20050925 Kharanga National Park - Paekakariki, NZ

Rain, light. Got packed and set off to make the 1315 ferry. Passed through huge flat valleys and miles of vineyards in the Marlborough wine making region. Made the ferry, sailed through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Made it to Wellington and split from there pretty shortly, though I would have liked to spend some more time there, meet up with some friends and then head on, but sure I can travel back there before Sydney. Hit Paekakariki for the night, a very small coastal town, but it started raining shortly after we arrived and didnt I really get to appreciate it that much.

20050924 Greymouth - Kharanga National Park, NZ

Awoke to an overcast and drizzly day on a huge stoney beach. Departed for Westport taking in views similar to home to begin with then took the coastal road, heading past, cliffs, sea pillars and rugged beaches. The land then changing to look and feel like what Im guessing Hawaii is. Headed on towards Picton to catch the ferry to the North Island. Followed along the beautiful, twisty Buller river. My drivers got a little tired of driving so we stopped in a beautiful little wood by a river in Kharanga National Park. Made a campfire, had dinner, chilled out and slept.

20050923 Lake Paringa - Greymouth, NZ

Awoke at 10am, sandflies everywhere, little annoying mosquito type creatures that leave bites that itch for weeks. Beautiful view though, overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains behind. Visited the Fox glacier, a huge mass of ice that covers an entire valley.Travelled near the coast over many huge deltas and huge open plains. Had Turbot and chips in Hokitika before heading on to find a place to crash for the night. Ended up on the other side of Greymouth on a beautiful spot on the beach. Fell asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

20050922 NZ Tour begins Queenstown - Lake Paringa, NZ

After 3 and a half months as a resident in Queenstown NZ, I departed this morning to begin my tour of New Zealand with Geoff, Kate and James. We will travel to Auckland over 1-3 weeks taking it as it goes. We were meant to leave yesterday but people got lazy, suited perfect though because I got to attend Alesters birthday BBQ. Was a mammoth 12 hour feast, of tons of food, beer and Capirinha (brazilian drink). Took in so much incredible, contrasting scenery from alpine to tropical, Im now really appreciating what people say about this country.

20050917-21 Last night out & Alesters Birthday BBQ, Queenstown NZ Gallery

20050922 NZ Tour Queenstown - Lake Paringa, NZ

20050919 Preparing to depart QT

Snowing all day today in town, the 2nd time since I got here, very beautiful. Spent most of the planning my tour of New Zealand which I will embark upon next Wednesday with Kate, James and Geoff (our Wanaka friend) in the ambulance and Geoffs Hilux. Finished working this week, snowboarded on Remarks, had dinner at my neighbours, Dallas, had dinner at Fionas which Natalie (miles girlfriend) cooked delish, Also went out with Carly and Alester, quality night, my last in Queenstown. Oh, and Carly cooked dinner for us too one night.

20050911 House day out & BBQ

Set up the new BBQ Alester bought in the morning. Stunning day, totally sunny and not a cloud in the sky. Went to Mote Lake, 20 minutes away for a picnic & some fun with the gang and surprisingly most of the housemates came too. Rescued a sunken boat, got back to the house and had a BBQ, had lotsa steaks and Coronas, delicious. Got invited to a Fiji kava session by Carly (housemate) in some random house, was fun. Split for home and sleep.