Monday, February 7, 2011

How Do You Know You Lost Scorpio Mans Trust

New Zealand Part 2, Nordinsel

The ferry ride reminded us a little of the Milford Sound only that the weather was a bit more modest. The rain lashed against the huge ferry, but we were safe behind the window and had a good look as far as to let the clouds. But when we saw the first land mass to the north island, the clouds had cleared and the sun shone down on us from heaven. After nearly three hours of driving we went with our frog board. In the city of orientation was quite fast and we went the first time for 196 meters high Mt Victoria Lookout, far above the roofs of the capital.


the Central District
BUSINESS

and again




went When we got a way with a vantage point opposite the town, we were also equally a place to sleep near the water. The wind was getting more and more, for which Wellington is well known in general. We stayed right there and then saw a huge weather front across the bay to roll on us. Fortunately, we were ready to cook, so we did not get off the heavy rain and storm. The whole car shook under the force of the wind and Sandra said we would have blown into the sea.

The next morning We looked out the window and it was not a cloud to see more. Blue skies and sunshine where we enjoyed our breakfast with ocean and city views.



breakfast with ocean and city views of Wellington



Then it went up in the city because we wanted to see what. gave us our way again in front of the Lonely and we made good the Walk of us in the city brought on by the old government buildings and arcades to the Botanical Garden.



government district



Up there we took the Cable Car. A small wagon with the thick wire is drawn to the mountain.



the botanical garden is enthroned above the city


the Cable Car



In the botanical garden, we are a little walk went quite small, but it We were all a bit too hilly ... ggg .. Back at the bottom we continued our hike, which at the Te Papa Museum, the famous ending of the New Zealand museums. The museum, which again was awful lot of multimedia ready, we learned more about the original inhabitants, the Maori, and the colonization of New Zealand.
At six we were then fixed and snoozed and left Wellington in the north.

a meeting house with a carving in Te Papa


a war canoe



multimedia at its best


in port




Our first stop was planned at Mt Taranaki. In the southwest of the island came We at noon on 1/20/2011, and made us wise in the Touri of hiking trails. Unfortunately, the weather was his New Zealand side and it was very hazy and cloudy. We decided for a combined Walk, the track Waingongoro round trip that would take us both to the Lookout and through the woods. The road was fairly flooded by the rains and not always easy to master. After we were over the Dawson case, unfortunately, we saw at the Supreme Lookout nothing, because the fog was still dense.



the way was hard to under



here could also be one or the other film scene invited



brilliant view right?



had on the way back we will also have the highest Swing Bridge in the NP. When we got there, we knew what that meant. A cable bridge, consisting of three steel cables, rum with a bit of wire mesh drum, leading to a 50-meter-deep valley. It was again a challenge to overcome and to rely on the old design in which only one person was allowed to it.



adventurous rather the suspension bridge



Tim soon had his pants full


about fifty feet high


we as had done that we found in the woods a brilliant hut Waingongoro Hut, located next to a ravine. You can then rent a room for $ 5 per night and it was really awesome. Fireplace, wood, charcoal, beds with mattresses, wash basins, storm water, benches, and not a soul in sight. Had we known this, had We packed our bag and would have stayed a night there.



in the middle of nowhere, a little hut



it was all there





Back at the car we had traveled nearly six hours to the 2518m high mountain, or climbing. Although we were not rewarded with the promised views but the road was worth it. In Strathford again we had a shower and there was a caravan park in the us shower for little money lies. After four days
was freshly showered the journey continues towards Tongario NP. For this purpose, we drove the Forgotten World Highway. This 150 km long winding mountain pass is not really a highway. He even includes a 20km long stretch of gravel road. But leaves the landscape through which one is really awesome.




