NZ and Fiji

Gullivers Travels and beyond

NZ and Fiji

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Lord of the Rings

One of the mountains used in the film. Queenstown, March 2003.

First few days in NZ

Ki ora (hello)

Well I left Sydney on March 21st for New Zealand. Had a really good last night in Sydney. Met up with a few people who I used to work with. Then met Luci, Abbie and Rich for a few beers.

Managed to get my ass out of bed on the Friday morning and head to the aiport was only an hour late. On the way to the airport, the driver did some bizzare loop of Sydney. Saw all the familiar places for the last time. Actucally felt worse leaving Sydney than OZ than it did leaving home.

At the airport empted my OZ bank account and spent all my unused aussie dollars on a lot of crap from duty free. Using my powers of pursussion - basically talking crap and smiling a lot, I managed to get a business class seat. Massive seat, great food, loads of free booze. Only cause the flight was half empty though.

Flying over New Zealand, got a great view of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook. Arrived in Christchurch. New Zealand seems, very nice, very scenic place. Theres only one massive problem with NZ though. It's absolutley fuc*in freezing. Average day temp is 16-21c. I got chapped lips within 3 hours of arriving - whats that all about. I've resorted to wearing thermal socks, a jumper, fleece, scarf, gloves and a hat. Don't want to acclimitise to the cold, only to go back to the heat in a few weeks.

Only been in NZ 4 days, already been asked about 5 times which part of England im from, and twice been called a pom. I know i don't have the strongest of accents, but people thinking im english. Been happening a little too often lately, for my liking.

Christchurch can be described as BORING. Where are all the people? I thought there was around 15million people in NZ, turns out its only around 4m. Chr wasn't that busy, although alll the hostels were fully booked, took me 2 calls to find a place. Settled on the YeeHA. Bit pricy at $23, but did have a heater in the room. Headed out on Friday avo, to expolre Chr. Went to the Catherdral, apparently its the most impressive gothic cathedral in NZ. Sat in there for a bit, been all religous, watched the choir sing. Joined in myself, before been asked to leave. Explore the nightlife in Chr, boring, found this nice place seeling cheap beer though. Not a fan of NZ beer, wheres the Tooheys, they have VB! Also taking a while to get used to this new currency, and everything seems soo expensive, but it isnt, actually pretty cheap, when you work it out.

Saturday, wandered around Chr, got bored. Decided to head up on the gondola, to the extinct volcano, got a great view of the city, but had to come straight back down, felt really ill. Rest of saturday was spent debating as to whether i was about to die and sleeping.

Sunday morning had to get up at 7am (hate early starts) to catch the Kiwi bus. I've booked myslef on it for the next 3 weeks, doing the south and north island, god help me. We where heading to Kikoura. To my suprise the bus driver/guide, said we could go whale watching that afternoon. For the last year ive wanted to do it, but always been in the wrong palce at the wrong time, or too pissed to get up in time. We checked in to the hostel in Kaikoura - crap.

Headed off on the whale watching tour. The crew said, its a really patience game, don't expect to see many, and it may take an hour to spot one. Ten minutes later the boat was off at full speed, we had spotted one. This massive Sperm Whale, just lying on top of the water, was about 18metres long. Was an amazing site, seeing the blow hole, then its tail as it went to dive. We were off again, another one had been spotted, as we got closer, it was actually 2 lying side-by-side. Truly spectacular. Saw about 8 sperm whales in total. There was also killer whales in the area, but we didnt see any. Next we spotted this large pod of Dusky Dolphins, must have been over a hundred. Swimming along, surfing the waves, jumping out of the water, doing summersaults. Got some amzing pictures. Also saw a few Hectors Dolphins, they are pretty rare and endangered.
Saw quite a few NZ fur seals, they absolutly stank, and a few albatross'

Back in Kaikoura, all of the passengers on the bus, took over some bar, got horrendously pissed and danced the night away. Got back around 3am. Had to get up at 6am on Monday to leave for Nelson. Stopped off at Picton for a few hours, just fell asleep arrived in Nelson, its crap. Type of place you wanna leave as soon as you get here. Bit freaky for me. We checked into the Prince Albert "hotel", thats crap as well. It was either that, or Dave's Palace, that sounded a little too dodgy for me.

