New Zealand Working Holiday

Home

2009-05-31T21:59:00.001+12:00

We are now back home now but is it our home these days?

Meeting with Preeti

2009-05-30T22:05:00.000+12:00

Liz and I met preeti at her apartment we met Ray and her 2 kids Naomi and Neil.

We had lunch out and stayed for tea as well also we did a little walk to the Botanic gardens and fed the fish in the lake

Preeti

2009-05-29T22:04:00.000+12:00

Well Liz spoke to preeti again for the first time since 1988.We are going to her house tomorrow when we check out of our hotel and we are having lunch and tea there.

Marina Bay

2009-05-29T21:55:00.000+12:00

I dragged Liz out to see the merlion at marina bay

Christchurch To Singapore

2009-05-28T13:43:00.000+12:00

On the way to the square to catch our shuttle to the airport we bumped into our old flatmate Minzekatze (Which was cool)

After 10hrs and a bit and being starved we arrived safely in Singapore.

On the way we flew over the southern Alps towards the west coast and could see some of our favourite locations from the sky like Lake Tekapo,Arthurs Pass,Mt Cook,Mt Tasman and even good old Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson.

We are now in Starbucks in Raffles city writing this funny we were here same place last year but heading the other way starting our adventure!!.

Liz is hoping to meet Preeti tomorrow

My 32nd Birthday

2009-05-27T22:09:00.000+12:00

Well today is my birthday plus last full day in Christchurch and NZ

We went out and got some last minute photos of our fave haunts:-) Had a last coffee at Escarto our fave coffee place in Cathedral Square!

Mark got me a glass necklace and a lovely birthday card. Got Marks mums cards also, lucky they turned up in time!!

Next time we update we will be in Singapore.

Worn out boots

2009-05-27T13:45:00.000+12:00

As you can see my boots are so worn out from all the walking we did I left them behind and so did Liz because her sole came off her boots.

Last Quiz Night

2009-05-25T22:39:00.001+12:00

Tonight we did pretty well at 1 part of the quiz we were joint first but in the end we came sixth against 12 teams (beat a load of dumb Americans they were last and they had 6 people)

Dave and Sandra gave us a little present for our last night a box of choccies.

Restaurant Tram

2009-05-24T16:47:00.001+12:00

Tonight we are going on the Restaurant Tram for our 6th wedding anniversary.

We had a great time. We had champagne as a welcome drink with bread and dips. For starters we had bbq chicken with chizoi cubes on kebabs and a glass of merlot. Then Rib eye steak for mains with another glass of merlot. Chocolate cream pie for dessert with dessert wine. Lastly cheeseboard and cup of tea

A Poem I wrote when got home

What Is Like To Be Drunk

I am drunk
I see lots of things

Twinkley lights a plenty
show me the way home

Can hardly type a word
without a spelling mistake

My head around in circles
full of dizziness

Try not to fall asleep
at least till I get home

Sober me up quickly
before I am sick

Mark wanted me to post it:-)

Beers

2009-05-23T22:28:00.001+12:00

We have compiled a list of all the Beers we have tried in New Zealand

monteiths Beers
Monteith's New Zealand Lager
golden
winter
summer
black
original
Celtic
Radler

Canterbury cd
steinlarger pure
tui
lion red
lion brown
green man
london porter
challenegr
honey dew
twisted ankle
dux de lux (Various)
Emersons (various)

Speight's Beers
gold medal
distinction
old dark
summit
pilsner
porter

flame
tasman
export gold
macs gold
sassy red
db
glenorchy ale
the moa
killkenny

Last big shop

2009-05-22T18:05:00.001+12:00

Today was a bit sad we did our last big shop at Countdown

will miss shopping here and Pac ‘N’ Save and going on the free shuttle.

Update

Just got back from the Regent cinema we watched (A FILM WITH ME IN IT)

also when we were in Hanmer we were speaking to a nice Austrian couple who had just stayed at Ivory Towers where we worked and they thought the staff were unfriendly (have to say this put a BIG smile on our faces)

Hanmer Fun

2009-05-21T20:42:00.001+12:00

We are now back from Hanmer Springs. We stayed in a great backpackers called Hanmer Backpacker the owner Edwin was great only 5 weeks in to his new business.

We went to the hot pools it was so much quieter this time so was great we stayed in them for 2 hrs.

Today we did 4 different walking tracks and crazy golf which Liz WON!!!

