Waitomo Caves Adventure

From days at the farm to the weekend at the bach (and watching the all blacks win the world cup) and then up to Hamilton to stay with Glen's uncle and go check out those world famous Waitomo Caves.

We left Glen's uncle's house this morning at 7am to get to our first stop of the day: a 5 hour long cave trip that included abseiling (sliding down a cliff while attached to a rope), a flying fox (ziptrek), black water rafting (lazy river tubing... Meters underneath the surface in the dark), and jumping off things into water. We show up and turns out that were the only people on the tour! So, we also got to do some other things that were on the 3 hour tour (Labyrinth) and the 2 hour tour (walking to see a big cave with lit up stalagtites and stalagmites. It was sweet! The water was freezing but got a bit better since we were in big wetsuits. Pretty sure I was shaking throughout the whole thing... It was scary! The abseil was equivalent to an 11 storey building and it got tight in one spot... And the flying fox was done in complete darkness. But the scariest was climbing up this waterfall, which our guide stated that "we dont have ropes that are usually used to get up this but we can do it anyways, just dont fall" so I had a bit of a panic as I started to climb and kept telling him I didnt want to go... But I did, eventually and it was terrible haha. Definitely a trip to get the adrenaline pumping and to try new things... But we really got a good deal by being able to do everything that we did.

After our intense trip, we drove up to the museum then over to the original Waitomo Glowworm Caves (the one that Kate plus 8 did in thar episode) which was really nice (and dry) and our guide was really knowlegable and her great great grandfather was the one who actually discovered the cave in the first place! The boat ride to see the glowworms was the highlight, even though we saw them during the intense trip, there were waay more in this cave.

After learning waayy too much about these caves and glowy maggots we drove to Otrahunga (probs spelled incorrectly) and I went to the Kiwi House and I was the only person in the whole place! Its pretty much a bird and reptile zoo, with the main feature being the kiwis, NZ's national nocturnal flightless endangered bird. They're in an artificially dark containment, and they're the weirdest things Ive ever seen... I got a little show (by myself) sunce it was feeding time and watched them for about 15 mins just run around with their chunky little bodies and big feet and beak and just poke around then run like crazy haha it was so hilarious and strange... But they're so ugly they're cute. Lots of other New Zealand birds and reptiles that were rare and endangered, a good little place that kiwi house, especially when you're the only one there and no kids running around.

Were off to Australia in 2 days! I'll try to updare while I'm there, weve gOt a pretty jam packed schedule!

Less Than A Week to Australia!

For the last few days, we were up at the family’s farm off the beaten track in Mangawhai. The weather was pretty meh the first couple days, so we took some drives out to some of the nearby beaches to have a look around.

Te Arai Beach

We also went to Waiwera, where there is a thermal pool resort that was super cool! A bunch of different pools ranging from 32 degrees up to 40 degrees, some waterslides and a movie pool.

Waiwera Hot Pools

When the weather finally got a bit nicer, we took a drive over to a marine reserve called Goat Island. It’s called Goat Island because that’s the name given to most islands in salt water to early explorers, and they would put goats on the island in case anyone was shipwrecked there and needed some food! Apparently goats don’t need fresh water… hmm… the first settlers here were also from Nova Scotia (represent… see photo). Anyways… this place was awesome! The water was so clear and there’s lots of stuff to do… snorkeling, swimming, diving, boat tours… lots of fishies… we’ll be back when it gets warm!

Goat Island

We drove for a while on gravel roads that became congested with cows (at one point), our main goal for the day was to hit up some wineries in Matakana (a wine region about 45 mins from Auckland and not far from the farm) but we only hit one, which was ok because they charge for tastings and I’m cheap hah! Had a pleasant surprise on our last stop of the day at Managawhai Heads beach… a pod of dolphins playing about 10 meters from the shore!

