Katie and I did a tamden swing: strapped into a harness and dropped, free falling for 70 meters before swinging across a gorge! In short (and in Kiwi), it was AWESOME!
Happy to report that I'm still alive following an excursion on the world's highest swing....
Katie and I did a tamden swing: strapped into a harness and dropped, free falling for 70 meters before swinging across a gorge! In short (and in Kiwi), it was AWESOME!
0 Comments
Sorry for things being quiet on the blog of late. NZ is lacking Wifi hotspots that are Linux friendly (after two weeks, this is my only complaint!!!) so logging on has been onerous. Whilst I'm having a moan, wifi is charged by the hour in most places, not by MB - slow connection speeds and hourly rates sounds like a conspiracy to me!
Anyhow, arrived in Wanaka and it is as serene and beautiful as Katie described it! We travelled here from Christchurch in a Nissan Tilda, automatic transmission (would welcome any comments on this particular jalopy). Haven't driven an automatic for years, but it was fun - once I'd figured out how to get the key out of the ignition!!!! The blog will be playing catch-up now as I'll be posting stuff retrospectively - Below is a snap of the Devil's Bath at Wia-o-tapu thermal park near Rotarua. Currently on the ferry to the South Island - internet access has not been great so prepare for a barrage of blogs, starting with Rotarua!
Firstly, Rotarua smells, alot - largely due to the sulphur compounds eminating from the ground! Aside from the acrid stench, thermal park we visited is awesome - it's like being in another world, i.e. Narnia on acid! So, wedding over and man what a head ache this morning! Beer and sun is a recipie for a hangover - but well worth it. the wedding was amazing; the scenery spectacular and as ever, the food was incredible (and in plentiful supply)!
The evening ended with a disco and the formation, for one night only, of the Collins-Chester air band. The bride plays a mean lead guitar whilst the groom and best man filled in on rhythm guitar and bass - all my practising paid off too so I could accompany the family Collins on bass, guitar, keys, and drums. Lets rock! Visited Mount Maunganui for lunch and took in the sites prior to the wedding rehersal - just the most amazing views! NZ is such an amazing place - there are views like this everywhere! In fact, Bex and Matt's wedding venue at sulphur point looks out to the Mount!
So, Golf. How hard can it be? My 36 over par suggests that I should give the sport more credit! Of course the beer per hole didn't help my concentration or aim, but there are worse ways to spend a Thursday.
Taking it easy today in preparation for the wedding celebrations tomorrow (and because I'm a little hazy after the boozy day yesterday!). Thought that I'd include a map showing where Tauranga is... Arrived in Auckland at 08.05, Monday morning after 24hrs on a plane (save a brief walk in Seoul Airport to change planes) and didn't feel too bad - particularly as it was 25 degrees and sunny!
Flight with Korean Air was great. given the price, i was slightly dubious as to whether or not the plane would have full compliment of engines, wings, etc - but it did! Food and service was great - i definitely recommend flying with them! Backpackers lodge in Ponsonby was also cool, except internet access was limited (hence why this post has taken a while!). Had fun in Auckland, the Skytower was particularly good and Devonport is like a sunblushed Isle of Wight. Collected the car (a Diahtsu Sirion - would love to know what Top Gear think of it!) and headed to Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty for Bex's wedding. Stagdo playing golf today - what is it they say about mad dogs and englishmen?....... Looking foward to the trip!
|
MjCChronicling my travels.... Archives
September 2015
Categories
All
|