Destination: New Zealand

DAY 29. Queenstown!

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [279]

I didn't sleep well because of the anticipation of Ryan's arrival. I woke up at 3:30, laid in bed, and took a shower at the hostel. I was out the door at 6:00 and walked to my car. I made the drive towards the airport as early as I could to beat morning ... Read more >

DAY 28. One More Wake Up

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [161]

I woke up well rested and enjoyed coffee with Alison and David. Alison left shortly after for Auckland and I began to organize and pack everything up that had been scattered about in my car. It was a long process but somehow I made it all work. It was ... Read more >

DAY 27. Cool Rocks

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [226]

I didn't sleep very good in the bunks last night but still managed to roll out by 7:30. I packed everything up and was on my way. It was sunny and warm way up there but the wind was still very brisk until I got down into the shelter of the trees. I made ... Read more >

DAY 26. My Fair Share of Stairs

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [263]

I made my way to the city center, drove across the Whanganui River, and found the beginning of the path to the tower, elevator, and the tunnel attractions. I began at about sea level and took many flights of concrete steps up the hill, known as Durie ... Read more >

DAY 25. A Little Camper

Sun, 20 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [236]

I left the holiday park and went into downtown Napier on yet another beautiful sunny day. I stopped at a Sunday morning market where locals were selling fruits, vegetables and goods. I bought a carton of fresh strawberries and left to go find a wifi ... Read more >

Photos: Storyfotos

Sun, 20 Nov 2016 | By bernardmarlenlilly | Photo Gallery

DAY 24. Architecture, Chocolate, and Wine

Sat, 19 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [417]

I couldn't get back to sleep after waking up at 3am so I got a nice, early start on a beautiful, sunny day. I drove into the city center in search of the visitors center and Art Deco. I found both. The Art Deco is all over the city but it's mostly downtown.... Read more >

DAY 23. My Favorite Town Yet

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [201]

I had a decent night sleeping in my car again. I left the campground, passed a few big waterfalls, and continued on the gravel road for about 20k's until I got to the visitors center. The guy at the center told me about a few places to check out. I first ... Read more >

DAY 22. Rockslides & Runaway Horses

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [196]

I left the Omori campsite around 10 and headed for the river. It was storming again in the morning but cleared up once I got my waders on and headed down. I fished for a bit, and again, nothing. My single day license expired at 1 so shortly after, I ... Read more >

DAY 21. Here Fishy Fishy

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [282]

I took a shower and made breakfast at the park. I made my way to the fishing shop and purchased nymphs, indicators, and fly line. Andrew let me hire boots, waders, and a rod for free and I headed down to the river. The water level had definitely gone ... Read more >

DAY 20. BK Lounge

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [277]

I'm glad I put the tarp over my tent last night because it sure rained hard. I got up and made breakfast and talked to Marcel and Vivian again. Them and another couple were worried about me in the rain last night but I was fine. I packed up and headed ... Read more >

DAY 19. 7.5 Shaker

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [356]

I woke up to texts and chats from friends asking if I was okay. I had no idea what was going on so I pulled up Facebook and the news. An 7.5 earthquake had occurred on the southern island in Canterbury around midnight. I had fallen asleep before then ... Read more >

Photos: Central North Island

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Photo Gallery

DAY 18. 24 Years

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [253]

I woke up early in my car. I wanted to make sure I made it to the geyser at 10:15 because that's the time that they make it go off. I drove down to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and bought my ticket. I rushed over to the geyser to make it in time, and ... Read more >

DAY 17. Steamy Town

Sat, 12 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [287]

I woke up to rain. I left the hostel and headed for the redwood forest. By mistake, but also because I was following my GPS, I went to the wrong place. I ended up at a cultural and geothermal center. I saw steam bellowing out of the shrubbery so I was ... Read more >