Last 2 days

I have returned to Auckland after staying another week with my first WWOOf hosts, Brent and Sue. It was good to see them again and had another great time helping them. Learned how to operate a tractor and the flowers were amazing. Also went to the Karangaheki gorge for a hike Saturday which was followed by a swim in the river and a nap in the grass.
Only two days remaining before I start my return trip so this will probably be my last entry, I hope it hasn't been to dull reading about my trip. Looking forward to the return, I am tired of living out of my backpack and in hostels.

Nelson

I have returned to Nelson after finishing my tour of the South Island. Over the last 5 days I hiked the Heaphy track which is one of New Zealands Great Walks. This was an amazing walk that starts with a day of walking along the beach then takes you up into the mountains. The track goes through a multitude of different ecosystems and terrain. Also the geology is unbelievable, you start by walking through granites then fossiliferous limestone then there is a section of coal, more granite followed by what appeared to be some sort of metamorphosed limestone and still more granite. also there are numerous caves along the track. The only downside is that because it is a great walk the track is a little to populated.
The first two days were sunny and wonderful but after midday of the third the rain started and continued for the next 3 days which was ok but still annoying.
Tomorrow I am heading to Wellington to start my return North before returning home.

Christchurch

So much has happened since I last wrote. I left Queenstown and went to Wanaka for a few days, where I met a guy I traveled with till the new year. Tony and I did a Day hike in Wanaka then started traveling up the coaset. We stayed a nights in both Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph. In Fox we participated in the Fox glacier day walk which was great. Were able to see holes and an ice cave. Also found somegreat rocks, schist with beautiful phenocrysts and other glaciated rocks. After leaving Franz Joseph we went to Hokitika for New Years. Hokitika is a small town on the coast with lots of grreenstone gallerys. I stayed here for a few days. Spent the time wandering around the beach, making a greenstone piece at one of the shops, collecting jadeite and nephrite, and dancing in the rain. Left Hokitika with a Swiss girl I met at the hostel to visit the Pancake rocks and get dropped off in Arthurs Pass. The Pancake rocks were very unusual but amazing at the same time. stacks of horizontal limestone rocks.
Spent a few days in Arthurs Pass where I did a short backpacking trip. Was also very lucky as there was a two day window of good weather and I happened to be there during that time. It was a short trek but well worth it. had a few river crossings which resulted in the boots being soaked through but the area was amazing. After leaving arthurs pass I came to Christchurch where I have been for the last few days.
Christchurch is a nice city but it gets old after a few days. I have been wandering around the city like usual and have also been visiting some of the numerous museums, the botanic gardens, and geocaching. The gardens are lovely with an amazing flower/rose garden. The geocahing has been fun as it has been so long since I have done any.
I leave Sunday to either Hanmer Springs or Greymouth. I find it hard to believe that in less than a month I will be home.