Baba´s Kiwi Newsletter – 10
My last weeks in New
Zealand :( 10 month are flying by far to quick and I still can´t
realise that it´s over. But what I know is that I had a fantastic time and the
adventure of my life! Whether I was travelling or staying in one place, I
enjoyed every single second and will definitely visit this country again if possible :)
Day 278 – 280 / WANAKA
We arrived on a sunday
evening in Wanaka and went straight to our great room, got internet for only $5
so I immediately skyped Adam.
For the next day we were keen on the Roy Valley Track. In Wanaka
it still looked really good but after 11km´s off road through a valley with
mountains, it wasn´t that satisfying anymore. Arriving at the first ford we had
to make a decision as 10 more would follow and you can´t get back if it starts
to rain – at least not with Baba black sheep. We decided to not take the risk
and turned around. What a pity but you don´t enjoy sitting somewhere in the
mountains, locked by the rain. Instead we walked around „Diamond lake“.
Nothing special to be honest. In the end the anticipation for the next day was
rising – skydive was on the schedule :)
We signed up for 9am to
make sure the weather is still good and we have a great view. While breakfast
and on the way to the airport I got a little nervous. I never thought that I
would do this but hey – you only live once (haha). As we arrived I wasn´t
nervous anymore, which almost made me nervous again ;) Is that normal? Another
half an hour later we were finally ready to enter the plane and the excitement
was growing. 15 000 feet (which means 4572m) it should be and I was the first
one to jump out. I can´t say a lot: it was UNBELIEVABLE! The first few seconds,
when you don´t know where you are and you get this horrible feeling in your
stomach, are probably the worst. But then: pure Adrenalin :) How fun – and yet over to quickly! I´m happy I did the video
and the pics, to reminde me that I actually did it! I only can recommend it ;)
Just on the same day we rented 2 rackets and a tennis court to make the best
of the weather. Finally hitting a ball again – WONDERFUL! It was hot,
exhausting and great fun – just like I love it :) Later we went to the cinema paradiso (wanaka is famous for as
there are old couches and car halfs to sit in). As there wasn´t a movie we were
both interested in we simply went seperately ;)
Day 280 - 284 / FRANZ JOSEF
Passing the „Blue pools“,
„Knights point“ and the Fox Glacier we made our way to Franz Josef. After our
travel agent (who booked our activities) recommended we should go to the
Glacier in the morning when the ice is still nice and blue, we ignored the
weather forecast for the next day and booked a trip on Friday, 8:30am instead
of Thursday, 11:00am.
The weather the next day
wasn´t actually that bad. We watched movies on Sky TV, bought internet and did
a little glowworm walking track at night.
Full of expectations we
made our way to the „Ice Explorer“ office the next day only to postpone our
trip to the afternoon, everthing was canceled in the morning. It looked like we
should regret our decision to book in the mornings! Around lunch time
everything fort he day was canceled and we postponed till the next day. Should
it not work on Saturday we had to consider to spend less time on the west coast
in order to have enough time up in the Abel Tasman and Golden bay.
Bad luck again. A rainly
and grey deep stuck in the mountains (we couldn´t even see them). Considering
Franz Josef not the best place to get stuck (NOTHING to do, really NOTHING!!!)
we put all on one card and booked the rest of our travels, at least
accommodation. The weather forecast for Sunday finally looked better and after
4 nights waiting we just hoped that it´s worth it.
And finally we were lucky!
At 9am everything looked great and there were only a few clouds in the sky. So
after 2 minutes Helicopter flight we made our way through the ice, following
our guide from czech republic :) It was great
and she admitted as well that days like this are rare. It didn´t last for too
long. After 2 hours we slowly got covered in clouds again and one after ours
every tour got declined again – well, that´s timing :) After the hike we relaxed at the „Glacier hot Pools“ for free
(heated glacier water) before we headed of to Hokitika. There we followed a
lonely planet recommedation and had Pipi´s Pizza for dinner just before we made
our way to our hostel in Punakaiki (directly on the beach).
Day 284 – 285 / PUNAKAIKI
In Jandals I got bitten by
various sandflies within 2 minutes, which reminded me of where we were – the
west coast :) Pushed by the swiss owner we went to see the sunset as
the weather forecast for the next day was horrible again.
So it is some truth in what
they say about the west coast. On my first trip I´ve seen NOTHING and during my
second not much more. Full of expectations and pride (we only waited for the
high tide to come) we were waiting to see the Pancake rocks and blow holes,
where the water should splash high in the air. After a little cave walk and
killing half the day, what a disappointment – there was hardly any splash!
Right time, right place – 10 asians with huge cameras to our left and right
confirmed that as well ;) – but nothing. But even if we had bad luck with the
blow holes we were lucky to see some Hector dolphins feeding – which was great :) The same day we still made our way to Motueka.
