Cape Regina - Maori legend

The tip of the north island where the sea meets the ocean. This is one of the most significant places in Maori culture - I won't be able to give it justice and have posted a link below.

It was a stunning place to be at and definitely well worth the visit.


http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/te-paki-recreation-reserve/cape-reinga-te-rerenga-wairua/cape-reinga/

Sandboarding New Zealand

Part of traveling is doing things and experiencing things you don't have back home. As I was on a road trip to the tip of the North Island in New Zealand there was an opportunity to go sand boarding. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. We wanted to go early to avoid crowds and before the dunes were walked all over. When we got there it was a bit of a walk to get up to the top of the dunes. A nearby vendor told us which ones to go for. 

I was amazed how cool the sand felt on my feet and the cool wind blowing across the dunes. The closer we got to the area where we were going to board down the more nervous I got. My heart was pumping, I was asking what am I doing, and all I could think was I just need to get going. 

I put the board down on the sand, lined up my run, gave myself a little push and I was off, my heart pounding and screaming in joy as the adrenaline was kicking in full force. My hat blows off my head and I knew it meant having to do at least one more run to get it back. I reach the bottom and its all over.....until I run up the sand dune and repeat it again and again as it is;

My Life

My Choice

My Time

Tuna Tom

This way!

Still walking

time for another run

Tongariro crossing - march of the ants

Before I even came to New Zealand I heard about Tongariro crossing. You can stay in camp sites close by but, be warned get there early as they fill up quickly! What I was not aware of was the popularity of this hike. Where I hike in Canada on some hikes seeing 20 people could be a busy day. The day we went there was two or three thousand people and if you go on the long weekends you are looking at 10,000 people.....therefor the march of the ants. If you can try to do it during the week. 

Before you start the hike you want to book your transportation from one end back to the carpark. You have to select your time which can make things difficult as its hard to judge how long it will take. 

I was getting quite frustrated as the hike started with the pure volume of people. I was amazed how many people were there. When I go to the outdoors it is to enjoy the scenery which there is plenty of here but hard when there are so many people around. 

There were only two spots where there were long drops (bathrooms). I remember walking and seeing a few massive lines and than a stench I can't begin to describe how foul. I started gagging at the smell god did something die. I was gagging so hard that a guy close by said "thats awesome" and was laughing. There was no way I could stomach going in those. 

Most of the hike I was stunned with the views of the surrounding areas. The pictures below do not do any justice. 

Throughout the day I remember singing the ants go marching one by one....which is not that far from the truth. 

This is just one of the many great moments I had in New Zealand. 

For now it is onto more adventures as it is;

My Life

My Choice

My Time

Tuna Tom

February to June

I have been in New Zealand since February of this year and a lot has happened. It is hard trying to think of the last several months. Unfortunately things didn't plan out the way I wanted but that is life. 

The last few months is a sample of things to come and what I have done. I've traveled to the tip of the North Island in New Zealand to Cape Regina, tried sand boarding, explored a beach with a marine biologist, hiked across the Tongariro crossing (most famous hike in New Zealand), snorkeled at a coral reef in Fiji at a private lagoon, traveled from Auckland to Wellington and experienced my first rugby game.  I will also be posting on the effects of man on a coral reef, as well as writing on one of my greatest fears the water and how I am learning to conquer it.

I will be heading to Australia in a few days for 1 week and then off to Hawaii for 2 days. I will be back in Calgary in time for the best party in all of Canada.....the Calgary Stampede! I will also be traveling to the east coast in Canada. In the future this blog will be focused on the rocky mountains in Alberta from hiking, to camping, to snow shoeing and skiing. 

For now its time to book some tickets and do some planning for my next adventures after all it is;

My Life

My Choice 

My Time,

Tuna Tom

Off to the dunes for sandboarding

a friendly crab waiting for high tide to catch a ride

enjoying the views up on Tongariro crossing

snorkeling Fiji

Delicious crab curry

Conquering fears one day at a time

Exploring a cave in Fiji

Part of an old foundation of a home in Fiji

World Famous.......in New Zealand