NZED part 1

Kia Ora. It has been just over two weeks since I have arrived in New Zealand. Time has seriously flown right by. Believe it or not, our program is completely done tomorrow and I will be saying farewell to everyone. For the past two weeks, the Union/HWS group has traveled all over this super green and mountainous country. We spent the first week traversing the North Island, stopping off at numerous geothermal spots and learning about the active volcanism. We completed the Tongariro Alipne Crossing, which was one of the most challenging yet amazing hikes I have ever done. The weather here is unpredictable and it rains so much! Luckily the clouds parted and the sun shone through for this phenomenal hike that we did.
The second week was spent touring the South Island. Starting in Christchurch, we made our way through Arthur's Pass through the Southern Alps and across the Alipne Fault zone. Here our main goal was to observe the metamorphic rocks, as opposed ot the igneous rocks in the north. After glacier walking in Franz Josef, we then continued south along the west coast to Wanaka. This was one of the most beautful drives I have ever experienced. The southern Alps are just out of this world. We are now spending our second night in Mount Cook Village. Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in all of NZED, standing at three thousand something meters. Quite spectacular.
Tomorrow, Jon and I are parting ways with our comrades to head even further south to Fiordland. While everyone ventures back to Christcurch to catch an airplane, we are traveling on. We are basically buying a tent, hitting the hiking trails, and going where ever the road takes us. Well, we do have somewhat of a schedule but we are trying to keep it open in case some opportunity presents itself. We will tramp around for 10 days in the south and then spend another week up on the North Island. No pictures still. Sent the camera cord home a few weeks ago.
It is also strange to think that we will not be spending any more time with the people we have lived with for the past 2 1/2 months. On the bright side, it will be nice not to have any work to do and to venture out on our own. Until next time, bon voyage!

Highlights:

Wai-o-tapu: geothermal activity in Rotorua

Mount Ngauruhoe, a.k.a. Mount Doom

Ruapehu

Ngauruhoe as seen along the Tongariro Crossing

Geo students and Holli! Representing Union College

Franz Josef Glacier

Kea, alpine parrot

Fiordland Crested Penguin

Lake Wanaka

Mount Cook, tallest in NZed

Hooker Glacier with Shabs!