My Kiwi Spring Break Part II

I can't stop reminiscing about New Zealand, so I figured it was time to post on the rest of my Kiwi adventure!
Leaving from the Doubtful Sound cruise, we set off for the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown!  Queenstown is near the south part of the island nestled within the southern alps.  It's a great town right along a huge alpine lake.  Very pedestrian (and tourist) friendly, it reminds me of a Vail or Breckenridge type ski village. Suffice it to say that its beautiful yet action packed at the same time.  Offering any type of thrill imaginable: from skiing, to jet boating, to bunjy jumping, Queenstown is an adrenalin junky's best friend.  Anyway, after a fun filled night exploring the nightlife (including an awesome ice bar) of the city, the next day I ventured off for my form of thrill: the Nevis Bunjy! At 134 metres (450 feet), it is the highest bunjy in the South Pacific, and I believe the third tallest in the world.  After a 4wd journey up a mountain, we were then loaded on to a cable ferry which took us to a jump pod suspended in the middle of this massive cliff.  The feeling looking down, knowing I was about to jump from this pod was unreal!  Yet, after an anxious 20 minutes waiting out there, it was my turn.  "Three, Two, One, Jump!". Free falling from that distance, with nothing but a cord tied around my ankles, was the most incredible experience.  Everyone needs to experience that burst of thrill, exhilaration, and freedom!  Anyway, back on terra firma, I joined up with a few other guys on the tour, and we went for a hike up one of the mountains surrounding Queenstown.  The views were amazing, and even better we were able to take a gondola down!  It was a great time, taking in the sights, and meeting some new people!
The following day we left Queenstown, and drove up the coast to Fox Glacier!  Fox Glacier is a tiny town of only about 100 people (most of whom are helicopter pilots), but it lies adjacent to a world famous 13 km long glacier!  After a nights rest in town, we awoke early to go glacier hiking!  We were given spiked boots, poles, and a full suit of cold weather gear; a guide then led us up along the first section of the glacier.  We were able to climb through ice caves, crevasses, the whole bit!  Who knew, stomping around on a solid block of ice could be so cool?  After the hike, we ventured up the coast a few hours to the city of Greymouth.  Greymouth is home to the NZ famous Monteiths Brewery. Not only did we get to sample all their beers, but also were able to pour our own tap! YUM!  Alas, this marked the end of our Topdeck Tour, it was actually sad saying goodbye to everyone after an awesome time exploring the island together.
 However, even after the tour ended, a smaller group of us stayed around Christchurch for the next few days, just relaxing and exploring what was left of the city!  It was so sad to see such a beautiful and historical city (NZ second largest) destroyed by the series of massive earthquakes.  Walking along the streets bordering the closed off CBD, we struck up conversations with the locals who shared their stories of how the earthquake affected them.  Yet despite of the devastation, the people we talked to were incredibly perseverant, and to a certain extent, positive.  If I took one thing away from the trip, and my stay in Christchurch especially, was that the Kiwis are very friendly people, with the best resolve and spirit!
Anyway, despite a large section of the city being closed off, we were still able to make the best of our last few days in the country--exploring the botanical gardens, perusing the outskirts of town, and even embarking on an epic walk back to the Airport!
In the end, it was an incredible trip, and one that I will remember for the rest of my life.  Now back to Sydney, to buckle down with the reality of school (ugh), and soak up my last two months down under!




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