This Ice is Nice!

For those who don’t know – I had a minor mishap involving my gall bladder only a week before my trip to New Zealand. Well, ok … it was a major mishap. In fact, no longer do I have a gall bladder (and good riddance at that!)

So, when my group of fellow travellers decided that climbing Fox Glacier was an absolute necessity, I knew I’d be up for a challenge.
The trek started out well! Flat ground, a few rocks – nothing I couldn’t handle. However, about half hour in, things very quickly turned vertical. Climbing in and out of thick rainforest brush, under waterfalls, and over streams – we ascended 1000 vertical meters, without the safety of a net!

At points, I truly thought I was going to die. And, with comments like “ech… are you ok??” coming from my fellow travel companions – I think they did too.

Luckily though – I made it! To the beautiful beautiful top – with all remaining organs in tact!

Standing on Fox Glacier was amazing. Tall towers of ice that stood three stories above us, it felt like we could touch the sky.

The trip back to base was much easier – although I, along with everyone else, was certainly sore for our remaining days in New Zealand. Luckily though, we spent our time making a slow travel through Arthur’s Pass before one more night in Christchurch, and eventually heading back to Aus.

Flight: Back to Aus. Round trip hits about $600.
Accom: Here we stayed at the YHA Franz Josef Glacier Hostel. This one’s a cool $19 a night, and is a sweet distance from both Fox and Franz Josef!
Highlights: Towers of Ice, blue skies, crisp air, and overcoming a challenge.

Sounds like Milford Sound

It rains, on average, over 200 days of the year in Milford Sound, but in no way does this dampen its beauty.

We left Queenstown in the late afternoon on what was suppose to be a short, three hour drive. We thought we would get there by sunset, and would be able to take in the mountain beauty, before waking up early the next morning for our pre-paid boat tour. Man, were we wrong.

On route, one of my fellow travel companions insisted that we make a stop at Te Anau – a small town that was known for its amazing bird sanctuary. “No problem!” we said, as we pulled over to check out the wonderment.

Well … much to our surprise, the only birds present were a few turkeys and a crap-load of Canadian Geese. It started to rain, as we laughed off the irony and headed back to the car. As the five of us stood around looking at each other and waiting for someone to unlock the doors …

Who’s got the keys?
I gave them to Alex.
No you didn’t?
Well I don’t have them.

Fuck.

In the pouring rain we headed back out into the bird sanctuary to hunt out our now missing rental keys. High … low ... we retraced all of our steps, and even took some new ones. They were nowhere to be found.

I, along with another girl, decided that the best bet was to hike three kilometres back to the town centre and call the rental company. So, in the pouring rain, soaked to the bone, we made the trek.

Now, I’m not going to say we were expecting a hero’s welcome, but this is truly the conversation that took place at Te Anau’s Welcome Centre:

Me: Hi! I’m sorry to bother you, but we just walked for an hour in the pouring rain! We’re stuck at the bird sanctuary because we lost our keys!!!

Welcome Lady: Well, I don’t have them.
Me: No, I know… I was just…
Lady: There’s a pay phone across the street.
Me: but .. I … ok. Thanks.

Heartbreaking.

We crossed the street, called budget, and found out that there is an extra key hidden in an easily accessible location on every rental. Thank god.

We made out way back – three more kilometres in the rain – only to discover that the originally lost keys had been found, and everyone was warm and safe inside the vehicle.

It was now dark, as we continued, in silence, on our way to Milford Sound. We arrived at our hostel and headed straight to bed – very wet and very very grumpy.

The next morning, we woke up to a beautiful sunrise that revealed our new surroundings. In a small cabin, on the side of a mountain – we stood under overhanging cliffs, between tall green trees, and could hear the gentle chirping of birds that weren’t geese. It’s amazing what you miss out on, when sitting in the dark.

We headed off to our boat cruise, where we were treated to even more breath taking sights on one of the rare days when the sun shines in Milford Sound.

Flight: vrroommm….
Accom: Milford Sound Lodge (traveller’s hostel/ $30 a night): a great log cabin, with a fun “mess room” style place to cook and eat – warm and toasty, even in the pouring rain
Highlights: Navigating our way through a creepy bird sanctuary, Te Anau, a mountain side, and – of course – the sound.

Adventure in Queenstown!

There is absolutely no funner place than the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown New Zealand.

