8th of July

Oh yeah, waking up early at the hostel on the floor. Thanks for the great night! Some goodbyes from the Germans and Saskia. Pick-up and up to the airport. Well it was not that easy to get out of the country. Be sure you have your itinerary printed with you, because they won't let you out. I had to walk to several desks all over the airport to arrange it. The Air New Zealand made a mistake with my name so that's why it took so long to find my ticket. During all the hassle I saw Germany losing from Spain, there goes the dream final. After 1,5 hour everything was fixed and I could take my flight, ask Taxback at the airport. Adrien, my old French colleague was also there on the same flight. The flight itself was boring, no funny or interesting conversations. After some time it was there; the view out of the window, the Southern Alpes of NZ, just next to the sea...never seen something like that.

Christchurch was another episode of border security. Easy to get in with my pale looks this time, but now there were troubles with my hiking boots and tent. You have to declare them or you will get fined. With a smile and a surprised look on my face I could walk away with it. And they even cleaned my boots and tent hahaaa. Bus transfer for 7.5 NZD, hostel check-in and explore the city! In 10 minutes, because it's really small. The surprise was the price for alcohol. New favorite drink; DIESEL (Bourbon Coke) 6-packs for 10 NZD WOW! This is going to be hardcore partying in NZ. And I was right. Adrien and I went out with all the people from the hostel after losing 5 games of pool. The Malpas Bar was sick, drinks (also Woodstock Bourbon Coke) 2,5 NZD and FREE Pizza all night long! Good party music and nice bartenders. The night rocked! Ending up on Bourbon Street (Whahaa, why do they call it like that?). Shitloads of bars here. The nightclub was packed with young Kiwi girls, and I didn't stay inside that long. One of the Kiwi bouncers put my hoodie in my sweater and told me hoodies are not allowed in NZ. Whahahaaa, here we go again with the most stupid rules! It didn't feel that nice so I pulled my hoodie out again. He came back and kept on screaming 'This is a disco kid!' I thought he had a funny accent so I kept asking what he said...he repeated it 9 times hahahaaa. I asked what his fuckin problem was and that was not that smart. The 3rd time he came he had complaints about my smile and why I was smiling. Well he needed his fellow bouncers to send me away...just because I was a happy person with a hoodie...what a laugh! And what a night, Adrien getting lost on a street filled with prostitutes, I arrived at the hostel and bottles everywhere, toilets full with dust from the fire extinguisher, a room smelling like marihuana.

9th of July

Next morning leaving this town already with a 30 NZD bus trip to Queenstown. I just booked it and didn't arrange any accommodation. This seems to be quite stupid in winter season and during school holidays. After a 7 hour trip in a small bus (Atomic Travel) we arrived in Queenstown. During the trip snowy mountains everywhere. I ended up in a search for accommodation with Ozzie Army John (Newcastle). All big hostels full, all the visitor centers said 'full'. We had to go out of town and pay more for a cabin. They don't know me then. I will find a cheap place in town for sure, even if I have to camp! Adrien was looking for a place to, because his booking was cancelled. Just walk in a nice laidback hostel (Bungi) and smile and confront them with positive feelings. Result; the cheapest and best rooms in town, free soup everyday and a free night at the end. The name of our room; THE BUNKER (nice to invite people). First have a drink at Altitude Bar.

Adrien, John and me ended up in a room with a Kiwi family (brother and 2 sisters). Desiree, Angela and William were some funny Kiwi's. And a few good drinkers too! We brought Diesel power, they came with bottles of Tequila and Jamaican Rum. What a start! After a downhillride in a shopping cart it was time for Pub Crawl... World Bar, a drunk girl attacked the guys in our group and kissed them all. Happy Birthday William! It was packed with some Ski school kids. And teapots on the ceiling? Well in Asia you have the amazing buckets with killing rum and red bull. In Queenstown you have tea potting with shots. We started the party pretty hard, pillow fights in the bar, attacking the bartenders and dancing like crazy. I'm not sure if everybody was happy with us... Next stop Buffalo's. The climax of our party night. I'm feeling 18 again between all these partying kids. Second night out in NZ and already good times with Kiwi's, Desiree was the highlight :-) At some point everyone was lost. Adrien, John and me ended up in Winnie's, the sluttiest place in town and when it gets too hot, the roofs opens. I had enough and met my Kiwi friends at Fergburger. 10 NZD for the cheapest Fergburger, but they are HUUUUUGE! Be patient, because this place is crowded 24 hours a day.

