Final Thoughts after 12 weeks in NZED!!!

Speech on the last day of school to all faculty and staff


Applying for the UGA COST Program was no doubt the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I have experienced the trip of a lifetime in New Zealand. Over the course of 12 weeks, I completed a 10-week student teaching practicum in Auckland, New Zealand, experienced an extensive two-week tour of the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and traveled to Sydney, Australia. I left the States on May the 6th not knowing what to expect on my journey to the bottom of the earth. However, I must say all my expectations were exceeded beyond belief. I have to continuously pinch myself to remind me that this is real life and not a movie scene. This adventure has been surreal. It is hard to begin describing my experience because I simply do not know where to begin.

After Room 15 performs "The Wonkey Donky" for me at last school assembly


Traveling to the bottom of the earth opened my eyes to the way America impacts the world today. It also broadened my perspective of the world. While touring the South Island, I experienced a lot of adrenalin pumping and once in a lifetime experiences. I went on a skydive 15,000 feet above ground, jumped off a bridge at the world’s first original bungy, went skiing at famous NZ resort, climbed glaciers in Franz Josef, paddled a raft down a 7 meter waterfall and so much more. By living with a Kiwi family and working in the schools I picked up a lot on their culture. The Maori, New Zealand’s native people, are still part of the culture. Students learn the language in school and practice it daily. I had the opportunity to experience a lot of the Maori heritage; from an opening of the new Maori building, to a cultural heritage tour with the traditional hungi and pavlova. Speaking of food, trying all the Kiwi food has definitely been my favorite part of the trip. This experience has taught me that change is good sometimes.

I enjoyed my teaching experience in Jane’s Year 3 classroom (7 &8 year olds) at Point View Primary. One of the first things I notice about New Zealand’s school is that they do not teach to a particular standardized test, instead they follow key competencies (similar to Georgia Performance Standards) and also make individual goals and learning intentions for all students. I found a reading comprehension teaching style that I used and loved from a New Zealand teacher and author, Sheena Cameron. By watching and observing expert teachers I found my own unique style as a teacher. I also had the opportunity to observe numerous schools from different demographics and other grade levels as well.

Jane and I at last morning tea!


I also had the chance to bring my culture into the classroom and teach my students about my country as well as about their own. The students and I shared our differences and learned together. The students learned to love and understand my Deep South Georgia accent and by the end of my practicum neither the children nor I wanted to depart from each other. Teaching in New Zealand pooled all my knowledge that I have gained at the University of Georgia and molded me into the teacher that I have always dreamed to become. The COST program has changed my life and provided me with an opportunity of a lifetime. I gained so much intellectually and personally. I could not imagine my life without this experience. I will cherish and never forget the three months that I spent in New Zealand.

Room 15 looking at the world map and routing my journey back to America


As I have traveled home and only been away from New Zealand for only a few days. Tears still come to my eyes as I think about leaving the airport and my New Zealand "family" and friends. However, I know that it is time for me to embark on this new chapter in my life. I hope that everything will soon fall into place as it did with my experience teaching abroad in New Zealand.

Final Dinner with Karyn and Grant


Thank you for all of you who have read my blog and stayed updated on this experience. I don't know what I would have done without all the love and support from all my family and friends.

Love,

Lauren Burton

Farewell to Point View Primary School!

Thanks to Jessica I was able to give all students American Flags!


Aimee gave me a New Zealand hand towel. We were looking at all the NZ words


The Feast/Going away party!!


Wow, I can’t believe 12 weeks have already come and gone. The students at Point View have spoiled me to say the least. On Thursday we had a FEAST going away party for me. We had everything from oysters, shrimp, salmon, anzac cookies, mince pies, sausage rolls, curry, pizza and so much more….the variety of food is a good symbol of how many different cultures we have in Room 15. It still amazes me how so many cultures and ethnicities can come together as one and learn together so nicely. We then exchanged presents. I received so many wonderful gifts from the students-everything from bangles, scarfs, necklaces, NZ souvenirs and so much more. The students in room 15 came together and wrote individual letters to me. Jane put all the letters and illustrations in a big book for me to treasure. They were hilarious to read and boosted my self-esteem. Haha One student wrote, “ I am so sad that you are going to America. I will miss you because you treated girls as your daughters and boys as your sons…I wish you were my mum.”

