Just go for it

Hanmer Springs

A resort type get-a-way for people in Christchurch, since its only 1 1/2 hours away.

Why would I go there?
B/c of the mountain biking and hiking, and b/c Arthur's Pass National Park still had avalanche warnings.

Highlights of the weekend in Hanmer:

Dogstream Waterfall Track

Mountain Biking for 1/2 a day through the multiple tracks (beginner level to advanced), a few tumbles and scratches from the advanced tracks but well worth it

Enjoy each day as its own b/c you never know what adventures lie ahead,

Cheers

Milford Sound, Fiordland...speechless

the real big bird

Since I wouldn't have enough time to walk the Great Walks in Fiordland (and the fact that avalanches were still occurring in the mountains) I decided on a cruise, my 'actual holiday' portion of the trip.

Turns out that very day there was a special from Queenstown, I booked on the spot. An overnight cruise on Milford Sound, transportation provided to and from Queenstown, sweet as.


There's nothing I can really say; neither will my pics/videos do Fiordland justice. So I'm going to keep this short.

Fiordland is a majestic place, I was hoping to see a dinosaur run through the forest and across the road; it wouldn't have been surprising.

The Milford Road is beautiful, you go through so many different environments until you reach Milford Sound.

From Valley's, Beech forests, snow capped peaks, beautiful glacial formed waterfalls, rivers flowing as they did thousands of years ago.

The wildlife is diverse too with the Kea (the world's only alpine parrot) always willing to climb on top, under, or even into your car for its curiousity gets the better of it. Attention: DON'T FEED THE WILDLIFE!

Our guide showed us what a Kea could do (he had some sweet scars); but reality check, wildlife doesn't eat bread and crackers (its not natural and actually kills the birds!)

The Milford Road is the most expensive Road to maintain in all of NZ, with its own budget set aside by the government, around $10 mill a year is spent clearing snow, avalanche watch and actual detonation of timed charges to create avalanches (crazy job!)

Getting into the wharf at Milford Sound, you know that you are in for a treat.

After boarding our ship the Milford Wanderer, we had a meeting with the captain and first mate, it was to go over safety and our itenery. The Food was AMAZING!!!

As we departed into the Sound, I couldn't eat b/c I just had to be outside, so the rest of the time until our water activities I was taking pictures and videos. The captain even navigated the boat under one of the waterfalls, what an experience!

It didn't seem real, seeing these mountains, many snowcapped, in the Sea, with beautiful forests and glaciers surrounding them. How can words really describe the landscape, I do it no justice.

Our water activities included either going on a nature cruise, kayaking, or swimming (i.e. jumping off the boat); now which do you think I chose?



Suprsingly the water wasn't too bad, refreshing as I've put it throughout the entire trip.

I got to see PENGUINS! FIORDLAND CRESTED TO BE CORRECT (NOT YELLOW EYED), EXTREMELY RARE!


Night time on Milford Sound after dinner (did I mention delicous, lambshanks and all!)


Morning light



Unbelievable, enough said, only thing you can say... sigh

wish you all could have been there to experience it too; if you get the chance to go to NZ, don't miss out on Fiordland (whether it be tramping, driving, or cruising through it, you just can't beat the experience of standing there and knowing it is a special place)



Cheers,
Ty

P.S.
I'm going to have to disagree with T.L.C. this time, I'm all for chasing waterfalls in Fiordland ;)

Rain Water

NZ, a nation of islands.

Stewart Island, the third largest and one that reminds many of what NZ looked like before humans arrived.

Shameless Plug: if you ever go to NZ, you'll need to try Hell Pizza, don't mind the name, it's some of the BEST pizza I've ever had. Very unique combination's, all created by the founders (Kiwi's).

Though I didn't get to see an Albatross in Dunedin, I did catch a glimpse of several on the way to Stewart Island, gliding over the water effortlessly (beautiful).

Getting into Oban, the village on Stewart Island, you could see countless secluded beaches, inlets, bays, all surrounded by native NZ bush.


After getting hut passes for the Great Walk, and with all the gear ready, (food bought before getting to the Island), I headed toward the trail head.