10th of July

Time 2 sleep in, woke up at 11AM and Adrien and me went out for a few walks around Queenstown. After a few hours exploring the town, having a nice cousch cousch Lunch at a French Restaurant for just 10 NZD (Solera). Found the Ministry of Sports bar to watch the final in 2 days. After a sunny day and another free veggie soup at the hostel it was time to party again. We met Tosh, an American guy at the hostel. He had this amazing car, light blue Triumph. No locks, heater or whatever. We started the evening again with Diesel, I found a shortcut to the Bunker Room with climbing out of the window with a ladder. We met some other people at the hostel (Louise) and I made the classic mistake to call a tall girl big...don't be angry anymore Louise hehe. We went to a houseparty from her friends near Queenstown. Hard to find the house, even harder in an old car with frozen windows and a maximum speed of 60kph. The party was not like the house party's in Melbourne so we left early. Queenstown again; Buffalo's, Winnies...it was fun, but not a sick as the day before. Adrien was happy with all the young girls he kissed. I went home early in the morning.

11th of July

Early pick-up at 06:30. Why? Milford Sounds trip 2day. A 5 hour busride to the boat. Mist and clouds everywhere, hard to believe that this would be the best and most sunny day. I'd prefer to do this trip with a car and stop where you want. They stop a few times but not at the best places. The trip costs around 139 NZD (for backpackers). Around 12:30 our boat cruise started in the Milford Sounds (which is actually one of the many Fiords here at the Westcoast). What a stunning views and they were right; sunny day. Adrienne was also on the boat, this was one of the girls from the houseparty last night. Adrien and I had the best lunch on the boat, we brought our own bread, grapes, big salads, drinks...there were some jealous faces on the deck. And I got tea with an ice-cream stick, this is what they call ice tea after keeping it outside for half an hour in the freezing cold. The cruise went on for 2 hours and we got the full experience; stunning views, best weather, cool penguins with funny eye laces, seals, showers under 130mtr waterfalls, dolphins that close that you could almost touch them. Another 5 hour ride back with a stop in Te Anau (not worth a visit).

John, Tosh, Adrien and me decided to visit some different bars 2night. I was already dressed up in orange for the worldcupfinal Netherlands - Spain. We started in Altitude Bar and the place rocked. Especially when we arrived. It's so easy to go out for free in Queenstown. You don't have to pay entrance anywhere and you fill your pockets of your ski jacket full with DIesel cans. We had so much fun with all the people in the bar. Can't remember were we went after that. But something I won't forget is the night outside... Across the road from Fergburger we did a fantastic street performance; 3 guys playing a guitar, 1 guy playing a bongo, we were singing and dancing for a looooong time. We bought Fergburgers and gave everyone a bite (Fergburger didn't even thank us for that). We danced with people on the street, climbed in poles. There were masked guys on the street, shopping cart races and more. Just on word for this night > EPIC! Ended up at Buffalo's and got some discussions with Spanish guys so time 2 go. In 2 hours I have to be in the bar for the match.

