merry Christmas and a happy new year

We hope everyone we know and love has the best christmas and new year!!

We will get to see the new year before everyone else we know, lets hope is a good one:-)

I (liz) did this using crackers pinned to our wall

Christchurch

Well we have made it back to our fave city in NZ!! Only here to tomorrow then off to the wet west coast..:-( we met our friends at the shop we worked in and our friend who drives the tram, making the most of our one day here!! Thanks for all your comments guys and merry Xmas to all our friends and family!!!

Manchester

We found a book in our hostel where people can write things about where they live.Well this is one entry we found about manchester.LOL

Alright!?

I live in a town where the sun don't sheeiiiine! but theres some right good bands come out of it.

You can go clubbin there til all hrs and get off your effin tits! an easy place to get hold of pills,coke and dope! This is why its such appealing place to live for anyone.

Personally i am a brain surgeon but in my spare time i smoke fags(MAGIC ONES).I prefere living on the moon,but i have to make the long journey home once in a while to visit my messed up family.They're all on drugs infact half of em sell em
Me mams not so clever she's on prozak!! shes been on the game too long!!
fuck knows who my dad is!!! But i dont look like the bloke who brought us up.

there was more but got a bit ruder but had us laughing :-)

Update

We are going to Christchurch 17th - 19th December then going to Fox Glacier to help out in a backpackers for around 2 months. Still now wireless so will update photos when we are able! Went to the cinema today to watch 'the day the earth stood still' a good film. Also had lunch out and tea out:-)

All Day Tour

Yesterday we went to Moeraki Boulders, drove through the village of Moeraki and went to Fluers Place. Also went through Danseys Pass to Duntroon, Waitaki dam, Aviemore dam and Benmore hydro dam (the second largest in the southern hemisphere). On way back went to Elephant Rocks. were on the road for 11 hours in total!!

Photos to follow when get wireless again:-)

Oamaru

Today we arrived in Oamaru. We have left grotty Dunedin!! Already we have got a chippy and been to the Public Gardens. Also been to see the museum and Blue penguins. On the walk back we managed to see close up more penguins on the side of the road.

Catlins Coaster

Today we went to Invercargill where we saw the bike out of 'World's Fastest Indian' :-) Then to the Catlins where we saw yellow eyed penguins, sealions and a waterfall.

Pics to follow

Cadbury Tour

Today we went on the Cadbury tour!!  Forgot camera so unfortunately no pics..The whole tour lasted about an hour and 20 minutes. Your guide takes you around the factory, along the way telling you about different things and sometimes watching videos. At the end you go into a Silo and a whole ton of chocolate drops from above. Enough to make 4000 chocolate bars!!! You also get free samples, tasty:-)

We are the Managers

 

Well the last couple of days me and liz have been in sole charge of the running of a B&B and backpackers.Had loads of customers the last 2 nights nearly a full house.

We are having fun plus we get all the local attractions free and soon we will be going on the bottom bus tour for a day worth over $300 for free.

NZ is so cool where could you try these sort of jobs at home!!!

Cinema

Yesterday we went to the cinema to watch 'Quantum of Solace' the new James Bond film. We thought it was good. The funny thing that happened was we went into the wrong screen. We watched the last 10 minutes and watched the credits before realising we were not in the right screen! Then we went into the same screen half an hour later and watched it from the beginning..

Update

We are working at Arden St B&B & Backpackers in Dunedin till January 17th. We will put pics of the place on soon. Just relaxing after work occasionally going to watch our friends Mel and Alan play gigs at The Craic. We are planning to go to Moraeki to see the boulders on the beach in December for couple of nights with them, should be fun:-)

Terai Gorge Railway

Today we went on the Terai Gorge Railway for 5 hours. We went from Dunedin to Middlemarch where we spent one hour. We had dinner at the Kissing Gate Cafe before getting an ice cream on the way back to the train.  When we got back we were glad to escape the noisy Texans!!

