New Zealand - South Island

The South Island of New Zealand is incredibly beautiful.  I had a fantastic time exploring its beauty while also developing some really great friendships along the way.

The first stop on the South Island for me was Kaiteriteri and the Abel Tasman National Park.  Kaiteriteri is supposed to be one of the best beaches on the South Island, mainly due to the coral colour of its sand.  The sand gets its coral colour from the weathering of ancient granite rocks, releasing crystals of quartz and mica, which are washed down to the sea, and finely ground into glittering gold particles of sand (http://www.newzealandnz.co.nz/destinations/kaiteriteri.html).  It is also relatively close to the Abel Tasman National Park.

The beach at Kaiteriteri

 I can't remember the name of these birds, but they were beautiful!

 One of the beaches in the Abel Tasman National Park - notice the beautiful coral coloured sand?

 Check out this rock formation.  Can you see what this resembles? A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle! (Remember the theme song anyone? Teenage mutant ninja turtles, teenage mutant ninja turtles, teenage mutant ninja turtles, heros in a half shell, TURTLE POWER!)

 Kayakers checking out the seal colony

Interesting rock formations - caves!

Split Rock

The next stop was Lake Mahinapua where all we really did was have a party - a bin bag party.  I didn't invest a penny into my costume (a bumble bee).  I simply cut a few slits into my black bin bag and wore a yellow shirt underneath - minimal effort.  I had more fun though helping others put together their awesome bin bag costumes. 

Here's a group shot of our Kiwi Bus at the Lake Mahinapua bin bag party:

After a fun night, we headed to Franz Josef, where I particpated on a full day glacier hike. 

The Franz Josef is a 12km long glacier located in the Westland National Park. It's considered unique because it descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300m above sea level amidst the temperate rainforest. It is only one of three in the world that do so.

What an incredible experience from start to finish to hike on a glacier.  It was so cool to watch our guide cut the path ahead of us as the glacier changes so quickly. The path that was cut the day prior is no longer useful the following day due to changes in the ice.

Here are some photos from this super memorable day:

Checkin' out the deep crevices.

Hiking up the glacier

View of Franz Josef from the base

The sign at the barrier to the glacier - yeah, we crossed it! But, that's because we had paid big money for our guides. Safety is first...or a nearby 2nd at least.

Here's a pic of Wendy walking through one of the crevices! What a cool experience.

Walking down a carved out path. It sure was steep!

Going through a super slippery ice tunnel - thank you guides for installing ropes, otherwise we'd be stuck.

Hiking up our "glacier stairs". The steps were so steep - I wish I had longer legs!

After the full day glacier hike, I was so sore - for at least 3 days.  Talk about feeling the good hurt! 

The next stop on my itinerary was Queenstown. While in Queenstown, I took a day trip to Milford Sound - one of the most beautiful areas in the South Island. We experienced a wide variety of weather that day - pouring rain, wind and beautiful sunny skies. Milford Sound comes alive though when it rains.  There are hundreds of waterfalls as you sail through the fiords out to the Tasman Sea. We witnessed double rainbows and a full on rainbow where we saw both ends. Simply beautiful.

 If it wasn't for Becky, Gordon and Kelly on the boat, I would have been sick as a dog due to the swaying of the boat. But, we laughed sooooo much that the feelings of nausea disappeared.  I think that's the cure for sea sickness - laugher! 

If you're in New Zealand and exploring the South Island, be sure to check out Milford Sound!

Now onto Queenstown - what a great place! I spent a week here hanging out with my friends from the Kiwi bus.  We had a great time shopping around, spending time at the park & beach, eating and laughing.  I also did the Nevis Swing with Becky - the world's biggest swing - and I did my first ever Bungy jump at the Ledge Bungy. Here are some photos from my favourite city in New Zealand - Queenstown!

That's me bungy jumping in Queenstown! I will never bungy jump again...EVER.  Jumping off the edge was absolutely terrifying.  Plus, since I did that jump, there was an incident in Victoria Falls at their bungy jumping site - the cord snapped!!! Click here to read the news article and see the video clip yourself.  It's amazing the girl survived!

 Not sure why this pic won't rotate...but this is Becky and I before we drop.

 LOL! My expression! Once again, not sure why this pic won't rotate!

The beach & park in downtown Queenstown.

Fergburger...absolute deliciousness.  Whenever I go to Whistler, we always make a stop at Splitz Grill for what is probably the best burger in BC.  Well, the Fergburger kicks Splitz Grill to the curb.  Words cannot describe how good this burger was. You will just have to experience it for yourself.



There were a few more stops on my itinerary on the South Island including Christchurch.  It was disheartening to see the devestation from the earthquake and how so many people's lives are left in limbo.  They've done a great job at picking up the pieces, but it seems as soon as they have obtained solid footing, another earthquake makes its presence and they are back at square one. It's a very tough situation for them right now - keep the people of Christchurch and other earthquake striken areas, in your prayers. They need all the help & resources they can get.

Lastly, here are a few other pics from across the South Island: