Taken from the Lake front at Taupo - which is about 60km from the mountains. You can clearly see both Mt Ngaurhoue (Mount Doom) and Mt Ruapehu.
THis is one of my favourite shots that I have ever taken….
Add comment November 24th, 2006
I am now in Gisborne - the most Easterly City in New Zealand. Hopefully I will get the chance to chill on the beaches, maybe catch some surfing etc while I am here. Its a bit strange today as my usual travelling companions (Greg, Emma, Mia) decided to go on to Napier rather than stop off here. I just dont feel like rushing round and Gisborne looks like an interesting place for a few days.
The actual East As trip has been going well - we stayed in a homestay / hostel on Wedensday night, and were well fed by the family there. After that we had the chance to take in the sunset from a hot tub just above the beach ;-).
Yesterday we moved on round the east cape and stayed at a farm hostel, where some went horse riding or done carving. Me and Emma elected to simply laze around on the beach - several miles of empty beach. After that there was a massive BBQ (cooked by me no less) and a few beers. We were meant to be up for the sunrise at 5am, so I decided to bivvy it for the night so I didndt have to walk up to the ridge with a hangover. 3 others went with me, and after afalling down a few holes we made it. I have to say the night sky is amazing out here, especially when you get out into the back of beyond. The sunrise was good, and the bus brought us here to Gisborne, which is where we started this rambling mess of a post.
This time I forgot my USB lead, so no photos again!
Add comment November 24th, 2006
Did the crossing on Tuesday - a fantastic walk. I picked up the bus at 0530 and was walking by 7, where we wandered through low cload for a while.
After the initial gradual climb, the cloud broke and I got my first view of my challenge for the day - Mount Ngauruhoe. This doubled as Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings and is 2300m of loose scree and rocks. THe initial ascent is hard work as you slip down the scree trying to get up, but once you are 1/3rd of the way up theres a lava flow you can get some grip on. The climb took me 2 hours, but netted me some fantstic views as I walked round the snow filled crater. Parts of the crater walk are very like striding edge, with quite a bit of exposure, but well worth it. There was a small steam vent that was active just to remind you that this is a real volcano……
Descending the Volcano was by the classic scree surfing move - through clouc with loose rocks flying down the hill just to keep you alert. By the time I found my pack in the cloud, I realised that i was about an hour behind schedule and in danger of missing the bus, so from then on in I was walking pretty fast.
The walk takes you past some stunning views, like the Emerald Lakes, Red Crater and more. All these unique features are caused by the volcanically active nature of the area, and although the hot lakes look inviting, the sulphur etc can cause you to pass out and drown, and some are too hot to swim in anyway, plus they can contain arsenic ;-).
I made the bus just about - with 10 mins to spare. I hope to do the crossing again in a month or two with friends, but without the extra climb and taking it slower. I also would not carry 12kg of kit next time either!
Add comment November 23rd, 2006
In Whakatane right now at the beggining of a tour of the Eastern North Island, and will be staying off the beaten track for a while, so no more updates till Napier in a few days…
This week in Taupo I have chilled, had a funny night out and done the Tonagario Crossing, a 16km hike through a volcanic area. I took the chance to Climb Mnt Ngrohue (I know I spelt that wrong) a 2300m Active volcano. Walking up the scree was hard work, but worth it. Photos to follow soon including a video of me Scree Surfing downa volcano :-).
Add comment November 22nd, 2006
Left Auckland on Monday in a hired car headed south. We spent a couple of days in Rotorua at Hot Rocks - with its rather hot pool for relaxing in. Rotorua is one of the more thermally active parts of the world, with steam and mud pools all over the place. The smell of sulphur is strong, but didnt bother me over much, unlike some ;-).
We got down to Taupo after that to orgainise a 3 day walk in the Tonagairio National Park, but heavy snow and gale force winds stalled that idea. Instead, we are just chilling in a hostel waiting for some more people to arrive before setting off on the Kiwi Experince bus pass I just bought to see the Eastern Coast.
Met up with Matt as well last night for a few beers, hes just done the trip i am starting on and loved it.
Photos will get sorted tonight, just looking fo a fast net cafe to upload from……
Add comment November 17th, 2006
Another Quick Post - so far In Auckland we have:
Today its the Park and Museum, tomorrow I’m heading South to Rotorua and then to Taupo, to do some walking round the Tonagario National Park (Mt Doom for all the LOTR fans).Â
Add comment November 11th, 2006
I just love this shot - taken in Auckland Zoo, in an enclosure where the birds were loose amonst us.
Shot taken with Nikon D50 and Nikon 70-300mm G lens, at the full 300mm setting - eqivalent to 450mm. I was lucky to get this shot sharp with a 1/250 shutter….
1 comment November 11th, 2006
Been out on a City tour today with the Kiwi Experience bus - saw bits of the North Shore and got some cracking shots of Auckland from there.
We also went to check out the Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - which entails walking to the jump pod under the bridge. Its seriously windy…. None of our group jumped, but we did see a couple of people go which was cool. My Optician banned me from bungy jumping for fear of a retinal tear, so I will have to find other methods of scaring myself.
I also bought a 70-300mm lens this morning, which is cool - but I forgot my USB cable when coming over here for the free net access, so I will have to wait for sorting out pictures. Theres about 800 to go through.
Add comment November 8th, 2006
Arrived in Auckland now.
Very tired, so will wait for tomorrow before sorting out pictures etc.
Hong kong was Good.
2 comments November 6th, 2006
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