IMG_2879.JPGThese guys had made a difficult trek across barren volcanic sands at high altitude, and were enjoying a well–earned soak.
Towards the end of October, Eliz & I took about three weeks holiday in New Zealand, having signed up for Haka Tours North-South island adventure tour. This was my selfish birthday present to Elizabeth, and I had insisted despite our busy schedules that we go before the end of the calendar year. We had a terrific time, and met a wonderful group of young people who had also signed on. (While Haka assured us we wouldn't be the oldest ones on our tour, we had at least a quarter century on all of them.)
Between us, we took almost 3000 photos, which I've winnowed down to about 750. I've further broken these into 24 pages, which you can jump between more easily. A few of the pages have linked video, or will have when I get around to uploading them.
Page 1, wherein we arrive to Auckland and explore the town and harbor.
Page 2, wherein we meet our tour group and head in the bus for our first destination on the north island, Whtianga.
Page 3, wherein a handful of our group go on a "black water rafting" adventure and check out a glow worm cave.
Page 4, wherein we check out a swing bridge and the Blue Spring, where the majority of New Zealand's bottled water originates. That night, we dine with the Mitai tribe and are treated to a demonstration of some Maori traditions.
Page 5, wherein Elizabeth and I go zip-lining in a native rain forest.
Page 6, wherein we visit the Waiotapu Thermal Park and check out the natural hot springs and Huka waterfall in Taupo.
Page 7, wherein we sail Lake Taupo on a boat that once belonged to Errol Flynn.
IMG_2879.JPG
These guys had made a difficult trek across barren volcanic
sands at high altitude, and were enjoying a well–earned
soak.
IMG_2881.JPG
Jon volunteered to Man the barby, and did a fabulous
job.
DSC_0221.JPG
The rest of us just tucked in.
DSC_0224.JPG
Huka Falls
The following morning, we all went together by bus the
short distance back to Huka Falls.
DSC_0230.JPG
None of us did the jet boat this time, though a few
people took a later one in Queenstown.
DSC_0235a.jpg
Eliz posing with the Canadians
DSC_0237a.jpg
DSC_0245a.jpg
This hashtag has a photo, instead of the other way around.
DSC_0253.JPG
We stopped at a gumboot toss field on the way to Wellington.
DSC_0252.JPG
Yes, it is a thing.
DSC_0250.JPG
I threw the farthest, but not by much. I think Jon
would have had me if his hadn’t gone over the
side fence. Lauren threw hers straight up, which came
back down on our heads.
NZriver2.jpg
A nice view south of Mangaweka
DSC_0276.JPG
Wellington had some great street art/murals as well.
DSC_0275.JPG
This is by the same artist we saw in Auckland (Andrew
Steel).
IMG_2932.JPG
Know your sharks.
DSC_0285.JPG
Most of the group met up for dinner at a restaurant
recommended by our friend, Rhonda.
DSC_0290a.jpg
The food was quite good.
DSC_0286.JPG
And the Irish waiter was a card.
DSC_0287.JPG
Page 9, wherein Eliz and I hike to a view atop Mount Victoria, then check out the Wellington museum and the botanical gardens.
Page 10, wherein we meet the others for some street food and fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day. The next morning, we leave our bus for a ferry ride to the south island. (Just in time as it turns out, since Ronnie lost her rear suspension towards the end and broke down completely when the next group took her over.)
Page 11, wherein we travel to Kaikoura, and Eliz & I swim with some dolphins. We end the day at a nice Haka lodge in Christchurch.
Page 12, wherein we go hot-air ballooning with Yen & Brian, then check out the Christchurch Art Museum.
Page 13, wherein we meet up with our group and head out to Tekapo, where we were all surprised by a snowstorm in the night.
Page 14, wherein we enjoy our first afternoon in Queenstown and take a gondola up to Bob's Peak to be amazed by the view and learn how to luge.
Page 15, wherein Eliz & I are joined by Lauren on a horse trek near Glenorchy.
Page 16, wherein Jon, Brian, and Yen join us in a "canyoning" adventure that was more than we'd signed up for.
Page 17, wherein Eliz & I enjoy a leisurely day on Lake Wakapitu.
Page 18, wherein we drive over a mountain pass to get to Wanaka. The following day, most of us take a hike up Mount Iron. Some of us also go to see "The Lonely Tree"
Page 19, wherein we make a number of stops for beauty on the way to the Franz Josef glacier.
Page 20, wherein some of our group hike to see the glacier.
Page 21, wherein about half of us go on a final group kayaking adventure on Lake Mapourika.
Page 22, wherein some brave singers stand up for karaoke night at the pub. The next day, we stop in Hokitika and see some live kiwi birds on our way to catch the train in Greymouth.
Page 23, wherein everyone but our leader boards the Alpine Express bound for Christchurch, the final destination for the organized part of our trip.
Page 24, wherein Eliz & I have a final day on our own in Christchurch, which we spend wandering in search of good eats and take a ferry to Diamond harbor. We also finally get a chance to check out the Christchurch botanical garden, which is definitely worth the visit.
Page created Nov 27 2017