 

above mark driving the train (yeah got to in the cab)

 

click to watch funny video

A Variety Packed Day

Yesterday we had a full day of sightseeing. First we went to the Otago Settlers Museum, then the Otago Museum. After we went to the Botanical Gardens briefly before heading to the Worlds Steepest Street! Then we went to the Speights Brewery Tour and lastly went to the Irish bar 'The Craic' to watch Mel and Alan play a gig

 

Edit Photos to follow

Dunedin

We arrived in Dunedin yesterday and are settling in nicely we met Mel and Alan who are running the backpackers up the road for 4 months.

Today we are going to the museum and Spieghts Brewery for a tour.

Tomorrow hope to go Caitlins tour may stay overnight. Then do Elm Wildlife tour to see albatross/seals etc.

We have got rid of suitcase and now have two big rucksacks

Onsen Hot Pools

Our private pool for an hour. With retractable door and roof:-)

Puzzling World

Today we went to Puzzling World in Wanaka. We went in the four illusion rooms, hall of following faces, hologram hall, ames illusion room and the tilted house. Also the great maze which we completed in 1 hr! The average 1-1 1/2 hr, so we did well.

Edit: Photos to follow

Deer Park Heights

What a beautiful day, we made the most of it by going to Deer Park Heights.

We saw lotr scenes a plenty! And handfed exotic animals.

Alpaca

Thar

A great morning spent in the sun!

Left Glenorchy Hello Queenstown

 

We say by to the cabin and no more use of sleeping bags!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Glenorchy Cafe (GYC) The best steak butty and pizza sold here!!

 

 

 

 

 

Harry's Bar (even peter Jackson came here)

below me and liz having our last jug of Glenorchy ale!!! will miss it :-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Job Update

Mark has an interview at Wakatipu High School on Thursday afternoon. I have an interview at Nomad Safaris on Friday at 10am (LOTR shop) Cool!

Glenorchy Market Day

Today was Market Day in Glenorchy. We headed down at 10.30. We bought a jar of Rowan Jelly (Jam) with wild Rowan berries and Apples from the Rees Valley Station.

There were also some cute puppies for sale, I wanted to buy one!!

We had Whitebait and egg sandwiches for lunch, delicious!

We saw John and his kids arrive but managed to avoid them..YES!!

Routeburn Ramble

Yesterday we got early 7:30 and made our butties for overnight stay in the Fall hut.

We were told there was no transport so we hitched. We walked for 15min and 5 cars later a really nice ozzi guy gave us a lift all the way to the start of the track

(he wasn't going that way but he was a bus driver so used to giving people lifts a great guy)

liz crossing the first swing bring (there was another 3 after this one)

We had lunch at Routeburn Flats at the picnic table we met a guy from Walton Road, Sale (now lives London). A couple the lady from Sale, the man from Barnsley they now live in Warrington. What a small world!!

This is where we stayed the night and looking down onto Routeburn flats.

And on the way back we hitched with a guy from Invercargill.

Mt Judah Walkway

Today we went on the Mt Judah Walkway to a viewpoint on a slate mine.

We will come back and do a longer walk to a day hut have lunch then come back.

We bought hut passes for one night tomorrow we stock up on food and drink for the Routeburn Tramp on Wednesday!!

Paradise/LOTR Locations

Today we went on a lotr tour which took us into Paradise.

We saw Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien and the tree that inspired Treebeard.

Glenorchy

Well we are now in our improved accommodation

 

we have our Internet solved and we have also done a nice walk around the Lagoon.

Leaving the Dark Side

We had another bonfire on the beach last night with Alan and Mel. It was so awesome, photos to follow!!

Today we are leaving Kinloch to head over the lake to Glenorchy for couple of weeks. LOTR Tour already booked for tomorrow afternoon 2.30pm:-) Good news no Sand flies there so no more bites YES!!!

mark has hanged up is Hoover

Fire,Beer lake side beach

Tonight we decided to have a beach fire.

Yeah mark started his first fire!! (used some old dried tree roots to light it!!) seen it done on TV it works

Liz enjoying the fire and a beer!

still going we kept it going for 4 and half hours (even the locals were impressed by my fire and came over for a chat)

Just got back to caravan at 23:45 raining now

More photos and some video will be on flickr tomoz

Update

We are moving over to Glenorchy on Friday for 13 nights and we can't wait to say bye to the dark side:-) We will update with pics and what we get up to as we progress in our travels!!

