away in April 2012 taking with it the trekking companies only foot access to the ice. I walked up to the face to see the difference in size for myself - I was amazed at how small it appeared compared to last time I visited... I took a few photos so I can compare them when I get home, if things continue in this way it will have a huge impact on the town here.

Warning...

Getting smaller?

Another long and slightly less than comfortable day on the bus followed my day at Franz Josef. As the bus wound it's way up New Zealands west coast, we stopped to view Punakaiki or Pancake Rocks as they are more often known.

Just after 7pm I made it to Nelson, my home for a few nights ....and hopefully my base to explore the Abel Tasman National Park.

Dunedin Days and The Great Tiki Tour 2013

I travelled south to Dunedin by what turned out to be a slightly unreliable bus. I know this because the bus began to fill with smoke and as the bus driver turned around to try and decipher the problem, exclaimed "...the bus is on fire! Everybody off!"
We weren't actually on fire, but it took some time for the mechanic to arrive and fix things up a bit. Whilst waiting by the side of the road I was able to take a quick picture of a slightly bizarre marker stone and sign marking the 45th Parallel... we had broken down exactly half way between the Equator and the Antarctic! ...I eventually made it to Dunedin and enjoyed a warm welcome from my cousin Katharine and her family (including very good cakes!!). 

I spent several sunny days in Dunedin with Jonathon and Emily. It is a great place to visit and has lots to offer. We ventured out to The Chinese Garden, spent some time learning about Dunedin's history at the  Otago Settlers museum and enjoyed a relaxing swim at St Clair Salt water pool.

Outside the Chinese Garden - Jonathon's new favourite place!

Thursday arrived at speed and with it the Grand Tiki Tour! (In case you're not sure, it's a New Zealand thing - and is really all about taking the scenic route!) We packed up the car and headed out, our final destination was to be a lovely B&B near Temuka. Along the way we called in at a cheese factory, stopped off to play on the beach and visit the Moeraki Boulders - which were amazing! (although swimming wasn't really part of the plan!) For lunch we stopped for THE BEST chips and then drove onwards until we were distracted by thoughts of coffee and cake!
...It very impressive looking slice of carrot cake...and, it has carrot in it, so it must be good for me!

The Moeraki Boulders

Khloe and Katharine - Khloe loved the beach!!

Jumping the waves...I have no idea how we ended up getting wet?!

Narrowly avoiding the attack of the giant stone turtle!

The following day we enjoyed a slow start before heading out towards the mountains. The sun was shining and the scenery pretty stunning! We drove out to the beautiful Lake Tekapo and skimmed stones and took photos :)

Lake Tekapo

After a brief stop here we continued with the tour and went in search of New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook. We drove along the fantastically named Tekapo-Twizel Road to Lake Pukaki where we caught the red glow of the setting sun on the distant face of Mt Cook. Another great day exploring!

That'll be the mountain then!

The final day of our Tiki Tour saw us venturing to Geraldine, a small place which looks very much like the kind of place the Vicar of Dibley would live! We visited some of the local shops many of which offered us the chance to sample foods...and who can argue with that?

We drove back to Dunedin making a few more stops along the way, singing along loudly to the cd and finishing off the last few snacky type things!

I had a great time with family, met some awesome people in Temuka and thoroughly enjoyed my first official Tiki Tour! 

Katharine, Jonathon and Emily

Kaikoura

Kaikoura - Very early in the morning, gotta be up before the clouds!

New Zealand is a pretty awesome place and I am really glad to be able spend some time here. I have been before and am really looking forward to seeing the mountains and the beaches and maybe a Kiwi?

After a whole day in Auckland I jumped aboard the Naked Bus (don't worry it isn't as it sounds!) and headed south to Wellington...a mere 10 hours or so!

Wellington is quite a cool place to visit, but as I have plans to visit my cousin in the South Island I stayed just one night before taking the Interislander Ferry accross the Cook Striat, a fairly good crossing which reminded me a lot of taking the Calmac ferry over to the Hebrides...but without the teenagers!

From here I dashed (a slight exageration of speed) to the bus and crusied (another slight exageration.. not the newest bus!) down the east coast to the little seaside realm of Kaikoura.

Here is where the mountains wander their way out towards the sea, its a pretty spectacular place on a clear day, sadly when I arrived it was pouring with rain and I could see nothing and arrived at my hostel wearing the drowned rat look! However, I woke early the following morning and headed down to the sea and managed to see a little more of the view! This included a walk along the Peninsula Walkway and a visit to the seal colony where I was able to meet a few of the locals!



Snoozin'!



I spent several days in Kaikoura in the end, staying in a funky little hostel which owned a number of guitars and a piano...which led to some very musical evenings! I met some great people, enjoyed wandering along the beach in the sunshine and even managed to get a haircut by a lady from Market Harborough! - Small world?!

One of many reasons I love Kaikoura!



3... 2... 1... ?!?



From Kaikoura I travelled southwards to Christchurch. This proved to be a bit more complicated than I had imagined. The earthquake which devastated much of the city had left few accomodation options, this might have been ok had it not been for the fact that I had managed to time my visit there with the World Buskers Festival! After a few emails and a slight change of plans everything was sorted out briliantly and I was able to stay with a friend's sister and family who actually live there.

I enjoyed spending time with them, catching a little bit of busking and drinking coffee in the Container City!

The very colourful Container City - Christchurch

I also had a very small taste of what it might be like in an earthquake when there was a tremor on Saturday night. It registered a 4.7 on the Richter scale and was a deffinite jolt and roll... I can't imagine what it would have been like to be in something so much bigger, and having seen the destruction caused by the last one I hope I never am. It was terrible to see just how much of the city had been destroyed by the earthquake, I remember walking through the city centre, past the Cathedral last time I was in the city.. now it looks like a building site, most buildings in ruins. However, it was brilliant to see the way the people of Christchurch have responded so positively, the colourful creation that is the container city is just one example of that.

Although my visit here was brief, I was really glad I was able to visit and maybe I will be able to visit again one day and see a city rebuilt.