12th of July

06:30 in the morning, no sleep and in front of the Ministry of Sports Bar to watch the soccer final. Finally some Dutchies in this town. We were maybe with 15 Dutchies, completely in orange and painted in red/white/blue. Our breakfast; 1 liter jugs of beer and baskets filled with fries. What a match, never seen Holland playing so relaxed. It is possible to beat Spain. Even after 117 minutes and that Spanish goal I still had the faith. But no, it didn't happen. It's a shame but at least we didn't miss the greatest party ever in The Netherlands. 9AM walk outside and jump on the bus for some snowboarding lessons today, no sleep, a lost final, still dressed in orange and with a tail and smalling like alcohol. These are not the best ingredients for a snowboard lesson. The groups were huge, because of the school holidays. After the 1st lesson everyone went to the bar for a 2 hour lunch, I kept on practicing and walking up instead of using the busy lift. Hardcore boarding. The 2nd lesson> Instructor 'You're going way too fast buddy!' Me 'It's cool, I like the speed' Instructor 'Don't be a muscle boy' Me 'hahahaa' Instructor 'You are crazy and dangerous'. He couldn't give me a bigger smile whahahaaa. I ride the whole day on the board, getting tired at the end and made some big crashes. 04:30 took the bus back, woke up in the bus with a local female and a kid sleeping on my lap.

The night was one not to forget. We visited all the same places again...boring. So I told Adrien to walk in a local bar (Bar on Warf). A live band, tasty cider and only locals. We sat down at one of the tables with some 50 year old people from Queenstown and Australia. They were surprised with these different kinds of backpackers. It became an interesting night. There were only couples there, but it seemed that the people like us. Adrien and I started the party, the band started playing again and we invited everyone for a dance. Doing crazy moves with the locals. Some of the boyfriends went a little bit jealous because their girls were having fun. After closing we spend some time on the streets, walking in some back alley bars. Funny experiences. And free food from the 24 hour convenience store on the way back.

13th of July

07:30 left the hostel, nobody there so we didn't pay for our last night. And where does that free bottle of Jack Daniels came from? A small Atomic Shuttle again up to Wanaka. A 1 hour drive. 2 Duchies were in the same bus, they were going to Fox. We arrived in dead and silent Wanaka. For a moment I was thinking about jumping back on the bus again. But luckily we didn't. All the big hostels with their stupid rules about not checking in before 2PM. Well full everywhere, no way. I found a nice place at the lake for a cheap price. Wanakabakpaka, 20 NZD but watch out on the icy hill! After a nice stop at the supermarket we decided to climb Mt Roy today because there we no shuttles up to the ski resorts half day. Do a walk around the lake before you start the mountain track. The mountain climb was sooo good. Took us 6 hours for a return, we met another Frencie called Matt. It was so hot on the snowy mountain, I was climbing it in my singlet. What a views, walking between the sheep and cows. At the top it was unsubscribable. 360 degree views over the Southern Alpes. WTF how beautiful. It was a little bit too dangerous when I walked further with all the snowy small tracks. The way down took some time even though I was running down through the sheep and cow shit. Normally it's a 5 hour return, it's took us 6 hours. Hitch hiking is too easy here, the first car stopped straight away. The evening we started in Reef Sportsbar which was quite boring. The Mint Bar is more a backpacker partybar next to Base, many young and drunk backpackers. Dangerous night walk back on the hill of the hostel; ice everywhere and I ended up upside down with my head in to huge shoes.

14th of July

Not fast enough and too laid back. Rent some equipment at Rocket Rentals, a good 161 board and some boots. Goofy is going on the piste again. Hitch hiking took just a little bit longer and when we wanted to stop this cool Kiwi guy stopped and took us up the steep dirt road without fences up to Treble Cone. The guy was a bartender at Barluga and gave us some advice. Treble Cone is the less crowded place and there was not enough snow. But a lot of steep tracks. With the snow machines it was possible to board. For me it was free because I took the green tracks. Adriens' poles were already stolen after 10 minutes. Icy track and it took some time to learn. Actually I only learned it after a free private lesson of the high school instructor Tracey (Wellington). We had loads of fun. A good day on the piste, having more fun with the high school kids there. a long day of boarding and again hitch hiking. A random family too us down and invited us with their friends at the Ale Bar on the corner in Wanaka. The Golden Lager and the local fries with cheese, bacon and sour cream tasted good. A fuckin nice Apres Ski with locals, this life is beautiful. The Japanese girl really listened to Adrien the day before and did what she promised; gave us a Japanese meal. Guess what? A massive plate with Sushi (Salmon, Tuna, Avocado and spicy Wasabi sauce). The bottle looked more like a Japanese dildo. And together with our free bottle of Jack Daniels we had what we call a typical backpacker dinner...NOT! This is the luxury travelers' life! Finishing at the chill out bars at Post Office Lane with hot fire and OH NO! They showed the Soccer Final again...

