A trip to the Blue Mountains

After searching and interviewing and doing more searching for a job for a few weeks I was lagging behind on any adventures. (the reason I came here!!) I have been hearing how amazing the Blue Mountains are, and Tom had told me about the Happy Coach tour which is an all day tour for around 60 dollars to see the most recognized sights up there. I convinced my roommate Mark to come with me, at a 7:20 am start to the day. This little van called ‘The Happy Coach’ picked us up in front of the YHA central hostel, and our first stop was the Sydney Olympic Park from the 2000 Olympics.

   The Olympic park was full of stadiums built upon a marsh land. It’s still used today for sporting events and for teams to practice in. It was a quick stop, and I was eager to hit the Blue Mountains, in the hopes that the clouds would pass over by the time we got there. We reached a small town at the foot of the blue mountains where we could go to the bakery etc, and where our trip leader advised us to buy some ponchos because it looked like the rain might not pass after all and we had about a 2 hour hike ahead of us. Ponchos were ridiculously expensive, so we opted to buy garbage bags and simply make our own ponchos out of them. Very classy.

Our first stop was to see Kangaroos! I was so excited because until this point I haven't had the chance to encounter a real wild one. And just our luck there was a pack of them in the field ahead from where we parked. SO amazing. And if you have ever heard of them boxing it’s because they fight over who can win over the ladies. Sounds a lot like humans. Always fighting over girls. I got to see one hopping in action too! this was probably my favorite part of the trip. In the same area our guide pulled down a branch and told us to pick off a leaf, the he said to roll it up and break it in half, and then proceed to stick each half up our nose. It was eucalyptus leaves. They are used for a lot of holistic treatments but it can mainly clear up your nose if you have a cold. Looked silly, but it smelled really good.

 

When we reached the spot to start our hike the viewing points were basically not viewable. The visibility because of the clouds was just white. Our leader said where we were standing looking out he usually hears ohhhs and ahhhs. And a lot of us were saying what?! The hike was damp, yet enjoyable. Hit a few caves on the way where the group stopped to get a historical lesson and to smell some tea-tree oil, from the real leaves which are abundant in the blue mountains.

Lunch was supposed to be by the 3 sisters, which are these rock formations that have an aboriginal story behind them. It’s a long story in short it deals with an aboriginal witch doctor his three daughters and a troll, and the sisters getting turned into stone which created ‘the three sisters’. But again the visibility was terrible, so you couldn’t see the sisters at all. Kind of disappointing.

 

Our last hike was down to the base of the Blue Mountains where we would then proceed to take ‘the steepest railway’ car back up to the base. Saw bits of the three sisters where the wind had finally blew away some of the clouds. Took the railway car back up, quite like going backwards on a rollercoaster. Then made it back to the van where it was about a 2.5 hour ride back into the city. Everyone fell asleep on this ride home. I enjoyed the time out of the city, again kind of disappointed the visibility was so bad, but I think I’ll rent a car the next time and head a little further to these caves that you can go into and explore. And no the mountains are unfortunately not BLUE, they are actually given that name because the eucalyptus trees on a humid day can give off a blue haze.

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Life Back in Sydney

Since I haven't updated this since I've been living back in Sydney, I thought it might be time to. Since arriving from New Zealand in the end of November, I moved into a house with 7 other strangers. Its a townhouse in Pyrmont right behind Darling Harbor. Pretty sweet location because I can walk directly into the city in 10 minutes. I think I slept for about 12 hours my first day back in Sydney from being so exhausted from the New Zealand adventures. I was actually excited to do nothing for a few days, so I did some job hunting got to know my roommates a little better by going to the beach, and heading to a few bars for some nights out in Sydney with them. It’s all good fun, but it was time for me to find a job and start working to fund more adventures that I have planned in my head for the up-coming year.

Went and experienced a few more beaches in the surrounding Sydney area: Coogee, Maroubra, Bondi, Manly, and Bronte. So far Maroubra is my favorite. It reminds me the most of Aussieland. There are some sick waves, lots of local surfers, crystal blue water, and not overly crowded with tourists.

While in Coogee beach one Sunday afternoon some roommates and I decided to end a beautiful day at the beach by attending the Coogee Bay Hotel Beer Festival. It reminded me so much of the beer festival I went to in the South Street Seaport last fall. Get little tastes of all these local beers, my kind of entertainment.