Back in G-field and heading out tonight to the Bach again for the Labour Day Long Weekend! Tonight is the bronze final between Wales and Australia, and this Sunday is the final between France and New Zealand! Going to be so exciting!! Next week were going down to Waitomo to see the famous glowworm caves… going to go on the little boat tour AND do this crazy five-hour long flying fox/abseiling/black water rafting adventure! I’m scared. And then, next Thursday is… Australia!!!

Woodhill Mountain Biking!

A couple days ago, I went up to Woodhill Mountain Bike Park with Amy, a girl I met through one of Glen's friends. It was awesome! Good to get back out on a bike again... a really nice Giant bike too.

how attractive...

Good trails varying from easy to expert, with lots of wooden features, jumps and whatnot. It only costs $7 to ride the park for a day, there's no lifts of course, but the incline isn't bad at all. Fun times!

2 Weeks to Australia!

Wow... it's been a while since the last post. Sorry. I blame the slow internet here for failing to upload my pictures every time... I give up after 15 minutes of trying to upload one so, pictures are coming when I find faster internet...

This week, we were going to make trips into the city (Auckland) to do some fun day trips... well, the weather sucked ALL WEEK until today (Friday), but we did manage to head out on Tuesday to check out some touristy sights around town...

Drove up to Northhead, an old WWII army base protecting Auckland's harbour... though it was never used, there were some sweet tunnels and good views of the city and Rangitoto.

We took a free cruise around the Auckland harbour. It was pretty busy since it's Spring Break right now for the schoolkids... but it was nice to get out on the water even though it wasn't the best day. There was someone on the speaker system telling facts and whatnot, too bad they weren't loud enough. Fail!

Second stop of the day was the Auckland Museum, which was awesome! It is HUGE and has three floors of brain bursting info! I could/would definitely go again since I'm sure I missed alot... and it's practically free! Well, for locals it is, but tourists just have to give a donation! Yeeah buddy

After the museum, we walked back to the city via Auckland University and Albert Park. Purdy spots. Then to Wagamama for dinner in a fancy little area of town. Whyy does going out to lunch/dinner cost so much here wah! I miss my Vancouver sushi and cheap slices... yesterday, we walked past a sushi restaurant and they were advertising a deal for 8 pieces (a roll?) of prawn tempura roll for $16... what. the. eff. I wish Haru would deliver over here to meee... I've kind of figured out the coffee system here, and new fave spot is Esquires for my LONG BLACK (aka Americano?) but juuust not the same as my Delany's.

Last stop of the night was to the Cloud to watch a free comedy show. I like free, and it was really funny! All Kiwi's and one Aussi guy... good times good times.

Well, 2 WEEKS TO AUSTRALIA!! We have planned an amazing, fun filled trip and I'm super stoked... I've been keeping up with the Groupons over here and is Oz and we got an amazing deal on scuba diving! I paid only $149 to get PADI certified which includes everything!! So, I'm going to learn and Glen is taking an advanced divers course since he's already got his learner's course. I didn't think I would ever scuba dive, I don't know why... scared I guess, but I'm really excited and think that I'll really enjoy it and get to see a bunch of different sea creatures! No sharks... hopefully... We're also going to be doing some island hopping over to Fraser, Whitsundays, Coochie (hahaaa... no seriously) and hitting up all the big cities on the east coast! So so excited, I'm going to have noo money when I get back.

This weekend is the semi-finals for the Rugby World Cup! Wales vs France tomorrow night and Australia vs. New Zealand on Sunday. Going to be INTENSE!! Going to go downtown for sure, soo many people it's a blast. Next week, hopefully get out of Auckland and see some sights... Waitomo Caves perhaps??

Piha Beach

Yesterday we went to an awesome little hippie town/amazing beach called Piha!

It's a 45 minute drive from Auckland but feels so far from the big city... black sand, big waves and scenery!

It's cool how around here you can take a short drive and wind up in some crazy places! 

