Tongariro Trip

Cora, Annalen & Sabine ... Rotorua















The geyser blows its top ...

Tongariro Crossing

The Tongariro Crossing has been described as one of New Zealand's best one-day treks. It is a spectacular one-day trek across New Zealand's Tongariro National Park World Heritage Area. The trek begins at Mangatepopo in the west and ends at Ketetahi on the northern edge of the Park.












The Tongariro Crossing starts as a gentle gradient up the Mangatepopo Valley to a steep climb to the saddle between the active Volcanoes of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, across South Crater and finally climbing up to Red Crater, the highest point (1886m) on the track. Then descending down to the Emerald Lakes (a group of water filled explosion craters), over Central Crater to the Blue Lake (an old vent) sidling around North Crater past the Ketetahi Hut and the Ketetahi Hot Springs down through the native forest to the car park.





Cora's email this morning ....first the bad news aye....
I think I have killed the cellphone on the tongariro crossing. They told us to make sure we bring one so I decided to take us for emergencies. the weather was supposed to be really fine but apparently the weather forecast was wrong, tongariro expeditions even told us where to send our complaints.

After a beautiful sunrise and the first two hours in sunshine, the weather turned into absolute crap and it was too late to turn around as we had already climbed the "devil's staircase" and they had told us it would be too difficult to get down from this point. Just saying that I had tried to package the phone waterproof but actually even the last one of my five layers was completely wet when we came down and so I don't know whether the phone just got too cold or whether it died from the rain. I'll take it to a shop in Taupo today and see whether they can fix it, and if not, i'll replace it or I'll leave you mine. I'm sorry.....

So that was that - the crossing itself was quite disappointing as the fog was so extreme that it was even hard sometimes to find the next marker stick which showed us the way. and of course we didn't see any of the "sights", only the emerald lakes but the wind was so strong that we tried to get down as soon as possible from that point as well.

When we finally arrived at Ketetahi Hut it was so full with frozen backpackers that we didn't really stay and I just got out of my wet jeans and decided to wear hotpants for the rest of the track that was still better than long trousers. some of the guys seemed to think that was really funny :)

well after all we managed to get down and tackled the whole crossing in 6 hours instead of 9. that was probably beacuse we didn't even have any of our lunch as it was just too cold to stop walking.

the rest of the day was good, we basically spent it in the spa pool of the hostel and had an early night. over all, I found it quite challenging and I was pretty scared in some parts but it's still a good experience....:) sorry again about the cellphone, i hope you're all fine, say hello to josh and fay and have a gr8 day lovya cora

Randoms Cuts

Cora mowing the lawn in the eclectic random style of Jackson Pollock
















The artist model ...

The Weekend

At the CD Store











The Cuba Street fountain .. an iconic piece of Wellington











Buying chocolates!!!











Doorstep in Cuba Street









Shopping in IkoIko ... Cuba Street
























Keeing a close eye on everyone !!










The Fish & Chip Shop at Eastbourne








Waiting for food !!!












Eating food

























Tidying up the bits of Cora .. from all around the house

WEGC Internal Students Christmas Party

... some photos from the International Students Christmas party held last night in the staff room at Wellington East Girls College.

Artistic Impressions

A sketchy chocolate fish

A "Permanent" Momento

Cora really Really REALLY likes the All Blacks and especially "Dan Carter" .. who got 26 points for the team this morning at Twickenham when they beat England 40-21
... so Cora thought she should have a permanent momento ... YEAH RIGHT !!














... and this is my Dan

The Cora Programme

This is my rough programme to let New Zealand I have been here ... my footprints will be all over the country ... yeah right!!























... and this is me doing some R&R with Josh ... at the game arcade last night

My Kiwi Experience Southern Roundup

This is a rough itinerary of my Southern Roundup tour which I will start on 4 December


PICTON TO NELSON
We meet the Cook Strait ferry in Picton and travel via Havelock, and Pelorus Bridge over to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city. A great place in summer to jump off the bus and explore the Abel Tasman National Park on foot or kayak.

NELSON TO WESTPORT
In summer we head Into the Abel Tasman National Park to Kaiteriteri where you have the chance to do a half-day kayaking trip or a water boat ride into the national park to do a short trek. Enroute to Westport we meet the team (and Rata the dog) from Buller Adventure Tours. Experience horse trekking or jet boating on the Buller River. Tonight your driver will arrange a group meal for you but be aware the West Coast cuisine is not your standard BBQ!