Day 285 - 287 / MOTUEKA
Here we had a great hostel,
too, and free internet. Finally we advertised Baba black sheep as well on
trademe.co.nz (New Zealand´s ebay). Besides that we checked out Motueka and had
some Brezels for breakfast from the european bakery I discovered when I was
here the first time ;)
Day 287 -288 / TAKAKA
Just after breakfast we
drove to Takaka, part of the Golden bay. And just like the first time – PERFECT
WEATHER! After we dropped our luggage at the hostel we grabbed our togs and
headed fort he beach. Was great to finally see the sun again ;) Our hostel was
fabulous again, with a kitchen outside and sunshine till late :)
The following day we
decided to visit Tata Beach and take advantage of the good weather as long as
possible. The water was wonderful and a real refreshment! In general we found
the sea in New Zealand nowhere really warm but here you could at least go for a
proper swim. Probably that´s the price fort he clear water everywhere – really
fantastic! Before sunset we rented a Kajak for 2 hours and explored the area on
water. This was beautiful as well :) After that we
went to Marahau which meant: get ready for the Abel Tasman track.
Day 289 – 291 / ABEL TASMAN
NATIONAL PARK
At 9:30am we got picked up
by the water taxi and drove up to Awarau. On the way we saw Seelions, Dolphins
and even an Albinodolphin. As we had to pass a part of the walk during low tide
we started our walk immediately – but not a problem at all – and after about 3
hours walking we arrived at our first campsite Bark bay. Then it became
exciting as we put up the borrowed tent from the flat :) We prayed for no rain as we had no clue if the tent would be
waterproof. I can´t remember the last time I´ve been camping but there is a
good chance that it was with Martin as well, but when we were considerably
younger hehe. Our first dinner was rice with tomato sauce and sweet basil –
ready made food – to save weight in our backpacks. It was surprisingly good ;)
The next morning we had to
pack the tent and everything else back in our bags. After a few more hours we
arrived at our next campsite, Anchorage. After relaxing on the beach we even
did another small walk around the place. We were really lucky with the weather
– in comparison to my last visit in the national park :)
After 2 nights in a tent we
had the last part to Marahau ahead of us. Stretching the time we had another
stopp on one of the beautiful beaches before we reached our goal in the
afternoon. It is really a wonderful track and I would recommend it in summer very
much as I wasn´t that enthusiastic in the first place. But if you can swim and
have a nice break on the beach it is something completely different!
Day 291 – 292 / BLENHEIM
On the way to Nelson the
first thing we did: we bought some ice and cold drinks – you VERY much
appreciate that after 2 days (incl. boiling water to drink). Just in time for
dinner we arrived again at Ian and Jenny´s house and what a surprise – Nicky,
Iain 2, Jack, Grace and Max were there as well! Of course, one day before
Christmas :) (we forgot / repressed or whatever, again). We enjoyed
our first shower in days and after some real food we fell asleep in really
comfy beds.
The next morning turned out
to be a bit stressful as I messed up the ferry times a little bit ;) We had
some things to do in Blenheim which included to organise the beer for Christmas
in Wellington. After a painful goodbye to family Hair we took of to Picton and
with the Ferry to Wellington. It was a strange feeling again: on one side the
travel time with my brother was over, on the other side I was looking forward
to Xmas and New years with the others :/
Day 292 – 296 / WELLINGTON (WITH
MARTIN)
Arrived at Jeffy´s we first
of all were amazed by the new bar in the backyard, built by Adam! Unbelievable!
Some locations in town would envy this! And decorated with great paintings, of
course :) Just arrived we hurried to make our way to the
restaurant. Mum and Dad transfered us some money to go out for Christmas and so
we spent „the holy evening“ in a good Thai restaurant. Just fits with a spezial
Xmas :)
The BEST weather was
waiting for us the next morning (really, I haven´t seen Wellington like this
before!). At 10am it was arleady really hot and no wind at all!!! Blue sky as
far as the eye can see – WOOOHOOO! About an hour later we as well gave up (on
clothes) and just walked around in our togs. Just after we blew up a paddling
pool in the backyard, the first beer – and wine bottles were opened. Continuing
sharing the presents and a really chaotic secret santa we started with bavarian
white sausages, Brezen and sweet mustard – and they were DELICIOUS! Just like
home :) Followed sausages in bacon from england we finished our
„breakfast“ with Croissants and Champagner. As we managed to squeeze 9 people
into the paddling pool we decided to order a shuttle taxi bus and go to the
beach for the afternoon :) In the evening when we were all absolutely tired and
exhausted from the sun and the long day we still were able to get some dinner
ready at about 11pm ;) – what a Christmas, I could get used to it :)
We headed to town for
boxing day (yes, shops are open here, even if not all of them) to get the last
shopping done. Besides that someone wanted to look at the car and we still
didn´t clean it. Unfortunately the guy decided for another one. The day ended
with a nice fire, even if the weather was about to get worse again.
