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James & Tracey World Tour

a travel blog by James & Tracey

Welcome to James and Tracey's World tour Blog. We will try and update the tour as we go around (or whenever we get on internet!).
We hope you enjoy reading all about our adventures and dont get too jealous.
Please post any questions, thoughts or wishes.
We look forward to hearing from you all soon

For loads more photos of this trip visit
http://picasaweb.google.com/jamesandtrace

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Adrenaline Capital (if open)

Queensbury, New Zealand

May 20
We were up and out of the camp, into Queenstown and headed straight for the AJ Hackett shop to book James' Thrillogy Bungy Jumps. This means 3 bungy jumps totalling 224m over 6 hours! I headed down the road to book tomorrows Canyon Swing for the both of us.
We waited around a bit for the bus to take us to the first stop "the Bridge". The original and birthplace for the bungy. The Kawarau Bridge is a 43m bungy above a river.

Kawarau Bungy Bridge

James was jumping at 12.45. He had a bit of a brush with the water and came out feeling rather shaky but good. We then had a 2 hour wait for the bus to take us to the next jump, so we watched a few more crazy people jump off a perfectly nice bridge and be picked up by the rubber dinghy below.
The bus picked us up and we headed for the Nevis, a mere 134m bungy that is suspended above a tiny river (well it looks tiny from the top). Both of us got geared up in harnesses and went across the wire in what looked like a big shopping trolley, to get to the bungy platform in the middle of a valley. At this point James had lost most of his tan he had accumulated thus far. He had to go first, and I watched from the see-through floor in the suspended platform/room.

Bungeeeeeeee

We had to wait for all of the others to do their jumps before we got to leave. James now getting most of his colour back took some photos and bought the DVD of his jump.
The next stop was back in Queenstown and a short ride up the Gondola to the top of a cliff. The "Ledge jump" is a 47m Bungy in the dark, that overlooks the glinting town below, and at the side of the gondola. The Bungy is tied to the waist so you can take a running jump. I think this was the worst of all as you just couldn't see where you were jumping.

We went back down to the town, as James was famished after the full adrenaline day. We had been recommended the "fergburger" so had a go - lush!

May 21
An early start as we had to be at the shop for the Canyon Swing for 8.20am. We headed 10 mins out of town to a Canyon with a small wooden platform on.


I was this close!

We got harnessed up. I was second in the queue. Stood on the edge, leant back with great fear for the photo, waited for the wind to die down, ready....No not yet need to psyche myself up, yep ready, no wait for the wind to die, psyche myself up again, ready, nope we are going to close the swing as wind is up to 60knots and not allowed to swing above 25knots. Gutted!
I was shaking all the way back up to the van as all the adrenaline had to seep out of my veins without the rush of the swing. The swing was full up for the rest of the day so no way we could get to do it - deflated!
Went back to camp to cool down and think about what to do next.
After a bit of time on the internet and some pizza, we decided to move on as there is lots more to do in South Island and we are running out of time. So we set off on our 400km drive and arrived around 9.30pm, in the dark and parked in a random picnic spot.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 20, 2007 from Queensbury, New Zealand
from the travel blog: James & Tracey World Tour
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Fox Glacier (not the mint)

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

May 22
A bit of an early start, had an amazing view of Mountain top when we awoke.

View in the morning

We headed into Fox Township and to the Alpine Guides to book our tour for the day - "The Nimble Fox".
Wearing thermal long-johns, trousers, vest, t-shirt, long sleeve sweatshirt, fleece jumper, 2 pairs of socks, hat and mittens - I was ready for our adventure.
We walked through rainforest and up around 150 steps, slowly peeling off al the layers as we got to boiling point.
It was time to put on the cramp-ons and back on the layers - we were ready for the ice.
We spent a total of 4 hours on the ice, walking on the Glacier, with our guide cutting fresh steps for us to climb up with his pick axe. We went through a couple of caves and got a bit wet.

Beneath the Ice

The Great Explorer

The Fox Glacier is up to 350m in depth and terminates 250m above sea level, making it so accessable to us. They get 35-45m of snowfall each year, and the Glacier is still growing and advancing about 20cm per day (meant to be 1m but 80% melts).
We walked back through the rainforest and to the bottom where the Glacier ends - it looked huge!
After getting back and warming up again with a hot drink we set off for another long drive. We drove for around 250 km along windy roads before finding a resting point, had dinner and exhausted from the day enjoyed a drink!