one of our favorite pictures


and the second



tiny clusters of houses where time seems to stand still. The mountains look like filled with steps, because the thousands of sheep have even made their way and the many single-lane bridges that are too old as the hills seem, are already adventurous. A rest area to sleep, we were not, so we slept in a lay-by on the roadside.
morning we were awakened by dogs barking and engine noise. But not from cars, no, it was the dog of a shepherd who drove his animals on the highway to the next field. When that was done, his cows were in the series. We had a brief chat with him and then we went back to pass



the view from the bedroom


the cattle driving on the highway



We crossed it and the place Whangamomona, the only republic in New Zealand. The village had 170 souls in 1989 a dispute with the Government and was therefore somehow to the Republic. The next day should take place there, the annual festival and we thought seriously about to drive back. Once in
Tongario NP, we saw the huge volcanoes from a distance. The peaks were easily covered by clouds, but it looked great.



Mt Ruhapeu



Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings



Arriving at the Visitor Center, but unfortunately there was nothing from the summit and surrounding mountains to see. In our demand for the Tangario Crossing the next day read the weather forecast left to do more and we were still quite wide from the day before. And just 20km of climbing the mountains and rarely seen in the rain and storm we did not do that to us then. Tim really wanted to climb to the crater rim of Mount Ruhapeu but we were too late. It should take five hours to the unmarked way over rocks and Lawastaub climb. We went anyway with the Skigondel to the highest point and began the marked trail to climb to a lookout.



on the way into the clouds






The fog was getting worse and, unfortunately, Sandra's mood as well. She had muscle soreness and did not know of any mountain some more. With a very steep section of sand-like ash then the furnace was off. Nothing more was said other hikers and you do not see anything from up there. So back to cable. We have then an apple on the terrace of a future ski lodge eaten and are then driven into the valley. The money we could have saved us, but you never know!



the hat was again used


Heidi






dangers we went to Lake Taupo where we simply have rested and times returned the afternoon sun have enjoyed. For dinner, there was a delicacy. Hard stale bread with boiled eggs .... Mhhhh Sounds stupid, it was not. We still had almost half a loaf from the bakery and wanted to throw it. So we have it sliced, chopped or more, and from both sides smeared with butter. Then off to the pan and fried crispy. Then on the hot bread on it the boiled eggs and that was a tasty meal for a small budget. We slept like angels because we were broken. Before we could but once again a brilliant sunset with the panoramic volcano experience in the background. Oh, there will be so many things that we will miss. It can be not imagine maybe if you have never done anything like this, but it's real Sun Freedom, independence and experience things that you or the millions of impressions that one gathers in such a year are really crude. We can not really imagine at the moment not to go back every day to work and almost always to do the same. We determined it damn hard in the first period. But this is already determined and we have still a little vacation every year ... .. ggg


Tapo Lake at sunset rewarded us


so what we will miss

rested and was strengthened our first highlight for the day, the Hukka Falls in Taupo. As water falls right we would not call them because they are less than ten meters high. should only the power of water is impressive, because every second flow 200,000 liters of water through this area and a small leap to think you'd rather not. Back in Taupo, we learned that to take place around noon Jetbootrennen on the lake. And since our day had indeed brought not so much, we decided to stay out of hand. Until then, we had a stroll and found a book store where we could exchange our views again read books. In the year everyone has already devoured 25 books intended. The Jetbootrennen was not bad but Unfortunately, after almost an hour over. It started then slowly trickle in and so we moved to our mini-motor home. A Mc Donald's was with a normal Wifii it also took time to Tim and another three hours to put the last blog from Australia one. As it continued raining, we went only to a rest area outside and cooked in the car and began our books.





the Hukka Falls


Jet Boat Race


the morning the weather was then very much on his New Zealand side. Rain, rain and again rain. Our first goal for the day was the Wai-O-Tapu, a thermal active area with bubbling mud lakes and geysers. Once there, read all the rain but was not worse. Our rain jackets and umbrellas were used in the Lady Knox Geyser which erupts daily at ten clock. Unfortunately, this is achieved through the use of soap powder. But it's still worth a sight. It reaches a maximum height of 20m and in the region before it stinks like crazy.