I applied for a job in LOTR shop in Queenstown f/t temp one. I hope to get it then we can stay in QTN on my earnings. It would be so cool working in LOTR shop too for me;-)

Mountain Biking

Today after work we went Mountain Biking for around 50 minutes!! It was cool but tiring and I couldn't relax. But I am proud I rode the bike on the road after 15 years!! Sorry no pics:-( unless we do it again..

Mel and Alan went Kayaking for a while just got back now relax till tea 6pm.

well we went biking again today and here I am on my bike!

Queenstown

Yesterday we went to Queenstown with Alan and Melanie. Used it as a chance to stock up on supplies!! Bought Sandfly cream to soothe the bites and Deet cream to prevent them 80% I need a lot they always seem to bite me. Plus some sweets!!

We went on the gondola and luge which isn't as good as the Christchurch one. Also the Botanical gardens again not as nice as Christchurch gardens.

This morning it is snowing!!! In spring! The dog Delilah is asleep in our caravan as she followed me back from the toilets:-) She has a habit of following us to our caravan.

It will only be me, Mark, Alan and Mel working today as Fiona has joined Toni, James, Lucy and Sam on the Doubtful Sound Cruise they back tomorrow, went yesterday.

work kayak music

Today me and liz had to do the Heritage rooms,Didn't have a clue on what we were doing but wasted a good 4 hours.

Then talked liz into kayaking but she got scared so didn't do it!!.

we then had a BBQ for tea (great homemade burger and sausage and BEER).

After some of our friends played in a band in the Kitchen!

Alan,Toni,Melanie,fiona

Tomorrow we are going to Queenstown with Alan and Melanie (Alan from Scotland Mel from Canada).they are Help exchanging too.

Kayaking

Today after work Mark wanted me to go kayaking with him but I was too scared. Once in the water I wanted to come back out so only Mark kayaked for a while. I was proud I sat in the water in it though:-)

This is the worst place for sand flies I have been bit around 14 times!! We are thinking of moving on before November but unsure where too yet.

Crossing the Ford

Today after our 4 hrs work and some lunch we decided to go for a local walk. To do this we had to cross a ford in the road by walking through bare foot. 

There was a nice view of the lake from halfway up

Yesterday Mark went fishing for the first time and broke the rod!!

Kinloch

Made it safe and sound.Really in the middle of no where this time!!! will post some pics soon

Mount Cook

Today we went to Mount Cook Village. On the way we stopped for photo opps this included one of the Pelannor Fields (lotr) near Twizel!!

Once at Mount Cook we first went to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Watched planetarium and magic 3D shows then went on the Kea Point walk after some lunch.

Before lunch we spent half an hour trying to find the visitors centre which was signposted not too good. We eventually found out it was still being built!! There was a temporary one further down though.

With changeable weather it was still a good day with decent photos of Mount Cook on the way back to Tekapo:-)

Update

We have finished working for the lodge now. But we will be there for tea tomorrow. We will take photos of the rocks we moved and our hosts!! Also Mount Cook Village and any walks we do tomorrow.

At the next place we go too there is no Wireless as far as we know so will not be able to upload photos for a while. Will do the blog though.

Lake George Scott

Today after more gardening this time moving twigs. And after window cleaning and some lunch we headed off to find a cache on the Cowans Hill walk. On the way we went past a little white/orange dog which proceeded to follow us. This got a bit annoying as we were walking down a main road. At the cache the dog got through a fence and went off over the top of a hill..never to be seen again. A bit worrying as on the other side it had a sign saying no dogs) After finding the cache we walked back on the Cowans Hill walk through a Scientific Reserve where we saw a big bird like a hawk. Part of the walk was fenced off and we had to scale the fence using the gate. We also saw a dead possum in a trap.

Then we went on the Lake George Scott walk. A nice secluded small lake a hidden treasure!! We saw loads of rabbits (here they are pests and there a lot of poison put down for them) On the way back we saw a house for sale (thought we buy it if we win the lottery:-) It lead us straight back to the backpackers and it was all on a road so we could have done the walk an easier way which didn't involve off road tracks.