Students do not wear shoes in NZ. I found it so bizarre at first but now I love it!


When I got home on Thursday night we then had a celebration at the Webster home. We exchanged gifts. They gave me a NZ greenstone necklace and earrings. Grant, Karyn and I then went out for dinner alone at the Hilton Hotel. The restaurant was called White, it was lovely and we could see the harbor through the window from our table. The restaurant and hotel is in the shape of a ship. It is by far the most expensive restaurant in the city. I felt so special that they felt the need to take me to such a nice, elegant dinner and celebrate before my departure.

On Friday at school all the students dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls. They performed a song called “The Wonky Donkey.” It was very country and was a perfect farewell song. The students were adorable. I then said a little speech to the school and room 15. I must say tears came to my eyes as I said goodbye to all that I have come to love in New Zealand.




On Friday night, Jane held a Mid-Winter Christmas Party for me. A few of the teachers came over and we had a small gift exchange. It was lots of fun and exciting as it gave me another chance to say goodbye to all my friends in New Zealand.

Week 10 July 26-30 and Observations of NZ Schools

Reading in the atrium at Bucklands Beach Intermediate


Well, I am finally at the end. As I approach my last week in New Zealand it is quite bittersweet. Jane and I decided it would be beneficial if I observed other classrooms as well as another School at the beginning of the week and spend my last three final days teaching and observing with Jane. I had the opportunity to observe a fifth grade classroom at an intermediate school, Bucklands Beach Intermediate. It was quite different than anything that I have seen thus far in my practicum. It was neat to see a change in grade level and totally different school atmosphere.

Science Fair Projects at BBI


At BBI the teaching is focused around achievement objectives, key competencies, and learning intentions that the students and teachers form together, which is very similar to Point View. Students are given the chance to inquire and investigate the thematic unit while making connections during research and the learning process. I was impressed to find that at BBI they have seven specialists’ classes (cooking, food and fabric, materials, music, art, science and graphic design). They even have a dental clinic at the school. Students do not have to pay for teeth cleanings and cavity fillings in NZ. Dental care is free and provided by the schools.

I spent the rest of the week observing writing workshops, Shared Reading, Guided Reading and Independent Reading strategies as well as techniques. I enjoyed my last few days at Point View and will miss Room 15 so very much. I am so thankful for my placement and believe that Point View Primary School has helped me find myself as well as the teacher that I have always dreamed to become. I can’t wait to put all of my new skills into action!

Koalas and Kangaroos

If you look very closely you can see the Joey almost popping out of the pouch!


GRAND FIANLE
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Final Weekend Adventure

After an early wake up call at 3:30 a.m. we were off to Sydney, Australia. We arrived in Sydney around 8:30 a.m. gaining 2 hours since New Zealand is ahead of the rest of the world. Haha Karyn and I then took the train/tram to our hotel, The Star City Hotel in Sydney, Australia. Once we unpacked we headed to Darling Harbor and it was beautiful, we had lunch on the harbor and I had the prawn salad! We then walked to the IMAX Theatre, which is on Darling Harbor. The IMAX theatre is the largest IMAX theatre in the world. We then headed to Paddy’s Market (A huge building full of different markets). After we left Paddy’s Market we headed towards the Star City Tower and then detoured at Queen Victorian Station. The Vic Station was huge- 3 stories high with lots and lots of shops. I felt like I was back in America with Ralph Lauren and other American stores. After a tour of Queen Vic Station we headed off to the Sydney Opera House. Karyn and I took a quick tour of the Opera House and then walked around the Harbor Bridge and back to Darling Harbor. After all that walking Karyn and I were “naked” as I should say (In NZ naked means extremely TIRED)!!