We all went out last night, went to a few bars. Went to this one, think they where having an inbred convention. Was shitting it thought, i was going to be recruited to their cult. We headed back around 3am. Woke up around 5, couldn't get back to sleep, checked out and went to get on the bus. Couldn't get on the bus this morning, apparently even though i said 3 days ago I wanted to leave here today, the 25th, I was put on standby last night as the bus was full.

Pretty funny, that I was the one took off, probably nothing to do with the fact my names last on the list. Now have to stay in Hicksville. After a pissed off call to Kiwi, im out of here tomorrow, although have to reconfirm tonight. If i cant get on tomorrow, ill have to hichhike to Queenstown, dont have the time to faff around getting from A to B

Well im off to do nothing today, as theres nothing here. Will just lie in the sun shivering, topping up the tan. Well after I finally left Nelson last wednesday, we made our way to Westport. Not much going on in westport, hardly anyone lives on the west coast of NZ.

Interesting bit - Apparently, on the west coast of NZ there is an earthquake, every week, measuring upto 4.5 on the rechter scale, reason you don't here about it is because harly anyone lives here. They also record over 3000 plate movements every 24 hours. Most of the bridges here are all metal, and one way, as the earthquakes destroy the concrete ones.

On way to Westport stopped off at the Abel Tasmen National Park for some Kayaking. Really hard work kayaking, lucking I was in the back and the let the girl at the front do all the work. Headed in to Westport, stayed in a really nice hostel there. Myself, 2 Scottish girls and the other guys sharing the room decided to go to the park for a bit of a faffabout. We spotted a childrens playground, suitable for 5-7 year olds. Without a second thought we were all over it, on the see-saw, down the chute. Some of the stuff there was terrifying, im going to do a skydive, but i cant climb up on that. Also realsied how unfit i am - what has happened in the last 17 years. After dinner and a few beers in at the pub, we decided to head back to the playground, had a far better laugh this time, although do one managed to do a summersault dismount off the monkeys bars.

Thursday morning, it was off horseriding, the guides actually let us loose which was pretty good, didn't have to do the normal trot or canter, could gallop if we were keen. Galloping away all is fine, there were 8 of us. First we are crossing the river, the horse this irish guy was on decides its going to roll over while hes still on its back, he gets soaked just gets out of the way in time. I go to jump over this peice off wood, the horse decides no, i hit the deck. Then the same with this girl, she falls and the horse came down on her ankle, fantastic, shall be more careful next time.

After leaving Westport, we headed further south into the unknown, to a place called Mahinapua, and the infamous Poo Party, those of you who have been there, know what im talking about, those of you going - good luck. First we stopped off at Cape Foulwind, walked for over an hour to see the largest Seal colony in NZ, wasn't that intesesting, so jsut crashed on teh beach sunbathing. Stopped off for lunch and checked out the Punakaiki Pancake Rcocks - pretty damn boring, back on the bus caught up on the ZZZ's. Arrived in Mahinapua, to be greeted by our host for the evening, Les, must be in his 80's but certainly knew how to make us laugh. The beer was so cheap here, and the had a happy hour. Bottle of wine and few jugs of beer later it was time for the group meal, cooked by our drivers Chopper and Red, lovely big steak with loads of vegies. After that it was time for everyone to get dreesed for the party. We were given one black back, thats what we had to wear, could use any accessories we like. A lot of the guys went as women. After much artistic thought, and not wanting to wear a skirt, I went as a ghost, thought I looked pretty good. About 2am a crowd of us walk dto the lake looking for glow worms, saw a fae, then headed to the beach, and drank the night away.