Lady Knox Geyser



and it pissed



The whole area extends over 19q/km and is probably the most active to Roturua where the crust is only one third as strong as the rest of the world. The circular walk through the park then was not bad the weather apart. Although nothing better to so fit a smoky and smelly environment, as rain.



it steamed back like hell





When we were at the entrance, were our nice pants wet. We went inside to Roturua.



the result, the screen gave only half



The whole town smells like a giant sulfur and it is widely advertised with hot springs . The rain was still storm and we had to find a company in the dry. In the Touri, we learned that our planned tour Maori should be under the roof. We had a little time and have our wet clothes dried first time in a public laundry in the dryer. Against one two We arrived at Te Puia. You have to think of it as a village of the natives of New Zealand to present that has been made available to the public. Moreover, everything is still on active thermal area. The free tour was included in the entrance and we were only four in the "great" weather. Our guide was a descendant of the family for 26 generations living there. He did not really look like a typical Kiwi, who are rather broad, brown and long hair, but whatever. During a tour break, we saw the three geysers in the area which is about every hour and blow up to thirty meters high water in the sky. We went to the landmark of New Zealand, the Kiwi bird. In a darkened room, we tried the to see nocturnal, flightless bird, but he was not there. Our guide told us a lot about the endangered bird eggs, taking two thirds of its entire body ... .. pretty wicked. Went on it's own in the carving. The natives put all their boats and tools from kauri tree wood carving her and thus had very high priority. The Te Puia has one of the oldest carvers as a teacher for four students annually from around the country. It will be produced by small figures, to giant wall panels all goes hand-in. The conclusion of the tour was the loom, in exhausting detail the work the original Clothing of the natives is made. Thus, it is for example six months, eight hours a day to produce a spring wrap. After a short wait it was finally time for the ceremonial dances in Wharenui, the meeting house. After we had to take off their shoes, it was also going on now with the ceremonial welcome, Kia ora. This was followed by dances with an explanation and some war ceremonies of the men. After 45 minutes it was over and we were very impressed. The song was super nice and the dancing was cool. But we were still happy because we were soaked to the skin and after a short stop in Schnitzereishop we are once more in the laundry and have our clothes in the dryer stuffed.










That was enough for us then with outdoor activities, for the rain to not read and we were tired for the day. Meals were to be on a Rest Area in the car and then together we built our bed and let the rain, rain. To put it on hold to German well together: It smelled like piss out of buckets and the whole place like rotten eggs up to the sky! ggg


the "kitchen"


otherwise it was not


On Monday we dared not even to draw the curtains, but it was dry. Not really nice but no rain. After breakfast, the ride was once again a tiny bit compared to the distances in Australia, further to the "Kiwi-Capital", Te Puke. Here is harvested from May to June, the Chinese gooseberry and implemented according to Lonely Planet over a trillion dollars. Since no season was, we were only at Kiwi 360, where everything is to buy the kiwi. Of extra Spoons, including the skin cream. Well, not quite as impressive. We were so on the east coast in the Bay of Plenty, Bay of Plenty. Sorry, there was no use swimming weather around the many beautiful beaches can be and it was already too cold. Go on.





here grows the Chinese gooseberry


for more miles we came near Hahei on the Hot Water Beach. There should wait allegedly hot water in the sand on us ... .. the spin the Kiwis. Once there, we saw some people wait for low tide.


does not look spectacular from



When the water was shallow at all actually started digging holes in the sand. Blades could be rented for cash, but since our budget is limited, we dug with his hands. Tim was only cold water under the sand.



Tim seeks the Hot Spot ... ggg



But Sandra was finally find it. After a few centimeters, the earth was warm under or really hot. Warm bath water and we came to the fore dug further. It turned out to be only difficult because of the higher waves poured all over again. But after a while we had our own hot hole we went on.



