Hi all,
Sorry I haven’t updated in so long. I do have some posts to retroactively put in, but that will have to wait.
Update: so I’ve moved into a flat in Wellington with some randoms, they seem nice. I’m currently looking for some work for the next two months so I’ll have plenty of cash when I head over to Samoa in December. That’s about it really….no cool people or place for a little while.
Back in Queenstown tonight, did a bit more hiking in Wanaka yesterday, then bussed back here this afternoon. Staying at a great little hostel called the Last Resort. It has free internet and a great TV, so I was easily sold.
I’m not sure if it’s a quiet night in Queenstown or if there’s something wrong with my hostel, but I have an entire 4 person dorm to myself for the night. I’m off on some activities tomorrow, so the empty dorm should help me get a good night’s sleep.
Queenstown was great, for the one night I was there, anyway. Got up early and took the bus to Wanaka, arrived about 10am. I’ve spent a few hours of today at puzzling world, where I aced the outdoor maze in about half the recommended time. Then I used the rest of my afternoon to hike to the top of Mount Iron, a nice easy walk but with good views.
Tonight I’m off to the cinema to see Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Will post again soon.
Well, I left Barry and the farm today. Had a great time there, learned about both beef and dairy farming. Got to see both a dairy milker and a butcher in action.
Off to Queenstown at the moment, staying in the Hippo lodge tonight. It’s a really nice bus trip, I can say that much.
So, I’ve just been chilling at the farm for the last few days. Should really take some pictures while I’m here.
Finally I’ve been able to cook some decent food since leaving Australia. Up until now my diet has been soups and other easy cheap food, mostly because I never wanted to carry too much with me. But my host Barry has a well stocked pantry so I can at least cook/eat well for the next week.
Other than that we spent the day injecting cows and I learned to ride a motorbike (sort of).
Will keep in touch.
Currently in NZ’s most southernly city. I can now say I’ve seen a Tuatara (google it), along with the worlds most southern Irish pub and the worlds most southern Subway restaurant.
Hostel is nice, out of here tomorrow though.
Just sitting in the hostel waiting for 3:30 to roll around so I can get on my bus to Invercargill.
Last night was great, however it’s the first time I’ve been the oldest person in a bar. Pretty scary…
Well, so far in Dunedin I have seen the world’s steepest street (pretty steep), the university, the museum and the chocolate factory. Got plenty of chocolate to do me over my travels the next week. Spent most of my time just walking around checking out the town really.
Now for the cheese roll.
Dunedin is apparently the only place in NZ that sells these, and with a massive student population it’s pretty easy to see why. It basically consists of an extra large piece of bread covered with cheese, evap. milk and spices which is then rolled up, secured with a toothpick, buttered and toasted. Delicious. And cheap. I tried three from three different cafes….
Heading out on the town tonight with Niina, should be fun.
Oh, and in other news I happened to be on the Air NZ website when I saw some cheap flights to Samoa. Long story short, I’m flying in there on the 30th of November, and out on the 31st of December. Hopefully they do a good christmas dinner.
One unfortunate side effect of this is that I fly out of Samoa at 1am on Dec 31st and three hours later fly into Auckland at 5am on the 1st of Jan. Goodbye NYE…
Wow.
On a whim I decided to take the little camper down to the Catlins national park and crash there at a campsite for two nights. Despite the one small setback, it might be the best decision I’ve ever made.
This is what we woke up to every morning. Seriously. The campsite was beautiful and we had it all to ourselves.
The one setback was getting bogged on the side of the road at 9:30 at night. A little scary, but luckily a helpful farm house was nearby and we got back on the road in about a half hour.
Other views nearby the campsite included:
and
Niina, getting a bit wet
and this little guy
All in all, a great two day trip. I’m now in Dunedin for a few days. Nice place, heaps of students around. Things to do thought, will post later.
Jacob out.