The Tip of the Iceberg!

Kia ora or Welcome and Greetings from New Zealand! 

Well, I got back yesterday from a 4 day 3 night adventure on the northern part of the South Island, it was awesome! I took the blue-bridge ferry across last Wed afternoon and got back on Sat in the evening. The first night we spent in Picton, which is the port city where all the North Island Ferries load and unload. Picton is a very underrated city because only 4,000 people live there but it has many things to offer from mountain/seaside trails to good seafood and great white wines from the Marlborough region. We hiked the first day to some good lookout trails of Picton and the mountains surrounding it. We stayed in a neat hostel were we cooked dinner ( I had a bad steak, the beef is very different from what you get in the states) and rested up. 

The next day it was on to Nelson by bus ( Nelson is the Sunshine capital of New Zealand) Where I hiked to the Center of New Zealand saw some sheep and got some great views of Nelson. Stayed in what seemed like a mix between a bed and breakfast and a hostel called the Honey Suckle house. I made some Mac n' cheese (that rocked if I might add ) and met some really cool folks from Australia, the UK, and California. 

Third day I was off to the Abel Tasman which is said to be New Zealand's most beautiful park. (We will see about that, plenty more New Zealand to see!) It was a very cool place though, coastline filled with beaches and forests. I met some Canadians "EH" some Franchise and an Aussie. We took a water taxi up the coast to some trails on our way we saw some seals and many birds. When we landed we started a 2 hour walk that was littered with exotic trees, peaceful waterfalls and deserted beaches. Awesome place the Tasman and defiantly one I would visit again. 

The whole trip was a blast and left me wanting to see more of New Zealand's South Island. To see the whole Island properly it would take at least a month. I will be going back whenever possible. I think the best part about the trip was meeting so many interesting people along my journey, many who had thoughts on U.S. policies, world issues, food, music, American culture and many other topics. I love to talk with people about their own countries and ours. Good or bad an opinion is a resource of conversation and conversation is the exchange of knowledge. I'm learning a lot so far and I haven't even started school! 

To all those at the Cabin, tonight was the first night I really started to miss home. It sounds like it was a blast and you all can't wait to do it again next year! The skiing was good, the company sounded merry and the drinks were definitely flowing at the Rice cabin. All of you make that cabin my favorite place in the world and I can't wait to see you all at the 4th of July! 

Miss and love my family, friends, Brothers, cabin and of course Ginty Rice. 

Cheers from New Zealand until next time! 

Past few days and upcoming plans.

The past few days have been spent exploring Wellington, participating in university activities and going to the beach! 

This past Sunday they have farmers markets set up down by the harbor. These markets are filled with fresh fish and meats, produce that is hard to find in the supermarkets and awesome snacks like homemade pizza and German hotdogs! I filled my backpack with fresh fruit for only $15.00 dollars. 

Today Tuesday Feb. 22nd 

There was a 6.5 scale earthquake in Christchurch on the South Island. It should make national news and I just wanted to let you all know Wellington was not effected at all. It is a bad situation for New Zealanders, they just suffered a large earthquake back in September. 

The next 3-4 days I will spend on the South Island with some friends. We will hopefully be eating some great seafoods, trying local wines and exploring the amazing scenery. The plan is to hit up Picton, Nelson, Marlborough and maybe some national parks. Get excited people the pictures are going to be flooding in! I can't wait to see the MOUNTAINS!! 

Wellington week 1

Well there is definitely a reason they call this place Windy Welly! Besides the wind it's an awesome town filled with parks, restaurants, shops, beaches, hiking trails, great views and great people! I have plenty to see and do while I am here!

Today Feb. 18th - All the international students registered for our classes. I am taking ( New Zealand History), (Moral and Political Philosophy), ( International Business), and maybe another political science class. The good news is I have NO CLASS ON FRIDAYS! There is no bad news. I am meeting more and more new people every day! Kiwi's are very friendly people who are ready and willing to show off they're amazing country! Last night a group of us went and saw a French comedy called "Amelie" in the Wellington Rose Gardens. It was an outdoor film and let me tell you it was packed! The stars and moon were shining bright and the movie was super funny.

Until my next post, Cheers from NZ!

The trails we mountain biked on.

Auckland

Countryside on our way to Rotorua 

Enough said.

Our search for the perfect lookout spot in Waitomo.

Spot found 

The view from my room in Wellington.

River we went cliff diving in.

Thermal area. 

The latest news!

Dear Everyone,

I'm sorry I have not posted yet, I have been just going going going ever since I touched down in Auckland. I'll update you all quick with everything I've done!

Friday Feb. 11th
-Landed in Auckland and went right to work touring the city ( it's big 1.2 million people) A very diverse city.

Saturday Feb. 12th
- We got up early and took a 4 hour drive to Rotorua where we as a group will stay until Wed when we leave for our schools. We learned the Haka which is a native war dance was  fun and very interesting to learn. We also played Rugby! (awesome game) .

Sunday Feb. 13th
-I went Moutain biking with four other guys it was so intense! I was clipping trees and going off 3-4 ft drops. (a little fear for my life) Spent the rest of the day swimming at the pool and drinking brews with new mates.

Today Feb. 14th
- We went caving. Which was probably the most extreme thing I have ever done. The spaces were small enough that I could have easily gotten stuck a few times. We had to wear wetsuits with pads. We crawled threw water and over rocks. Belayed down holes in complete darkness ( we had headlamps but it was still pretty drak) We ended the day with some cliff diving in a local river. All around the best day yet!

I will upload pictures as soon as I am on my own laptop at school!
Miss you all and hope everything State side is awesome!

Cheers!
-Jon

First Post

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to my Blog! I hope you will track my progress through New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. I will be posting pictures, journal entries and possibly maps if I can figure it out. I am very excited to start this journey and I am glad to share it with all of you.

-Jon