Sydney Opera House


On Saturday night Karyn and I had dinner at FATNOODLE I felt like I was in China. Seriously…. I have yet to actually meet a local Australian since we arrived this morning. After dinner, Karyn and I went to a show, “West Side Story” in the Star City Theatre. Karyn and I had a hard time keeping our eyes open during the musical and nodded off a few times. It was hilarious neither of us could keep our eyes open to safe our life. We were exhausted from all the walking, plus we gained 2 hours once arriving in Australia. After we left the musical we were wide awake since we practically napped during the show so Karyn and I decided to have a second dinner at a Tapas restaurant and go for Red Sangria wine (Red wine, Martini Rosso, lemonade, apples, oranges, strawberries and cinnamon sticks), cheese and churros with a hot cup of tea.

Koala and ME!!


On Sunday we started the day at Paddy’s market buying a few gifts and souvenirs. I finally finished all my shopping for my family and Jane at school. We then took the Captain Cook Cruise from Darling Harbor to the Zoo. I had close encounters with Koala bears and Kangaroos. I even touched a Kangaroo and we got up close to a mother Kangaroo with a Joey.

Darling Harbor


After we left the Zoo we took the cruise to Circular Quay and explored The Rocks and the aroma festival. It was fun trying all the sweets and chocolates. Karyn and I bought a few things at the Market. I also braved up and climbed the Harbor Bridge in Sydney. It is the largest single arch span bridge in the world and an international symbol of Australia. Karyn and I then took the Sydney Monorail around the city center to Darling Harbor. Then off to the Airport-Karyn and Grant are members of the Koru Club. This is an Air New Zealand club for frequent fliers members pay an annual fee to Air New Zealand and then get treated like royalty at the airport. Since Grant flies to other countries on a weekly basis him and Karyn are members of this club. So we had first class seats on the plane, access to the Air New Zealand members’ only lounge with free food, drinks and desserts. I had an American Hot Dog, English breakfast tea, carrot cake and a Krispy Kreme Doughnut! The trip to Sydney was a great finale for my adventure to the land down under. I have only one more week ahead before I depart for the United States and reality!

Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge


Food of the day: Chokito, Violet Crumble, Caremello Koala, Prawn Salad, Hanian Chicken, Salt and Pepper Silken Tofu, Chocolate Brulee, Rhubarb and Custard, Nougat Limar Macadamian nut, Smiths Chips, Fresh Sushi (Australia)

Back to Auckland and Teaching!! July 19th-23rd

Wednesday Art Lesson on South African Lions!


Week 9 July 19th-23rd

Observation Week

On Monday I observed a decile1 school, Dawson Primary school in Auckland NZ. It was only ten minutes away from Point View Primary School and yet it was drastically different. The environment and feel was depressing and the school looked very dirty when compared to Point View Primary. Technology is not as prominent at Dawson Primary and the school receives more funding from the government than Point View.

I quickly noticed that the students did not wear uniforms. It is unreal how much of a difference this makes in the classroom and school environment. It is funny how before I started my practicum at Point View I had never been at a school with uniforms. However, now I can’t imagine it any different. It is funny how uniforms give a school a sense of togetherness and a clean-look.

Dawson Primary was a reality check for me. I felt like I was back in America, with the hallways and closed doors. This observation helped me realize just how much I have learned over the past 8 weeks of teaching. Simply stepping out of Point View Primary School and into a decile1 school was eye opening. Also seeing a different teaching style was very interesting. It was almost like stepping back and seeing the type of teacher that I was before my final practicum in New Zealand. Observing other teaching styles helped me see the style of teacher that I have developed into over the past few months. I can honestly say that by stepping out of my comfort zone, I found my self and personal beliefs as a teacher. I believe a positive learning environment is essential for my future students and I.

On Tuesday I had the chance to observe another school in the area, Mission Heights. Mission Heights is decile 10 and is very modern. It is a 21st century school and everything is technology based. Again the school was very different than either of the two New Zealand schools. I observed year 4, 5 and 6 classrooms. Mission Heights goes all the way from Kindergarten until students are 18 and ready for the University. This is very unusual in New Zealand-most students have to go to three different schools before they are ready for the University. Mission Heights is a huge, and full of a variety of different ethnicities and cultures. I honestly felt like I was at the hospital instead of at school.

