Thermal Wonderland...

Just 2 wks ago, I was sitting watching I was sitting watching a bunch of scary Kiwi guys do the Hacka. Yes......I took an adventure to New Zealand, land of the long white cloud. I went to visit Penny, one of my best mates and travel partner in crime. Although I only spent a week there, we really packed in the sights!

I flew in to Auckland on Monday and Pen and her mates picked me up from the airport. We spent the day sightseeing around Auckland - and got an amazing view of the city from 'One Tree Hill', an extinct volcano.

Tues we went and had yummy sushi for lunch in the city with Pen's lovely friend Justine, and had a look out some gorgeous lookouts of the city. Auckland really is a beautiful city, set on a bay looking out over islands, the main one, a volcano! We drove to Tauranga and stayed with Pen's sister that night.

Wed we checked out a couple of beaches in the area and did a spot of shopping. Then we drove to Penny's home town, Taupo, to stay with her mum and dad. Thurs we spent the day seeing the sights of Taupo with Penny's mum. We had a look at a gorgeous little bee farm, Hooka Falls, and 'Craters of the moon' - this amazing thermal park full of fumaroles spewing sulfurous smoke. Amazing! We also caught up with Jen, who was a mate from London. 'Twas lovely to see her!

I think my highlight of the trip would have to be my adventure on the Fri. For some unknown reason, I got really keen to do this 8hr hike up to a volcano and over the mountain. It was called the 'Tongariro crossing'. And yes, I thought I was going to die. Clawing my way up slippery volcanic rock and a path only 2m wide to the peak of the mountain, with the wind so strong if I stood up I would have been carried off into the canyon below was not my idea of fun. But what an achievement. And the view was STUNNING (see last 2 pics above). That night I soaked my sore muscles in the natural hot pools by Pen's house. Aaaaahhhhh. I needed it! I was sore for days after.

Saturday Penny and I went and checked out another thermal park called 'Wai-O-Taupo' near Rotarua. It really was amazing - bubbling mud, geisers, fumaroles, and vibrantly coloured mineral water, all set in the midst of the rainforest. Then we drove to Whakatane to camp the night on the beach with Penny's mum and dad. In the morning we did a spot of fishing before I say goodbye to Pen and her family and jumped on a bus back to Auckland.

Before I flew out that Mon I walked up to Auckland Museum and saw a traditional Maori Performance. Aaaahhhh the hacka, gets you every time!

What an amazing country and amazing trip. It really is just so beautiful, more so than everyone says. Go check it out!!!!

I only have a couple of months now to go until I embark on my next adventure - 5 months in South/Central America. So keep your eyes peeled!! I can't wait!! Btw - anyone who wants to join in and meet me any point along the way - you're very welcome!

Until next time! xoxo