DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-FIVE: Return to OZ

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-FIVE: Return to OZ

Today we travelled back to OZ both sulking as we took the final steps onto the plane, flying through the snow covered mountains as they faded into the distance we both reminisced about our time in New Zealand. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY- FOUR: Ice bar and glacier hot tub

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY- FOUR: Ice bar and glacier hot tub     

Today we both woke up aching and decided to have a relaxing day and in the afternoon we went to Minus Five Ice Bar for a cocktail. It was obviously very cold in there so we only stayed a short while. We had previously visited one in Oslo and it wasn’t as big however the sculptures were very impressive. In the evening we had booked to go to a private glacier hot tub. We arrived and it was luxurious you could also remove the side and roof to see the starry night.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY- THREE: Skiing/ snowboarding adventure

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY- THREE: Skiing/ snowboarding adventure

Today I was giving Vicki a ski lesson and I was continuing to learn to snowboard. We went to Treble Cone near Wanaka the drive up the mountain was a little scary. When we arrived we got kitted up and went to use the free beginner slope. We spent three hours learning and Vicki picked it up pretty quickly so we went up the ski lift to another beginner slope now known as death slope. It became evident that the slope was steep, winding and not very wide to be a beginner slope, having been on intermediate slopes in Europe. It became very difficult to get down. After a tiring descent we headed back to Queenstown.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-TWO: Souvenirs

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-TWO: Souvenirs

Today we purchased a few souvenirs obviously I can’t tell you what they are in case you’re a lucky receiver. We also hired ski equipment for tomorrows ski adventure.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-ONE: The very Blue Pools

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-ONE: The very Blue Pools

Today we headed back to Queenstown along the way we stopped at the blue pools. The walk was pleasant crossing Indiana Jones style bridges. The glacial water pools were a lovely bright blue colour and very clear allowing you to see the trout fishes clearly.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY: Fox Glacier

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY: Fox Glacier

Today we had a jam packed day of sights and walks to do. First we went to see the Fox Glacier. There is a short walk to the edge of the glacier were you can see the thickness of the ice. Secondly, we visited Lake Matheson where it’s famous for its spectacular views and mirror images of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Lastly, we decided to do a dusk walk to see glow worms. To our disappointment they were very tiny but did in fact glow. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE: Franz Josef Glacier

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE: Franz Josef Glacier

Today we had a Franz Josef glacier tour booked, both extremely excited we were kitted up by the staff and debriefed on helicopter safety. That’s right a helicopter transfer to the glacier being our first time in a helicopter we were ecstatic. The staff member had said all he hears on the journey is the theme song from Jurassic Park, so naturally this is what goes through your head whilst searching for the dinosaurs below. The helicopter ride was such a rush then we landed on the ice and climbed out. We put on our crampons and followed the guide up the glacier as he pointed out 40 metre crevasses close by, naturally one of the group idiots asked would you pull them out if they fell in. We looked at ice caves and passages cut through other crevasses. We spent about three hours on the ice taking lots of photo’s it was a really nice tour. After the return helicopter ride we headed to the Glacier Hot Pools which were part of the tour to help you wind down. There were three pools at temperatures 36, 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. This was a perfect way to relax at the end of the day.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHT: Going mobile again

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHT: Going mobile again

Today we rented a car I went on my own to the airport where I picked up our car, it was a bit of a nightmare going back and forth but I was eventually given the keys to an absolutely terrible white Nissan Sunny. I sniggered to myself because I knew I wouldn’t be returning it that colour. I drove back to our hostel where Vicki had checked out and I loaded up the car. Then we headed to Franz Josef with no GPS to guide us. After a one hour drive to Wanaka we took a wrong turn not realising. The road turned to off road tracks and it became evident that we were heading into a mountain pass. The tracks started to become dicey as we struggled through fords which appeared to be icy. The snow became abundant around us and the road started to disappear. Both panic stricken we decided it was time to turn back. This in itself was a difficult process with lots of snow and no road to help with grip. Luckily we managed it as I wouldn’t be writing this blog update. The very long detour put us two hours behind schedule. Now back on track we drove along the 6, New Zealand’s version of a motor way. The views were breathtakingly beautiful blue lake, snowy mountains and no traffic this was an adventure in itself. Unfortunately we arrived at Franz Josef in darkness so we couldn’t explore, we checked into the holiday park and fell fast asleep.     

