Arival at Otago

Kia Ora! (Hello)

Kiara and I made it to our apartment this evening after a day of travel in shrinking planes. (We went from a 747-400, to a smaller twin jet , to a tiny twin prop) We are still in the process of getting settled in, mainly because Kiara (self admittedly) brought WAY too much stuff.

A short recap of the last few days:

Agrodome: Did you know that there are 19 different species of sheep? Or that one can be sheared in less than five minutes? The Agrodome is a world famous sheep farm that has live "sheep shows" exhibiting the 19 different species, a shearing demonstration, a "dog trial" (an course where a dog chases 3-4 sheep through/over various obstacles into a pen by responding to different pitched whistles from their trainer), and an auction.

Haggas Honking Holes: I never want to see a wet suit again...unless I go back to CaveWorld! Both Kiara and I were stuffed into wet suits and knee waders, and crawled, climbed, abseiled, and blundered through an amazing underground world. We were treated to drops through the dark, a repel through a waterfall, and best of all, cannibalistic shagging maggots with shiny shit. (aka . "glowworms")

Blue Lake: A beautiful 5k hike around a crystal clear (you guessed it) blue lake. Classified as a "crater lake", Blue Lake is a water filled volcanic crater, complete with white sand beaches, floating rocks, and surrounded by (at least) three widely different ecosystems. It was incredible to see the collision of the introduced redwood forest with the native jungle like bush.


Maori Village Experience: WOW. Watching the Haka is an experiance that I will never forget. Upon our arrival to the "living Maori village" we were greeted by armed warriors in full regalia performing the traditional dance intended to intimidate and impress their visitors. Both were accomplished immediately. We were then invited into the main village to observe the workings of Maori society, followed by one of the best meals I have ever had. (Dad's cannelonies still are number one) Most everything in the meal was cooked underground using white hot rocks. Check out some of the pictures from this one.

Rotorua Thermal Zone: (Kiara and I did this one together) Hot springs to soak our feet in, bubbling mud, boiling water, sulfur spewing from the ground...what more can be said? Kiwi Paka ( our hostel) was located right on the edge of the park, and a short walk was all it took to get right into the middle of the park.

Though Kiara and I were not able to participate in the orientation activities together, we both got to do everything the other did, and were able to share the highs of each.