ahhhh....

So this morning I splurged on one more organized trip... a kayak tour to Haruru falls. It was really lovely and definitely worth it. It was so quiet and peaceful on the river, and there were lots of really cool birds. The falls themselves were much smaller than they usually are because the Northland is suffering from a pretty bad drought.. usually water comes over the whole semicircle.

On every activity I’ve done, I’ve been SO impressed with how enthusiastic and knowledgable all of the people working in the tourism industry are here. Every tour guide has been friendly, seemed genuinely passionate about their subject, and seems to be having fun. And they don’t even tip here! (I still do though) It’s made me think giving dolphin tours or leading kayak trips would be a pretty fun job....

This afternoon I came back to Auckland. I’m staying at a BBH hostel in Parnell this time – the City Garden Lodge. It is SO much nicer and so much more my speed than the other hostels I’ve stayed in. I’m definitely sticking with BBH from here on out. The other places made me feel 100 years old... all the girlies were 18 with sidebangs and leggings. This place feels like a senior house at Wesleyan... warm, cosy, communal kitchen, MUCH nicer room, and a more... mature... clientele  Wish I’d stayed here at the beginning. I’m only here for one night! Parnell is also a much nicer bit of the city... I walked up & down the street to find dinner. It’s really cute if a little posh.

Anyway... tomorrow I fly south. Wish me luck!


k8

PS... I've given up posting pictures and videos from this particular wireless hotspot. It's acting funky. Hopefully I'll have a chance to add them later! Thanks everyone for reading and commenting! I miss you all!