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVEN: Queenstown Hill

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVEN: Queenstown Hill

In the welcome book in our hostel room there was a section for local walks, for the past few days Vicki has been dropping hints that she wanted to do one. We chose Queenstown hill it is 907 metres high so it towers the majority of the Lake district fells. We did it anyway hardly dressed for the occasion but it wasn’t exactly strenuous, it was an easy meandering slope to the top. At the top there are some absolutely fantastic views in every direction.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX: Easy day

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX: Easy day

It’s so cold today, far colder than we are currently used to and neither of us could really function so we didn’t we just went into Queenstown and spent the day a lot like the day we got Keith.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE: Bungy

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE: Bungy

Normally spelt bungee but not here. Vicki came with me to the bus. Whilst we were waiting there three other lads waiting all of which were looking incredibly nervous. I got chatting to them and learned they were from London, there were two Scottish girls there too. We all talked until we got there and they said ‘David, you’re first’ I was confused to why they deduced that but turns out I was the group fatty and the fatty goes first. Me being the fatty at a grand total of eighty four kilograms, which shows travellers are generally a starving bunch.

            We harnessed up, since I go climbing I understand the thin nylon straps were more than strong enough to hold my weight where as the others looked doubtful. What I did doubt the strength of was the Velcro straps around my ankles, I know all the weight is tied to my waist but it’s still a little nerve racking. Eventually were lead to the platform you’re sat down as they attach everything to you. And you’re lead to the edge, the sheer weight of the rope and metal clasps was nearly enough to drag me over the edge. The whole process is filmed so you have no option other than to jump and I must jump instantly, mental count down, 3..2..1 GO. I went the feeling of falling like that is an unbelievable feeling and all doubts quickly vanish, especially when you feel the bungy take hold and drag you against gravity.

            It’s such a fantastic feeling and best of all is I have it on DVD.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR: Luge

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR: Luge

We have new neighbours in the hostel, the first few nights were nice and quiet but last night was anything but, there is a group who stayed up until two in the morning which we wouldn’t mind, but they completely trashed the kitchen for us in the morning, pretty unreasonable but they didn’t seem to care in the slightest. Not to worry were going to the Luge.

Luge is something like a toboggan run only you can steer on the track and over take people. It was a fun day you had to go on the gondola which overlooked Queenstown. Once we got to the top we were blasted with ice cold winds and snow, it is a huge change from the beaches of Australia to this. We paid for five runs on the two different tracks, I promised Vicki I would stay with her during the run down the slope. But my need for speed got the better of me and I took off and left her behind, far behind. I charged around one of the corners a little too fast and one wheel left the floor and the front end dug into the floor, I thought I was going over the handle bars but fortunately I didn’t, all wheels touched the ground and I was off to do it again a few meters later.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE: Alas money

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE: Alas money

We finally have money! It’s a bit late really because we have wasted the past few days through lack of cash and worrying in case something had gone wrong during the transaction. But fortunately we have it, to celebrate we went off and booked some of our trips the first one we booked was the Nevis bungy a 134 metre drop, the highest in New Zealand. Needless to say Vicki didn’t want to do it, she wanted to watch but they wanted fifty dollars for the privilege of watching so she isn’t, which is a shame.

            Also that day we wandered around town looking in different shops and generally seeing what there is to do in the area. We went into a souvenir shop where Vicki came across a Kiwi so we bought it. We now have Keith the Kiwi and Eric the Echidna.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-TWO: Road to Milford sound

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-TWO: Road to Milford sound

Before we came to New Zealand we booked a couple trips one of which was a trip to Milford sound. However Milford sound road has been closed and there is absolutely no other access to the area without paying a lot of money to fly there, we rang the people who organised the trip and they unfortunately told us they have had to cancel the trip and refund us. Vicki is incredibly disappointed but it’s not as though the trip is ruined but it is a shame we have come so far to be stopped a matter of one hundred kilometres away. Not to worry, we have bigger things to worry about. We still haven’t got any money. I rang our bank who claimed the money had left our account. Then I rang the travel card people who denied they received the money. So I rang the bank back and wanted to cancel the transaction. So instead of that they cancelled our bank card. We now have absolutely no money because the people in the bank cancelled our card. Completely hopeless bank system.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-ONE: NZ here we come

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-ONE: NZ here we come

4AM, my alarm goes off. Not a particularly great time to be woken up but neither Vicki nor myself seemed to mind. We’re both going somewhere neither of us have been. Fortunately for us my uncle is working in Brisbane and is flying at a similar time so we managed to sponge a lift from him. Checking in was a quick process and soon enough we were off flying to New Zealand. We are both very excited about getting there but we have one small thing to worry about, the seven hundred dollars we transferred from our bank account to the travel card still hasn’t landed so we have only got the first three hundred dollars which won’t go very far especially since we have no accommodation or food or anything.

