Taupo pix

On our way up to Lake Taupo (it's in the middle of the North Island) we passed Tongariro Crossing, a chain of active volcanoes.

Sunset on Lake Taupo



Trying to stay warm with friends Andy, Brian, Jenny, & Sarah.




I will never be a morning person.




Steam vents at Craters of the Moon Ntl Park

Midpoint

Hi Everyone,

It's been a busy first semester and David and I start semester 2 soon. Mostly I've been recovering from the first semester, i.e. reading sci-fi in bed with a mug of tea trying to stay warm while ignoring the work I was suppose to do before next semester.
We did manage to enjoy some free time before worrying about school again, spending a few days exploring the South Island.




To get to the South Island you have to take a ferry, which is more like a small cruise ship complete with cafe, bar, arcade, and movie theatre.


A reef of tubeworms at lowtide. Needless to say David was happy.



Ecological Restoration site outside of Nelson

We spent 2 nights in Nelson, 2 nights in Blenheim, and one in Havelock. Nelson was fun and the hostel had a hot tub. It's considered a large town (with about 30,000 people) and has lots of local art. Nelson is also near some of the most beautiful beaches in Abel Tasman Park, but neither David or I were willing to take a dip in the freezing weather. I found great rocks and David got excited about creatures with long Latin names. Blenheim isn't worth mentioning except that is lies in the middle of wine country, so it made for a good stopping point after tasting our way along the east coast.


During our tour of wine country we learned that the South Island produces the best white wine in NZ and the North Island is known for their reds.




Secluded beach we discovered behind some vineyards south of Blenheim



Havelock is a little gem, with a population of about 300 at the base of Pelorus Sound. The people are friendly and the scenery is inspiring to say the least. Due to weather the road crossing the mountains were closed, so we only explored the northern most part of the South Island. Even with the grey skies during our trip, every turn other minute was filled with oohs and aahs and I can't wait to get further south to see the glaciers and hopefully penguins.


Havelock

Well that's all for now. David has collected some bird calls during his field trips, but I can't figure out how to post them on a blog...I don't think I can. So if you want to hear some New Zealand birds let me know and I should be able to attach the sound files to an email.

Oh yeah, we have acquired 3 pet rats, Petey, Griselda, and Zappa. We didn't name them, the previous owner did. David has been quite happy building them a cage and designing all kinds of things for them to play and chew on.



Also, I have started volunteering at the campus radio station. So now I have a weekly radio show again, every Tuesday at 10am. It's streaming online (as long as all the equipment is working), so you can hear me from your very own computer. It's been a great way to learn about local musicians. Although I mostly play music from the US - this is because once arriving here David and I realized that most of the world only hears pop music from the US (and we need to explain that not everyone listens to Brittney Spears), so I feel there is a need to provide a more rounded spectrum of American music. Since working for the station I've also learned that there is no censorship in New Zealand, which makes it easier to prep for a show.

You can listen to me through the station's website http://www.muntfm.co.nz
Due to the time change I think my Tuesday morning show is really your Monday early evening.

Well now I'm going to bed, not because I'm tired, but because it's the only warm place in the house. I definitely recommend visiting in the summer.

I miss you all. It is great hearing from everyone-keep me up to date! I'm sorry I'm note better at keeping in touch.
Much Love,
Molly

In the midst of papers

David and I have been so busy that we haven't had much of a chance to explore beyond the greater Wellington region. A couple of weeks ago we had a long weekend and went camping at Lake Taupo with some friends. Lake Taupo is a 26,000 year old caldera in the center of the north island and at the heart of volcanic activity. We made use of hot springs we found feeding into the river where we set up camp and spent the nights searching for firewood.

I've been so busy I thought I posted this and now realize I only saved it to drafts. Pictures to come as soon as I get them off the camera.

Kia Ora!

It's been too long since I've contacted most of you, but time has flown. I can't believe we've been here 2 months! The first two weeks were busy finding a place to live and getting oriented in Wellington. We found a cute flat half way up Mt. Victoria, overlooking the city center. Great views, but we have to walk to school uphill both ways in the wind (luckily there's no snow, just lots and lots of wind).





Here's the view from our flat. The tall tower
is the north side of my campus, Massey University. David is at Victoria University, which is much farther away, just to the right of those distant hills.










Now that we've mostly settled in, David and I are busy at school... although our classes only meet once a week. Our flat has quickly filled with papers and books to be read and critiqued, so when it gets overwhelming we head to the beach.