Sandra digging furiously



and finished the bath



It also came more and more people and the few places where the earth's crust is apparently broken, were "hot" demand.



but we were not the only



Our pool was big enough for both of us and in some places the sand was so hot that one could hardly touch him. Tim's Clock has shown us the temperature and is the home bath water is not much out of the way, right?



bath water


Tim took a small dip in 18 degree cold to the sea, Sandra does not let himself be persuaded.
splash After two hours in warm water, it went back to the car and the day had still taken a good turn. The next day we wanted to do some things above Auckland and thus we set ever on the road. In a public toilet, the opportunity offered to a shower, unfortunately, only cold, but Tim took advantage of the situation. We slept then behind far behind Auckland, after we had been looking forever for a quiet place.
Well rested the next morning it was called then, from the giant trees in the Waipoua Forest. Here is the largest living Kauribaum New Zealand, the awe of the Maori Tane Mahuta, the god of the forest is named. This giant is old about 2000 years and has a volume of around 244.5 square meters and a diameter of ³ 13.8 meters. A rustic Maori told us then, the story connected with this tree is.


the largest tree in New Zealand






A little further on the 18km long forest road, we found a 20 minute walk to the second largest Kauri which is a little lower, but had a diameter of 16.4 meters. Therefore, it is also called the father of the forest, Te Matua Ngahere.







We are a little more wandering through the woods and our voyage toward the Bay of Islands continued. By late afternoon we arrived in Paihia in the Bay of Islands to. After a stop in a quick financial check Touri and we booked two tours to summarily grant to us again a little something. Sure, it's cool to see these huge trees, or half a day on a volcano hike, but you will sometimes be a bit ACTION!! So were all the rage paintball and jet boat ride. We are still a little walk in the small fishing village and then it was gone again pasta and sauce with sea views.
On Wednesday, 26.01. We were then after an early breakfast arrived at the beach paintball.





breakfast was healthier than in Australia



Sandra had already had nightmares at night and pretty full pants. We then agreed that if the group should play with us, has no women here, Sandra does not have to play. After half an hour delay then a minibus rolled on and lo and behold, it was an outing of a hotel and out of a man they were all ladies! So Sandra had yet to take up arms. After the teams were drawn it was four against first four on the field. After a few hits, we were able to beat the enemy to flight. After the new ammunition, it went to the second field to the other rules prevailed. Could you have a wounded comrades before that free beat by touch, was not here anymore. Each shot dead had returned to the fort and start from the back. After a troubled strategic skill and trigger finger of Sandra, Claudia, Niel and Tim, we won this game very close. The third game was back on the first pitch and the last balls brought us the third consecutive victory and a lot of fun. Even a few bruises belonged to it, but it was super funny. Niel the owner even invited us for a drink in his hotel one, we should come to pass that, you never know!!


Sandra aka Rambo plans a leg shot



the team

At two we met at the bridge of the crew of Excitor. After we were supplied with raincoats and life jackets, there was a short Sicherheitsbreefing. And then it went on the boat which should "sail" us the next 1 ½ hours through the Bay of Islands. In demand by Tim on "Hot Seats" we were placed on the two front, saddle-like seats ... .. YES!! Strap on and the four eight-cylinder engines with 300 hp comes to life. The skipper was pretty cool and after the music was turned up loud, we shot with 120km / h on water. The boat rose with every wave in the air and especially in the first places you felt almost like a parabolic flight. We visited the most beautiful areas in the bay, in the 144 islands are located. In the northernmost stop we drove deep into a huge cave, or drove a natural hole in one of the islands. The trip was absolutely wonderful and the weather could not have been better. Back on land we have, after so much adrenaline packed first time at the beach and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. A little later Are we then a little further down to on the way to Cape Reinga. For sleeping, we found a nice spot on a lake where no one bothered us and we could sleep well.


the sports equipment


the saddles






Sandra sits in the saddle








The next morning we were woken up by some truck noise, because the local construction workers gathered at the lake water the road to spray. But it was always half past seven and time as every day to get up. During breakfast we talked then also with the truck driver and once again got a good insider tip for bathing. But only on the tip of the country to Cape Reinga. Once there, we went in light winds and sunshine on the lighthouse. This chapter is for the Maori of great spiritual significance. In their belief the souls of the dead back here through the roots of a 800 year old tree, the only one on the rocky coast, in their legendary homeland of Hawaiki.


