The last few weeks...

G'day!!
Can't believe I've been in this country almost 2 weeks. Loving every second, but time is flying by! We've been going going going everyday and all day, leaving me little time to catch y'all up, so I will try my best now to recap! Access to Internet has been spotty and it seems to be easier to upload my pics to my face book account than picasa at the moment.

On Jan 29th, we went to the Tamaki Heritage experience near Christchurch. The Chronicles of Uitara, a powerful story of the Maori culture and of New Zealand, was told across many generations of a single family – the warrior line of Uitara. The story was called Lost in Our Own Land. Basically it was an amazing reenactment of how the Maori people dealt with British colonization of their land. We were lead by a storyteller through over 100 years of Maori history.

Jan 30th- ( Happy Birthday Brother!)

We departed early in the morning ( as we have every morning) to go for a day hike at the Hinewai Reserve with a stop along the way at Lake Ellesmere. It was beautiful. The land manager, Hugh Wilson, talked to us about the various aspects of managing invasive species in the area- as that is the main problem with most wilderness areas here. The Europeans brought stoats, possums, rabbits and others that have changed the eco-systems and landscapes forever.

The biggest problem is the many species of land birds that have been affected, as there were no mammals ( except bats and seals)in New Zealand before the Europeans brought them. Thus, they had evolved to not have to fly away from predators and were really vulnerable to them once they were here.

On the 31st we dwepqarted Christchurch and headed out to Mt. Cook and Twizel, stopping at some canals along the way to talk about hydropower and water issues. We then headed off to Ben Ohau at Lake Tekapo. Absolutely beautiful! At Ben Ohau we talked to a high country land owner about some various legal land management practices in NZ. We also saw the land where the scene from the battle of Pellanor was filmed in return of the King.

For the next few nights we stayed in bunks at Glentanner Park. The most beautiful view and lake you could imagine. Every place we've been has been so outstanding it's really hard to describe with words.

On the 1st, we went for a hike on the Hooker Valley trail on Mt. Cook. Stopped at a glacial area fro lunch. Again, some amazing scenery. We visited the Dept of Conservation center that day as well.

Feb 2nd
We departed Glentanner and headed out to Te Anau. It's a cute little town on the way to Milford Sound. The next day, we headed to Milford sound and took a boat cruise. More amazing sights. I will be adding pics ASAP!!

Feb 4th we went to a wildlife park and stopped at lake Manapouri inroute to Queenstown. And Yesterday we hiked 20 Kilometers ( roughly 13-14 miles) up the Routeburn Trail on Mt. Aspiring, I'm hurtin a lil bit today :).

That was short and sweet, but I'm being charged by the min so I must say Adieu. Will post pics soon as I can and try and share some more details!!!


Cheers!