All the water I drank was rain water collected in large tanks at the huts and camp sites (no stomach bug this time ;)

Once the track was reached, a chain link that denoted the entrance and also the anchor of Maui (video).

The first leg of the journey was pretty nice, with native bush on one side and the rocky coast/cliffs on the other. Crossing over some beautiful beaches, swing bridges and native NZ bush. One of the highlights was Maori Beach, a beautiful stretch of soft sand full of shells.

Getting into Port Williams Hut was nice, there were already people there; I'd over packed, but oh well it was nice to have 'too much' food just in case.

The rest of the day was spent meandering through the secluded beach near the hut, avoiding the sandflies, chatting with the fellow trampers, exchanging stories around the wooden stove burner, and of course refueling with delicious backcountry food ;)

A few of the people went out to look for kiwi's but none were sighted or heard. We stayed up telling ghost stories and about haunted places we've heard of or been to until eventually one by one we went to bed.

The second part of the track had a lot of boardwalk to keep people from straying off the track and from damaging the bush. There were some muddy parts and one thing I did not enjoy seeing were Rats, big ones too. These are some of the pests NZ is trying to get rid of b/c they've destroyed the native ecosystem by eating native birds/eggs and bush.

One interesting quote from the day before was from one of the other trampers who said she liked the forest here b/c "none of the trees grow straight," it is true. A lot of the trees were twisted in different angles and formed neat patterns and shapes.



I got to the look out tower, above the bush line, ahead of schedule, but the weather was not the best for spectacular views, though it was nice to see above the bush. I ran into two Israeli's who started the track the same day I did, chatted briefly before heading off .

watch your heads

The journey continued through the bush, but a lot of it was through muddy patches and climbing up/down/in between root systems, it was really fun trying to see where you planted your foot next. As I got closer to the hut I realized that it had its own private beach, seems like all the huts do on Stewart Island.

jumping for joy

After settling in, I went with another tramper to explore the low tide beach and its surrounding rock formations, we discovered many a small private beach. Also they trees/bushes were all facing one direction because of wind weathering, unique.

Another night avoiding sand flies, but this time I played some cards (Taki) with the Israeli's, who I learned had just finished their duties in the army. After a few games we started talking about other tramps we'd like to do and we all wanted to try the Keplar and Routeburn tracks, only my time was limited and they had only just begun their trip. They had tickets to walk the Milford Track, the most popular track in the ENTIRE world, hardest one to get tickets to!

They offered to give me a ride to Te Anau after Stewart Island to see if the Keplar Track was open, sweet as. More backcountry food before writing in my journal by candle light.

The last part of the track was the muddiest, I almost wish I'd of brought gum boots for it. More boardwalk, more bush, not too much of a difference in landscape.

I'm not sure why I went the longer route, but I did (low on water). It was extremely muddy but it was worth it to me in the end b/c I got to see a kaka! To bad the Tui nearby chased it away

Spent the night in Invercargill, and the next day we were off to Queenstown after finding out there were still avalanche warnings in Fiordland for the Keplar and Routeburn tracks.

Until the next post, keep in touch,

Cheers,
Tyler


P.S. Penguins are cool

350 = Global Movement for Change

Where did you go?

Dunedin

Before we get to the why part here's a little history and overview of the area:

Dunedin is a vibrant city with a college town feel but also a lot of culture. The University of Otago is located here and many students from not only NZ but around the world live in Dunedin and attend the world renowned uni.

Cal?

The city design is unique with a central octago being the hub of activity (buses, cafes, close to the pubs/clubs). It is rich with culture, architecture, and diversity. Interesting points, its home to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory and Speights Brewery (both of which offer guided tours and

tastings).

The Otago Peninsula is also just a car ride away, known for its rare bird colonies. These include the Royal Albatross (think of a seagull and multiple its size by 5), Blue Penguins, and Yellow Eyed Penguins. All of these birds are protected and the some of the only breeding colonies visible anywhere in the world.

Kereru

Why?

To Wwoof and see the history of the city

What did you do there?

