Queenstown

Queenstown was an epic unreal adventure that Matt O'Brian and I went on. Though the pictures speak for themselves I will add a small note. Matt and I were there for four days and got to participate in street luge, jet boating, the Nevis Bungy jump, the Nevis arc swing, and river boarding! we also played disc golf and did a bit of hiking. Most importantly, it is the action sports capital of the world and we lived it!

Wild Foods Festival

Before I left the states, I had heard from a number of people of an event that I would have to check out while I am here. I was told to head over to Hokitika on the west coast to experience the Wild Foods Festival. A few mates and I headed into the town late Friday night. After driving through the town crawling with people, we searched for a place to set up camp. After looking into a few campsites, we decided to pitch our tents on the side of the road and head into town. The next morning, thousands of people in costumes made their way to the festival. Theme: bring your party to our party. Through out the day, i got to try shark, whitebait, lions balls, moonshine shots, lamb, wild bore, cow testicals, and grub! That weekend, a load of drift wood will float up on the beach. By the end of the festival, it will all be gone due to massive bon fires on the beach at night. Quite the weekend!

Scouting Trip

Quite the adventure. Me and a couple Flordanians, Jason and Lindsey, took for a weekend to the Rakai river. The next morning, we hoped to go out hiking and looking searching for wildlife. We soon found out that it would be a little more difficult than expected. Turns out, that more people die each year by crossing rivers in new zealand than any other event. Well we attempted to cross the Rakai river. We didnt get too far before we turned back and drove to Arthurs Pass. Here we climbed a couple of mountains in the area, finding tracks, enjoying the views, and scouting the trails. we were hunting for Red Stag, Chamois, and Thar.

Whale Tracking

During the last weekend in February, Me and 7 other students decided to head up to Kaikoura to see some whales. In our group we had Americans, Kiwis, Australians, and even a Sweden. On our way, we stopped at winery's to learn a thing or two and taste some fine wine. As we drove into Kaikoura, we were welcomed by the beautiful coast of the Pacific ocean and immediately drove to the beach. After a night at the local bars, we stayed in a backpackers hostel up the street. As we a awoke the next morning, we soon learned that we were not going to be seeing many whales due to Tsunami warnings all over the East coast. So we made our way out West to check out Hamner Springs. Here, there was live music, good food and atmosphere and the famous Hamner Hot Springs. After spending time in some Sulpher baths, our group finally made the trek home. No whales on this trip but hopefully soon enough!

The first of many travels

Orientation week started the same week as classs. After my final class let out Wednesday morning at 10:30, I decided to hit the gym. Not realizing that I would not make it there till 7 that evening due to the invitation that was extended to me by James, avstudent I met in the Auckland airport on my way to the South island. James simply asked if I was interested in seeing the beach. I jumped at the opportunity as well as into his car. From there, James, Marina, and I drive off to the Banks Peninsula, just and hour East of Lincoln Uni, to see the town of Akaroa, the beach, and a bit more. Once there, we all enjoyed world famous Fish and Chips and were then persuaded by Marina to go on a Dolphin excursion. We ran into numerous pods of the rarest, smallest dolphin in the world, the Hector Dolphin. From there we cruised around the rest of the banks Peninsula checking out Cathedral cove, some seals, and the vast Pacific Ocean!

In the beginning

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During the first week I arrived in New Zealand. I was just getting settled into my dorm, Hudson. I soon found out that I would not only be the only person from America in the hall, but the only foreigner as well. Every one of my dorm mates is from New Zealand, 100% Kiwi. To get to know my new Kiwi friends, I participated in Silly Sports Saturday, Paintball fun, and Orientation week. O week consisted of various events such as a Salmonella Dub concert, a Toga Party, a few Kiwi Comedians, and a Hypnotist. Attached are some pictures from these events and all the new and excited things I've been doing. Enjoy!