We also went on one of these on the Road

Good Day

2009-05-18T23:35:00.001+12:00

Today was very good

we went to see our friends at the shop and also posted home some posters.

Just back from Quiz night came last again!! We had an extra team mate called Claire for 5 minutes then she went to another team ha ha missed out on the free beer.

Also made over $500 when we sold our sleeping bags on Trade Me

booked our trip to Hanmer Springs going this Wednesday

Shopping

2009-05-17T23:14:00.001+12:00

Today was great nice and sunny again!! We went to the local market I bought Liz a nice NZ made coat and also we bought a nice photo print of Christchurch.

Tomorrow is Quiz night so wish us luck.

We might be going up to Hanmer Springs this week to spend 1 night there and do some walks.

20 degrees

2009-05-16T20:04:00.001+12:00

Today was really warm not that sunny but we had this north westerly warm wind.

Just enjoyed sitting outside The Bog having tea at 6pm with the temperature at 20 degrees.

Found out our quiz friends lost against the other pub on Thursday night

Kiwi vs Israel

2009-05-14T16:50:00.001+12:00

Today was well hot so went to the beach and on way back we sat in the square with our kebabs when this kiwi showed up with his sign

some Kiwis have a real problem with israelies as you can see!!

He was kicking the Jewish Bible around saying it was S**T (all this in front of israelies who are on holiday here)

Last Again!!

2009-05-11T23:36:00.001+12:00

Haha, we came last again in the pub quiz. But this time we got 4 free pints as Mark fixed the guys computer. :-) We are natural born Losers! And we are drunker than usual today, but we will come back on BUNAC visa for a yr and will try our best to get sponsorship. NZ and Christchurch is the BEST!!!

Hot Rods @ The Square

2009-05-10T22:05:00.001+12:00

Today was terrible rain and hail all day but I noticed there was going to be a hot rod rally to the square so I dragged Liz out to see them!!

Rain due to clear tomorrow which is nice we have had plenty of snow on the south Island this weekend but we haven't seen any!!!

Anyway tomorrow is quiz night YEAH FREE BEER

Fire Drama

2009-05-09T15:11:00.001+12:00

We were walking home when we saw a big black cloud of smoke round the corner from where we live. We decided to go investigate and discovered it was someone's house on fire as we walked down 3 fire engines came past us. Mark took some photos then we came home. He is emailing them to the press.

Napier Under Siege

2009-05-08T18:05:00.001+12:00

Don't know if this on the news in UK

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2393477/Fresh-gunshots-at-siege-scene

Snows Coming

2009-05-07T19:01:00.001+12:00

We had a gorgeous day today but not lasting very long we have snow due tomorrow down to 700m.

Quiz Night

2009-05-04T23:24:00.001+12:00

We entered quiz night for the 3rd time and came last as usual. We called ourselves The Usual Losers' but aswell as free pint we got some nut selections as I(liz) won rock paper scissors :-)

Tekapo Short Break

2009-05-04T09:49:00.001+12:00

Well we are now back from Tekapo.

We had a great time we went to the hot pools and watched the sunset also I finally got Elizabeth to Kayak on a lake

she is proud to get over her fear

We wanted to see our friends we worked for but they were away over the weekend.

Movie

2009-04-30T21:14:00.001+12:00

Today the weather was a bit miserable so we had a few coffees and went to see the “Boy in the striped pyjamas”

Tomorrow we are having a little break in Lake Tekapo for 2 nights.

Air Force Museum

2009-04-28T18:04:00.001+12:00

Well today the weather has been great.We decided to go to the air force museum which is free entry and to be honest was really good they had loads of planes and also a house as it would of been in the war.

These planes have been restored to exact plans of the originals with real engines and all the work is done by volunteers.

The war house but look closely liz’s bag doesn't exactly fit with the times!!

After this we went to the Hub shopping mall which was pretty rubbish so we went for a Kayak on the Avon river again.

Quiz Night

2009-04-27T09:42:00.000+12:00

Well again the Team second to last once again won the FREE beer!!!!.

We are against teams of 4-6 players but then coming anything below 3rd gets you nothing so at least aiming for last gets you a beer.

Sunny Day

2009-04-26T21:32:00.001+12:00

Well today summer decided to come back!!! We did not do much but we got outside as much as possible and enjoyed some of the street entertainment.

Christ College Tour

2009-04-24T19:03:00.001+12:00

This morning at 10am we went on a tour of Christ College for an hour. It was really informative and the architecture was really good.

This evening we are going to the cinema to watch 'The International' with Clive Owen.

Sumner

2009-04-21T15:27:00.001+12:00

Well today we got some nice weather so we headed down to the beach.Met up with Ian again he was driving his bus so we chatted with him for about an hour.

Great day going to cinema tonight to watch The Reader

Quiz Night

2009-04-20T23:29:00.001+12:00

Tonight we went to quiz night at the Irish pub the Bog.

We came second to last after blitzing the movie round but because the guys who were last left before the end we got there FREE PINT for being last.

So next week we are going to call ourselves second to last and aim to be last then we get FREE PINT !!

Random

2009-04-19T19:55:00.001+12:00

Well today I happened to be looking through some of our old photo’s from last year

This was taken our first week here.Then today I noticed the Guy’s jacket with the red and black sleeve, I thought I know that guy I used to talk to him all the time when I worked at the Gondola funny that a picture with random people then turns out to be people you meet and get to know. Like Ian the Tram driver when we first came to New Zealand in 2007!!

Weather has been a bit dull the last few days we are hoping it will clear soon so we do a hot air balloon over the plains.

Road Trip

2009-04-15T19:47:00.001+12:00

Today we went on a little road trip on the Banks Peninsular with Mel and Alan.

We went to Governors Bay where there is a chocolate coffee shop called SHE we had chocolate mochachino’s with 4 truffles.

We then drove down to diamond harbour and shared chips and wedges and had a beer.

They leave on Friday so we are having a little drink with them tomorrow.

Minzekatze

2009-04-12T12:34:00.001+12:00

Today we saw the cat from our old house!! He jumped straight into Liz's lap was a lot thinner now hope the other housemates are feeding him properly.

The cat in our old room last year

Sugar loaf to Mt Caverndish

2009-04-10T22:34:00.001+12:00

Today was a great day weather wise. We decided to walk from the TV mast to my old work top station at the gondola took us about 4hrs all together.Had great views and it was good to see the alps with snow on them again.

Sugar loaf hill in the distant with the TV mast

Cow enjoying the view as well!!

We also met up with our friends Mel and Alan who are due to fly home next week.We were supposed to go and have a beer but they have some weird Easter law that they cannot serve you beer without you eating plus they were charging 15% more so we got drunk at starbucks!!!! meeting up again tomoz to find real beer.

Kayak on the Avon

2009-04-07T15:40:00.001+12:00

Today we hired a Kayak on the river Avon for 1 hr and slowly paddled through the park.

Finally got Liz in a Kayak!!

On the way back we stopped in the square to listen to the Wizards advice on women

The 3 rules to find the perfect women according to the wizard

1.women shouldn't talk too much but will say I LOVE YOU (but men must not say this back)

2.must open legs without being asked

3.Women will get purse out of handbag and pay for everything

Riccarton Market

2009-04-05T14:12:00.001+12:00

Today we went to the market and bought some cheap onions, avocados and apples. Mark bought a whistle that makes various animal noises!

Watching F1 tonight hopefully Button will win

Chch

2009-04-04T15:10:00.000+13:00

Today we met some old friends got a free ride on the Tram again.We have settled into our new house

Also went to the beach and just relaxed

New Home

2009-04-02T16:58:00.001+13:00

Today we moved into Urban Sanctuary.A house just 3 doors down from our last one.

We are both pretty happy now.Its good to have a base and address again going to save some money being here and then hopefully travel the last month.

Lochmara Lodge

2009-03-29T22:23:00.001+13:00

Today we took a 15min boat ride to the lodge where you can chill out and sit in Hammocks and enjoy quiet time in a peaceful bay.

Mark enjoying a good Beer

The Lodge

Me and Liz in a hammock

The Wharf

2009-03-28T22:37:00.001+13:00

Today we went down to the wharf again after doing some housework for our hosts.

While we were there we spotted these clouds

Maybe a Sting Ray

A dragon

Then on the way back we spotted a real Sting Ray swimming under the bridge we were crossing

This is the first time we have seen one its real environment cool eh!!

Lazy Day In Picton

2009-03-27T19:52:00.001+13:00

Today we chilled out at the Wharf and had a picnic there and also a beer and coffee.