Helped out at a B&B, daily routines but also help with weeds and composting

What else did you do?

Attended the 350 festival along with the Dunedin Farmer's Market; Lots of workshops on DIY stuff such as starting your own veggie/fruit patch, cooking organically, brewing your own brew, free range animal care, etc etc.

Critical Mass in NZ during the day!

Also live music, skate/bike trick competitions at the skate park, and a mini-critical mass that had bicyclists ride out on a cycle way onto the Otago Peninsula and back (twas fun!)

Jam Session at the 350 Festival

View from Mt. Cargill

Much much more, including delicious fresh and organic foods at the farmer's market, beautiful botanic gardens and even the world's steepest street!

From the beginning

1/2 way up

We saw, We climbed, We found a water fountain at the top

Next stop: Invercargill before heading to Stewart Island!

Until next time, ya'll come back now ya hear ;)

Cheers,

Ty

Bugger, Version 2.0

Videos added!

Christchurch Wwoof

Where did you wwoof?

Diamond Harbour

Window Seat

What did you do?


Firewood, composting, gardening, weeding, etc

Tree Planting Tip

View from my wwoof site!

good games

What else?


Mountain Biking in the harbour, riding the gondola up to one of the nearby peaks to get a view of Christchurch-Southern Alps- and Diamond Harbour, oh yes and some day walks/tramps

Diamond Harbour Coastal Walk

His story

overlooking Chch and Lyttleton

View from the Top

Another Viewpoint

Rocky as

Visited a friend/co-project leader from my projects in the North Island. Wandered the City, Botanical Gardens, Chch Museum, Arts Center, Cable Cars, Library.

Chch Cathedral, Cathedral Square

Chch is a nice city, the Botanical Gardens are amazing, one of the largest in the world. Also their free activities such as the gardens, museum, arts center, and other cultural sites are a great way
to spend the days.

Secluded

To the beach

Burrr, its windy out here

Secluded

Where did you go after that? Dunedin - next post


Until then ya'll come back now,


Cheers,
Ty


P.S. A friend once looked out for me, lending their helmet, I didn't take it; who knows what could have happened though.

Now I wear one

Safety first, doesn't mean you can't have fun though

1/2 way there (updated!)

What? Not sure

Lady Hawke - My Delirium

Welly Update

Some photos of the journey's through the capital (VIDEOS now added!)

Welly Harbour

Move the shoulders

Hiking up to Mt. Victoria

Top of Mt. Victoria

Explanation

of this reactive architecture design

Marae in Te Papa

tweet battle?

Hope all is well,

Cheers,

P.S.

it's always nice to be in the company of

Good food, Good people, Good times

Move the shoulders

So again a delay in the updates; though I'm curious whose reading them at all?

Here's a quick update of where I went after the last post,


I got into Wellington after leaving Dannevirke and met up with a fellow member of the USP major at UC San Diego. I was fortunate enough to have a place to stay for a few days while I planned the next phase of the trip...the South Island.

The next few days consisted of food, sleep and acquiring internet access to check weather and fligth details.

Highlight of the trip = Ethiopian Food and Dancing

Photos to come

Next update will be in more detail of the wwoofing and adventures in Chirstchurch and Dunedin

also owe one of the recent adventure to Stewart Island for the Rakiura Track Great Walk.

Too bad this computer doesn't have a usb connection...

Until next time people of the world,

Cheers,
ReYlT

Duck Duck Duck!

Oh me oh my what an update this one will be (retelling it here will do it no justice).

Yay for native flora and fauna

But here goes:
Where were you? I was in the small farming region in the Waitahora Valley next to a small city: Dannevirke.

What were you doing? Wwoofing of course

What type of tasks did you get to be involved with? Oh let me tell you that the first day I got there started what would be 3 weeks of FUN!

After hitching into Dannevirke I got a ride to the farm and had no idea what was in store
Lets just summarize: young bull is being moved to another paddock to feed along with the rest of the bulls, unfortunately it decides to run through the bush and has no idea there's a 80 foot drop down into a creek. Well after 3 goes at trying to pull the body up with a tractor (yes it was not alive by the time I got there) and having the straps break each time it was time for some hard working wwoofers to get in there.