Now relaxing before tea at John and Lynda's.

Edit: Photos to follow

Cowans Hill Walkway

Today we went on the Cowans Hill Walkway 1.5 - 2 hrs. This time we had 360 degree views from the top!! I found a cache even though Mark was looking for it. I was sat on it without realising.

We also went to the Church of the good Shepherd again. I continued with my jigsaw been 3 days now and still not finished. Talked to Mark's mum on Skype after a month!!

Edit: Photos to follow.

Mt John Walkway Tekapo

Today we walked up Mt John 1036m above sea level.Was a great day but a bit windy at times!!

Then we had dinner in the Astro Cafe 1020m above sea level

We then walked down the 2hr route back to town.

now we are chillin at the backpacker liz doing a jig saw puzzle

Update

Today we moved rocks, well tiring. We worked for two hours doing this!!

It is a rainy and very windy day here today, but tomorrow is going to be hot again :-) Yesterday we went to the hot pools but they do not have sulphur pools there. They are better than Hamner springs which were too commercial.

Tomorrow we will do the walk up to MT John Observatory Cafe an hour each way.

Mark applied for a job at the Otago University as IT Support Technician so if he gets it we will apply for Work to Residence Visa!!

Lake Tekapo

Today we moved down to Lake Tekapo. We set off 10am and arrived at 1.30pm.

We settled into the Tailor Made Backpackers before going to Luxury Lodge to meet our hosts Lynda and John and Lynda's mother. We had only been there 5 mins and they wanted us to work. So we did 2 hours gardening (clearing rubbish, raking twigs) Had to take our fleeces off as was very hot in the sun!! 

The lodge has great views of the lake and alps. After work we had a beer and tea which was chicken casserole, potato, cabbage, rice, orange veg (forgot it's name begins with K) meat loaf followed by apple pie. All homemade by Lynda.

They have a 52" Plasma TV, we have no TV at backpackers.

We went stargazing up Mt John Observatory, just got back. We saw the Milky Way, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, the Southern Cross, Canopus, Alpha Centuri, Vega, Arcturus, the large and small clouds of Magellan, Anteras, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces, Capricorn,Pegasus, the jewellery box to name a few.. One star we saw was actually 2 when you looked in the telescope. We saw the lines on Jupiter.

We saw these both with the naked eye and through telescopes!! It was the most amazing night of our lives :-)

Photos to follow!!! YES Back in Tekapo..at last!!

Update

We are moving on to Lake Tekapo to help exchange on Friday till 2nd October. Then on to Glenorchy to help exchange hopefully till after Christmas!!

Will update when we in Lake Tekapo with what we doing and photos!! :-)

Arthur's Pass

We came to Arthur's Pass yesterday and are going back to Christchurch tomorrow. Up to now we have done two walks and part of a third.

The first walk was 'Devils Punchbowl falls' an hour return with magnificent views.

The second was 'Bridal Veil Walk' one and a half hours return.

These two were done in the same day!

We went to the Wobbly Kea for lunch.

Today we did about an hour of a 6-8 hr walk called 'Scotts Track' this was the most demanding walk we have done to date. Gave great views of the devils punchbowl falls and the Arthur's Pass township.

We met the Go Touring coach today also and chatted with the driver.

Just 15 minutes ago we watched as the Tranz Alpine went through the station and waved at the passengers. Mark got the driver to beep the horn!

Now just tucking in to some noodles for tea. The motel we staying in is great also.

 

Edit - We are now moving to Lake Tekapo to help xchange as Ross did not work out. We will be helping out at a luxury lodge gardening and cleaning rooms in xchange for food. But staying in Backpackers.

Moving On

Today we arranged to move on next Friday to Ross on the West Coast.

We are going to do help exchanging on a farm there for four weeks!!

We will be feeding calves/goats, working 4 hrs a day for all meals and accommodation in a house bus, should be great fun :-)

Update

Mark is ill with the flu at the moment so we are staying in till tomorrow when he has his interview. On Thursday we will probably go for a coffee and walk or stay in depending how he feels.

On Friday we are going to Arthur's Pass for two nights which will be cool!!

I think some more housemates have just moved in..