WESTPORT TO LAKE MAHINAPUA
Today we head down the spectacular West Coast Road that stretches 435kms along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through diverse landscapes, which never cease to amaze both locals and visitors alike. Highlights Include Cape Foulwind seal colony, rugged beach walks & Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes. On arrival at the famous Mahinapua Hotel you will have the chance to kayak on Lake Mahinapua Tonight your driver will arrange a group meal for you at the legendary “Poo Pub” (a traditional West Coast Pub). Be aware the West Coast Cuisine is not your standard BBQ! The “Wild Food Feast” may consist of whitebait fritters, mountain oysters (goats testicles), bambi steak and squashed possum.

LAKE MAHINAPUA TO FRANZ JOSEF
Our first stop this morning is the Bushman’s Centre where you will get an insight into how people make a living on the coast with sphagnum moss growing, old timber-milling techniques, possum trapping and helicopter deer recovery. We then head through to Franz Josef Glacier Township, nestled in the Westland National Park.

FREE DAY FRANZ JOSEPH
Today is your chance to hike on Franz Josef Glacier (…Jojo did this one), rated in the top three NZ activities by Kiwi Experience passengers.

FRANZ JOSEF TO WANAKA
We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson, near the town of Fox Glacier. We then cruise down the last stretch of the West Coast road (and the most scenic) stopping to check out Ship Cove, Haast River/ Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools, and a chance to go jet boating up the Wilkin River.
After we pass the township of Haast we head into the mountains and bid our farewell to the coastline. Watch the scenery change dramatically as today’s journey continues. We cross the bridge at the gates of Haast, head up the pass and into Mount Aspiring National Park. As we come down the eastern side of the main divide, we track over toward Makarora a wilderness stopover boasting a population of 20, but you try to find all of them in winter. We arrive in Wanaka between 2 – 4pm

WANAKA TO QUEENSTOWN
A short but action packed drive today through to the NZ's adventure capital, Queenstown. Highlights Include Puzzling World (check out the toilets - highly entertaining), Skydive over Lake Wanaka & the Southern Alps, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Group Photo on arrival In Queenstown and finishing up with a night out on the town with your crew…

FREE DAY QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown is rated up there as being one of our passengers favorite spots to hang out In NZ so take the time to spend at least 3 days here Apart from being one of the most beautiful places in the world, Queenstown is New Zealand’s, if not the world’s, adventure capital. You can take advantage of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin pumping activities. We do recommend one activity however, the overland daytrip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as New Zealand’s most beautiful spot, and that’s saying something!

QUEENSTOWN to DUNEDIN to QUEENSTOWN
A side trip for me to catch up with Philena and see some of the Scottish heritage of Dunedin. A few days here and then back to Queenstown to pick up the Kiwi experience tour again

QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH
We head out of Queenstown, up over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country, named after James Mackenzie who was a notorious sheep rustler (or Velcro glove wearer). After dropping people in Twizel for the connection to Mt Cook, we travel through to the amazing aqua blue Lake Pukaki to see Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo for a view of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the bronze sheep dog and the milky blue colour of the glacier fed lakes. From there we have a very straight and flat run into Christchurch and will deliver you to the hostels of your choice between 4.30pm and 6pm.

CHRISTCHURCH TO KAIKOURA
We travel across the northern Canterbury Plains towards Kaikoura arriving there around midday. Kaikoura used to be the South Island’s best-kept secret. Kaikoura means to eat Crayfish (kai - to eat, Koura - Crayfish), actually the full name is Te-Ahi-kai-koura-a-Tama-ki-te-rangi These days its the Whales, Dolphins, Seals and the fish and chips that Kaikoura is becoming ever more popular for. Experience Dolphin Swimming, Whale Watching, Seal Colony walk or chill out at the hostel situated just up from the beach.

KAIKOURA TO PICTON
We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive, and we may take the opportunity to stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks all day long. We make our way to the Picton ferry terminal in time to catch the 1.30pm sailing to the North Island. Say farewell to the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu) and we’re on our way! The ferry ride takes about 3 hours,
... and you will be met by your friendly “HOST FATHER” .. yeah right