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New Zealand Feb '05 |
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Church of Te Waikoropupu Springs-
Let's just start this tour with a pic of the Mother of all our beloved springs - after coursing thru marble it emerges near Takaka, South Island and is reputed to be the cleanest, clearest of them all. It is sacred to the Maori, so no swimming allowed. According to Maori legend, a female spirit resides here and from here, she protects all of the lands of the earth. |
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Now on to the beach - around the corner in Abel Tasman Park. I had an image of paradise that I have carried in my head since childhood and here I saw it in real time. I always thought it would be found in a South Sea Island, hence my desire to go to Micronesia 'some day'. I guess New Zealand is a South Sea Island . . .
To get here, you hike through 'the bush' (temperate rain forest with nahua palms, kaori, tea tree) on dappled paths for over an hour and then emerge at isolated beaches like these. Some of you know what I did with my clothes when I saw this water . . . |
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Middle Earth -
We followed the Peter Jackson trail when we could. These pictures were taken in the area of Shire filming - minus the sun. . The river is where 'my precious' was first acquired by the hobbit turned Gollum.
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Kiwi Kuirks -
Ok, first of all they drive on the wrong side. (Since 2/3 of the world drives on the right, the left must be the wrong side.) But then the bridges have only one lane. Punch it Chewy! But then, they throw in a train to make it really interesting. Sam is my driver so I just cover my eyes. |
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We found this shepherd and his sheep dog near Mt. Doom & Mordor - Mt. Tongariro which was veiled in rain and mist and missed by us. Kiwis love the medium of corrugated metal and use it alot. This was an I-Site, NZ tourist information stop. |
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Sam Speaks... |
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Hello to all. I hope you are all having a terrific year, as I obviously am. New Zealand is truly the Godzone - when God set out to design the most beautiful country, New Zealand was manifested. This place is truly heaven on earth. From the Coramandel Peninsula in the North, to the Alpine peaks in the South, this country has everything. Glaciers, tropical beaches, snow capped peaks, white water rivers, rainforests, and oh yeah, lots of wine country. With my traveling companions, I've managed to experience it all. So sit back, relax, and feast your eyes on the optical buffet New Zealand has to offer.
Cheers Mate! |
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This incredible place was in a town called Wanaka. The Rippon Winery. The wines were OK, but the scenery was aged to perfection. AAAAAHHHH!! |
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On our two hour hike through the Arahura River Valley, Mom found herself at her usual final destination (the Ground) many times. This occasion being one. And no, I did not push her and say, "Yeah that's right, out of my way woman." This hike was the prelude to our Arahura River rafting trip. An what a trip it was . . . |
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We kicked off the adventure with some easygoing rapids rated 3 on a scale of 1-6. It was our guide's (Jason) first trip as a solo guide. Of course he didn't tell us that until the end. As you can see, I was enjoying myself. |
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Later we progressed to some grade 5 rapids. As you can see, Mom and I were clearly in control of the situaton. |
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These next two pics were from the Copland Pass Tramp. This was the pinnacle of the New Zealand trip for me. Imagine hiking 17 km through a glacial river valley surrounded by snow capped alpine peaks, only to arrive at your camping hut which conviently boasts hot springs pools just minutes away. This was my reality for a couple days. Life was completely surreal up there. The following day I hiked an extra 6 km to catch a glimpse of Mt. Cook, but
unfortunately technology hindered me from photographing the highest peak in New Zealand. My f#@$ing batteries ran out, AAAAAAAHHHHHH!! Before that happened though, I managed to capture these two jewels. Enjoy. |
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You can see my hut at the bottom of the pic, that is where I slept. Ha Ha. Imagine waking up to that in the morning. Frodo and Sam had it good. |
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In Dunedin I picked up a rowdy Texan who couldn't shake the travelin' bug. My friend Max from childhood, and there after, was conviently studying in Dunedin at the same time I was traveling through. So we kidnapped him and showed him a great time. This pic is from a winery in the Marlborough region. We are seen here mingling with some old friends. |
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Mom and I hanging out under the fruit of the vine. |
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To whom it may concern this picture needs no explanation. We were literally Drivin'-->>Hatfield. "Wide awake in San Diego...AAAWWW HATFIELD." |
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Mom and me standing on a promontory on the east coast near Chevoit. "Hey ma, ain't that perty." |
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Sunset at Mt. Doom. Strangely the mountain that forged 'The Ring' doesn't look quite as intimidating at sunset on a clear February night. AAHH! Life was good in New Zealand. There are people and places I miss in Texas but it was places like this and people like our SERVAS Kiwi hosts that helped me 'push on through the day' . . . .
Peace and True Love,
Sam |
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