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Feb 2003 - March 2003

RTW 2002/03: New Zealand

Andreas Mayer
2005-12-04 11:30:13

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3/02/03 Nelson, Paradiso

First day alone and not too bad. Got into Nelson from Christchurch and went straight to Paradiso. Talked to a number of people but feels too busy and a bit posy, not really like the cool place I remember. My main aim for NZ is to do as many walks as possible, with some time for drinking and socializing I guess. JD is coming over in a week for three weeks which should be cool...

10/02/03 Nelson Paradiso

Heaphy Track

Back at Paradiso after doing the Heaphy Track, which was very good really. Got the bus early (7.00 am) to the start of the track. I was the only left one we reached the trailhead, not what I had expected as it is a very popular trail, but there you go.

The first day is a steady climb for about 4 hours. Scenery is OK but mostly through forest and there is not that much to see. Along the way overtook Mike and Gill, a couple from Nelson, the a group of five (two couples, one guy on his own) from Wellington. We all met up in the hut (Perry Saddle), together with a nice Canadian girl and her French friend, as well as an older (80s) English woman. It was pretty cool, just talking to the Wellington group and the Nelson couple. Kevin had been to Antarctica for a few seasons so I quizzed him about that as I plan to go there in the next few years. Gill was working for a Nelson adventure sports college, they do a 2 year degree in rafting, hiking, sea-kayaking and snowboarding, how cool is that, if only I had know 1o years ago…

Went for a dip in the waterhole but at 900 meters in near freezing temperature it was a short dip. Chatted to the Canadian girl lots, but unfortunately they just went up for the night and had to go down early next morning to organise a Visa for the States, bummer. Moved to the kitchen during the night as Kevin was snoring badly.
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