The next morning Adam and I
went to see Amber (his mum´s former dog) again while Martin strawled through
town once more. And suddenly it was his last evening in New Zealand and the end
of the holiday :(
We had to get up early to
the airport. Time went really fast and I was sad to see Martin leave! But
something lasts: We had an amazing time :)
Day 296 - 307 / WELLINGTON (WITHOUT
MARTIN)
After another nap Adam and
me went to Scorching Bay – and I did my first sand sculpture on my own :) Not picking an insane size like last time I restricted myself
to a small Terminatorbunny and Adam improved further on his faces. Later we
decided to go and see „The Hobbit“ after some dinner. I really can´t leave New
Zealand without seeing that movie ;)
The day after I had 3
german boys interested in the car – but didn´t work either. Later on we got
ready for New years! Anna (a former flatmate of Jefferson`s) organised a house
in Masterton (Mikimiki) and with about 12 people we made our way there on the 30th
of december.
Day 298 – 301 / MIKIMIKI
The weather in Mikimiki was
still great and the house breathtaking! Huge, the walls out of straw with a
great view on hills with sheep. In addition it was heated with solar energy and
no wall was straight :) On the first evening we made Pizza and thanks to the
big kitchen EVERYONE got involved – not to compare with the kitchen at
Jefferson´s.
We had great weather again
on New Years and took a bath in the river first. The rest of the day we lay in
the sun, had some Ping Pong and other games before we drove along the river in
the afternoon, checking for another swimming hole. Later on we had a big BBQ
and after all it was a quite quiet New Years Eve. Long time ago since I had
that ;) We went to bed at around 2am already – done from the sun (ok, not ONLY
the sun ;)).
Still, a few people were
hungover the first day of the year. Adam and I decided to drive to Castle point
(Lighthouse with a nice beach). The weather was ok and so we had a long nap to
recover from the night before. Just before dinner some more people joined us
and raised the number to 18 :)
The mood the next day
wasn´t that good anymore and the whole thing reminded me a little bit of „Big
Brother“. The two of us decided to leave one day earlier and so we drove back
to Wellington. There we got a nice welcome with wind up to 124km/h – incredible
how the weather can change here.
It got better the next day
and we repainted the wall in the backyard a bit. Besides that I tried to figure
out what I need in my luggage for Australia and what not ;) Puh!
With colder temperatures
but still no rain we made our way to Scorching bay again – sand sculpture
number 2 :) And in the evening: a classic Jefferson fire with a
visitor from Austria hehe.
On Saturday Clare was
finally around again and 8 of us went to princess bay for a swim before Adam
and myself went out once more for Pizza. It was delicious! Scopa in Wellington
– highly recommended ;)
Sunday morning we visited
the zoo. It was far too hot and we felt sorry for the animals anyway! So we
went down to the waterfront afterwards. They built up a 2 platforms there and
while Adam was happily jumping Babarazzi was busy with Action shots ;) We ended
the day with a picnic in the botanical gardens and fell asleep again... you
don´t get younger :)
On monday I finally got a
WOF (Warrenty of fitness) appointment for the car and visited my collegues from
the Bank once more for lunch and a coffee. It was great to see Sue and Ian
again – unfortunately it didn´t work out with Kylie. As we watched „Life of Pi“
in the evening I suddenly became aware that my last day in New Zealand was just
ahead of me :(
After I paid another $600
to get Baba Black Sheep through the New Zealand Version of „TÜV“ and to get the
registration extended it happened to be a quiet day. As the weather was nice we
just started with my Goodbye drinks at 4pm already and made a fire. Almost everyone
was there and even Abby, Jen and Robbie came to say goodbye. As a symbolic act
I burned my Lonely planet and had to wipe a few tears away. Quite drunk we
simply fell into bed – not a good idea when you have to get up at 4am – AHHHHH!
Completely hungover and
overwhelmed by my feelings, Adam drove me to the airport to say goodbye. In the
beginning I could handle it quite ok but as he was gone I spent about 10
minutes on the toilet. At least with red eyes no one was interested in my
„slightly“ too heavy luggage anymore ;)
And herewith 10
unbelievably great month in New Zealand are coming to an end :( I had a fantastic time and still can´t believe it how long it
took me actually make this journey. Always postponed and put on the back burner
– and even if it would have been completely different – I wouldn´t wanna miss a
thing. This I would regret for my whole life!
This brings me as well to
my next decision: I won´t come back to Germany in February yet. I´ve thought
about it a lot and in the end decided to take the risk. Adam follows me to
Melbourne in 6 weeks time and we will see what jobs we can find and how it goes
with us.
Even if I miss you alll
HEAPS, it looks like I don´t miss Germany enough yet.
I hope the shock is not too
big but hey – No RISK, no FUN ;)
Hereby a last KIA ORA from
the MOST BEAUTIFUL!!! end of the World,
Yours Barbara
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