I think I’m going to like New Zealand. I’ve been here about 10 days, spending a week on the north island, and now I’m on the scenic south island where there is plenty of trekking, beaches and good vibes.

After spending a couple of nights in Auckland, I rented a car for US$14.00 per day (quite a deal) and began heading south. The car looks like hell. It’s got about 200,000 kilometers on the odometer, no hubcaps and it needs a paint job, but it runs fine. I’m glad to have it and I’m not complaining. It’s the best way to get around in NZ since public transportation is not that good. I’m even getting used to driving on the left side of the road.

My next stop was Rotorua, a town with hot springs, geysers and spas. Reminded me of Hot Springs, Arkansas. I had a dip in a hot spring and a massage at the Polynesian Spa, a top 10 spa according to the Conde Nast article framed in the lobby. It was very nice after a day of driving. I also watched the Super Bowl with the owner of the hostel where I stayed, The Funky Green Voyager (it’s all about marketing). Good hostel.

I drove further south to Tongariro National Park with Christoph, a German backpacker who I met in Rotorua. We hiked the 12-mile Tongariro Crossing route with some new friends who we met at the hostel there. It was a very nice hike with great views from the overlooks.

After Tongariro, I headed for Wellington and put the rental car on the three-hour ferry over to the south island. I stayed in Nelson, a delightful small town, for a few days. It was there that I spent some time with former Floridian Ella Salt, a good friend of Mandy’s, who is a high school English teacher. Ella and I had a great time checking out Nelson and the Abel-Tasman area that has many hikes along the ocean. Then Ella cooked me a great dinner and we looked through some photos that I’ve taken during my trip. Thanks Ella. You’re a great host.

Next: more of New Zealand’s South Island

Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he encounters and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.

                                    -- Charles Lindbergh