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 22, 2007 from Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
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Blissful relaxation

Hanmer Springs, New Zealand

May 23
After a bit of a lie in we set off again driving the rest of the way (around 200km). We arrived at Hanmer Springs. They have thermal pools here, where we headed to have a dip.
We also treated our aching bodies to a steam room for half an hour. The hottest pool was 41 degrees as it was a sulphur pool (so also smelt a bit). We stayed in the mineral pools around 36 degrees for a while, just chillin' and taking in the mountainous views around us whilst it rained above us - This is the life!

After being totally relaxed we headed down the road and went into the mini-golf course.


Not so crazy golf

We started off nice and jolly, but by the end James was showing off as he was winning. I videoed him and he spooned it - sweet! He only beat me by 4 points, so the gap is getting closer.

We set off on the road again towards the east coast, only a mere 180 km drive.


permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 23, 2007 from Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
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Fun time with Flipper

Kaikoura, New Zealand

May 24
Up and out of the parking spot reasonably early (partly cos we weren't meant to be there! We went to the dolphin encounter building where we were given full wetsuits, gloves, boots and hoods ready to get into the 14 degree water.
The boat headed south out of Kaikoura where some dolphin had been spotted earlier. They have a wide variety of marin life just off Kaikoura as there is a deep canyon where cold nutrient rich water comes from antarctic and warm water from the north mixes and comes to the surface. They get fur seals, Sperm Whales, Dolphin, Albatross and lots of migrating animals too.
We were looking for the Dusky Dolphin, otherwise known as the Acrobats of the sea, as they like to jump and somersault out of the water.

Flipper

We spotted a few Dolphin in the distance so adorned our kit and prepared to enter the water. As we got closer we realised that there were hundreds of Dolphin (around 400!). We got in the water, after an initial shock of the coldness it was soon forgotten as we were completely surrounded by Dolphin.

Hello Dolphins!

Watch out for the tuna nets

Swimming on the top, and round in circles, making noises and diving down we were plenty of entertainment for all of the Dolphin.

Dusky Dolphin

After an exhilarating 40 mins of being in the water we were called back to the boat, completely exhausted and ready for the Hot Chocolate and ginger biscuits they supplied.
As we set off back to the harbour the Dolphin enjoyed riding up by the bow of the boat and doing flips and jumps in the distance.

We started up the coast, stopping occasionally to look at the fur seals on rocks.
We headed and stopped in Renwick at a small Backpackers which allows campervans.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 24, 2007 from Kaikoura, New Zealand
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Cycling to the next glass of wine

Renwick, New Zealand

May 25
We enjoyed a lie in, then some free toast and homemade jam.
We hired a bike each (James had a pannier on the back of his, where he put his cycle helmet!) Our first stop was about 5 minutes cycle from the backpackers and a small winery called Mayi. We tasted 4 wines here and James actually liked the Sav Blanc more than the Pinot Noir. I liked the Pinot noir, as it was fruitier than most I've tried - check out the connoisseurs!

This is just like Tour de France
Another short cycle to a winery that was closed for the winter - not fair! So on to the next one - Grove Mill. The lady serving us explained all of the awards they have won for their wines ("enough already just pour the wine"). We tried 2 wines here (and bougha bottle of Sav Blanc). Another taster came in whilst we were there, she took a long time to smell the wine and swirl, then after sipping she spat it out - what a waste!
Another short cycle we got to Seresin Estate. Here we tried 4 wines and 2 types of their organic Olive Oil. We bought a bottle of Pinot Noir, some Lemon Olive Oil and Honey.
We stopped off on the side of the road and snacked on some cake, then set off again to Framingham Estate. It was a bit posher than the others and had a cellar to look round. We tried another 4 wines here and Bought a bottle of red (Tracey's choice!).
We decided at this stage we had had enough (Trace of cycling) and if we carried on to the other 14 wineries may not physically be able to stay on the bikes, so we headed back to the camp for some fish and chips.

