New Zealand trip comes to an end

I'd say that 11 days was way too short to see both islands of New Zealand, but I'm already itching to return home and to work. The trip was a success - I had an incredible time! Highlights, in semi-chronological order, with scenic drives in between:

1. Wandered Christchurch
2. Bungy Jumped in Queenstown where Gil showed us around
3. Milford Sound scenic bus ride, eco-tour with cruise and a flight back over the mountains
4. Heli-hike Franz Joseph glacier
5. Trout Fishing on Lake Taupo
6. Sky diving over Lake Taupo
7. Partied in Wellington
8. Hot springs and Mud pools of Hells Gate in Rotorua
9. Luging and watched friends Zorb in Rotorua

Then 10. - today drove to Auckland, where Max's brother, Nick, generously provided us a place to stay and a great lamb meal.

I stopped at an ATV tour for an hour. It was raining and the mud was awesome! The course through the steep hills and forest seemed particularly dangerous. Good times!




If I had more time, a few other cool things to do:
1. Sky Tower in Auckland (walk on top, bungy, or restaurant)
2. Scuba dive a wreck
3. Tropical area to the north of Auckland
4. Caving near Rotorua
5. America's Cup Sailing (racing) in Auckland
6. White water rafting
7. Mountain biking
8. Local zoo

They have an incredible amount of other activities from: paintball, motorsports, boating, hiking, horseback riding - you name it.