Nothing to do w/ the task but interesting nonetheless

2 other wwoofers from the US were there, I got out of the car, was told to get my boots on so I did and put on an overall and got down into the creek. To be quick lets just say it took 5 of us to bring up the different parts. Even though it was a young bull it was a heavy one.

I appreciate now people who produce and sustain their own sources of meat and vege. Be sure to find out where your food is coming from (remember that it may not be the most cost efficient and environmentally friendly). Transport costs and chemicals used in production of food need to be questioned by the consumers or else nothing will change.

**No pictures will be posted for those with weak stomachs and those who are vegetarian or vegan ;) **

Fun Fact for you though to get your mind off the last part

The second day of work was a nice change and brought me back to working on the conservation projects in the first few months. We got to work alongside the local country school and be supervisors/chaperones for the kids as they learned more about the wetland a local farmer had started and wanted to expand and sustain. This project is being adopted by the school and students got to learn about measureing the water visibility, temperature, pH, see the different creatures living in the wetland to measure how healthy it was and also plant some native plants along the slope next to the road to help protect it and stop any runoff from flowing into it without being filtered.

Wetland project

Look who gets to get a water sample

to the bottom for different test

back we go

now you can measure the water clarity

here's a daily overview of animal chores:
morning - feed calf, feed some of the ducks and then let them out to free range (so you can gather eggs in the area) feed chooks allow some out for free range (gather eggs), feed turkeys who are free range already, feed mother duck sitting on chicken eggs, feed chicks. Wash eggs
early evening - feed calf, round up ducks and feed them all, feed turkeys a bit, (gather eggs anywhere you see them).

Duck Duck Duck (3 of 20+ free range ducks)

During the week we got to work with the wwoof hosts' neighbor who has over 5000 sheep! It was just lambing season so Chloe, the other wwoofer, and I got to go help round them up so the lambs could have their tails docked and their ears tagged.

This time though instead of rubber rings the tails were ironed off (don't worry though the lambs were ok). It was a fun day getting to see sheep dogs do their work; it is amazing how well they listen to their owners and a different wistle from them will mean something else that the sheep dogs translate when rounding up the ewes/lambs. One of the most memorable days of my travels through NZ was this day, actually having the opportunity to work alongside a born and raised sheep farmer and his assitants and all of their dogs.

View from the top of Old Man's Face Rock (too windy to hear)

Lamb docking



On the way home

lamb tails and beer?

you betcha

Here are some of the adventures on the farm and in the bush:

bush and creek

Glow worm hike


Natural Pools


What the Glow Worm Hike looks like during the day

Meet some of the Fam:

Jazz and the pup (3 days old) (Ben was named first, the brown one, black and white one suggested name by me after a week)

Charlie and Elvis

Mother Duck (one of many)

The local Tom has a great talent ;)

Max with eyes open after 2 weeks (Maximus in my heart)

Ben had his open first (teddy bear)

This a bonfire

Did I mention that it snowed! It hasn't done this in a few years and it has never been this much! No one expected it but it was nice in a funny way. It's true what they say over here: you may get 4 seasons in a day in some countries but in NZ you can have 4 seasons in an hour

the beginning

Keeps piling up

The last week and a half I was there 3 more wwoofers came after Chloe had left so it was a packed house. Some tasks included weeding, mowing the lawns (with a sit-down mower, fun stuff), digging up water pipes to apply clay tiling to them to prevent cattle from squashing the pipes and preventing us from getting water at the house, composting, daily animal chores, etc etc.

Plucking Turkey feathers w/ wwoofers from Japan and Korea

This was just a quick summary, many more an adventure happened but not enough space to put it on (and by this time you are probably only looking at the pictures and watching the videos)

One of many delicious meals!

Very fun time here, GREAT wwoof host, great company, lots of stories, lots of time spent with animals (all of whom are free range! that's the way to go, not feedlots!)

Off to the South I go, for how long who knows?

Until next time Planeteers,


Cheers


P.S. Enjoy ;)