Wellington, NZ

Well, I've made it to the bottom of the North Island. I had an interesting time getting down here. I woke two days ago in Taupo and headed back to Tongariro Nat. Park with Brian. On the way into Whakapapa Village, we saw the Kiwi Experience bus on the side of the road. Brian hauled on the brakes and we slid to a halt next to the bus. I hopped onto it there, much to the confusion of most of the people on board and headed with them to River Valley. I've already spent two nights in Whakapapa and wanted to see somewhere else instead.

River Valley was a gorgeous little spot with rivers and waterfalls, and a Southie bartender. That was a boon for me as I got to talk sports, the Sox and the Patriots draft with Sean (he's from a traditonal Irish Catholic S. Boston family). From there, I took the bus down here to Wellington. I'm spending the weekend here, and then heading down to South Island sometime next week.