Taupo - Stunning Sunsets Over Tongariro National Park | New Zealand

4th - 9th January 2013

After driving through the Waikato countryside, which I referred to as the Shire, the backdrop of Taupo emerged from the other side of the hills. It was one spectacular sight. The three volcanoes, or should I say active volcanoes Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (Mordor in Lord of the Rings) and Tongariro towered above the massive Lake Taupo, which was once a crater. Tongariro still had snow on the peak, showing how high it is even in the heart of the summer. I had originally planned to hike it, however it had begun erupting slightly so have placed this on my bucket list.

That night we had a BBQ with my friends parents and watched the first of many beautiful Taupo sunsets.

A leisurely start the next day, we headed over to Huka Falls. This is an impressive rapids river which daredevils can fly down on a speedboat.

 Then a quick stop off at popular camping spot Reid's Farm. My friend Ben decided he would have a swim, and I wish I had been more adventurous and jumped in...

During lunch at the Jolly Good Fellows Pub, a British pub, we met Jen and Rob, friends of Linda and Ben's. There was a general consensus that we had to make the most of this stunning day and get down to the lake. A quick pitstop to fill up the chilly bin, and we found ourselves the perfect spot near the waters edge. Jen and Rob joined us in their boat, which they anchored and set up their gazeebo. I was incredibly grateful for this as it provided me some refuge from the sun.

At around 5pm the decision was made to go and see the Maori carvings, which were carved back in the 70s. A bottle of bubbly was popped and the New Year was toasted looking at this view:

The next day I decided to put my life in danger by throwing myself our of a plane at 15,000ft over Lake Taupo. Arriving at Skydive Taupo Centre it turned out one of the planes was deemed inoperable, so it meant my dive wouldn't take place for another three hours. We took a walk round town to fill in time.

Finally they kitted me out in a fetching blue overall and lots of straps. I was handed a cap, goggles and oxygen mask which made me look like a surgeon. My instructor was in the air, so I had ex IT consultant Joe make sure everything was in place. He also reassured me that Matty, my instructor, would adjust my straps again as they all have their own preferences. It then dawned on me that these guys risk their lives every single jump they go on. Matty was not very talkative but was very precise, he had already been on three dives that day!

In all honesty, I don't think I was scared at all. I didn't even think about the parachute not opening. I just wanted to experience the freefall.

The climb to 15,000ft was slow but beautiful. We could see for miles across the Lake and the countryside surrounding Taupo. There were about twenty people packed into the tiny plane and whenever someone jumped, it tipped a little.

I was of course last to jump, and was positioned like a banana on the edge of the plane. The next minute, we were out of the plane and freefalling. It took my brain a few seconds to adjust to what was happening, but it felt incredible. I was loving the sensation until Matty pulled the cord. Then the pain came! The straps which were there to keep me safe cut into my legs, and were bruised afterwards. They reminded me that I was a tiny human being compared to the elements, and that a slight gust of wind could eradicate my time on this planet easily. In a way it was a humbling experience, and made me appreciate my life more. The adrenalin rush I got when we landed was crazy, and I had to be taken on a long walk to calm me down! I think Linda and Ben were just happy I was ok. Later that night I realised it would have been my gran's birthday, so perhaps she looked out for me when I jumped.

After a lovely Indian meal with Jen and Rob, we headed home and stopped off to see an incredible sunset on the lake.

The next few days I took day trips to other places in New Zealand, which was so easy as Taupo was the perfect central base. Each night I would come home and have dinner with Linda and her family.

My last day in Taupo was spent preparing for the next part of my journey, and also squeezing in some last minute shopping and sights of Taupo with Linda's mum, her sister and niece. We also met up with Linda for lunch at this amazing cafe/gallery called L'Arte.

That night I would be taking the overnight bus down to Wellington. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing friend, with beautiful family and friends who made my first few weeks in New Zealand so memorable. I had been given the true kiwi experience, and will always be thankful to Linda for that.

Bay of Plenty - The Mount - Life on the Road | New Zealand

4th January 2013

It was now time to explore other parts of the North Island, and so myself and Linda set off on a mini tour of the Bay of Plenty, aptly named so as the land is very fruitful. For most of our journey we drove through orchards and farms, and it was common to see vans at the side of the road with massive signs saying 'AVOS, STRAWBS, KIWIS'.

