I'm back.

Had an awesome week in the park. Pictures are coming....

I'm off!

I'll be in Abel Tasman until Saturday afternoon (that's Friday evening for most of you) so no updates for awhile.

It should be a good warm-up for the Milford Track, since I have to carry everything, but without any trecherous Mt. Doom-like climbs.

Lots of pictures at the end of the week!

Interislander ferry.

Tomorrow morning I'm taking the ferry south to Picton. Then, hopping on a bus to Nelson. Should be about six or seven hours of travel.

I'm making my way to Abel Tasman National Park to start hiking on Tuesday.

Wellington

Wellington is a really cool town. It's compact, so easy to walk around. Has some interesting public spaces and architecture. And, a great museum of NZ called Te Papa.

Today, we fly.

Mara is going all the way back to NC and I'm taking a quick flight down to Wellington (again, cheaper than the bus).

The last drive.

We took an involuntary, but scenic, detour somewhere between Turangi and Auckland.

Happy Thanksgiving.

We're celebrating today (Friday) in solidarity with you all (since we're a day ahead).

The day after.

We're both a little sore after climbing the volcano for three hours and then walking down the other side for about five. It was a long walk for a one-day trek.

Lake views.

Mara.

Can you see the path?

The Emerald Lakes and the Blue Lake.

In front of the Blue Lake.

The Red Crater.

What we left behind us.

This was a one-way crossing.

Here we go. Mt. Ngauruhoe.

Tomorrow, we climb Mt. Doom.

Seriously. We're hiking the Tongariro Crossing. Eight hours trekking across volcanoes.

More Art Deco Napier.

You asked for it.

Mara. Me. Mirrorball. Marine Parade. Napier.

(Mara says, "Gazing into the eye of Sauron. There will be no dawn for men.")

Art Deco Napier.

Backpacker Stereo.

It works. Well, well enough.

Napier.

So much to do here. I don't think either of us are ready to leave yet.

Someone tell me.

Where is Old Zealand anyway?

Tuesday...uh, yeah, more wine tastings.

This time on bikes!

We cycled around Hawkes Bay visiting more wineries, a brewery/cidery?, and a chocolate factory. Fun.

Wine Tasting. Mmmmm.