We then returned back to Point View by morning teatime. Jane gave me the opportunity to observe other teachers at the school until noon. After lunch I shared my adventures in the South Island with my students. Then we formed a circle and everyone shared something interesting from the holidays. It was exciting to be back with my students again! After circle news we all went to the assembly hall and had gymnastics. The students loved rolling, flipping and balancing.

Yes, we had lunch at a Plant Barn-Greenhouse!


On Wednesday I had the opportunity to observe a year 2 classroom at Point View School. This was an awesome experience because I have yet to observe a three-day writing program with ability grouping. I noticed that with grouping the teacher is better able to help each student’s individual needs. However, it is essential that you have a few volunteers or teacher aids to make this writing process successful. Since I have only seen whole class writing this was very beneficial. Ms. Brunning, the teacher I observed was also a great model of positive reinforcement. It was great to compare and contrast the different grade level as well.

I then observed a year 4 Class on guided silent reading. It was good to see a different level and different reading program. All students were constantly reading at all times, I found it interesting that the teacher worked with three different groups in only 45 minutes. It was a very different style of teaching that what I am use to, however, it was great to see a change. I also like how in Year 4 students are better able to express their knowledge orally. At the end of the reading program the teacher gave the students a chance to reflect and share what they learned with the whole class.

Weekly Zumba Exercise After School


I am constantly being introduced to different teaching styles and changes. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe a variety of classrooms and grade levels. I am striving to compile all the different styles, techniques and strategies that I love and use them in my own future classroom. I have been introduced to so many great ideas. I can’t wait to put them alive.

Away from teaching side of things…
It was great to be back in Auckland this week. I caught up with Jane a few night after school. On Wednesday night I went with Jane to a show at the theatre. Thursday night I went out with Jane and a few of her friends to a Japanese restaurant at Half Moon Bay. The sushi was so good; this was my first sushi experience in NZ so it was exciting! Friday, we went to Howick with a few of the teachers after school. Jane and I then went shopping for a few going away presents for my family. I then left for a short weekend trip in Sydney, Australia.

Food of the Day: Tim Tam trumpet Ice Cream, Jelly Tip Ice Cream, Sushi/Japanese and Oysters (New Zealand style), Mellow Puffs, Memphis Meltdown Big Bikkie

Kiwi Experience Update July 4-18

July 4th 2010
Christchurch to Westport

Today I was picked up by Bods in Christchurch we traveled to Westport. I was alone with Bods for almost four hours before I met up with my group of backpackers. Bods and I made a few pit stops and photo stops along the way. We stopped at Culverdon for quick coffee breaks. We then traveled to St. James were we went on a short walk around an icy lake and snowy nature walk. We then stopped in Spring Junction and went to Maruia Falls. The waterfalls were stunning. Bods said they were created in seconds from an earthquake in 1929. Bods was very informative and full of information. We talked about WWI, WWII, NZ and all the countries around the world. I had a long history lesson. Interestingly enough NZ is the last country to be occupied by humans. It is the youngest country on Earth!! It was known as the land of the Birds. I found the farming aspect of live very intriguing. They call it intensive farming because there is more livestock per square meter than anywhere overseas. There are 34 million sheep in NZ!! More sheep than people in NZ...I am constantly amazed by the dramatic changes in the landscape. For example, one minute you are in the big city or the valley, mountain range, the coast or the foothills of the Southern Alps.

I met up with my Kiwi Experience group in Westport. We went on an exciting Jet Boat ride. After we checked into our hostel we went to a Pizza Pub to bond with our new group. I met a nice girl, Victoria, from London. She along with the rest of the group are truly backpackers. I have a whole new respect for backpackers.

Rainforest!


July 5th
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
TOP TEN ROAD TRIP!!!!