We actually used this little city as the home base for our adventure – returning every few days, between the sites we were visiting around the south island.

When you first arrive, you can’t help but be taken in by the quaintness of the place. Small homes and businesses nestled in a gentle valley that is surrounded by huge hills and rough mountains. That is, until you experience Queenstown’s nightlife – and there ain’t nothing quaint about that.

Our first stop was Minus Zero, a notorious bar made entirely out of ice. We bundled up in the coats provided by the bar, and headed into the ice room. With glasses made of ice in hand, we sat at ice tables on ice chairs, surrounded by ice sculptures, shelving, and floors. The only thing warm were the people – who sang “Black Betty” in unison, before the next group came in.

From there we went onto the World Bar – a backpackers’ haven. This bar was completely different than the first – Minus Zero has a cool atmosphere (how could it not), World Bar, however, was HOT. In a steamy room, stuffed to capacity, the Latin music poured out from the band, while we danced the night away. It was here that I met Rrrrrommando, a tall dark and handsome brazillian who made my time in Queenstown worthwhile for more reason’s than one!

The following day, some of the girls gave bungee jumping a try. A bit of a wuss, I maxed out my daredevil side with a trip down the skyline Luge, which overlooks the city and the scenery.

It was hard to leave Queenstown, when it was finally time to go. It’s welcoming quality and people made it instantly feel like home.

For anyone visiting New Zealand, Queenstown is a must. It embodies the adventure and youth of the island, along with the incredible scenery that this amazing country is known for.

Flight: Still road tr-tr-trippin’
Accom: In Queenstown we stayed at the Hippo Hostel, at $35 a night, it’s clean, friendly, and adorable!
Highlights: late nights, drinks in a teapot, drinks on the rocks in the rocks, adventure, Brazilians, and a gorgeous view.

Take and peek at Lake Tekapo!

Before leaving Christchurch we hit the markets to check out cheap jewellery, clothing, and – of course – food. The weather was miserable, so we quickly ducked in and out of shops trying to keep warm and some-what dry.

Well, as luck would so have it, one particular shop we stumbled into was an art gallery that housed a large collection of water and oil paint pieces, featuring the scenery of New Zealand. Immediately, one caught my eye.

Hidden in the back, but hanging on the wall, was a beautiful picture of a church, standing in complete solitude, on the edge of a beautiful lake during sunset. I turned to my friend, and said “I want to go here!”

I’m not sure why that picture resonated so deeply within me – all I knew is that Lake Tekapo was one place I had to go.

We pulled out the map, and noticed that although it was off the beaten trail – we could easily visit the place, while on our way to Queenstown.

Upon arrival, I realized that the painting had hardly done the place justice (and I know my words won’t either). About half a kilometre from a very small town, sat a tiny church, all alone, surrounded by soft rolling mountains and a crystal blue lake. The sun had just begun to set, giving the land a warm orange glow. It was gorgeous.

We bought some shady Chinese food and set up camp (literally), alongside the lake. This actually turned out to be the first …and last… time we pitched a tent in New Zealand. As it turns out our 3 person tent did not comfortable sleep 5, and that no matter how much “body heat” you think a group of squished people wearing every article of clothing they had with them can produce, I can say with confidence that it will not stand up again the subzero New Zealand night.

We woke up at sunrise (…not that any of us really slept), and watched the steam rise off of the lake, as the sun returned from behind the mountains.

From there we left to Queenstown – feeling like we had stumbled upon a hidden gem in the New Zealand countryside.

Flight: Road trip!!! Around $650 for a car for 10 days, split 5 ways.
Accom: $13 each to camp (for $3 more you can stay in the warm, comfortable hostel….it’s worth the splurge)
Highlights: Picturesque scenery, a clear blue lake, mountains, sun rise, sun set, and a mysterious long church that somehow talks to your soul.

5 North American Girls take New Zealand by Storm!

New Zealand has all of the beauty of Canada – crammed into one tiny island of awesomeness.

Along with four other North American girls, I arrived in Christchurch ready to tour the south island – and, needless to say, I was beyond surprised and mesmerized by the scenery, culture, and fun that this tiny country holds.

There was, however, one problem: 5 girls, 10 bags of luggage, and only one tiny rental car trunk. I’m not sure who’s idea it was to bring a tent, but that didn’t help either! But, after about 40 minutes of baggage Tetris – we were off!