            After a short three hour flight we made it and we were both instantly cold. Not a great start to the trip being cold but I’m sure we will adapt to it. Getting to Queenstown is only a short bus ride away and from the centre of town and then an equally quick walk to our hostel.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY: Fishing

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY: Fishing

I enjoyed our trip to Lake Illawara so we went again. This time Vicki didn’t come along so it was just me and my uncle. It was quite cold because of the strong winds which in one sense made it easier for me because there weren’t as many people to get tangled up with. It was a nice day but it wasn’t very successful we didn’t catch anything. We started to give up and walk back to the car where we saw a young boy fishing, as soon as the bait went in the water he caught something so we tried near him and much to my surprise I caught a little black fish.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE: Not long until NZ

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE: Not long until NZ

In two days we will be off to New Zealand so we had to sort out our money. Before we went to Sydney we transferred three hundred dollars to a travel card and today we sent another seven hundred dollars onto the card to cover all of our trips. Other than that all we did was pack the bag and wash our clothes from Sydney.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT: Coming back to Wollongong

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT: Coming back to Wollongong

We both enjoyed yesterday but today we went to Kings Cross to have a look around, Vicki had stayed here when she last came in 2009 so went and looked for the hostle she stayed at. We think we found it, it was an absolute dump, and I wouldn’t have stayed in it personally I preferred our hotel. After stopping there we repeated the first part of yesterday to the opera house through the botanical gardens. Yesterday we walked past the Guylian chocolate shop and we both wanted to go but went to Lindt instead. This time we went in there had another hot chocolate which wasn’t quite as good but still very tasty. After there we walked down Elizabeth street to the central station and went back to my uncles.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN: Sydney

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN: Sydney

Since coming to Australia I’ve wanted to go to Sydney. When you think of Australia one of the thing that comes to mind is the opera house and harbour bridge during the New Year fireworks. Obviously we weren’t going to see the New Year fireworks it being June but the rest should look the same.

            We walked past the naval base and continued along the edge of Woolloomooloo Bay towards Mrs Macquarie’s point, as we arrived we had a fantastic view of the Opera house and the Harbour bridge. As we got closer to the side a bus rolled up and dozens of other tourists piled out and headed towards the same point we were heading for, shame we didn’t have it to ourselves for at least ten seconds but I can’t imagine that spot ever being quiet. We continued our walk up to the opera house and took countless photo’s like absolutely everybody does when they first see it. From here we wandered off towards The Rocks. Somewhere around there we came across the Lindt chocolate café and stopped for hot chocolates which were fantastic tasted like the chocolates in liquid form.

            We wandered down George street window shopping until we reached Darling harbour, we wandered around there and stopped in the Hard Rock café for lunch. After there we walked back towards the Opera house and back to the hotel.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX: Goodbye Jucy

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX: Goodbye Jucy

This is officially the last day with the camper van, we are both relieved to be rid of it but at the same time disappointed. We enjoyed it a lot and we both believe that it is the only way to enjoy travelling and Australia, busses aren’t as much fun.

            The final drive was to Sydney where we returned the van without any problems and we also booked a car for New Zealand. From there we caught the bus to Sydney where we are staying for the next couple days. I’ve been looking forward to coming to Sydney since we arrived. We walked form central station through Surry Hills where we came across a Mexican take out and bought a burrito each, we continued through Darlinghurst to the navy base, near that is our hotel for the next few nights. We didn’t venture out this day because by time we arrived at the hotel it was beginning to go dark. Our trip will begin tomorrow, bright and early.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE: Well… we’re trapped

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE: Well… we’re trapped

We’re both excited about New Zealand and intended on getting some travel money. This is usually a simple task in England. I usually log onto the post office website and order it with money on. Here it’s anything but simple. We drove to the post office in Coramil thinking that it would be simple, pass us a card with our money on and that’ll be it. It isn’t simple they wanted variour ID’s and proof of address. I’ve no idea how travellers normally get them since they don’t have addresses. I only had my UK driving licence which wasn’t enough. I stormed off with no intention of going back to that one. We went back got both passports and a bank invoice, we drove to the post office in Woonona for us to go through the process of setting up the account where they wanted yet another form of ID the bank statement wasn’t enough, I wasn’t happy and was going to go mad but fortunately the woman behind the counter saw my medicare card and used that as an ID. I thought of giving them a blood sample, fingerprints and hair just to make sure they would be happy but no need.

            We went back to the house to set up the card. What a nightmare! It didn’t work I tried several times it simply wouldn’t do anything, they’ve got $300 of our money and I have a card that doesn’t do anything. After a while of cursing it I rang the post office ready to give them abuse but was told the server was down so try tomorrow. That calmed me a little, I’ve been so mellow since being here but something about today had infuriated me.