I experienced one of the top ten roadtrips in the world today! We drove from Westport to Greymouth and the view was absolutely stunning. We drove through Cape Foulwind which is the biggest cement manufacture in NZ. We stopped along the Truman Track where we had the opportunity of seeing a tree strangle another tree. Quite BIZZARE!! We also stopped at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Blowhole, I took lots of pictures and went on a 30 minute hike. We then had pancakes at the cafe. They were the best pancakes and are even world recognized. Wehen we finally arrived in Lake Mahinapua it was beautiful. You could see Lakes, Oceans and Mountains all in the distance of one football field. The drastic changes in such close proximatey were surreal. We then had a nice dinner and got dressed for our social, "ANYTHING GOES BUT CLOTHES." I dressed up as the American Flag to celebrate the 4th of July! With the time difference I technically had two 4th of July's since the 4th of July in NZ is a day earlier!! At our social we played games and did more bonding. There are so many nice Dutch and Irish girls on my bus! I have made friends with an Irish girl who is a teacher in Ireland and on a two year career break-Traveling the world!

Social "Anything goes but clothes"


Lake Mahinapua


July 6th 2010
Mahinapua to Franz Josef

We got off on an early start! Our first stop was the Bushman Center where we got an insight into how NZ people make a living on the coast with helicopter deer recovery, old timber-milling techniques and possum trapping. We took a tour of the Museum and had possum pie and Wild Venison hot pot. We then continued heading to Franz Josef passing beautiful Lakes and Mountains. We went kayaking down the beautiful lake in Franz Josef-viewing glaciers and tropical rainforests. On Wednesday we went on an 8-hour glacier hike through the tropical rainforest, which led up to the Franz Josef Glacier Hike. After we returned from the hike we went to the warm "HOT POOLS." It was quite chilly walking to the hot pool in a bathing suit after we had hiked a snowy, icy glacier. One thing that I loved about the hike was that it was so spontaneous. There was not a right way to climb up or down the glacier. There was not a paved route or trail it was more, "Go with the flow." I feel like this is just how my trip has been so far. I have just lived day to day...making plans and routes as I go. It is a wonderful free feeling! I only can imagine what the rest of the trip holds!

Kayaking on Franz Josef


Glacier Hike in Franz Josef



July 8th 2010
Franz Josef to Wanaka

We started our journey early to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps at Lake Mathewson. The view was sunning we went on an hour and a half hike then nestled in the cafe for a famous New Zealand chocolate chippee and Chai Latte. We then continued cruising down HWY 6 stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. We traveled along the longest single lane bridge in NZ leaving the West Coast. As we traveled closer to Wanaka I decided to take the challenge and go Skydiving 15, 000 feet above Lake Wanaka. The weather was perfect and the sun was setting over the lake. The view was absolutely stunning-the feeling was almost surreal!! I think it took me 24 hours to come to the realization that I feel 15, 000 feet from a perfectly good piece of aircraft with a complete stranger. It was the most amazing experience I have ever had in my whole entire life. The weirdest part of the skydive was landing before the plane...everything happened so fast!!

When the skydiving team dropped me off at my hostel. I then decided to enter a pie-eating contest! I think it was the adrenaline rush! Needless to say, I was the only girl that entered the contest. haha






July 9th 2010
Lake Wanaka to Queenstown

Bungy off Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown


We started our travel to Queenstown on Friday morning at 9 a.m. We first stopped at Puzzle World where we went through a maze and other illusions. We then cruised until we reached the World's First Commercial Bungy site...THE KAWARAU BRIDGE!! I decided to bravely bungy 43 meters off this bridge! I still don't know what I did it. It was the most outer body experience I have ever had. The hardest part was jumping off the bridge! It is unreal how much more of an adrenaline rush I received than from the skydive yesterday. It was all about facing my fears and taking the plunge. I think my heart skipped a beat-after I landed I felt as if my heart jumped out of my chest!! We then arrived in Queenstown where we checked into our lovely hostel, Nomads. We had a big night out with our kiwi group before all departing and going our separate ways.

Bungy in QUEENSTOWN!!!


First Ski Experience!!


