So i did...i took the plunge and bought the tix finally! I did...i'l be going to New Zealand from October 10-24 (thought because of the Int'l Dateline i won't actually get there untill the 12th and when i return i'll be arriving 8 hours before i left 
hahaha(
I was there once three years ago for the best time period of my life. Everything seemed so awesome with limitless opportunites back then. For a 20 year old idealist turned 23 year old super cynic i think in some ways this trip represents a return to the old me and the things i used to believe as well as a last hurrah before responsibility becomes a burden. I know i'm not exactly going to recapture that magical time of days long past and simpler times, but maybe excaping to a gorgeous quiet corner of the world is just what i need right now. An escape...and new memories witha different perspective.
Now i may not be able to completely afford this trip, but i'm going to do it damnit and i'm going to have fun! My life's been missing the adventure and excitement that a Jedi needs not, but i'm no Luke Skywalker and Earth's a far cry from Degobah so to go out and experience the not-mundane again is the dream of dreams for me. To be in a land that in many ways is still wonderous and pristine...beautiful and surreal. Plus, they got really good beer there haha! So, i'm not going to be painting the Islands red, but Kiwis lookout...Max16C is coming to town.
hahaha(
I was there once three years ago for the best time period of my life. Everything seemed so awesome with limitless opportunites back then. For a 20 year old idealist turned 23 year old super cynic i think in some ways this trip represents a return to the old me and the things i used to believe as well as a last hurrah before responsibility becomes a burden. I know i'm not exactly going to recapture that magical time of days long past and simpler times, but maybe excaping to a gorgeous quiet corner of the world is just what i need right now. An escape...and new memories witha different perspective.
Now i may not be able to completely afford this trip, but i'm going to do it damnit and i'm going to have fun! My life's been missing the adventure and excitement that a Jedi needs not, but i'm no Luke Skywalker and Earth's a far cry from Degobah so to go out and experience the not-mundane again is the dream of dreams for me. To be in a land that in many ways is still wonderous and pristine...beautiful and surreal. Plus, they got really good beer there haha! So, i'm not going to be painting the Islands red, but Kiwis lookout...Max16C is coming to town.
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Best things to look out for in my area are the Waitakere rainforest, and the (black sand) surf beaches like Piha and Bethells.
Also, we have some fabulous islands around Auckland, you can take ferry rides out to the bird sanctuaries and hike up the side of the Rangitoto Volcano.
And if you are looking for something interesting to do in the North Island in general - Rotorua is our thermal region with hot springs and boiling mudpools etc (the city of a thousand hotel/motels), and Waitomo has awesome natural limestone caves and such.
Heh, I think it's something people in my country have in common - we like to show off our home to visitors.
Some nightclubs or bars will have a big brandy glass or something on the counter for tipping, but it's not expected
Your trip sounds great - definitely the South Island has far better scenery, and the glaciers are some of our most spectacular places to visit
If you do end up with any time in Auckland, let me know - I'll be happy to show you around!