First stop, Whangamata (pronounced Fangamata). This is a lovely beach/surf town as you leave the Coromandel and enter the Bay of Plenty region. We stopped off here for some delicious breakfast and quick look at the beach.

Onwards we pushed to reach Mount Maunganui, known to the locals as The Mount, before all the spaces were taken. It was heaving, and after two rounds we had to park further along the beach, away from all the action.

In the end, the spot we had picked was ideal, as this side of the beach was more secluded. They have spruced up the boardwalk here too.

The Mount could be seen pretty much everywhere you went. We sat back, sunbathed with Six60 on the speakers, kept hydrated via the chilly bin and watched the surfers brave the waves.

Slightly warped panorama image...

As tummies began to rumble, we headed over to Tauranga for some lunch. Here was our view:

We then continued to drive down to Taupo, through Lord of the Rings country, most notably the Shire!

This is where I would be based for the next few days, and witness some incredible sunsets over the lake.

Oh, before we left the Coromandel, the day before we had a quick stop off at Whitianga (pronounced Fitianga) and had the biggest mussels I have ever seen! I can never look at European seafood again.

Cathedral Cove - Best Part of the Coromandel Peninsula | New Zealand

2nd January 2013

After an incredibly early start for us, and a quick stop off in Tairua for sunscreen (50+) and coffee we drove north to Hahei to start the walk to Cathedral Cove. Even though we attempted to get there at a reasonable time, it took forever to find a car parking space. It was heaving everywhere, and rightly so, the weather was gorgeous!

Then began the twenty minute hike to the beach. Word of warning to the unfit, there are other ways to get to the beach like sea kayak. However, if you want the best reward ever, prepare for ups and downs. Linda and Ben steamed ahead and after quite a few water breaks and lots of sweating, I could see the final stairs leading down to the beach. Once I stepped off the last step and onto the beach I looked up and was met with the most wonderful view.

There were quite a few people around but that didn't detract from how beautiful this beach is. We pitched up an umbrella and chilled listening to the band we would be watching on stage later on, Six60.

After a few hours sunbathing, swimming and reading, we headed back up the track for lunch. I was so happy to see the car! After a cheeky ice cream in Hahei, we drove to the next beach of the day, Hot Water Beach. As the name suggests, you can dig a hole in the sand and experience the geo thermal pools. In all honesty, we only stayed for around half an hour as the sea was rough and it was even more crowded than Cathedral Cove.

Back on the road again, and up to our resting place for the night. Linda's friend had a bach in Cooks Beach. We got ready for the gig there, and her friend took us to the middle of nowhere to the Coroglen Tavern. I have been told this place is a kiwi institution. We met up with the group from New Year, and had a few ciders. Everyone seemed to be camping out, making the most of the gig.

 

Six60 were electric, and the atmosphere was amazing. Everyone seemed to know each other, and I had the time of my life dancing with my friends under the stars. I have since seen Six60 in London, and would recommend their music to anyone!

Pauanui - Introduction to the Coromandel and the Bach | New Zealand

Pauanui - 28 December 2012 / 1 January 2013

From the moment I set foot in New Zealand I was hooked. The weather was gorgeous, the sky seemed so much bigger and people were so helpful. I was far far away from London, and already so happy despite my cankles from the 24 hours travelling. I still had another four hours travelling to get to my final destination, Pauanui, and was advised to hang out in a nearby mall until my bus came. I had also forgotten sunglasses, handy for 30 degree sunshine. Grabbed some sushi and chatted to some of the locals, who loved my Scottish accent!

Luckily I had bought my bus tickets before I arrived, as it was packed out. The Coromandel is a popular place in the summer months! It was incredibly cheap too. We stopped off at Thames, named after the river in London by Cook, and changed to another bus. This then wound up through the Coromandel and I was met with spectacular views of valleys with lush green rainforests. Started to feel a bit sick but thankfully my final destination was next, and I met my friend Linda and her boyfriend Ben off the bus at Hikuai.

