New Zealand Top 10

Of the places I went, of course! You should check these out next time you're in Kiwiland... And these aren't necessarily in order! There were tons of great places! And the best part was sharing all the places and experiences with Joan.

I'll post pics and more stories and such after I get caught up on my homework... =)



1. Milford Sound (best seen via kayak, though the cruises are nice as well since you get to see more of the fjord!)

2. Conical Hill (at the highpoint of the Routeburn Track. This has an amazing view of the Darran Mountains, the Tasman Sea and plenty more!)

3. Mount Maunganui Beach (beautiful blue water, white sand, and temps in the low 70s. What more could you ask for from a beach?)

4. Lake Taupo (swimming in the clear water (almost as clear as Lake Tahoe!) was one of the highlights of the Ironman)

5. Lake Wakatipu (sitting on the beachfront in Queenstown eating the best fish n' chips I've ever had (from Aggy's Shack) on the first day set the standard for the rest of the trip to live up to)

6. Tongariro Crossing (we didn't get the best of weather for the first part, but the scenery was spectacular up amongst the lakes and sulphur vents near the summit)

7. Joan's aunt and uncle's farm (beautiful views and a look at a real sheep/cattle ranch)

8. Polynesian Hot Springs (sure, it's a commercial hot spring, but sitting in 42C water with a view out over Lake Rotorua was sure a great way to start the last morning of our trip to New Zealand!)

9. Shotover River (the scenery passing by as we rafted down the river were amazing. The water is clean and a nice temperature as well.)

10. Viewing deck at the top of the gondola at Queenstown (amazing views, amazing sunset, and a great place to watch paragliding, parasailing, bungy jumping, luge, and just generally take it all in).