Fun on Frazer Island

We have spent a fantastic few days on Frazer Island, the worlds largest sand island. The island is home to both fresh and salt water lakes, a rainforest and bush lands all of which have naturally developed in the sand.
Throughout our 3 day tour our ranger guide told us the history, scientific ecology and the aboriginal mythology of the island which was fasinating to learn about. The 3 days were actioned packed to ensure we were able to cover most of the island.
Our first day started with a dip in Lake McKenzie, a beautiful clear water lake with natural spa qualities. We then travelled via our 4 wheel drive through extremely bumpy sand road/tracks to the rainforest, where we walked to see ancient king ferns and satinay trees. We also spotted lizards, huge monitors, spiders and dingoes along the way.
After a busy day we travelled to our accommodation, a bunk house style wooden wilderness lodge. On arrival it became clear they were over booked and some of us would have to be upgraded to a 4* hotel on the island. This was obviously the perfect opportunity to mention that we were in fact on our honeymoon and were upgraded to the hotel for 2 nights which was a lovely treat.

After a fantastic sleep in a huge cozy bed (very different to the campervan in New Zealand) we set off on day 2. We drove up 75 mile beach to see the Maheno, a shipwreck on the island. From there we moved on to see the Pinnacles Coloured Sands before taking a dip in some natural rock pool jacuzzis named the Champagne Pools. After lunch we climbed Indian Head for an incredible view over Frazer    Island and the ocean. We saw large Green Turtle, Giant Manta ray and dolphins swimming in the sea.

On day 3 we had a go at stand up paddle boarding on Lake Birrabeen followed by a trail walk to Lake Wabby, crossing the shifting sands of the Hammerstone Sandblow. Lake Wabby is full of small fish that nibble your feet so we had a free natural foot spa too.

Rainbow Beach bums and the Carlo Sandblow

Next stop was Rainbow Beach, where we decided to have rest. We enjoyed a lazy day on the beach watching the surfers and kite surfers in the sea. It is a beautiful golden sand beach and was perfect to spend a day relaxing and working on the tan.

In the evening we walked up to the Carlo Sandblow to watch the sunset. It was a steep hilly walk through bushland in the heat but the views at the top and the Sandblow itself were well worth the effort.

Walking and Kayaking in Noosa

We really enjoyed our time in Noosa. We had a great day in Noosa Heads National Park walking the coastal trail. The coastline there is beautiful so we took many photographs along the way and we were also really lucky to see green turtle off the coastline. We also hired kayaks and explored the waterways on the edge of the Noosa Everglades. We saw various types of fish and birds including many pelicans.

Hello Australia! First stop Brisbane

We arrived in Brisbane early in the morning. We dropped our bags off at our accommodation and off we went to explore the city. We walked along the river to South Bank Quay in the sunshine, stopping at the gardens and beach along the way. The city was preparing for the G20 summit being held there so there were various events going on celebrating Australia life, history and culture. In the evening we watched the buildings alongside the river being lit up in a range of bright colours and images to different pieces of music. We also did a hop on hop off journey along the river to see the city from the water. It was a big change in temperature for us for the first couple of days, leaving Auckland behind at 14 degrees and arriving in Brisbane at 33 degrees.

Auckland

We had a great time in Auckland, exploring most areas of the city. We drove out to the west coast beaches and spent an afternoon on Piha beach, a volcanic black sand beach, watching the locals surfing as well as enjoying another picnic. We also drove through the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park stopping at the visitor centre to learn about native wildlife and take in the views.

                                      

We had a BBQ on Mission Beach which is on the east coach of Auckland. It was very different to Piha being golden sand and full of activity, beach volleyball, kite flying etc. We stayed on the beach eating ice cream and watching the sunset over the bay.

On our last day in New Zealand we took Vince on his last outing with us to One Tree Hill for a 360 degree view of the city before dropping him off at the depot (feeling very sad). We were then back to two feet instead of wheels so we did a city walk, taking in the sights, visiting the Sky Tower  followed by sitting at a quayside bar enjoying a drink and seafood for dinner before catching a taxi to the airport. Saying goodbye to New Zealand with heavy hearts.

The West Coast

Our first stop on the drive across the North Island was Opononi, a small drive through village with beautiful sand dunes and a fantastic view of the coastline. We stayed on a lovely little campsite alongside the beach and woke up to an incredible sunrise. To make the most of it we decided to go for a run along the beach armed with the camera to take lots of photographs.
                                      

Our next stop was the Waipoua Kauri Forest, home to the ancient native Kauri trees. We walked the forest trails to see both the oldest and the tallest tree in the forest, which were very impressive. Stood next to the tallest we looked like ants.

Then we drove to Kai Iwi Lakes, beautiful ice blue water lakes. We enjoyed a picnic there in the sunshine and walked the nearby hills to a viewpoint, which was certainly worth the climb.

Rotorua, the East Coast and the Bay of Islands

After a lovely day on the shores of Lake Taupo eating a picnic in the sunshine we set off  for Rotorua a geothermal area in the north island. We bathed in a hot water creek, visited thermal and bubbling mud pools and went to a Maori Cultural Experience evening which was fantastic. We learnt about Maori traditions and ways of life, watched warrior dancing, singing and the Hakka. This was followed by a Hangi feast, a meal cooked underground by the earth. We have taken many photographs and videos we will share with you on our return.

Next we headed to the east coast stopping at various places for trail and beach walks until we reached the Bay of Islands. There we did the hill walking trails to various view points which were well worth the walk. We took a boat trip over to Russell for more walks and a picnic, again taking in fantastic views over the islands. We visited a local farmers market and a village show which was very much like our local shows, even vegetable animals appearing in the children's classes.

Tongariro National Park

We had a fantastic day walking on the Tongariro crossing another of the Great Walks of New Zealand. It was a beautiful sunny day but there was a bitterly cold wind that kept gusting on and off throughout the day. There are two active volcanoes along the crossing which were steaming in the wind and there was still snow on the top of the dormant peaks. With the snow and ice it was tough terrain in parts but the views were incredible and we really enjoyed our day.