last days

Hi guys
I've just seen, it's a long time ago I've been here. I'm enjoying my last days in Aukland... the city of sails. The city self is disappointing, but there is a lot to see around and some very interesting things to do.
Today I made a sailingtrip with an Americacup race boat. A mindblowing experience. We had quite a little brise, which means fantastic sailing conditions. 2 hours on sea...and a glimpse on some of the raceboats which are going to start on Friday were practising in the bay.
Tomorrow I will take a ferry to Rangimoto, the youngest volcano New Zealands. (600 years)....do some walks there and enjoy my last day.

Cycling New Zealand

7 days - 600km - pain in bums. But I won't be able to describe all the fantastic impressions from my ride. Pedalling the Arthurspass were my first two demanding days. Afterwards heading up the westcoast just unbelievable: the nature scenery gorgeous: wild ocean, the air filled with the sent of salt and plants from the rainforest, which is bursting in vivid colours and impenetrable green, plants and species I've never seen before. The massive Punakakirocks in sunset - my ride at the westcoast was one of my best cyclingdays. One rainy day (what's a rainforest without rain?) I could enjoy it. The atmosphere was mystic, riverbanks vanished in the fog, humid air, water and forest definitly merged into one inseperable habitat.
Yesterday I arrived in Nelson. A bustling, cultural city with rich history. Lot of bustlers and local handicraftsmen meet today on the local market. Unfortunately I won't be able to buy a lot even I just can't resist. I would have to carry all that stuff on my bike. But how about tasting some fresh strawberries? It's just season! Mmmmmmh!

hiking new zealand

Hi guys
Sorry for not having been here for so long time. Holidays can be so absorbing. I was off the beaten track with hiking new zealand for 2 weeks. we had some awesome experiences by tramping, kajaking and one of the highlights was definitly the hangi, which Anita our guide at Christmaseve prepared. Imagine digging a howle in the ground, make a fire and heat up some stones. then put meat, veggies and heaps of delicious food wrapped in alupaper in that oven. close it with soil and wait for 2 hours....thats fabulous food, gorgeous and unbeatable!
Unfortunatly i've already stored a lot of pictures from the hike on my harddrive, so i only have some spare to upload here. our last two walks: the step track to muellers hut with brilliant views to mount cook (for me it was already the third time I spent at Mt.Cook, but i love it). and the last walk at mount sunmer...3 hours dawdling in the creek. We won't forget that Anita for sure! And the canyoning the following day (no pictures available for obvious reasons)....