So it's been over a week again since I've written anything here. I apologise for that but Internet is not one of New Zealand's stronger points. I have quite a bit to fill you in on so I reckon this will be a post in two parts. Mostly because I am far too lazy to write it all now.
At the moment I am in Queenstown. I feel like something death carries with him in his suitcase.* Terribly hungover. Went to a pub last night called the world bar,(which coincidentally this Internet cafe is under). In this place place they serve a wide array of alcoholic drinks in teapots. So you get a teapot full of spirits of your choice. They also serve jugs of beer. So you see why I am dying today. I have travelled quite a way since last I wrote. Well, when I say travelled I've slept mostly really. Nils has travelled quite a way. I suppose from where I left off is usually the best way to write.
Last Monday we took the ferry from Wellington to Picton. (Not much to say on Wellington by the way, seems like a pretty cool town but didn't see enough to judge.) From Picton we headed North-west to the little town of Motueka. the kayak company we used is based there. Stayed the night in Motueka, a Hamilton kind of place. It was pretty funny though, the first place that had no Germans there when we arrived and shortly after we arrived a busload of German teenagers came along. On tuesday at 9 o'clock we began our Kayak trip, with three french people, an english woman and a korean girl. We also had a guide who's name I cannot recall, he was pretty good though (it started with a c...) Kayaking in the Abel Tasman natioal park is an amazing experience. Completely unique. On the first day we brought up to Tonga island via "water taxi", a boat which is dropped into the sea by a tractor. From Tonga we made our down the coast under the guidance of our eh.. guide who will from here on be called Mr. C. The coastline there is very beautiful, strecthes of forest sit atop the pale rock coast and in places there are long tidal estauaries. That bring to mind places like the amazon or vietnam. The forest reaching reaching down to the water, with some trees hanging over. We were first brought to Tonga island, a short distance from the shore. Mostly to ease us into sea kayaking I think, so we could get used to the boats and waves. On Tonga island there is a colony of seals. Over 150 we were told. We saw 3, though one did swim right beside our Kayak which was pretty damn cool. From Tonga we were led back down the coast stopping by in the lovely Bark Bay, a tidal estuary. Starting in a wide bay and finishing in a rocky creek. Then on down to anchorage where we camped for the night.
Some free advice if you plan to do a two day kayak, bring water and sun cream. These things are very important. Went a small bit insane the second day after about four hours on the open sea in the sun. Paddled constantly for about 2/3 kilometres in a mad rush to get to some shade.
Aside from that it was all good though. On the second day we were left to our devices, we went out to a small off the coasr. Looked like the kind of place where a person would get stranded, was nice though. There was a big seal just lounging around on the beach there.
After Abel Tasman we headed up north to the Farewell Spit.A 26 km sand spit on the northern tip of the noth island. It was a terribly desolate place. The lonely planet guide book describes Cape Reinga on the north island as having a very "end of the world" feel, I don't think so. If you want end of the world go to Farewell spit. At low tide the sea retreats to over a km away. So you're left with this vast stretch of sand only interupted by small pools of water. You can hear the distant rumble of the sea and the beach is covered in broken sea shells and dead trees. On the eastern side of the spit it's eerily calm but on the west gale winds sweep the sand across the beach. It hurts quite a bit when it hits you. On the west side in a place called Fossil point I found a big Sealion kicking back on the beach. Some more free advice, if you go too close to wild sealions they will try and attack you. They are quite big and I would say pretty scary. The whole area makes you feel very lonely. Somewhat similar to the feeling I get in the burren, but much stronger here.
From the Farewell spit we went south to the Nelson Lakes National park. A park set around two lakes, Rotoita and another one that I can't remember the name. Hulking snow covered mountains surround both lakes. It was one of my favourite places so. We hiked to the top of one of the mountains, the name which has thus far elluded me. It was a 5 hour return trip and somewhat taxing but all worth it for the incredible view that greeted us from the top. The photos are on facebook, have no facilities to upload them here for the moment. While in Nelson lakes I was in contact with a friend*from the volunteer group, found out he was leaving soon (tomorrow in fact) so we had a bit of a whirlwind trip down through the south island. Quickly passing the glaciers and the stunning southern alps. So I'll do a proper blog on those after we see them properly. On another note was in Rohan today, one of the locations from the Lord Of the Rings films. Unbelievable, straight out of the movie. Actually felt like it IS Rohan.
Apologies that this blog entry hasn't been very good, will do a better one next time I promise.
*This is a quote from a Warren Zevon songm, that I've always wanted to use.
**The friend is one Mr. Lorenz Grund. Another german of course and a freeloading bum from the land of Nuremburg. He's made his way through New Zealand eating other peoples food and generally hanging around in places where he shouldn't be. But all that aside, I can think of few better men to have a pint(or teapot) with. Looking forward to meeting him on his home soil