15th of July

The ride to Franz Josef, a scenic trip but spend so much energy last days so we felt asleep. At Fox it were the Dutchies again we met in the bus and we hopped of half an hour later at Franz Josef. Late in the afternoon so we did a couple of hikes (Pete's Pool, Douglas Walk and the Lake Wombat Track). Boring life in Glow Worm Cottage, but again free soup, a spa and pool. Some movies and felt asleep on the couch, Vanilla Sky is a weird movie.

16th of July

WHOOOHOOOO! Get your shorts on, the weather forecast for today is shit; pouring down rain and the worst day of the week. What are we gonna do? Climb a glacier for the whole day. 8:15, all equipment was there but I didn't use the pants, raincoat and other thing in the beginning. Why? Because the weather changed, it was fucking hot and sunny! A 2.4 km hike to the bottom of the 20km long glacier. We only go up 1km today. Franz is 1 of the more than 3000 glaciers in NZ and one of the fastest moving n the world (4 meters a day). Just be sure to start with the first group when they split up; you are the first on the new tracks and you see a lot more. The guide is preparing the tracks. 130 meter high waterfalls, awesome climbs, narrow cliffs of dark blue ice (you will get wet!) and small holes and caves. We were so happy that we had our first alcohol free night the night before. NZ is different every day and getting crazier every day. We went up half way and a lot further then the guide expected. On the way back a stop at the cave where the ice collapses. But why did we forget our bottle of Whiskey? There was enough crushed ice here. A chilled out night in the hostel, we met Becky, Delphine (who likes blond chicks hahahaa), Benjamin, Juliet and Clemens (a lot of French!). Together with Adrien I ended up in a holiday park bar called Rainforest Retreat and played some shitty pool games against locals. Surprisingly enough we kept on winning. The ciders, whiskeys and beers tasted good. I found a travel partner for Bali and we visited all the hostels in the middle of the night during our search for food :-)

17th of July

Naked Bus...should we get our clothes off? Well, actually Atomic Travel picked us up and didn't want to take us with them. They needed our 16 characters long booking number, impossible to travel with our names. No internet available this time. Fuck off, we are on this bus if you want it or not B*ATCH. And we were. Some stops in small villages called Hari Hari (What a name!) and a small town were the cute girl waved behind the window all the time in Horikari. Adrien and me jumped off at Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki and experienced the beauty of the West Coast. In the beginning it looked like the Great Ocean Road in Australia but it's much better! More green and incredible rocks and blowholes. We met nice locals and arranged some future couch surfing. Climbing over the fences for some prohibited cliff climbing and tunnel crawling. Hitch hiking to Greymouth was easier than ever. 1 minute after writing the name on the cardboard a group of grannies invited us in their private bus. Eating ice creams. It was Mary and bus driver Troy that took us all the way down to Greymouth and guess what? These horny seniors are in the same train tomorrow! Yeah these folks were a big laugh. A senior bowls group from Timura on their yearly weekend trip. Did we here so many people talk about one of the Greatest Traintrips in the world (Tranzalpine) and how expensive it was; 150 NZD each. I arranged a Winter Special for just 79 NZD and we were on the train. What a day, our smiles are getting bigger and bigger. Greymouth is a dead town, but we found our 'petrol' :-)