Glacier Hike and Bungee Jump

Friday morning, pretty worse for wear, we headed to Franz Josef, and the glacier. First we stopped off at Pukekura. Here we could try some gold panning or paintballing. Most of the bus just settled for the free tea/coffee and crashed on the grass, trying to recover from last night. Then headed to the Bushman centre, to watch a video about feral animals in NZ, and some very interesting music, all very exciting, not! We then headed off to Franz Josef, place is freezing, really nice though. Had a few drinks in the bar and took part in the quiz, sadly our team didn't win.

On Saturday, it was off on the Glacier Hike. Picked up at 9am, took to the centre to be fitted up with boots, jackets, and given an ice axe. There was around 50 of us, we headed to the glacier and split into groups, depending on how fast you wanted to go. I choose the fast group, and headed off up the glacier. We walked for over an hour, before we got on to the ice, once on it, we had to fit ice taloms to our shoes. Then the fast group was broken down again, to a more advanced group, which i joined with 9 others, Our Guide AJ, said he was basically going to push us to the limits, and beyond, dont be expecting any easy stuff. We head on up the glacier, getting into some really hard spots. Was a lot of hard work, some places where inaccessible, but AJ was saying, oh it will be fun, hes hacking steps into the side of the ice so we can get through. Stopped for lunch then headed on up the glacier, going over little bridgs, ith 50ft drops at eitrher side. One part we had to go down on ropes, then walk through a bit that was on thin, thought i was going to get stuck. We all got socked in the frezzing water trying to get to a really small ice cave was excellent, going in all the small tunnels. On the way back AJ says, this is the most difficult part, be careful, don't rush, its very difficult. We start to head down, I don't knopw what happened i go to turn, my right foot tripped over my left foot, I fall and start to slide down the ice, just sliding, in some kind of bizzare comical fall, sliding, tumbling, unable to stop myself, not even trying to, just in shock, suddenly realise im still sliding, trying to stop myslef with the ice axe, everyones just standing there in shock while im about 20 feet away, manage to stop, and pull myself up. AJ says, yeah if you fall on the ice you wont stip, till something stops you - bit late in telling us. Alll teh way back down I was going so slow, at any difficult bit, the others where liek, "we have the camera ready this time". Managed to get down in one piece, was a really good day, a must for anyone coming to NZ.

Left Franz on Sunday, and headed to Wanaka, yes 3 a's. Stopped off at Lake Mathieson to get a good look at the Soutehrn Alps and Mount Cook. Stayed in a really nice hotel in Wanaka. Dind't do much there, caught up on my sleep and watched loads of tv.

Left Wanka on Monday, and headed to Queenstown. First we stopped off at Puzzle World. Tackled the maze, amangaed to get to the 4 corners, but couldn't find myway back tot eh start, had to use the emergency exit. Some of the exhibits, there are really good. We then headed in to Queenstown. If you haven't heard of Queenstown, its the adrenelaine/adventure, basically sacre yourself shitless, capital of the world. A lot of 'Lord of the Rings' was filmed aroud here, driving in we could see a lot of places from the movie. Our driver told us that the lord of the rings people are in town just now, we were like, what did he jsut say. They are in town, just now, shooting re-takes for the 3rd movie, didnt manage to spot any of the stars though. Queenstown, is abslutley freezing, 5c during the day, im constantly freezing, i gotta get back to the sun. Booked myslef on the Nevis Bungee jump for Tuesday. I think its the second highest in the world, 134metres (440feet).

Well got to the bungee centre, got weighed in. Then its a 40 minute drive to the bungee site, everyone was just sitting there nervous, not saying anything. We had to drive up this very steep hill. Once there they put you in a harness and get re-weighed. Then you go out in this cable ar, to the gondla which is just suspended between the cliffs. Its a bloody long way down. Once in the gondla, which swings in the wind, they attach the things to your feet, then you have to wait around to jump. Heaviest to the lightest. The gondala has glass panels on the floor so you can see right down, it horrendous. The girl before me is all strapped up ready to go, she stans up, the breaks down in tears, she could not do it. Im satnding there absolutley shitting it. Anyway my turn, sit on the seat, get all the ropes and stuff attached, stand up, edge closer to the edge, look down, im like no fu**in way, could not do it. Had to pull myself back, got all the ropes off and stuff.