the tree of the Maori



here and for the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean







Before, they still have to clean by two of the natural sources to the Cape for the soul. Thus the faith of the Maori. Once we were at the lighthouse, we examined our insider tip that we had received at breakfast by a truck driver, and not to crowded and windy 90 Mile Beach, but drove to a cute little breeze bay almost around the corner, the Tapotupotu Bay.

Here we lay all the afternoon in the warm sun, which is otherwise really does not compare New Zealand with Australian exposure. Tim jumped into the huge waves but Sandra was too cold. The sea is the way in New Zealand even in the summer never warmer than 18 degrees.






the afternoon we made our way back and stopped again at the great sand dunes that we knew in similar form from the red continent. Because it was so beautiful on the day before, we went back to our little lake and spent the night there again!



the morning we were sitting in a little gray skies at breakfast, when again the nice truck driver arrived the previous day. In a brief chat, we learned of an approaching cyclone of the northern tip should soon reach the island. It was expected to flood and rainfall of 200 mm for that day. So we would look at his statement as quickly as possible towards Auckland. So go ahead ... .. It started to rain almost immediately and it should not stop that day. Our visit with our friends in the paintball Bay View Hotel in Ahipara, we had to cancel and so unfortunately we have just entered a short stop in Kawakawa. Here, the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser until his death lived on a farm without electricity and created the public toilets that make small town a bit busier.
Besides this stop, we have the whole day in the car stopped. For lunch, there were remnants of the previous day and we sat in heavy rain in the frog.
We slept close to Auckland on a Rest Area.

here is the "business" to experience








Am 29.01. then it said goodbye to our faithful companion, the frog king. We checked into the Jucy Hotel in Auckland City, because we got a discount.
After the hotel, which is not a bad hostel without a kitchen, had explored we started again in the city on a walk.





kunterbunt


At the port we just looked at an event table when we were raised. Two Irishmen who have lived longer in New Zealand had, where would we be placed ago. After a short conversation we invited Patty and Olivia in a pub you to their friends. True quality, we had a drink in his hand and went off the party. We found that the Irishman and the Kiwis a rather joyous drinking folk. Later gsellten then yet Anne and Sandra from Sweden to us. The two are from Germany and live arbetien but in the far north. It was really a fun night! Sorry, we did not have the camera here, so give it ... no pictures ... sorry!!
are tipsy light then we wobbled home and thought that a quiet night in a soft bed ... .. Nope!!
We had two rooms on the floor, which they believe would make at night by three noise. So the night was rather less relaxing.
was the morning then a breakfast in our room floor, the city has to offer on the plan. Our walk we had back in the Lonely Planet. Auckland has us all in all, then not quite so well liked as Wellington. Cool but that was a long weekend to stand because it was the anniversary of the founding of the city. Throughout the downtown artists were seen on the streets. So came to not be boring!







in the city was some Los


he holds seven Guinness World Records





By five we were back at the hotel and have our feet only briefly give yourself a break. For dinner, there was one of the best pizzas we have ever eaten. At Sal's, there are New York Style Pizza. The selection easy a lot, because there were only five different varieties, and even a size.
as the monster stood on the table, it was a bit larger than expected. We set forth on the pizza and pack did the rest. Then we went to the movies where we Love and Other Drugs have been viewed.



the monster ...... and the pizza ... no just kidding ggg


The us was then enough for that day and we pretty much destroyed many to bed. The night was fortunately also quiet.
On Monday we will then re-entered the city. In the afternoon we began to pack our bags and that's it. In the evening we watch a movie on the laptop and into the trap.
Am 01.02. Our flight went back then to the beautiful Sydney!! To briefly anticipate, it was 40 ° C and we had to walk far!!

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