I'm not sure how often it is on the news in Canada, but there's been a big oil spill in the Bay of Plenty (about 5 hours away from where I am) and its disgusting!!! A ship carrying shipping containers hit a reef going 70 knots I think it was... fail! Now there's oil spewing and containers floating around/washing up on shore... along with dead animals covered in it :( Fail!!! 

The Bach

Bach = cabin, holiday home

Went up to Glen's family's bach for four nights, which is located on Grahams Beach (about an hour and a half drive away from Auckland).

It's right on the ocean and is a spot that has been in the family a few generations... really relaxing, we were the only people on the beach!

the beach right across

Been planning oue trip over to Australia October 27-November 28th and looking to do some small trips around the North Island until we leave for Sydney!

Rugby World Cup is going into quarter finals so things are getting serious! And RWC merchadise is starting to go on sale! Woohoooo!

Some other fun and unusual facts about NZ.....

-shoes aren't a necessity when going to the mall/supermarket

-sushi is insanely expensive

-nail polish is also insanely expensive

-mullets/rat tails are all the rage

...more to come hehe

Napier!

We headed down to Napier for a couple days because we had tickets to the Canada vs. France rugby game down there (5 hour drive from Auckland). Canada unfortunately lost, but there were tons of Canadians in Napier partying so it was still pretty cool and lots of fun.

Fellow Canadian (R) and wannabe Canadian (L)

We slept in the car that night, then for the next two nights got a Groupon for the Navigate hotel in Napier which was beautiful and brand new... spent the next few days taking it easy and exploring the Hawkes Bay area aka WINERIES!!

Sileni Winery

Did a little walk up the Te Mata Peak, nice view from up there.

Sheepies up Te Mata Peak

Napier was a neat little town... Art Deco capital of the world apparently, lots of older looking buildings and people dressed in crazy clothes.

Taking it easy for the next little while, we did go to the Samoa vs. Fiji game a few days ago but in the meantime, saving some funds! Going to the bach this weekend (about an hour away) on the beach. Weather is getting a bit warmer woohoo!

Iced Pumpkin Cookies!

Well, although it isn't Fall here in New Zealand, in my head it still is so I thought I'd make an Autumn-inspired treat and they're soooo goood....

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

Om nom nom

Rugby World Cup Opening!... Queenstown!... etc!

New Zealand has kicked off the Rugby World Cup on Friday September 9th and it's been a huge party ever since! Went downtown to Queens Wharf where all the fun stuff was happening and it was sooo crowded with people in all their country's colors... when we eventually got into the party zone area, we got a call from Glen's friend who had tickets to the opening match (New Zealand vs. Tonga) but was sick and couldn't attend, so he gave us the tickets for free!

dt auckland on day 1 of rwc

Got to Eden Park stadium which is approx 4 miles from downtown and the place was huge! It was also the opening ceremony for the RWC so we got two events in one... sweet... actually, three since there were huge fireworks downtown that we could see from our nosebleed section seats haha! So much fun....

rwc opening ceremony

The next morning (7:10am), we boarded the plane for a weeklong trip to Queenstown/Wanaka. Spent two nights in Queenstown at the Flaming Kiwi Backpackers and did a day up Coronet Peak, which was pretty good later on but so icy in the morning... then ended off the day with snow/rain/hail/wind so we got the F outta there real quick. We were going to go up another mountain one of the days but the conditions weren't too good in the morning but it actually ended up being a nice day... fail. Oh well, we went to Lord of the Rings land (Glenorchy) anyways but failed to see any scenery that looked familiar to the movie and weren't willing to spend $300 on a nerdy bus ride dedicated to LOTR. It was still nice though, lots of sheep. Queenstown isn't what I thought it would be... I always thought it was a lot bigger but really its such a small town. Hit up some wineries and checked out the first ever bungy (but didn't do it hehe). We saw Arj Barker (the comedian... "Dave" from Flight of the Conchords) one night, he's hilarious, almost everyone in the crowd was Aussi... hmmm... Ate at Fishbone one night (deffs recommend if you come down here) and a Thai place... yum yum... but time to save and eat some instant noodles hehe.

