Day 8: Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Woke up overly stuffed from the entire Ferburger I inhaled.

Finally left town around 1pm, and stopped EVERYWHERE on the way to HAAST, our west coast daily destination. A few...

Lake Wanaka

The Blue Pools,

where the water is so clear, the trout look like they are suspended in the water

Black Sandflies

swarming me at the Blue Pools

Thunder Falls

Jackson Bay, just past HAAST...

where Penguins are quite common

At one stop, my favorite of the day, I pulled over to snap yet another picture of the breathtaking scenery.

I turned the engine off I took the key out.

Mark stayed in the car,

with his

window

conveniently

rolled

down.

Taking my time I took a few shots and fiddled around a bit. Meanwhile I hear Mark yelling something about parking in a

Bee patch.

I wasn't really paying attention.

I saw a bee buzz by me, and jumped back in the car and started it again.

Mark said, "Why did you take the key?"

I started laughing, thinking what a sissy!

Afraid of a mere bee!

At that very moment a bee the size of a

golf-ball

flew in.

We both panicked!

I turned the key,

Forgetting the the engine was already on

and the noise was like

nails on a chalkboard.

I jumped out immediately and Mark couldn't find his seat-belt release and was stuck. When he finally let himself out of the lockdown, we both went running, abandoning the car, and laughing hysterically.

Luckily the Emergency Brake was still on...

Day 7 Queenstown...

Do I really need to go there?

You all know

what happens in Queenstown...

Day 5/6 Sleeping with the Sandflies

It was sad to retire the farm, but we had more exploring to do.

Te Anau was next on our list, the largest lake in the South Island.

Upon arrival, we hopped on a water taxi to the 3 hour walking track in the rainforrest along the beach and hiked back into town. The hike was lingering, but smooth sailing along the beach and through the lush rainforrest. Near the end, we stumbled upon an outdoor bird park that kept my ADD mind busy for a while.

We chose to stay in a cabin just incase of rain as it is the norm 180 days of the year here.

Off to Milford Sound,

undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world.

We signed up for the 9 am boat cruise and made it literally 2 minutes before take off by running the entire 700 meters from the carpark! Waiting for the boat to take off, I noticed an itch...

The Sandflies!!

It was then that I remembered the words of the Germans from the campgrounding Kaka Point. Luckily I brought the OFF!

The frigid morning air bit my nose as we took off. The low hanging clouds and morning haze soon wore off and the waterfalls, mountains, birds and seals were breathtaking!!

All the scenery was worth the aftermath of my toes being completely numb and stinging, my hair a wet moppy mess, and my nose like rudolph on a cold winters day.

After the 90 minute cruise we set off for a few more walks.

I catch site of THE CHASM, the most magnificent powerful waterfall I have seen. You MUST SEE this waterfall!!!!! The pictures do NO justice as there is a 20 meter drop from the top. The Rock formations carved out by the rough water are magnificent. Sorry, not giving out any pictures of this one. You will just have to see it yourself!

Also hiked the first part of the famous Routburn Track, to the Key Summit.

Many Oohs and ahhs along the way.

This is my view from the top of the Summit Peak.

After our hike we stopped through Te Anu to grab a coffee for the ride back to Queenstown. I only found it fitting that I should play my Guitar on the sidewalk because I was now officially homeless again.

No longer a key on my Tiffanys keychain.

After about 30 seconds, I was over the moment and hopped back in our car (which looks like a box it's so small) and drove back to Queenstown.

FAST FORWARD: Day 23 or something like that... TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

Someone once said "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing"

While some may disagree,

I like a nice rain every now and then,

but not so much on vacation.

Apparently we decided to book our fabulous Broad Beach stay during rain season.

As if a Tsunami wasn't enough in the Catlains, we now have a Cyclone headed just north of here,

making surfing ideal this week,

but not the weather.

In Broad Beach, situated just south of Brisbane,

Timing is everything.