Surprise, Surprise that the little kid came out in me, and I wanted to head to Luna Park which is across the bay from Circular Quay. Its a nice ferry ride because it touches the other side of the harbour bridge which most of the other ferries go past the opera house. I wasn't majorly impressed, just like a mini Coney island, except no dirty beaches in front of it. If I was 5 I probably would have thought it was the coolest place ever. Took some touristy pictures, walked around, and now I can say been there done that. I’d only go back to maybe ride the ferris wheel at night, which could provide some sick pictures of Sydney.

 

All in all living in Sydney is a pretty awesome. Beach next to the city, easy transportation, and fun times all around.

New Zealand (in 12 days)

I arrived in Christchurch on Friday Nov 13th. This is a documentation of my 12 days spent travelling throughout the South Island.

This is going to be a long entry...

Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Flew into Christchurch on Friday night. Met up with Tom and went to the hostel in the town center. Wound up staying up until 4am trying to plan the journey around the south Island. Woke up very early after a very horrible sleep with girls in my room who decided to open and close a plastic bag about 24 times. I gave up on the sleep thing. Rented a beautiful car named Sunny. Reality: it was a 98’ Nissan looked worse than anyone’s first car in high-school. Although we got insurance on it and the woman even said if we come back with the doors missing we aren't responsible for it. Made our way through some awesome scenic roads. Wound up in a local festival, that had little market stalls and some New Zealand cuisine. Before that found a small fruit market off the side of the road and got some fruit and veggies to munch on in the car. Found our little friend, who I named, “freak on a leash.”  He was almost the guard goat of some sort for this house. He was on the side of the road and he was posing coming right up to the car for pictures. It was so FUNNY.

Stopped plenty to take pictures of sheep, mountains, cows. Absolutely had to stop off the side of the road once we saw Lake Tekapo. It looks like a swimming pool! I don't think I've ever seen such a turquoise lake. And the mountains behind it. Just wasn’t real. The water reminds me of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The hostel sat right in front of the lake, and had a view of the lake from the room. You can pay to go to the star gazing observatory, but we figured we’d find a spot outside on the grass that would do for free. Watched the sunset on the boulders right in front of the lake, with a 12 pack of some New Zealand lager. Went to see a live band playing at the only bar that existed in town, went outside and watched the meteor shower laying on a picnic table. Was a bit chilly but to see the stars like that was well worth it. Pictures couldn’t capture what we saw.

Lake Tekapo to Oamaru to Dunedin

Trying to find filtered coffee around here is probably the most difficult thing ever. The other coffee is as expensive as lattes back home. So when I stumbled upon a corner store in Twizel that had it, and she made a fresh pot for me it absolutely made my day. May I add again that there are so MANY sheep. There was a batch of them that escaped that I tried to get close to but they didn't like me very much. I don't know how many times we stopped to take pictures of and with the cows and sheep. Stopped for lunch at this little hut restaurant in Omarama, where two very nice women made the homemade meals. It was so delicious and relaxing to sit on this porch in this cute little town. You could see the gliders which are these planes that are quite like paper airplanes and depend on the wind after a real plane brings it up to a certain height. We made our way to Oamaru for the late afternoon sights of the yellow eyed penguins that come ashore to feed their young. One came right up to us! It was like he was posing for the photographs. So cool! Had some proper fish and chips for diner after napping in the car at the McDonalds parking lot. Then made our way to the night viewing of the blue penguin colony. This is more of a tourist attraction for Oamaru, where at dusk the penguins come home to their lovers and parents after being at sea all day. It was raining, and a bit cold but to see these little things waddle up the beach was so well worth it. We could probably learn a thing or two from these penguins they came up in these little packs, and some that were quicker than others went back to help their friends, and or waited for them to waddle their way. Once they reached the colonies, the stay at home penguins came out to greet and kiss the others. You couldn't take photography as they would get distracted and possibly not make it back to their homes. Some came up right to the bleachers we were seated at.  After the show was over we were told to look under the car to make sure none were hiding under the tires! I don't think I could live with myself if I knew I ran over a penguin! When we went back to the car this little clan of penguins were walking around on the streets. Little rebels.