            While I was doing this Vicki was trying to rearrange our flights to come home, this should be relatively simple, ring them up and ask to change it, simple. Not for us we booked with Quantas because that’s all Vicki would fly with but ended up with British airways, Quantas has now merged with Emerates which means we can’t rearrange our flight without paying a ridiculous some of money so we’re stuck here in Australia. Fortunately Vicki made a scene and we managed to have our flights changed and it only cost us a little.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR: Lake Illawarra

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR: Lake Illawarra

Today Vicki my uncle and I went to Lake Illawarra to try fishing again. My last experience wasn’t great having caught a long necked turtle and an eel. This tile I was adamant I wasn’t going to catch another eel. Fortunately I didn’t and that’s because I didn’t catch a thing, the pair of us were pretty hopeless we couldn’t cast in a straight line and Vicki could hardly cast further than three meters in front of herself. We tried a few different spots, the final spot was packed with people on the bank so we had to very careful not to accidentally catch other people next to us. While we were at the last spot we saw jellyfish, hundreds of jellyfish swimming around the edge of the water, they were quite big so I could imagine it hurting if you fell in.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE: Walkies

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE: Walkies

We are getting bored of looking at flights and things to do while in New Zealand. So to relieve the boredom we went for a walk with my Auntie and Uncle we drove to Thirroul and caught the train to Womarra and walked along the beach back to the car.

            When we got back to the house we finally booked the trip, Everything is booked and ready. We’re both really excited to go but checking the weather wasn’t the best idea, it’s in the mid 20’s here but in Queenstown it’s -3 degrees C not great especially when we only have summer clothes. I’m sure we will be ok.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO: So the plan is…

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO: So the plan is…

We have decided not to go to Fiji, we simply don’t have enough money but what money. We would have had spent there we can invest into having an even better time in New Zealand, we spent the day deciding on how long to go for, how to get about and where to go. The time scale started at twenty five days but we wouldn’t be able to afford any trips so we agreed on two weeks. Not very long but if we are a little more active we will be able to cram loads of trips into that short amount of time.

            Vicki has planned all of it, if it wasn’t for her I’d just book a flight and completely wing it whereas she plans every single day almost to the hour, this suits me because when she does all the work I play games on my iPod.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE: Hair cut

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE: Hair cut

Since Janurary neither of us have had our hair cut and we were beginning to look a bit of a mess, we had looked for a hairdresser a few times on the road trip but they were all incredibly expensive. Fortunately my auntie knew of a place in Corramil which was pretty cheap, I’ve never been to a hairdresser because my mum is one so I’ve saved a small fortune over the years. We both came out with hair shorter than we would normally have but hopefully it’ll last until going home. We have priced up going to New Zealand and Fiji with the rest of our money but we would be too stretched for cash so we are just going to New Zealand but for longer.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY: Washing

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY: Washing

We are both relieved to be back when we planned, Vicki has run out of clean clothes and I was running very low. Fortunately we could wash all of our clothes, we filled three loads and completely filled the washing line but we are slowly beginning to get all our stuff sorted out.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN: Welcome to the 21st century

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN: Welcome to the 21^st century

The drive back was quiet, we were both disappointed that the trip is over but relieved that we will be enjoying a hot shower and a comfy bed.

            When we got back we were relieved to see everyone and reclaimed our room and proceeded in trying to tidy up all our stuff. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN: The last day

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN: The last day

Tomorrow is our drive back to Wollongong making today the end of a fantastic trip we have the van for another nine days but because of the cold nights and wet days we’re bringing it to an end tomorrow. Another reason is that we’ve run out of food and there aren’t any free camping spots on the drive past Newcastle and Sydney.

            Like the past few days it’s cool and overcast. Vicki wanted a final solar shower before going back. I would rather smell and remain warm instead of having a cold soak in swim shorts.

Our final meal is pasta, I’m pretty sick of pasta but Vicki still loves it.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN: 2 days left

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN:  2 days left

Shortly after eating the rain came and didn’t leave until twenty hours later so the day was spent in the car. It cleared up and the sun came out, we sat out for a bit but shortly after the barometer beeped yet again. Vicki thought it was broken, above us was nothing but beautiful blue skies, sure enough black skies emerged and the rain came down. The winds were strong, and the trees leaned to an unreal angle I thought they would fall down, fortunately none did.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN: Dull day

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN: Dull day

           

Having not driven in a few days we have to rely on the solar panel, when the sun is out and the skies are clear it is fine but today is dull and not likely to change. My barometer beeped threatening rain soon after the temperature dropped to about five degrees.

            Tonight’s meal is tinned chilli, it’s not particularly good but neither is it terrible, what is terrible is Vicki’s beans and cheese in a wrap.