We spent the night in Christchurch – mostly because we didn’t have a plan, but then embarked on this route: Christchurch à Lake Tekapo à Queensland à Milford Sound à Fox Glacier à Greymouthà Arthur’s Pass à Chirstchurch à Home (Australia home, not Canada home).

It was amazing!

I’m going to dedicate a little blog to each location, because on a whole – there’s just too much to say about this incredible adventure, the people, and the places. Of everywhere I’ve been, if I could stay forever, I would make New Zealand my home.

Destination nutshell:

Flight: $600 round trip
Accommodations: In Christchurch we stayed at the YHI, a little pricey, but awesomely clean and comfortable: $35/ night.
Highlights: Oh baby, we’re just getting started!

Lady Elliot Island

Words like “stunning”, “beautiful”, and “unreal” come to mind when trying to describe the Great Barrier Reef, but truthfully, it’s something you have to experience for yourself.

We were in Noosa at the time, when we decided to fly out to Lady Elliot Island – a tiny place, that’s really only a landing strip and an ice cream shop – located on the southern most point of the Great Barrier Reef.

We woke up at 4am and made out way to tiny airport and our even tinier plane. Now, I’m not afraid to fly – I’ve been on many planes, many-a-time; however, there was something about a hefty pilot wearing a belly-top and flip-flops that rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, he just seemed like the kind of guy who was more likely to scream “everybody hold on, while I try something cool” – than “buckle up”.

But, after a very turbulent, white-knuckle ride – we made it!

Lady Elliot Island is beautiful. Small sandy beaches, with the only miles and miles of ocean surrounding you – you can’t help but feel like you’ve settled away on a secluded island paradise.

While there, we enjoyed wandering the beach, snorkelling the coral, and exploring the Great Barrier Reef on both a glass bottom boat ride, and a guided dive. As I said before, there is no way to describe the Great Barrier Reef – it’s almost like accidentally wandering into an unknown world full of vibrant colours, shapes, and creatures that you thought only possible in fairy tales.

What I love most about the picture above is that you can see how tiny the island is, in the great big Pacific that surrounds it. You can see the reef that breaks the harsh ocean waves, protecting the fish the live there, and making it possible for people to enjoy their day in water as well.

It really is special – and not surprising that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Like Alice through the look glass, you never know what you’re missing until you let yourself enter an unknown world.

Destination Nutshell:

Flight: $298, which included round trip airfare, snorkelling equipment, the boat ride out to the Great Barrier Reef, a buffet lunch (but don’t get too excited – it was mostly weird noodle salad), use of the facilities, and an orientation of the island.
Accom: We didn’t stay on the Island – we flew back to the mainland to stay in a cheap hostel on the Gold Coast, but you can! It’s just a little pricey.
Highlights: the great barrier reef, surviving the sketchy pilot, snorkelling, swimming, and a beautiful day.

The Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise

One of my favourite places of all was Surfers Paradise, and truthfully – I don’t know why.

I mean, aside of the long long beach that the city rests upon, the gorgeous weather, and bronzed Agonises as far as the eye could see, there wasn’t necessarily anything special about the place. It just had a great vibe.

My girlfriends all decided to give surfing a go while we were there (they're in the picture above, carrying their surf boards down to the beach). However, having learned the ‘Amanda can’t surf and hurts herself trying’ lesson Twice – I decided to explore the city centre instead.

Surfers Paradise is home to lots of great little shops, lots of surfer wear (of course), and probably the most amazing Kabob I have ever had. You know, it’s true what they say – the dirtier the place, the better the food. Because the Kabob Hut next to the main beach – that has no walls, running water, sanitary standards and employs the greasiest oldest pervy-est guy I have ever seen – serves the biggest, most flavourful, and yummiest chicken shwarma known to man.

We stayed in surfers for two days, and actually went back for a third on our way back to Melbourne. It is absolutely worth it, if you love a great night life, sandy beaches for as far as the eye can see, and a great big greasy Kabob served by a great big greasy man.

Destination nutshell:
Flight: On the road trip, baby!
Accom: We stayed in a beachside hostel that was a short drive from the city centre. Around $25 a night. Surfers is a popular tourist destination, so hostels are easy to find and in great locations.
Highlights: Bronzed and beautiful boys boys boys, the beach, the sand, the surf, the waves, Malabu’s Nightclub, and – of course – that big Kabob.