Did get some pictures of them, didn't use flash! I was tempted to pick one up and put him in my pocket. They let me get so close to them! What an experience. Late night driving to our hostel in Dunedin was quite like driving on the back roads in New Jersey. Dark and windy, and yes sometimes not knowing which direction the roads turned. The hostel in Dunedin was like sleeping at your great aunts house. Didn't feel like a hostel at all. Blasted the heat in the room because it was so cold and rainy. Brrrr.

Dunedin to Te Anau

Left early morning from Dunedin to head to Te Anau, where they have these surreal glow-worm caves. Booked the glow-worm caves for that night and then our kayak paddle and walk in Milford Sounds for the following day. It was a bit chillier on this part of the island, and I was lucky enough to score a rain-jacket someone left behind. A bit dis-colored but it served its purpose. Also met Beth from Connecticut, who is working in Sydney. It was really refreshing to talk to someone who's hometown is so close to mine. She had just did the Kawarau bungee jump that I have been looking into doing myself. Still debating it she told me that you can’t go to New Zealand and not. hmmm. Beth joined us on the glow worm tour that night. The glow-worm cave tour takes you on this ferry to the secluded caves. Then you trek through the caves ducking under some parts because the rock formations came so low. You make your way into the cave about a 10 minute walk to this pond inside the cave where they put you on a boat and in pitch darkness you can see these little blue lights which are actually the glow worms. If you make noise they shut off so everyone on this little row-boat sat in complete silence. It was so calming almost dream-like. After our quiet experience we have to exit the cave. We proceeded to walk back out the cave where they had coffee and tea waiting for us in the little visitors hut. Back on the ferry and then spent the night watching Beth’s bungee jumping video and a crazy TV show in the hostel, called ‘I shouldn’t be alive.’ A show about backpackers in near death situations. GREAT.

Te Anau to Milford Sounds to Queenstown

Woke up extremely early to make it to Milford sounds. It was about an hour car ride past Te Anau. We were also told to stop off to a few of the sights and trails along the way. Our paddle and walk was scheduled for the afternoon so we had plenty time. Mirror Lakes was probably the biggest disappointment. It was a pond. Literally, with majestic mountains in the background. But we saw this awesome waterfall can’t recall the name with these funky rock formations created from it. When we actually reached Milford Sounds it was so Beautiful! Definitely what I pictured New Zealand to look like. The kayaking was an adventure to say the least. I was put in a double kayak with Tom and I knew that was just going to be trouble. I was the navigator in the front and he was the steering crew in the back. Let’s just say we went in an entire circle at one point and our guide was just shaking his head at us But it was all good fun. The hike was amazing. It was a rainforest where at one point our guide was picking leaves off of bushes and saying “try this.” I was a little hesitant because it looked like poison ivy, but I don't think they have that in New Zealand. It tasted like carrots, and another one tasted like cinnamon pretty cool. The sand flies were horrendous. One got stuck in my kayak on the way back and ate up my ankles so bad! But Milford Sounds absolutely a place to see and experience!

 

Drove to Queenstown that night, and watched the sunset over the mountains on the way. SO PRETTY.

Queenstown Day 1: The day I threw myself off of a bridge

Morning time in Queenstown, I kept debating weather or not to conquer the first commercial bungee jump at Kawarau bridge. Queenstown is known as the adrenaline capitol, and deep down I knew this was the place to do it. But I needed to take a look first. Drove out to the site at Kawarau bridge, my gosh it is such beautiful scenery to bungee jump into. The drop is 43m approx 142 feet. Tied by your ankles from a bridge to the mint chocolate chip colored water below. You can choose to be dunked or not. Watched a few people and then went to take a look at the drop. And then I made the decision to do it. I knew for sure I would regret it if I didn’t. Got everything together, weighed and ticket ready to jump. Made it to the bridge where no one was ahead of me. Got geared up, and was sitting while the bungee was being attached securely to my feet. The nice woman who did all this for me asked if I was ready, and I was all for it. Until she told me to stand up to take a few of the photos. Then something in my mind went off and I was asking myself why the hell I was doing this...after some hesitation, took the pictures looking petrified as anything and then it was time to jump.  I didn't even want to think about it anymore I honestly just wanted to jump. The woman encouraged me by telling me that I was telling myself I couldn't do it when really I knew I could. Blah Blah. So she said trust yourself, lets try it 3-2- and before she said 1 I was on my way out diving like an Olympic diver down 142 feet screaming the entire way, and then dunk. Got submerged into the Kawarau river up to my shoulders when I was told I would probably just touch it.  Then after the initial drop you bounce up and down pretty high a few more times. It was the most exhilarating and releasing feeling in the world. Not explainable at all, just felt amazing. Got picked up in a raft in the river and the guy in the raft says to me “your such a funny girl, screaming all the way down and then dunk, choking on your words,” haha!  Got my t-shirt, pictures and DVD and left the site feeling on top of the world.