queenstown

Were currently in Wanaka (an hour or so from Qtown) and it's so beautiful... snow-capped mountains surrounding a huge lake. Were staying in the most incredible backpackers called Wanaka Bakapaka, pretty much a 5 star hostel... it's so awesome!! Went up Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts, then heading back to Queenstown to meet up with Glen's sister Kate and her boyfriend Lloyd and head up the Remarkables Ski Field. 

lake wanaka

Were here til Saturday then back to Auckland for the night then heading to Napier for a few days! xo

view up treble cone

kea bird up treble cone

Mt. Ruapehu Trip

Just got back from a last minute trip inspired by a coupon on a box of beer… left late Monday night and drove 4 hours to get to Mt. Ruapehu, the closest ski resort to Auckland. Stayed at Tongariro Holiday Park the first, short-lived night and woke up early to ski the first side of the mountain: Whakapapa (pronounced f***-a-puppa haha).

Whakapapa

We thought it would be a little less crowded since it was a Tuesday, but either way there were pretty much no lift line-ups and clear blue skies all day! The snow was nice and soft in spots where the groomers had been, which somewhat restricted us on both days to stay on designated runs since other runs/areas weren’t groomed and were so icy. Lots of fun and cool to be snowboarding in September…

Whakapapaaaa

After boarding, we drove to the opposite side of the mountain to a town called Ohakune and stayed at a really nice backpackers called Rimu Park Lodge & Chalets… (They had a hot tub! So nice after being up the mountain…)

Turoa

Wednesday we went up the opposite side of Mt. Ruapehu to Whakapapa: Turoa. I definitely liked this side better, check out the view below and the runs were longer (and no T-bars). Another bluebird day with little/no lines! You can hike to the top of the mountain to check out the crater on top… wish we did it now that I’m looking at this brochure… dang… Unlike other mountains I’ve been up, this one was a bit freaky since there were signs on the chairlift saying, “Do you know what to do when you hear the sirens?” “Did you know mudflows follow valleys?” There also weren’t any trees (makes sense but still different) and instead big rocky outcroppings. 

Looking down on Turoa

Nice little getaway and a good warm-up for our trip to Queenstown (flight leaves this Saturday for a week!)

kiwi crossing!

First Week in NZ

First week in New Zealand and things are going great… pretty much been meeting up with people every night of the week. Glen and I are going to stay in Glenfield (a suburb of Auckland where Glen’s mom lives) until the Rugby World Cup is finished at the beginning of October.

The weather has been pretty Vancouver-ish the last week… cloudy and rainy (but I guess it is winter). Taken some drives, Glen and his friends went for a dive to catch scallops at a place called Tawharanui so while they were doing that, I walked around this sanctuary that was right next door. It was pretty creepy since there was no one else there, but very beautiful. Everything inside of the sanctuary are native plants/animals, with a special fencing used to keep pests out (mice, hedgehogs, ferrets). Apparently there are some kiwi birds in there but I saw no sign of them. Either way, it was a sweet secluded spot. The sanctuary is huge with some hiking trails and camping, so hopefully we go back there.

Rugby World Cup begins next Friday (September 9^th), which is going to be the biggest event in NZ. We’re going to go into downtown Auckland where there’s going to be a bunch of activities similar to the Olympics and the largest fireworks display in NZ history, so that should be pretty sweet! We went to a Warriors (NZ) vs Cowboys (Australia) rugby league game last night at the Mt. Smart stadium close to the city with a bunch of people and it was good times… over 20,000 people in the crowd and the game was really fast paced… and the NZ team won.

We’ve been planning lots of ski trips, this week we are going to go to Mt. Ruapehu (about 4 hours south) for a few days and we’ve also booked flights to Queenstown where we will be for a week snowboarding the different mountains surrounding it. Going to be awesome!