We also went to the little cinema which is inside the local aquarium and watched Slum dog millionaire.

The Echo Cafe ship

Mark cooking on the BBQ

Mark Birthday

2009-03-26T21:49:00.001+13:00

Today was my birthday.Liz had treated to me a guided boat adventure on the Mahau Sounds.

It was a self drive boat with a little 10hp engine the same we had on our old boat but the power was pretty good because the shell was so light

We went to so many different sounds it was fantastic we were the only ones on the trip and also the only people in the sounds most of the time.

We had lunch here all on our own VERY NICE!!

we also did a little walk where Leicester would meet us at the other end with our boats and we would set of again

Leicester above meeting us with our boat!

After the adventure we went out for tea and had Mussels,T-bone steak and apple pie and a beer and coffee

Pretty good day wish all birthdays were this GOOD

Ship Cove Queen Charlotte Track

2009-03-24T21:38:00.001+13:00

Today we did a day walk on the Queen Charlotte track starting at ships cove where captain cook parked his boat when he discovered NZ.We then walked to Furneaux Lodge where our boat picked us up to take us back to Picton.

Monument to Cpt Cook and some mussels

The Lodge

On The way we came across a large colony of dolphins which was cool

Our New Hosts

2009-03-23T15:52:00.001+13:00

Well yesterday we met up with dave and bronny and moved into our new hosts house which as great veiws over picton and we got the bottom of the house with ensuite.We had a good old Kiwi bbq with them and they are very nice and even took us to the farmers market in Blenhiem.

Today we have booked a trip to the Queen Charlotte track.

Queen Charlotte View Point

2009-03-21T19:49:00.001+13:00

Today we did the above walk. We must of walked for about 3-4hrs there and back we were pretty tired so we had a dunk in the hot tub at the backpackers!! Just waiting for our choc pudding at 8pm :-)

Tomorrow we are going to Woof with a couple just up the hill

Left Takaka now in Picton

2009-03-20T16:56:00.001+13:00

Well after a dreadful twisty road journey to Picton.

When we were trying to check out of the hostel in Takaka we were attacked by at least 30 wasps as soon as we had the light on they swarmed into our room!!!!

Farewell Spit

2009-03-19T18:44:00.001+13:00

Today we got a lift from Naomi who works at the hostel and an English and French guy. The French guy drove and we used the owners car.

They did a 3 hr horse trek while we walked round the beach and ate at the cafe.

Arriving Takaka and PuPu Springs

2009-03-17T14:36:00.001+13:00

We arrived in Takaka in Golden Bay yesterday evening. It is a very nice little township with everything you need ie bank, cinema, supermarket etc.. Not so easy to get to places if you do not drive.

We walked to Pupu Springs and it took us one and a half hours 7km! They are the largest springs in Australasia and second clearest in the world

On the way back we got a lift from an Australian couple and a member of DOC.

Leaving Nelson

2009-03-16T10:15:00.001+13:00

Today we are leaving nelson.We have checked out just surfing the web waiting for our lift at 2:30 to take us to the i-Site so we can catch our bus

In the end we have enjoyed Nelson and would come back here

This is the centre on New Zealand

Lotr Scenic Heli-Flight

2009-03-15T21:07:00.001+13:00

Today we went on a Helicopter to some LOTR locations and also over the Abel Tasman and Takaka Hill and harwood hole.

After such a great day we went for an Indian and then we also walked to the centre of New Zealand!!!!

This is where they hide from the birds and practice sword fighting

hiding like the hobbits!!!

Abel Tasman from the air (much better from here)

Today was a FANTASTIC DAY and tomorrow we move on to Takaka.

Bone Carving

2009-03-13T15:08:00.001+13:00

Today we went to a Bone Carving Studio In town and made our own unique piece.

Step 1

Drawing

Marks choice and bad drawing!!!

Step 2

Bone

Step 3

This is after drawing on the bone then using saw to cut out basic shape

Step 4

View Full Album

After much sanding and then polishing with wax we have the final product!!

Nelson Update

2009-03-12T19:46:00.001+13:00

Tomorrow we are going do some Bone Carving.Today we just chilled out after all that walking yesterday!!

Liz as booked us on a Helicopter trip for Saturday.We have booked our next destinations as well.

We are leaving on Monday then we go to Takaka then to Picton.