Later back in Queenstown we went to the famous Fergburger OMG probably the best burger you'll have in your entire life. Went there I believe every day. You can’t go to Queenstown and not have a Fergburger.

Oueenstown Day 2: Luge and Lord of the Rings (Paradise)

Took the trip up on the gondola to ride the luge. There was a beginner and an advanced track. You have to ride the beginner trail before you can take on the advanced track. I think this was more fun than riding go-karts.   Then Tom and I decided to take the cheap Lord of the Rings tour and drive out to the sights ourselves. You can pay like 200 bucks a person to do a 4wd tour. Just to find some hobbit homes. The place where it was filmed around was called Paradise. There's a town on the way called Glenrochy and on the towns sign it states that it is indeed ‘The gateway to Paradise.’ It was pretty eerie out that day on and off raining. So we made it to the back roads that definitely looked Lord of the Rings-ish. I was waiting for a hobbit to jump out in front of the car at any minute. There was this back road that had all these warnings about driving on it, and when we did get insurance on the car she did state if we decided to go off-road and cause damage, that for sure wouldn't be covered. So when we reached a river that went through the road I told Tom it was time to turn around before we got the car stuck in it. Plus a sketchy abandoned vehicle was off to the other side. I wanted out.  But Paradise was our makeshift Lord of The Rings Tour and awesome for as far as we made it. That night went out with two really cool hostel-mates Emily and Rambo. Good times.

Queenstown to Wanaka to Franz Josef

I loved loved loved Queenstown. Spending almost 3 days there really wasn’t enough, but it was time to make it to Franz Josef. This drive along route 6 was said to be one of the most scenic of the south island. and that it was. Wanaka is where we stopped for lunch and its said to be the ‘tame’ Queenstown. I still think Queenstown was better. The rest of the ride to Franz Josef was stunning.  The scenery randomly changed from dry and sunny landscapes to rainforests, clouds and Jurassic park looking. I really thought Pterodactyls (tehr-o-DAK-til-us)  I guess that’s the true spelling, would fly over our heads at some point. Stopped off at a beach near Heretaniwha pt. where along the way it looked like travelers stopped to make these stone sculptures. So I joined in a made one of my own. Made it to Franz Josef in time to book our glacier hike for the next day. Tom convinced me to go on the full day hike, which I could just see being a disaster since I don't really have glacier hiking experience. Went to sleep early to prepare for the hike!

Franz Josef to Punakaiki

The hike began at 8:15 promptly where we walked to the center to take the bus up to the glacier. It still boggles my mind how there is a glacier in the middle of a rain forest. The tour center provided jackets, pants, socks, hat, and gloves, boots and ice cramps. And being on the coast of the Tasman sea it is known to have 180 plus days of rainfall on the west coast. And yes it was raining the day of the hike. Had to walk this trail to get to the base of the glacier. Only tours are allowed to go on the glacier, and just looking at it the scale just throws you off as to how big the glacier actually is. It’s HUGE and it moves approximately 1m forward a day. And yes I asked if hiking ruins the glacier and it doesn’t. We basically touch the surface of a 24m deep glacier. So we put on our ice cramps and stepped foot onto the glacier. The workers made these steps into the ice, with ropes to cling onto as you climb up this massive ice formation. Some of it was pretty scary to climb especially when you look down to see how high you are. Made it to the halfway point and we got to pick up our own ice pick to help us along the way, because it was about to get difficult. I really wanted to slide down the glacier and our guide said he did attempt that at once and it was pretty dangerous. I did slide down a bit, but not on purpose. oops. It was starting to rain pretty hard at some points, and it was quite cold being on that ice. But the experience was another breath-taking one, and I could complain all I want about how cold and rainy it was but I will never experience something that amazing again. After the entire day of hiking I was soaked from all the rain it was nice just to hand all of the attire back to the tour group. But I failed to remember I had stuff in my backpack that got soaked. Such as my passport, wallet (good thing the money is plastic here), and a few other things. After all the hiking we still had an expected 4 hour drive to the Pancake rocks hostel for the night.