Neways, they dont give you your money back, only a credit note. I was so gutted that I didnt do it, all the way back to Queenstown was thinking about it. Got to the bungee centre and booked myself on the one over the Kawarau Bridge for 3pm. Got out to the bridge site, told them what happened this morning, they were really nice talked me through it all. Got strapped up, got to the edge, hesitated a bit, the guys like dont think about it, just walk off, 1 more step, i was off the platform, plumiting towards the water, was amazing, them just got pulled back up with the rope, fwe more bounces, grab the stick in t e boat, got pulled down, just lay there absolutly relieved, was an amzing experience, but dont think i could do it again.

Didn't do much else in Queenstown, just sampled the night life, very very good. All these early mornign and late nights aint good.

Left Queenstown headed back to Christchurch, staying here til Saturday then off to Kaikoura again - just the route the bus goes. Head across to the North Island on Saturday, first stop is Wellington.

North Island, drunken nites and Orcas

So I left Queenstown last Saturday for Christchurch. On the way stopped off at Mount Cook for a few last pics. At the lookout was a load of bizzare japaneese tourists, jumping around, acting stupid, was killing myself laughing. Also bumped into Julianna, who I shared a house with in Sydney. Caught up and reminisced about the old times (3 months ago), then headed off. We stopped off at Lake Pukaki and Lake Taupo, colour of the water is spectacular, all the different greens/blues due to the minerals in the water.

Into Christchurch, was boring the first time, without been there a second time. Checked into the Stonehurst hostel. Pretty nice, had a heated pool and bar serving cheap beer. So all i did was sit by the pool drinking cheap beer. On the Friday night went out with a few people from the Kiwi bus, got back pretty late. Had to get up early to head to Kaikoura (again) didn't want to wake the other 9 people up in the dorm, so packed in the dark. Got to Kaikoura, realaised I'd left my beanie (hat) and 2 t-shirts on the bed. Called the hostel, they said they were not there, was so pissed off. Stupid me for leaving them there, but can't believe some fucker stole them. Don't care who i wake up from now on, packing with the light on.

Anyway back in Kaikoura, as been there before didnt do anything, jsut sat watching, 'Road Trip' Lord of the Rings' and 'Dude where's my car' - absolutley hilarious.

On the sunday we headed off from Kaikoua to Picton to catch the ferry to Wellington in the North Island. Ferry crossing was boring, and they charged to watch the movie. Cost us $45 to cross, paying our money through Kiwi Experience, found out a few days later, it should only be $25. Kiwi is crap, OZ exp was far better.

Arrived in Wellington, stayed in the same hotel, the Queen stayed in 1953 on the Coronation Tour. Don't think the place has changed since then, was horrendous, but doubles were served at the same price as singles. Went out, explored Wellington for a bit. Then went to the cinema with Lucy, Danniell, Mahri and Helen. As always when I go to the cinema I fell asleep - twice.

Up early on Monday morning to head from Wellington to Taupo. Went along the Kapiti coast, Desert Road. Passed Tongariro National Park, where loads of Lord of the Rings was shot. Saw where Mount Doom and all that is - pretty impressive. Arrived in Taupo, really wanted to do a skydive there, but my bank balance would let me, well gutted. Checked into our hostel, 'Go Global', horrendous place. Didnt have a tv room or anything. All the alcholics from the Kiwi bus where shoked to find, 2 bars underneath the hostel and the hostel serving beer. Well no suprise what we did. Met up with Serena who i keep bumping into all over NZ and few others from Kiwi. Went to few bars, ended up in the 'Holy Cow'. Entered the pool competion - came 4th. All Kiwi passengers got happy hour drinks all night. They had some bizzare, drinking game going on. People putting a condom on your shoulder, if "grenade" was shouted you had to get off the floor, if "shark" was shouted you had to lie on the floor. Spend the entire night, constanly looking at my shoulders, standing on tables and lying on the floor. Also the music there was horrendous, I know NZ is a bit behind, but music from '97 is taking the piss. Got back around 4, sat in the hostel drinking til 5.

