Abel Tasman

After Kaikoura we re-traced our steps and headed back up the coast to Nelson.  We stayed in a great hostel called  'The Bug' (after VW Beetles & travel)  and then moved on to Kaiteriteri in Abel Tasman National Park.  We had a great day in the park.  We got  a water taxi up the coast , then  walked half-way back. We then kayaked around 2 little islands, seeing seals and hungry Gannets dive-bombing back home to where we started.  It was a lovely sunny day with amazing views!

Farewell Spit

 No one told us Ema had new wheels chapel must have bad snow. lol

This is the most northen point of the South Island, a 37 Km stretch of land that is really just one huge beach! very windy and you can only access the first 4 km by foot then you had to pay for a tour.  We got lost ( How you ask) and after a little (ish) domestic we found where we should be lol!!  2 hours later.  Next for the domestic of the cow field crossing - who'd have though Mark was more scared than Kate really ( ;-))  Jumping out a plane was less scary than a frisky Bull believe us! 

Kaikoura

We arrived on the south Island early morning on 2nd Dec and headed straight off down the East Coast  to Kaikoura.  this is a famous spot for Sperm Whale watching & swimming with the Dolphins!  we opted for the whales but managed to see Dusky Dolphins too - lots :-)  We saw 2 Sperm whales  which is unusual as they are territorial  - and one breached which was amazing !  We also lots of seal and an Albatross (huge).  The dolphins were fab playing tricks & jumping in the air - really mischeavous

Wellington

After our jet boat trip we head down to the southern most part of the North island ready for our early morning crossing to the South Island.

We get a little time to take in a bit of Wellington.

We watch a triathlon we come across at the harbour.

Bye Bye North Island!

Adrenaline Junkies

Well we all would have guessed Mark would be an adrenaline junkie but we never thought Kate would be lol!!  So this week from caving to sky swings to sky dives to Rapid jets - what a week!!! 

The sky dive was incredible as you can imagine- a perfect sunny day over Lake Taupo with snow-capped mountains below!! 15,000ft  - Marks said if a jobs worth doing....

The next day for NZ best rapids where the boat lifted completely into the air - they have sunk 3 boats!! As there was only 4 of us  the captain said  he could have a bit of fun !!

What an amazing time we are having!!

Taupo

Hey guys. We have arrived in Taupo today. The lake here looks amazing with Tongariro Alpine crossing in the background, with snow on top of the peak.

The drive past the mountains is really something!

 We have booked to go jet boating tomorrow...  but what did we do this afternoon!!

A little sky diving perhaps???

Taupo lake is massive!  We are told it is big enough to fit the whole of Singapore in!

A celebratory drink after an amazing day!!

Rotorua

Well we have had a fun packed time in Rotorua which is one of the most active volcanic parts of NZ North Island!!  We started off with a Luge and skyswing and then a relaxing evening at the geothermal spa overlooking the lake which was steaming!!

As we arrive at the Polynesian Spa so does a coach load of tourist so we opt for our own private pool and wow was it worth it!!

Bliss!!

We are in perfect time for dusk so get to appreciate the lake at an amazing time!!

Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park

Today we set off  in the morning to the geothermal park.  We picked up some  hitchhikers-  a couple of Danish girls so we wandered around the park with them.

The geyser at the park is the main attraction.

Rotorua is the most geothermal part of NZ and this park bubbles away with its odd coloured ground!

What smell??

The walk around the park is good and its nice to chat to the Danish girls and hear about their adventures too!!

Rotorua Skyline Park

This morning we went off to the Skyline Park.

You get a cable car up to the park which is at the top of the mountian with some amazing views over Rotorua.

At the top of the park there are  lots of different bits, restaurants and the famous Luge.

The luge ride is basically little go-karts which you go down the track on and  then get a smaller cable car back up for another go.

There are 3  different levels of tracks -we go for the middle course - its great fun!

Kate flies past Mark with ease!!

The cable car back to the top!

We booked our tickets at the park entrance for the Sky Swing so Kate was a little surprised when she saw what it was!  Still,  Kate braved it as we swung over the cliff edge - 

Sure reminds you your alive!!

Mauri Hangi - Rotorua

Saturday night 27th Nov we went to a Tamaki Mauri show where we walked through a village with all the mauri taditions and face paint etc.  Then we had a traditional hangi feast which is where the food is cooked underground with hot rocks and sticks with the heat from the underlying volcanic ground.  Rotorua where we are is full of hot baths, mud pools and tommorrow we shall see the Geyser!