New Zealand/Australia Christmas Holidays

After much procrastination and overall a busy time of year as the boarders and scholars return to school I finally have had some time to sit down and put down my past 6 sixs of holidays and travel. It was a good break from school but after the six weeks of traveling around and living out of a backpack and living prodomenetly off of Subway I was happy to see my flatmates and my home. The comfort of the school and of my little cottage with consistent laundry use and a clean toilet sounded all too wonderful to come home to after a very adventerous holiday.

Packed up and ready to go and meet the parents in Auckland I loaded onto the bus for the big 9 hour trek up to Auckland. Counting down the kilometres as I neared the "Bombay Hills" I slowly began to count down from 50 km knowing that once I reach Auckland I would be seeing my parents in person. Skype has really been amazing and I truly havent been homesick at all. For sure there are things that I miss about home but I am enjoying my time here too much to get upset about being away. And so the km began to decline rather quickly and soon I began counting down the streets to the blocks and then there right on Quay St were Mom and Dad. It was such a weird thing to see my parents in MY adventure.. and for the first two days really felt so surreal. We headed north from Auckland for our Christmas Day destination of 90 mile beach where we would spend the night of the 24 and the 25 of December. On the way we stopped in at the Kaori trees which are GINORMOUS trees that are over 4500 years old. Incredible!!! These trees towered over us as we walked through the rainforest the biggest one stretching 15 m in circumference. Truly incredible and really made you feel so mini and unimportant in comparison. The rainforests were incredible.

Christmas Day was perfect, sunny and hot. There is no question that it didnt feel like Christmas Day at all as we scortched in the sun and most Kiwi families were beach carting and bbq'ing. Yet again another different experience. Far from our white Christmas.

Heading south we made our way to the Coromandel region which is known for its white sandy beaches. Having some amazing weather up on the east coast Dad and I snorkeled for my first time and saw some really neat fish. Dad deciding to venture over towards some rocks spotted a sting raye approx 5 feet in width. I dont think I have ever swam away so fast probably due to the first thing that popped into my head.. "Steve Irwin" Yes it was another adventure and I was quick to return to the 10 inch fish. Up on the coast we saw a place called Hot Water Beach which has volcanic activity underneath the sand which makes the sand so hot. It was intolerable! SO HOT! Steam rose from the sand meanwhile cool water crashed in.

Making our way down through the middle of the island we stopped in at Hobbiton where the Lord of the Rings footage was filmed in the Shire. Although it was a huge rip off to tour the set we took our picture with Gollum and continued on passing Mount Doom on our way south to my home for New Years Eve. My flatmates made it down and we all spent New Years together with a Mexican Fiesta and a late night bonfire. It was probably one of the best New Years Eves that I have had.

Spending some time in Marton we toured around doing day trips. Dad decided that he wanted to bunjy jump and seeing as I wasnt about to let the old man outdue me in my new home I joined him. Of course I had to go first. I dont think that I have ever screamed so loud in my life. Jumping from 80 m off a bridge and into a gorge is definately a thrill and definatley a thrill to be had again. Incredible.

We slowly made our way back up to Auckland where Dad would leave and Mom and I would be joined by my Nan. One gone and one incoming! We were going to have a three generation holiday and both Mom and Nan would learn a lot about backpacking and cheap accomodation.

After saying goodbye to Dad the three of us flew south to Christchurch where I would tour the other two around for a week. We visited the pancake rocks and Lake Wanaka where we did a beautiful hike up the mountain to overlook Lake Wanaka. We made our way south to Milford Sound and were blown away by the thousands and thousands of waterfalls that were pouring out of the mountain side.

Waking up that morning one could easily say that I was in probably my most sour mode.. Mostly infected by the horrible weather outside. I didnt see a point in spending the money to take the bus to the Sound if it was pouring. " we arent going to even see the waterfalls... blah blah blah" I was totally wrong. Apparently the sound is the most beautiful at times of heavy rain.. It was truly incredible and a definate must do on any travelers time in New Zealand. Waterfalls were coming from every where and stretching all the way up the mountain side. It was honestly one of the most incredible natural things that I have seen yet.

After the sounds we made our way over to the east coast to see the penguins in Omaru. After a personal guided tour of the reserve we left with over 100 photos of strictly just penguins and seals. It was a great 2 hours. We saw yellow eyed penguins and fur seals. I was standing at the most 5 metres away from a snoring seal who when he woke was not happy to have a lens practicly shoved up his nose.. Again a great photo opp..

We headed back to Christchurch to fly out and head down unda to Australia where we would spend our next 2 weeks of holiday. New Zealand was great and we all really did have a good time. I know I am missing some events but this is really just a small account of 6 weeks. .. Hopping on the plane we headed to Auz...

To Be continued....

+ 30 degrees and 95 % humidity welcomed us landing down in Brisbane. Needless to say our two weeks in Australia were hot.. I know at home when there isnt air conditioning and it is 30 degrees outside it would seem at times unbearable however when you throw in 95 % humidity the word unbearable has been given a new meaning.. The three of us trying to pass the heat by playing a low intensity game of cards still proved to be to much movement for the temperatures.

We landed in Brisbane before hopping on a train and headed North to Townsville which is approx 24 hour train ride up the east coast of Queensland. Unfortunately for us one week prior to us landing in Australia the top of the country had been hit with a tropical cyclone. Floods reached 8 m in height above the roads ( oh well!! we were going anyway and determined to make the most of the experience) Although it rained every day while we were in Australia we still made the most of our time. Spending time on beaches even when it may have been raining. Visiting the zoos and cuddling koalas, feeding kangaroos and draping a water python around my neck are a few of the new experiences that I wont forget. Australia beaches are incredible and if it hadnt have been killer jellyfish season I would have loved to head out in the Great Barrier Reef..

Thankfully I have another two weeks holidays in April and I am headed to Australia again with every intention of snorkeling in the reef. I am traveling for two weeks by myself and I cant wait for another adventure down unda.

So far comparing my time in New Zealand and Australia I think that New Zealand has so much more to offer in terms of sight seeing and travel. Yes, Australia has beautiful beaches but right now I am in love with the Kiwi's mountains, beaches, volcanoes and sheep... Cant wait for April holidays where I will get to give Australia another chance..

Other travel plans include Asia. . I will be headed to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for a month before I head home in August. I cant wait and really am looking forward to planning my next adventures.

Things at the school continue to be great and I love everyday that I am working at the school with the students. Still super busy and still loving New Zealand even if we are headed into winter soon..

All is well.

Em