May 26
After a slow start having breakfast and waiting for the winery to open to pick up Tracey's choice of wine from yesterdays tasting, we packed the van up and were ready to go.....Except the van wasn't! The battery was flat. We tried jump leads, but wasn't powerful enough, so had to ring for assistance. We were asked if it was urgent - Yes, as we had to catch the ferry in 2 hours!!
We managed it with half an hour to spare.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 25, 2007 from Renwick, New Zealand
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Wellywood

Wellington, New Zealand

May 26
The ferry ride to Wellington was very slow - 3 hours and 10 mins! When we arrived in Wellington Kevin and Megan were waiting, and waiving us by the dock. After a quick hello and hugs, we headed off to Hutt City (to Megan's Mums house). We had drinks and dinner then headed out to the night of the year - Quiz Night.
We bought raffle tickets, got 3 for $5 (a pink, blue and yellow one). James told Megan he had the winning yellow ticket and would she swap her losing yellow ticket for his winning one, she decided to take the risk and swap it.
Our team name, chosen by Megan, was Kiwi Fruits and English Cox. Vicky (Megans sister in law) won a prize for having a sticker on her chair. Megan won a prize for knowing the next NZ census was in 2011. I won a prize for knowing Golden harp logo was for Guinness. The lady said "I'm not surprised you knew that with your accent" Didn't really want to say I was English!!
During the mid way stop and buffet the raffle was drawn. The first winning ticket was Yellow number 10 - Megans!! Yup, thats right James gave away the winning ticket - Fool! She won a massive Hamper of food and stuff.

Lucky Beggars!

At the end of the Quiz we were drawing, bottom. We had a decider question and the other team were so stupid that they answered the question correctly! Therefore we won the booby prize of beer and chocolate and went home with the most prizes - Suckers!
We enjoyed a Spa when we got back to Megans mums. Relaxing under the stars - bliss.

Cheers and smile!

May 27
We had the best nights sleep as the bed was the most comfortable ever - well in comparison with the campervan. Megan came in and gave us Juice in bed - Service is supreme!
We went to Kevin and Megans house set on the side of a hill and amazing views.
We then headed for the seaside for some Brunch. The first choice was full so we headed round the corner, where it was a much better view.
After stuffing ourselves, we were taken to Mount Victoria lookout. The lookout bit was closed but Megan and Kevin found us an alternative. We then walked along the waterfront and around the town in the sunshine.
We said our good byes for now and continued on our way in our trusty campervan.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 26, 2007 from Wellington, New Zealand
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Jenbolina (and broken toe)

Palmerston North, New Zealand

May 27
We drove the quick 200 km to Palmerston North at break neck campervan speed.
Jen met us outside her flat, waving her Crutches madly in the air, due to her newly broken left big toe (from hockey last week).
We spent a pleasant evening at Jens new home with a couple of her mates, a homemade, tasty lasagne, and plenty of chatting.

May 28
A lazy morning uploading photos to web and catching up on other internet things, taking full use of Jens free broadband.
We then jumped in our campervan and headed north.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 27, 2007 from Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Flying Pink Tin Can

Taupo, New Zealand

May 28
During the 3 hour drive up to Lake Taupo, we phoned up and enquired into doing a sky dive. After much deliberating over different companies, we popped into one when we got to the airport, which was only 10 mins after finishing on the phone. Within another 20 mins they had persuaded to jump with them, stuck us in overalls and kit and bailed us into a tiny, yet very pink plane.

Are we going up in that?!

We barrelled along the runway and just about made it into the air. Considering it was such a still day, the plane was moving from side to side a lot (I would not like to be in this plane in any sort of wind). While they kept shoving the video camera in our faces, trying to capture us looking scared, they briefly described how we were going to make it down to the ground, hopefully not too flat.
First to go was James, he moved to the doorway shoved his feet under the plane, as the instructor strapped to his back pushed them both out, his shouts soon disappeared as he plumetted from view. Straight away without any delay it was Tracey's turn to be turfed out of a kind of perfectly good plane. As she left the plane the instructor thought it would be a good idea to do 2 backwards somersaults just to really make sure Trace was wetting herself! After that both of our instructors decided it would be funny to then spin us round and round and round as quick as they could. Trace didn't find this very amusing at all - and shouted at the bloke to stop as she wanted to be sick (you may get this bit on the vid!) Both the instructors then took this opportunity to explain to us how we were going to land - this basically involved lifting our legs, landing on our bums and sliding to a stop.