Not sure where to go then we are trying to see if we get some helpx work on a farm or working with animals

Abel Tasman National Park

2009-03-11T20:21:00.001+13:00

Today we walked the Abel Tasman.We took a water taxi to a bay then walked out it took us 4hrs stopping on the way at the many beaches

We had to take out boots and socks off to get ashore

Nelson City

2009-03-10T20:10:00.000+13:00

We went around the city and also visited the Cathedral and booked a 4hr walk and water taxi to the Abel Tasman national Park for tomorrow.

Above is where they made the ONE ring!!

Arrived Nelson

2009-03-09T20:09:00.000+13:00

Well today after 4hrs we arrived at the Bug Backpackers.Not too used to a city must say its quite a SHOCK to us.

Leaving Punakaiki today

2009-03-09T12:39:00.001+13:00

We are just waiting for our bus and we will be in Nelson at 7pm.We went to the blowholes again last night and also this morning

was a nice sunset last night

blowholes

2009-03-08T13:05:00.001+13:00

We went to pancake rocks for the 5th time this morning and at last saw the water shoot out of the blowholes!! Amazing:-)

Truman Walk

2009-03-07T13:50:00.001+13:00

Today as been another nice day.We walked 30 mins up the road to a track which took us to a nice beach with a little waterfall falling onto it

Was good watching the bigger waves hit the rocks

Arrived Punikaiki

2009-03-05T16:39:00.001+13:00

Well Dave and Miriam are a great and friendly couple who heard about our problems and kindly picked us up at the holiday park and took us on a 4hr drive to Punikaiki.We are both staying at the same hostel which is cool they have even offered us to stay at there house in St ives Cornwall if we are ever down there!!!

We are staying in the beach hostel we are going to pancake rocks tonight

Dave,Mark,Liz,Miriam

Decided to leave

2009-03-03T21:18:00.001+13:00

We have decided to leave our post of general assistants due to the differences with the other 2.

We have enjoyed the past 3 months running the hostel but have had enough with dealing with unpleasant staff and decided to go back to travelling we have now over $10k in the bank so should be fine for the rest of the trip.

maybe it was time to move on anyway we are here to travel!!!!

Happy Birthday

2009-02-27T17:16:00.001+13:00

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY DAWN

Stress

2009-02-20T20:27:00.001+13:00

well today was the most hectic day, Our woofer Scottish Richard had to leave because he had a phone call that he got his girl pregnant in Dunedin.So we just had 3 staff on today and we got hammered it was raining this morning so no one was checking out on time plus it was my day off (mark) but had to work 4 hrs to help everyone catch up.

We had check ins from 8:30 am all through the day and the phone ringing none stop....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mel & Alan plus bex

2009-02-14T09:46:00.000+13:00

Today we got a total shock our friends from Dunedin turned up out the blue we knew they were heading this way but they just turned up!!! (They got fired from there hostel job!!!)

They managed to blag a gig at the fox hotel so we all went down to see them play and catch up with them.

It was a cool night we were glad they showed up when they did it was good to see a familiar face and have a good chat with them.

Plus bex is leaving the team on Monday so was good excuse to go pub


Bex is leaving us DONT GO DUDE!!
Its them again the guitar guy and flute lady!!! The A-Team liz,mark and bex doing bex's fav pose!

Fox Trot Walk

2009-02-13T12:02:00.000+13:00

Today we finally managed to bag a free walk worth $89 each.We decided to do a half day glacier walk after a mix up with the miserable attomic shuttle people messed us around with our planed trip to hokitika.

Anyway the walk took us 1 and half hrs to reach the start of the ice walk and in total we spent 1 hour 15 min walking on the ice...

Road trip in gypsy

2009-02-12T11:47:00.000+13:00

Tonight we took a ride in Bex's van gypsy.She had cooked us all a stuffed pumpkin so after tea we headed down to lake matheson again to watch the sunset and hopefully see Mt cook and tasman Which we did in the end amazing how quick things change here.It was cloudy but the clouds turned the most amazing orange and pick they went away and then it was perfectly clear and we could cook again!!!

the difference in 30 minutes

Chalet View Lookout

2009-02-06T08:33:00.001+13:00

Yesterday we made the most of the nice weather and walked to the chalet view lookout to see fox glacier. It took us 4 hours with a half hour rest stop!!

We are now working here in fox till 14th April so an extra month. Then we will have around 6 weeks till we fly back to UK.