Up next morning, feeling like crap for the 8 hour drive to Auckland. Stopped off at Roturua. Passed through this place, that absolutley stuck of, well - farts. But its sulphur or something. Also passed all these hot springs. Also stopped off at the Aquadome, this adventure place, just sat in the sun.

Arrived in Auckland on Tuesday about 4.30pm, checked into the ACB hostel, rigth in the centre, seems alright, pretty big. But my room doesn't have a window, or a skylight. Sharing with 3 other guys, absolutley hilarious. We all went out on Tuesday night, to celebreate the end of our trip. Got absolutly hoorendously drunk. Was a great night, said goodbye to everyone as most were leaving on wed or thursday. Got in about 5.30am. My alarm clock went off at 6.30am, as I had booked myself on the Bay of Islands day trip. Woke up but fell back asleep. Woke up at 7.15, was to be picked up at 7.20. Jumped out of bed, grabbed my bag, did a mad dash, just got to the bus as it was about to leave. Slept all the way to Paihia. Felt so ill. Weather wasn't that great, was like what am i going to do. Decided on a jet boat ride, doing a tour of the islands.

Got into the jet boat at 2pm, was leaving Pahia at 4.20 to come back to Auckland. We had to turn back at pick 2 other people up. Neways we are zooming all around, doing 360 turns and stuff getting absolutly soaked, thought i was going to be sick, Stopped at a few islands, went through this hoel in a rock. Also stopped at cathedral rock, was sitting in the boat, the guide says, legend has it, if a drop of water falls on you from the cathedral - just then a drop falls on me - "oh my god, im gonna die", legend has it you will be blessed for life, and bear many children. Don't mind been bleesed for life, but can do without any children never mind many.

We tour a few more islands, and head back to the bay, out at sea we see loads of dolphins, they where out at sea, as 4 orcas (killer whales) where in the bay. We get back into the bay, spot an orca in the distance. We head closer, can't see it. It surfaces about 4 metres away from us. I was blown away, spectacular site. Then we see the calf that was only days old, was about a metre long, wanted to take it home. Saw the other 2 orcas a bit further away. Headed back to the marina at 4.30 - my bus was leaving at 4.20. Had to run to the pick up point, got on. 1 girl didnt make it, she was left there.

Got back into Auckland about 8, went to the Globe Bar, met up with few people, stayed there for a while, then headed to a few other places.

Thursday went out to explore Auckland. Auckalnd seems alright, liek the big cities, as theres always something to do. Although, what is with the Harbour Bridge, it looks exactly like the Sydeny one, but smaller, compltey unimpressive, and the Sky Tower - whats that all about. Went to Victoria Park, and the Victoria markets, bought few souviners.

Friday went and sorted my flights, picked a date home, 8 weeks, god help me. Can not be assed going back there. Also went up the Sky Tower, got great view of the city and went to the Botanical Gardens.

Today is my last day in New Zealand. Its been alright, think I've did it far too qucik to really apreciate it. Next time, would definatly spent longer, especially in the north island, going right upto Cape Regina, find out more about Mouri cuture and stuff. Best places have to be, Franz Josef and the glacier hike, the Bungee in Queenstown, Taupo and the whales in the Bay of Islands. Nowhere has been really crap, just quiet a few palces have been far too quiet. Only thing that pissed me off was my hat been stolen, also the weather, averaging about 22c, 3 weeks of this has been horrendous, aint good going from 38c to 22. Well im now going back to 38c and the glourios sunshine. Not to make any of you jealous, but im off to the pacific paradise off Fiji, can't wait only a few hours to go.

Well im off, got a plane to catch

FIJI

Paradise

The Beachouse. Coral Coast, Fiji. April 2003.