July 10th 2010

Skiing in Queenstown

I experienced skiing for the first time in my life at Cardrona Alpine Resort in Queenstown. It was so much fun and I learned so much. I had 2 lessons with a group of 8 Aussies. I felt like I was in Australia, it was a blast! We all fell on our butt a million times! At the end of our 2nd lesson we ventured off to the slopes where we had to ride a chair lift to the top of the mountain and then ski down the slopes. We did a total of 8 hours of skiing, with four of those hours being at ski school! haha at the end of the day we were so exhausted. Once we arrived back into the city of Queenstown we stopped at an Indian restaurant. This was my first experience with Indian food; it was very different but tasty!

Day on the Ski Slopes!


Milford Sound



July 11th 2010
Milford Sound

On Sunday we cruised to Milford Sound. This is one of the 8 wonders of the World. The view was amazing. We passed lakes reflecting the Southern Alps and the world's best walk in the Teanau Downs. We traveled 1,000 meters above sea level-going through a tunnel that dropped 120 meters from top to bottom. On our cruise we saw dolphins and penguins. We also cruised to the Discovery Center where we observed underwater fish and sharks. After we finished our cruise in Milford we traveled back to Queenstown, which is a 5-hour drive!

The view of Milford!


Cruise Milford Sound!



The view on the drive from Queenstown to Christchurch




July 12th 2010

Queenstown to Christchurch

We departed 8 am for our 8-hour drive to CC. It is crazy to think it took us a week to get from CC to Queenstown and now we are traveling it in only one day. It was sad leaving Queenstown the town was such a cute little quaint town that reminded me of a strange combination of Athens and Savannah. There were lots of shops and restaurants all nestled on a lake with snow-capped mountains. It was hard leaving all our new friends in Queenstown. However, I was lucky because a few of my friends from Ireland and England traveled on the same bus with me to the North Island.

When we arrived in CC we went on a walk in the park and botanical gardens. They had a toga social at base. So we all dressed up in Togas and competed in the Toga Competition. Orla, my Irish friend, and I won 1st place in the competition.

Kaikoura


July 13th 2010

Christchurch to Kaikoura

We left Christchurch early to get to Kaikoura before noon. We then went on a three-hour hike around the Peninsula Seal Colony. The seals were so big and grumpy. Kaikoua is beautiful with Oceans and mountains. I am beginning to realize how much I absolutely love the South Island. I wish I could rewind time and start all over...time is flying by way too fast! We also had the the famous NZ fish and chips that Kaikoura is becoming even more popular for...Kaikoura is known as one of the best coastal wildlife regions in the world-whales, dolphins and seals. Before we left Kaikoura, we had the chance to see seal pups on Wednesday. The pups were so playful, almost like little baby puppy dogs.

Welcome to Wellington!

July 14th 2010

Kaikoura-Picton-Wellington

After taking a good look at the seal pups we continued our journey to Picton. We stopped in Picton to take the ferry to Wellington. We said farewell to the South Island (Te Wai Ponamu). The ferry took three hours however the view of the Marlborough Sounds was amazing. I met a few Americans on the Ferry! It was funny how even when I meet people from Colorado I feel at home even though I have never been to Colorado. I guess its something about being from the States.

When we finally arrived in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, we checked into our hostel and ventured off to the cable cars. We took in the skyline view of the city and then had Nandos for dinner. We went back to base and went out with our little group of 7 (the 7 that are left from the South Island tour). I was supposed to stay in Wellington till the 17th of July and fly back to Auckland. However, I decided to stay on the Kiwi Bus and experience more of the North Island that I haven't seen yet! Plus I love my new friends and its more exciting to travel with my group back to Auckland slowly...we will arrive Sunday the 18th of July!

Wellington Cable Cars!!



July 15th 2010

Wellington to Taupo

The journey to Lake Taupo was amazing! We went through rolling hills and massive volcanoes. Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand and it is in the middle of the North Island. We visited Huka Falls-the falls are so powerful! Supposedly every minute it spits out enough water to fill up 5 Olympic size pools. 60,000 gallons of water per second. The power from the waterfalls was unbelievable. After leaving the waterfalls we went to the bungy center where a few of our friends who did not bungy in Queenstown were given the opportunity to bungy over the lake. It was scary but so fun! After the bungy we went out and celebrated life! We then explored more of the beautiful Lake Taupo before departing for Rotorua.

