I LOVE NEW ZEALAND!!!

Kia ora! Hello everyone! Okay, I have only been here a week and I absolutely love this country. It all started on my trip up to the Northland. It was a three day trip up to Paihia on the east coast in the Bay of Islands. On the bus ride up, we made a few stops. First up, a stop at an 800 year old Kauri tree, which is a local tree that grows to be massive and was used for ship masts and canoe building. We were given the opportunity to hug the tree which all of us did. We even had a group hug which I am convinced changed the weather. Once we got up north, the weather improved: the sky cleared, the temperature rose and the day was just more enjoyable.

Along the way we also got to go in a glass bottom boat to see a bay: there was a sting ray, an eagle ray and loads of fish. The water was choppy but it was still great. Then we made it to Paihia and were greeted on the beach the traditional Maori way: Kia ora! and the touching of noses and foreheads. I thought the french greeting was the best but I now know that the Maori powhiri is the BEST! It is so intimate and powerful and steeped in culture and history that I absolutely loved it. And the song they sang was superb! I was just so giddy. The rest of the day was spent getting settled and celebrating our arrival.

The next day was a full day trip to Cape Reinga, which is the northernmost point in New Zealand. It is also a very important site for the Maori, but it was just amazing. You could see the joining of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean and the views were spectacular. And even better, I was able to sponsor a manuka plant (a type of tea tree) and plant it on the cape. I even got the GPS coordinates so that I can watch it grow. It felt amazing to do something to help this wonderful and beautiful country. It is so green and natural and stunning! So on the day trip we also stopped at the Gumdiggers to see an ancient buried kauri forest and the process of recovering the gum. We were able to go to an Ancient Kauri workshop to see amazing pieces of work using kauri wood dated to 45,000 years old. A little Christmas shopping for myself... I couldn't resist. We also got to go dune boarding down some massive sand dunes. What a thrill! Exhausting climb to the top of the dune but so much fun riding down. And then a stop at the best fish & chips shop in NZ: and I agree that it was really good! What a spectacular day!

So yesterday I had the morning to myself. I was up early and walked to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the most sacred and important site in New Zealand for the Maori and the Pakeha as this is where the treaty was signed that formed New Zealand. Unfortunately, I only had an hour to look around. But it was a beautiful site and the history was evident. But I had to ruch back to the beach to go on a waka tour. Now, just so you know, this might be one of the best things I have ever done. The waka is the Maori word for canoe, so I went out into the Bay of Islands in a waka with two Maori guides. I was the only one booked so it was really personalised. I got to paddle the canoe on Maori commands and we went out to an island. There, I jumped into the (cold) water and got to dive for mussles. That was such a blast... hard but so much fun. I managed to get a baby one and then a massive mussel once we got the the right rock. I then held the bucket instead of diving. Probably the best as I cut up my foot and hand on the rock. As I am sure everyone has now gathered from my year of exploring, I am not graceful or skilled, I usually end up with some wound. But it just adds to the experience. Once I managed to eventually get back into the boat (not very glamourously or lady like as you have correctly assumed) we paddled to another island to climb to the lookout, steam the mussels and enjoy the view with a glass of wine. It doesn't get much better than that. The boys also sang songs while we were out which just made the trip all that much better. It was so incredible and I really felt like I had an experience of a lifetime. And then I had to go back to Auckland.

Once back in town, I met some crazy but fun guys in the hostel who were going to the Nickelback concert that night. And they had an extra ticket so I went. Now, it is common knowledge that most Albertans hate Nickelback but I have to admit, I did enjoy myself. They were very impressive and New Zealanders love them! The drummer absolutely blew my mind and they played solid for 2 hours. And I did feel very proud to be Canadian. I even met some Canadians in the crowd... it's funny how we always sense each others presense. So the concert was awesome and I was so grateful that my new friends let me tag along (thanks Michael, Adam and Ben!). But on the way back to the hostel, another one of their friends who we bumped into on the street was attempting a drunken spinning hug while lifting me up. Needless to say, we both went tumbling to the pavement. I landed hard on my shoulder and he landed directly on my foot. I tried to brush it off but that ended my night.

So this morning I woke up pretty tender. My shoulder is almost immobile and it feels like I broke my baby toe. But I figure I couldn't leave Auckland without at least a couple of war wounds. So it's all good! I am a tough girl and it shouldn't keep me down. Thankfully my next few stops are known for the hot water pools and mud baths. Soak away the aches.

I did make it to the Auckland Museum today which is filled with some amazing artefacts and pieces from Pacific and Maori culture. Unfortunately, I went to too many museums while in Europe and I can't be bothered to spend a length of time anymore. But I was glad I saw the major pieces. Now it is just time to relax (and maybe ice my foot and shoulder).

I hate to say it but the past few days in New Zealand have been so amazing and the most fun and excitement that I have had in a long time (probably since Egypt). I think I may have found a new favourite place. I haven't been so intrigued about the history and culture of a country since I was in Egypt. And that is really exciting. I am looking forward to moving on through the country, trying new things, meeting new people and learning as I go.

Love, Lisa