We went straight to the beach at Pauanui, the town we would be based in for the next week. I put my feet straight into the Pacific Ocean, and it felt wonderful! Pauanui is known as the playground for rich Aucklanders, and some of the houses clearly showed this. The whole town was lovely, and had nice walks along the coast.

I then got my first introduction to the bach, which is the holiday home/beach house in New Zealand. This is a place where all the family comes together during summer. There are hundreds, and I'm not exaggerating, of beds everywhere. People come and go all the time, and there is always someone around. I can imagine what growing up there would have been like, and feel like I have somehow missed out. The bach we were staying in was bought back in the 70s and still had elements of that era around, which added to the charm of the building. It belonged to Ben's grandparents, and most of his family were around. It also had the most wonderful view out to the estuary of Pauanui, and this is where we sat drinking cider whilst watching the sunset. I was then treated to a real New Zealand welcome with Roast Lamb, followed by Hokey Pokey ice cream. After a few more ciders, I lasted till about 8pm and conked out. The jet lag had set in.

The next couple of days were spent adjusting to the new timezone and catching up with my friends. On New Years Eve the weather was glorious and we decided to take the family boat out to a place called Boat Harbour. I even managed to take a turn driving the boat, but had to pass it back over in order to reach our destination quicker. It was quite exhilarating being out on the open sea and crashing into the waves.

We spent the time fishing, snorkeling and sunbathing on the beach, which can only be accessed easily via boat, hence the name. Ben used to camp there with his cousins when they were younger, and it like so many beaches on the North Island, was covered in pohutukawa trees. These trees are like Christmas trees in New Zealand, as they only bloom their vibrant red flowers during the festive season. I fell in love, and was fascinated with the contrast between the clear blue waters, the sandy beaches and then the brilliant reds from the trees.

New Years Eve was perhaps the best one I have had yet. We went to a large house party where I felt like I was accepted as one of the family. We spent the night with tons of jelly shots, pineapple chunks soaked in alcohol and funnels. The fireworks hit when the bells came around, and I phoned home. My own parents were only setting up for their own New Years party and I wished them luck. It was strange to think I was only with them a few days ago, and was now half way across the world.

We spent the next day on the beach, and had a family dinner at night. I was settling into kiwi life nicely and was so glad I made the effort to get out there.

New Zealand - The land of the long white cloud

London can be very hectic and stressful. When I switched jobs this time last year, I decided I needed a break from it all. I needed to get as far away from London as possible, and where better than 11,426 miles away in New Zealand.

The day after Boxing Day 2012, I flew off to Aotearoa for three weeks of glorious sunshine, friendly people, amazing food and stunning sights. I only had time to explore the North Island, so I packed in as many things as possible. For the first week and a half I stayed with friends, and then I went it alone.

Whenever I travel, I always write a journal. New Zealand was no exception. In order to do it justice, I want to dedicate a post to all the places I visited. I loved taking photos of this beautiful country. Mostly on my iPhone and small digital camera. Here is a sneak peak:

The Coromandel

Mount Maunganui

Taupo

Rotorua

Napier

Wellington

Martinborough

Auckland

Paihia

Russell

Cape Reinga

New Zealand is my favourite country of all time!

South East Asia booked!

Finally! I have booked my trip!!!

Ever since moving my entire life back up to Bonnie Scotland, I have spent every spare moment researching potential trips and countries to visit. Why not! It's not like I will ever have this opportunity ever again. There's no time limit or pressure to get back to work. For the first time in my life, I can focus on what I really want to do, travel.

I have uni friends in Hong Kong, so wanted to make sure my journey to Oz stopped off there first for nine days. Then onto Bangkok for a few days to join the 'Experience Indochina' Intrepid tour for 26 days. This will take us through Camodia and then all the way along the coast of Vietnam to Hanoi. When booking my flights, with STA Travel, my very helpful travel team member suggested a short stop off in Singapore. Although I have been there before with family, I felt it would be good to visit and experience it on my own. After all of this, I will fly to Sydney, where the next chapter of my journey will begin.

Here is a map of my planned travel route:
more...

Now I need to sort out my visa for Vietnam, travel vaccinations, travel insurance, my one year working holiday visa permit for Australia... The list could go on!

If you have ever been to any of these countries and have tips, let me know below! :)