Incoming!

In a daze we finished our jump all in all from initial enquiry by phone to landing took under an hour - Mad!
After our free coffee/tea and T-shirt we headed off to the nearest bar to have proper drink and calm our frayed nerves.

May 29
After a freezing night in campervan, we had a day of walking. First stop of the day was Huka Falls. The Falls are formed by the river narrowing from 100m wide and 4m deep to 15m wide and 10m deep. This is due to the river passing some very hard rock which wears away very slowly. This makes for a very angry looking stretch of water.


Huka Falls

For the next 6km we walked up the cliff and along the top, following the river, passing many vantage points and therefore many photos.
The next stop of the day was a place called Craters of the Moon. Where steam rises out from the ground due to Geothermal activity. However, when we pulled into the carpark an elderly lady took much pleasure in explaining to us the park closed at 5.30pm, the walk took one hour, as it was 4.35pm we were not allowed to go in or even look - Park Rules you know!
So undeterred, we headed down to the Dam. This is where the water builds up during the day and was let out at 2.30pm. Apparently according to the signs this is quite spectacular. Our luck with timing really isn't with us today.
Again we followed the river along for a walk and enjoyed the sun setting over the river and hills.
After a couple of hours driving, we neared our next stop of Rotorua and found ourselves an available layby for the night.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 28, 2007 from Taupo, New Zealand
from the travel blog: James & Tracey World Tour
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Hells Gate

Rotorua, New Zealand

May 30
After our unsuccessful trip to see Geothermal activity and with some advice we went to 'Hells Gate'. This reserve was formed over 10,000 years ago as a series of geothermal eruptions when ancient lakes drained to form Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua. The removal of water caused faulting of rocks allowing violent escapes of steam, gases and hot fluids. The heat source here is only 1.5-2km below the surface - this is very close. (and lots of crazy people live here!)
We walked round and passed many bubbling mud lakes with the odd mud volcanoe and lots of steam. This place stinks of Sulphur.

Mud Volcano

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble.

We then found the Skyline Gondola and went up a nearby mountain. Apart from the great view the main aim to go up there was to come zooming back down on a Luge.


Not a good look but great fun!
As elegantly shown by James in pic.
This was great fun. There were 3 tracks - the scenic, intermediate and advanced. We did have these tracks to ourselves, until a bus load of Koreans arrived! For this great activity we invented our own head cam. Using our head torch, we managed to strap our camera to our forehead and kind of successfully videoed our trips down. One shows James successfully crashing into the barrier at the end of the run.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 30, 2007 from Rotorua, New Zealand
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We're rich!

Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

May 31
We stayed the night at the base of Mount Maunganui, which was situated in the perfect spot by the beach.
However, we woke with a start to the noise of the campsite toilet block being smashed to the ground by a big digger, at 7am in the morning! Don't these people know that life's a holiday?
After having a shower in a porta-shower (we were paying for all this luxury), we headed off and walked to the Summit of Mount Maunganui. It was an amazing view from the summit.

View from Mount Maunganui

During our time in Oz and New Zealand we have looked through many shops for perfect bikinis to no avail, except in this small town we struck gold! Trace bought 2 bikinis - Result, I don't think we need to look anymore!

It was then time to hit the road once more, heaed off for the next 250km section.
We went through Paeroa, which is where the world famous in New Zealand drink L&P (Lemon and Paeroa) was founded. So we decided we had to stop in a garage and buy a bottle - this stuff really makes you burp.

New Zealand really does have everything - because we managed to get stuck in a traffic jam as so far we have hardly seen any traffic.

We got to Warkworth in trying to find ourselves a free spot for the night, but this area seems a bit too built up for that. So found a space at Sheepworld for the night. We were greeted and shown round by an absolute mad character called Ian, but quality salt of the earth type of guy.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on May 31, 2007 from Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
from the travel blog: James & Tracey World Tour
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