 

 

Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs

Punakaiki was my FAVORITE hostel. It was tucked away in little  bungalows in the rainforest. It was so cute. Had a little outhouse style bathroom attached to our bungalow. What a good night sleep that was. The Pancake rocks was the first attraction of the day. And before we went left the hostel there was a trail to the beach we followed from our bungalow.  Saw some Wica birds, which highly resemble kiwi birds. Before seeing the rocks had to of coarse get pancakes at the cafe in front of them for breakfast! The pancake rocks were pretty cool they call them that because they are these rock formations that the ocean caused over many many years where the rocks look ‘stacked’ upon each other like a stack of pancakes. The drive to Hanmer Springs was quite scenic. I think all the driving in New Zealand is scenic. Stopped off at Wall Island seal colony. The seals were so fun to watch! They were playing with one another the babies and their huge blubbery parents. The next stop was Hanmer Springs which is known for their natural hot spring pools. I couldn't wait to relax in them for once. Since it was Sunday afternoon when we got there our hostel was empty. I was a bit disappointed about the springs. You pay to go into this theme park  style setting where the pools are man made but the water pumped into them is the natural hot sulfur water. and boy does it smell. It was a very nice relaxing afternoon after all. No hiking, no jumping, just sitting in rotten egg smelling Jacuzzis. ahhhhhh.

Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura to Christchurch

Another drive ahead of us the next morning, to Kaikoura. This is where you can swim with dolphins, go whale watching, and a few other attractions. The water looked similar to Lake Tekapo, and  the Kawarau river I got dunked into. We didn't book the swimming with dolphins early enough, and just missed the last tour that went out. We heard you can swim with dolphins near Christchurch so we spent most of this day just wandering around the town which was quite cute. Made it back to Christchurch by the end of the day, and booked our swimming with dolphins for the next day in Akaroa. SO EXCITING!

Christchurch to Akaroa

Left early from Christchurch to make it to the boat in Akaroa by 11:30 am. Had breakfast at this hilltop cafe that overlooked the Akaroa Harbour. Had another goat friend come up to us. Another photogenic one. Made it down to the dock on such a beautiful day  to swim with dolphins! Had our introduction to swimming with the dolphins, got our wet-suits and snorkels, and got ready to get onto the boat. We were told to be patient because they had to find the friendly ones that would stick around to swim with us. Our first attempt in the water the tour leader gave me these stones to tap together to attract them to our group of 10. While the others in the group used the snorkels to sing to them. We had a few appearances of ‘pods.’ Where the dolphins travel together in 2 or more groups. But they didn't stick around for long so we got back onto the boat to search for more. We finally had a good spot and they were swimming with us left and right. I swear a group of them swam right into me, and we aren't supposed to touch them, but they tried to touch me. oops. It was such an amazing experience! The water was freezing about 13 degrees Celsius but so worth it. They are the smallest, rarest dolphins only found in the Akaroa Harbour, and I had the chance to swim with them on my last day in New Zealand! Priceless.

Christchurch back to Sydney

Didn't sleep the night before I left to go back to Sydney because I had to be at the airport at 4am for my flight at 6am. I was so afraid of falling asleep and missing my flight back to Sydney. But I was just fine, had to say good bye to Sunny the car that transported me around the south island, and more importantly to my chauffeur Tom who drove that beautiful thing. I couldn’t have asked for a better travelling friend.

I had such an amazing time in New Zealand, saw so many things and experienced even more. I think I had too much fun and wanted to stay to explore the north island but I know for sure I’ll be back next year sometime to do that. Being on this side of the world for less than 3 weeks, and doing everything that I have so far, it was time to chill out for a bit get back to Sydney and sadly find a job so that I can work to fund some more of these amazing adventures!

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I <3 NZ