Just back from a 2 day trek in Mt Aspiring National Park. 9 of us decided to set off and trek through the bush in the Matukituki Valley.  Unfortunately we chose a pretty stormy day to set out.  After Madeleine was blown over by 120km/hr winds and Pierre lost (& then found) his glasses, we decided to continue on through the pissing rain.  Wading through rivers up to our thighs, soaked through (but all grinning and bearing it), we got to Mt. Aspiring hut after 3 hours.  These huts are a bit like the bothys in Scotland, which are basic shelters (in some cases with running water) that you pay a nominal fee to stay in.  It was pretty damn nice sitting beside the fire (for which we had to brave the storm to get firewood from the forest) and drying out, sipping cider and playing cards by candlelight.  The next morning, the sun was splitting the stones (although it was a bit cold) which was a nice change from the day before.  We decided to split into two groups - half of us continued on towards Mt. Aspiring, while the rest cut back and did the Rob Roy Glacier hike.  Was a stunning walk through varied terain - crossing huge plains, trekking through forest and bush, crossing rope bridges over racing water... Really amazing stuff.  The day really warmed up and we all had a great time soaking it all up.  Eventually we decided to turn back and all had lunch back at the hut.  After filling our stomachs, we all set back and re-united to head back to Wanaka. 

 

Speaking of hikes, did Roy's Peak today too (with Pierre and a Danish girl we met on the way) - it's 1550m high, so I think it might just outdo Ben Nevis in Scotland.  Nice walk and great views of the Matukituki Basin and Lake Wanaka.  Stunning morning for it too!

 

That's about it from me - off to the West Coast bright and early on Wed morning, then Stuart Island on the 12th. 

It seems like ages since I updated this blog.. Lots has happened - from visiting Milford Sound to experiencing Wanaka Fest to buying a car. 

The town has been hopping over the last 10 days with tonnes of events including rail jams (snowboarders/skaters doing tricks etc.), street gigs, outdoor films etc etc.  The festival ended the day before yesterday with a huge fireworks display - quite impressive for such a small town.  It's quite fitting that the festival should coincide with me deciding to leave town - I guess it's a way of wrapping things up.. I finish work this Sunday and then after hanging around for 10 days or so, I'll be heading up the West Coast - possibly to see more rainforest and the glaciers by the sea. Then a group of us are meeting in Invercargill in the South - from there, we'll be getting the ferry to Stuart Island (NZ's third main island), a true wilderness with raw nature at your fingertips.

I've just uploaded some photos of my new car - a Honda Prelude (1988).  It's a great car to drive and has amazing power. I've always wanted a sports car... Unfortunately it's an automatic - but I guess it's a nice change from the norm.  It does have a sports setting though which increases revs and lets the car take off.  I did fancy buying a van with space for a good few people, but since Spring is here, it's handier just to pack a tent in the boot and travel a bit lighter.  Roll on the roadtrips!

Just moved into a flat for two weeks - get to have my own personal space for a change.. It's so nice waking up in a queen size bed & not having to worry about five other people being in the same room. Mind you, I do have to contend with Harry (the flat dog) trying to wake me up.  There's always a compromise I guess! I'm not really an dog or cat person but he's actually quite a nice animal.

Went to Rob Roy glacier yesterday - it's in Mount Aspiring national park - just a stone's throw away from the resort I ski in.  It was given World Heritage Status quite a while back (1970's I think..) for it's outstanding natural beauty.  Four of us drove up and got a bird's eye view of the monstrosity.  The walk was really nice & involved going across a rope bridge in winds of 100km/h! Was quite an adrenalin rush. Check out the photos!