BULA (hello)

I arrived in Fiji at Nadi on Saturday night. Plane here was pretty good, great food and a free full bar. Stepped off the plane to absolute heaven, it was 32c at 11pm, I've been missing the heat ever since I left OZ. Had a traditional Fijian welcome, a dance, song and was given some beads. Headed to my hotel, was alright, had a pool but a bit dead for atmosphere. On Sunday headed into Nadi ton, most places where shut as it was sunday, took me about 1 and a half hours to walke there. Comign back got caught in a tropical storm and had to sit in a bus shelter for 2 hours. Thankfully thats the only time it rained.

By monday, the sun was shining, 44c, the thought of all those sandy beaches and crystal clear water was too tempting. I decided to head off from Nadi to the Coral Coast. Booked myself on a tour, got shown arund some pointless places in Nadi, headed to the town to the markets. Next stop was natadola Beach, really nice, just sat under a palm tree getting a tan. Headed further along the coral coast to Sigatoka, stayed there for the night at Crows Nest Resort. Really nice, 4 of us living in this villa type cabin, for 4 pounds a night. Was split on 2 levels had a kitchen and all. One of the girls went to the toilet, we heard a scream, went in, "oh my god, they have a hairdryer" - some people are easily pleased. Had a great view of the ocean and sunset. Sat around the pool, drinking beer, and the local rum, that stuff is lethal. Some traditional fijian dancers from a local village where there. They did some songs and dances, was really good. They got everyone up at the end to do a conga. Still need some convincing that a conga is a traditional fijian dance. After the dancers the Kava started flowing. Now, id heard stories about this, but like everything have to try it for yourself. It basically looks like dirty water and tastes horrendous. Well we all drank loads of it. I was named the Kava King, don't know how much of it I downed, and come to thing of it, I don't know why. It tastes disgusting, and doesn't get you drunk. Just numbs your tounge and lips a bit, and gives you a good nights sleep.

Next morning at 8am, we headed further along the coral coast to Karolevu, to stay at the beach house. Nice little resort, set in 4 hectares of coconut grove, bordered bya sandy white beach - heaven. Did some snorkelling, had a few beers sat around playing cards staring at the night sky, looking at the southern cross, orions belt and venus - pretty impressive. Went for a midnight (3am) swim in the ocean. This guy shouts, theres something out there, everyone crapped it, we saw this black thing in the distnace, "its a shark", "its a seal", no it was the owners dog - further out than us, trying to catch the jumping fish.

Since leaving OZ and NZ, I knew that id be going home soon - tomorrow infact. Nah only kidding few weeks yet. But im now at the point, where I just can't be assed anymore. As the date gets closer and stresses me out more, I just want it over and done with, not realy enjoying the last few weeks as much as i should be. Im supposed to be in Fiji until late next week, but just sitting around ona beach is really nice, but its making me think of all the things i dont want to think about. So i left the coral coast last night, and headed back to Nadi and changed my flight. Leaving for LA this evening, hopefully moving through the states and canada and doing stuff each day will be a good thing.

So, get the bus back to Nadi last night was horrendous. Took 2 hours, in the oldest bus imaginable. The driver was terrible, thought he was gonna crash quite a few times, was glad to get off. Got to the hostel, had a few beers, chatted to a few people who are all on my flight tonight. This guy came up, and said did we share the same house. Dave, who lived with us for about 2 weeks, in Sydney. Never really saw much of him in Sydney, but turns out we only live 5 mins away from each other back home. By the end of the night 15 of us had to leave the bar, climbed in to a 7 seater taxi and headed to this club/brothel. Was hilarious, until me and Sarah, got sprayed by a guy been sick on the dancefloor. These woman coming up to us, saying, how are you - you wanna **** me now! The music was crap, when I asked for some songs, the guy said the police will come - what? Apparently its illegal to play music after 1am. Sat outside the hostel til about 4am. Not been familair with the layout of my room, having only been it it for 10 seconds. I headed to bed, somehow knocked over the bin, made this loud bang, to which i laughed histerically. Only managed to wake up 8 people. the yall got there revenge from 6 am this morning. Fell really ill, and im losing my voice. Have to be awake for about 30 hours now, unless i can sleep on the plane. Going to fell wierd having the same day twice, as I cross the date line.

Neways off to buy some tacky Fijian souviners.