White water rafting on Kaitiaki



July 16th-17th 2010

Lake Taupo to Rotorua

We stayed two nights in Rotorua. On Friday night, our first night, we experienced the Tamaki Herritage Experience. We joined the tribe of Ngati Tama and celebrated with games and dance. We had the traditional HANGI, which has been cooked under the earth on hot rocks for 3 to 4 hours. We also had Pavlova for dessert. The Tamaki- Maori Village was located 15 km South of Rotorua. The Houses were designed like Welcoming bodies. There was a face in the center and the roof was shaped like arms down to welcome visitors into the village. The Maori greet one another by touching noses twice, the touching of nose serves like a handshake. We had an amazing night with the Ngati Tama tribe and ended the night with a great meal.

On Saturday we went Whitewater rafting on the Kaitiaki River. Every river excursion Kaitiaki pays total respect to the people of the river, Ngati Pikiao by the way of Karakia (traditional prayer). Once we started down the river we passed through amazing, steep, narrow, bush clad canyons, over and through 14 rapids, the 7-meter Tutea Falls. The whitewater rafting was rated grade 5 for its rapids and waterfalls. We then went to the Pig and Whistle for lunch and ventured to the Agrodome and Agroadventures later that day.

On Saturday night I met two Canadian girls. It was so nice to meet more sweet girls. All my friends plus the new Canadian friends went to celebrate our last night together in ROTORUA!!

Going down the 7 meter water fall


We did it...Survival Picture!!




July 18th 2010

Rotorua to Auckland

As I left Rotorua, I felt as if I was traveling home again. It is funny how Auckland feels like my home in so many ways. It is reassuring to know how fast a place can feel like home. This trip has been the TRIP of my lifetime! It has inspired me to want to see the rest of the World. Every day is a new day and I am going to try my best to life each day to its highest potential for the next 2 weeks that I have left in New Zealand! I can't believe how fast time is going...I have less than 2 weeks left in this MARVELOUS PLACE!!!

Food of the Day: Cadbury Dairy Milk Rocky Road, Spuds Spring Onion Ripples, Dairy Milk Peppermint/Caramello, MORO GOLD, Chocolate Chippie, Alfghans Buscuits, Freddo Honeycomb, Memphis Meltdown Hokey Pokey, Pete’s Possum Pie, Venison HOT POT, Hungi, and Pavlova

Auckland to Wellington to Christchurch

I made it safely to Christchurch!! Flying from Wellington to Christchuch was breath taking. As we flew across the east coast heading to Christchurch you could see the Southern Alps and the shingled beds flowing into big open riverbanks. The melted snow from the Alps flows into these riverbanks...it is stunning!! It is amazing how fast the landscape can change when traveling around New Zealand. For example, when traveling over the South Island one minute you see the foothills of the Alps and the next you see Canterbury Plains.

Once I landed in Christchurch I checked into my hostel and started exploring. The day was beautiful. I went punting down the Avon River, rode the tram around the city, took the Gondola to the highest peak in Christchurch and then took the bus to a town called Lyttelton. The bus driver, Wayne, was so nice. He just so happened to have a break when we arrived in Lyttelton and took me on a speady tour of the oh so little but cute town. We then had fish and chips and headed back to CC. I then took the bus to another lookout spot called the sign of the Takaake and it even had a Medieval restaurant/castle. It was beautiful!!

When I went back to my base hotel I then met up with a group of young people and went for dinner at a local Chinese restaurant in CC. I can't get over how friendly everyone I come encounter with is in CC...they are so laid back and helpful. They will bend over backwards for anyone! Even though I am alone I do not feel that way one bit! I can't wait to see what lies ahead today. I am leaving for Westport this morning and will meet up with my tour group.

Drink of the Day: The original L & P (Lemon and Paeroa)