I have been waking up at 6-7 am every day from a great nights sleep, or it could be the crows outside my window thinking they are roosters when the sunrises every morning.

I polish off my daybreak breakfast omelet with fresh capsicums, mushrooms, corgettes, garlic, onion, and a dash of tabasco.

I perch and wait for the morning 7:53 am 10 minute shower on the balcony followed by my favorite 2 comical newscasters on channel 9 to get the amusing news update. There really hasn't been any news except that fashion week is going on in Melbourne, Lady gaga is here (and everyone is obsessed with her), some Cricket Players model girlfriend flushed her $2 million ring down the Lou, so It's pretty much like E! News at home.

I then make my way to the beach after a few more showers when I see a break in the clouds for a nice 45-1 hour swim, run, or afternoon tanning/lounging session.

There is plenty to do in Broad Bay, particularly this week. They are holding the AUSSIE 10, a 5 day national Surf Life Saving Competition.

You see everything from swimming, surfing, rowing, life saving techniques, the iron man (and woman) and much much more.

The best part all of the men are in Speedos,

and yes this includes men over 65.

Yumm... Who wouldn't love that?

Besides the competition, when it's raining there is every shopping destination you could imagine, movie theaters (I saw 3d avatar finally), coffee shops, ice cream parlors, tattoo and piercing shops, Casinos, Posh Restaurants and bars,you get the point.

Yes, Timing is everything.

You must take advantage when you see the sun peeking through the clouds, leave your condo immediately for the beach, and always bring a rain jacket with you b/c you never know when you will get a 3-20 minute downpour...

My timing: DEAD ON IN BROAD BEACH, AUSTRALIA

It looks like the forecast for the rest of the day is sunshine and fun times, but I'll bring my rain jacket just incase...

Day 3/4: Living Local (aka Loca!) in Gore...

A great morning of exploring. The best Seafood Chowder of My Life in Niagra Falls Cafe (and headlock after)...

A Seal...

Joining the mornings surf lessons.

Yellow eyed Penguins at low tide...

Southernmost Point in New Zealand!!

Only down from here...

The wind picked up and a nice storm

rolled in as we made our way to the last lighthouse

Then it was off to Nikki and Murray's Farm in Gore!!!

Lonely planet says the only reason to stop in this town is for the annual country music festival.

I beg to differ after our experience here.

Time for some good ole farming!

We weren't sure what to expect when we arrived.

I was more than pleasantly surprised when we pulled up to the farm.

Murray and Nikki showed us to our cottage and told us dinner would be ready soon.

Our "cottage" was a lovely 3 bedroom like a home.

Dinner was a proper NZ meal.

Lamb, so tender. so delicious...

and lots of wine.

The mayor of Gore even joined us!

Unfortunately I didn't get a key to the city.

Nikki is a ravishing cook and hostess,

and Murray,

perfect to entertain the guests.

When he found out where I lived, he pulled out the encyclopedia and started reading to us about Nantucket.

After dinner,

I had the pleasure of petting their Monstrous deaf pig who I fell in love with immediately

before running off to get some sleep.

I had a big day in the morning.

It was a dream come true, the one and only thing I wanted to do before I left New Zealand, sheering a Sheep!!!!

And I got more than just that.

I even got to perform a bit of sheep herding.

Murray said i was a natural.

The pictures speak for themselves.

Time to catch one...

Everyone failed to mention how much energy it takes to sheer an entire lamb as you can see. I was exhausted!

At the end of the day, we were invited over for a wee drink. Apparently wee means 8 bottles of Sav and 1 pinot noir, and includes staying up until 2 am.

When I woke up, I walked outside and somehow the Rams had gotten out of the shed!! The front gate was open and they were roaming around. Thank god they weren't smart enough to realize, and they didn't wander into the road.

Gore is one place you need to stop and when you do make sure you find some people just as wonderful as our hosts Nikki and Murray.

This was hands down the highlight of the South Island for me!