If he doesn't get this job we will move on unsure where to yet though.

Horse Trekking in Rubicon Valley

Today we went horse trekking in the Rubicon Valley and Kowhai Bush

My horse was called Lulu and Mark's Nugget!! We were a bit nervous at first but then we soon got used to it and enjoyed the ride plus the views!

The farm is owned by Chris and his wife. Johnny his son accompanied us along with Chris on the ride to watch out for us..

Also on the farm they had a dog, cat, alpacas, chucks and Wilbur the pig who if you call runs over to see you.

We stopped for photo stop and morning tea with magnificent views of the  Waimakariri river and gorge!!

Job Update

Mark is going for an interview on Monday for a job in computers working 8.30-5 mon-fri (no weekends)

He has had enough of the job at the gondola now. The company maybe able to sponsor us if we choose to live here, we can only hope..

Now all I need to do is get a job!!

News

Today I had an interview for a cleaning job I will hear from them by Friday

I hope to get this job it would suit me as only round the corner!!

If the weather stays nice then this Thursday we will be going horse trekking near Springfield in the Rubicon Valley, I hope so as last week it was cancelled due to rain and wind..

Will keep you posted..

Halswell Quarry Park

Yesterday we went to Halswell Quarry Park. It was a beautiful sunny day hot enough to take our coats and fleeces off.

In the evening we met Bernie and his wife at the Twisted Hop for drinks and tea. He remembered us which was cool and we had a great evening and exchanged emails.

Then we came back and sat out on the deck with Frank and Claire as was their last night and drank more beers.

Update

It was raining yesterday so we just went into the city and had a flat white and a muffin as we had filled the loyalty card only cost $3.00!!

We then looked round shops and in I site before going on the tram round the city for free!! as we knew the driver he said just hop on, normally cost $25.00!!

In the evening we went to the cinema with Seb, JB and Emiline to watch

Wanted, it was good movie.

Victoria Park

Yesterday we went again to Victoria park, been about three times now

We have put pics up from the day plus some pics of our house and Minzekatze!!

We went to the Sign of the Takahe like we often do for a flat white.

The Frightner's (Peter Jackson movie) was filmed there (well part of it) we only just realised after watching it on TV here..hehe..

Paragliding South New Brighton

Today me and Elizabeth went Paragliding!!

Here's me flying over south shore beach.

Below is liz with her eyes closed she was so relaxed she fell a sleep lol

We flew 1500ft was well good Dave told me after he had a hard time cutting the engine so had to flood it so I could land safely!!!

 

 

After liz was shaking so took her for a coffee...going out tonight to the Irish pub to celebrate french Julies birthday.

Job update

I had another interview today for Warehouse picker/packer at Waxglo in Woolston. I hope I get the job would take me through to mid December!!

They sell candles, serviettes, holders..things like that. Looks cool the guy interviewing me 'Peter' showed me how to dip the candle into the colour and then wrap it!! :-)

So wish me luck I will know by Friday

Diamond Harbour

Today we went to Diamond Harbour on the ferry from Lyttleton.

It only took ten minutes over the water. We had a nice lunch in Godley House Restaurant(where I left my bag with library book and paper)

Sorted it out when we got back, they will take it to the library over there

Lyttleton Harbour where we waited to get the ferry

Me on the Cliff Edge Track

I slipped on some slippery stones and fell on my ass!!

As you see I am without coat as it was so hot (supposed to be coldest month)

Luckily we got back to Christchurch before the clouds rolled in and it started to rain.

I wanted to go to Port Levy to see where Juliet and Pauline jumped into the sea off the pier. But it was 12 K from where we got to Parau Bay

By this time it was 2.30 so we headed back to catch the ferry at 4.10!

A good day with beautiful sunny and hot weather!!

Southshore

Today we went to southshore Beach.

We chilled out and enjoyed the views of the southern alps from here.Then we decided to walk down the beach to new Brighton took ages.

My cousin's new son PICS!!

What a Cutie!!

His name is

Link Giles Hilton Taylor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncle Gary and Link

Uncle Craig with Link

Link with his mum

Can't wait to meet and hold him when we come back next year!!

He will by then be one years old!