Decided to come back on BUNAC visa (18-35) which we will apply for when we get home again. This will give us another year working holiday over here, with which we will travel south island again but this time spend 3 months in Australia:-)

Bye to our friend

2009-02-01T21:27:00.001+13:00

Today we said good bye to our friend Yan who as been woofing with us in Fox.

hope you enjoyed the glow worms!!!

Working hard

2009-01-30T20:30:00.001+13:00

Look at us always got time to mess around at work taking photos

Mark attempting to make a mini book case for rm 19

Liz not working hard he he

Wish those people would hurry up and arrive wanna finish and have tea

Franz free trip

2009-01-28T21:44:00.001+13:00

Well today after a couple of faxes (yeah still in use here!!) sent to atomic shuttle we bagged a free bus ride to the big town of Franz Joseph home of the other glacier for tomorrow.

plus liz's hand feels better

Today we were on a half day so finished work at 1pm and liz at 2pm.I tried to get a free helihike but again no one cancelled so will have to keep trying.We had french toast at the cafe and because we are loyal customers we got double portions!!! :-)

Early morning rise

2009-01-28T07:34:00.001+13:00

This morning I decided to get up at 5am and ride my bike to see the sun rise at lake matheson and see the reflection of MT cook in the water

It was pretty cool wish liz was with me but she couldn't ride the bike because of her hand

Glow worm grotto

2009-01-27T23:11:00.001+13:00

Today our friend from Hong Kong Yan arrived to woof with us at Ivory towers.

It was the most perfect night we watched the most amazing sunset then took her through the glow worm grotto.we met a couple of possums which took an interest to Yan's shoes and then we watched at a couple of satellites fly above us and we seen so many wonderful stars it was such a clear sky the best for ages

Drinking on the job

2009-01-25T17:46:00.001+13:00

Only in New Zealand!!!! working the Kiwi way

Secret Walk

2009-01-16T11:21:00.001+13:00

Last week we found a secret walk off a local track where we see glowworms Today we walked it to see how far we could get There was a nice waterfall but not much else. We came to a swampy field with tall grass and white flowers on tall stalks. If the view was clear we would have been able to see the mountains.

Yesterday we did the fox glacier walk to the terminal ice. Was very good!

Bike rides

2009-01-10T22:21:00.001+13:00

Mark did a bike ride to Fox Glacier after work.

Later as the sun went down we did a bike ride halfway to Lake Matheson. We saw Mount Cook and a bit of Mount Aspiring through the clouds.

All in all it was a nice sunny day:-)

Sad News

2009-01-09T19:10:00.001+13:00

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4813157a11.html

These guys stayed at our hostel. We were told that If the press phoned we are not allowed to talk to them. they were phoning to get REAL info and not the press release etc.

R.I.P GUYS

Gillespies Beach

2009-01-03T21:40:00.001+13:00

On new years day we went to the beach. We saw the lagoon and miners tunnel. But decided not to see the seal colony as was too far to walk and the path had too big puddles.

viewpoint from tunnel

merry Christmas and a happy new year

2008-12-25T09:46:00.001+13:00

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

2008-12-18T14:20:00.001+13:00

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

2008-12-15T14:49:00.002+13:00

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

2008-12-14T19:36:00.002+13:00

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

2008-12-13T15:10:00.002+13:00

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

2008-12-10T22:35:00.001+13:00

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

2008-12-07T21:19:00.001+13:00

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

2008-12-04T15:08:00.001+13:00

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

2008-11-30T20:34:00.001+13:00

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

2008-11-28T14:02:00.001+13:00

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

2008-11-22T13:20:00.001+13:00

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

2008-11-14T17:36:00.001+13:00

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

2008-11-13T10:00:00.002+13:00

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

2008-11-12T10:51:00.001+13:00

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

2008-11-07T23:00:00.001+13:00

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

Puzzling World

2008-11-04T20:47:00.001+13:00

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

2008-11-02T18:48:00.001+13:00

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

2008-10-31T10:14:00.001+13:00

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

2008-10-28T16:15:00.001+13:00

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

2008-10-26T14:59:00.001+13:00

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

2008-10-23T21:47:00.001+13:00

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

2008-10-19T22:37:00.001+13:00

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

2008-10-18T21:36:00.001+13:00

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

2008-10-17T20:02:00.001+13:00

Well we are now in our improved accommodation

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