Last of the North Island of NZ

So since we've last updated the blog we have gone skydiving, participated in a toga party, rented a motor boat and went tubing, jumped off an enormous waterfall, went to a beautiful lake to jump off the docks, went jet boating, and Shanna went horseback riding...these all being the reasons we have procrastionated on the updates.

Skydiving was absolutely unreal! Words cannot really describe so we are trying to post picutres as soon as we get somewhere with faster internet. Of course we decided to jump from the highest possible option for tandom jumpers, 15,000 ft. Basically that means you get approx. 65 sec of freefall time before the 4 minute parachute ride. The craziest part about it is you actually feel more like you are floating rather than falling. Probably the craziest experience we have ever had in our lives!

That night we all had planned to celebrate our survival which was perfect because when we checked in to the hostel we found out that the bar next door had planned a toga party for the night. The hostel actually provided enough sheets for everyone to get dressed up. So much fun!

The next morning we had a free day in Taupo and decided to rent boats with some of the friends we have made. Since we went for the 2 hour option and had to rent two boats, they threw in a free intertube. We were the first to ride and made sure to show them all how it was done!

Along the drive the next day from Taupo to River Valley we stopped to jump off a 24 ft. waterfall. It didn't seem so scary after skydiving until we looked down from the top. After a few seconds of contemplation we jumped...well make that a few MINUTES for Brittany. Probably the coldest water we have ever swam in, not to metion it was practically raining outside, but so worth it! That night we stayed in a hostel that resembled more of a lodge. The surrounding area and rooms were really nice, reminding us of summer camp...the showers on the other hand looked more like a barn you would hose down horses in...just one big grate at the bottom of ten showers to drain it...NASTY!

The next days drive we headed to Wellington, New Zealand's capitol city. We stayed here for two nights and pretty much just cruised the town hanging out with our travel buddies. We then boarded a 3 hour ferry which took us to the south island. We stayed our first night in Nelson where Shanna got distroyed in Monopoly.

Next day we went on a jet boat that has two engines each with the power of a V8 Chevy. They are built to only need a few centimeters of water, be able to spin you in 360's, and manuver through a narrow river. The next morning Shanna went horseback riding, which was absolutely amazing until she fell off at the end. OOPS!

Now we are in the "POO" bar and hostel, a place only the Kiwi Experience bus stays at. Every night when a new bus arrives they vote on a theme to dress up for. Our bus chose "what the f*@k!?" theme. This means you have to dress up in anything as long as someone looking at you would have to say "what the f*@k!?" to your outfit. They stopped us by a $2 store and a salvation army to gather the appropriate supplies....clearly for the backpacker budget. We are about to get dressed up and do some boys makeup...nothing out of the ordinary. I'm sure we will have stories for you guys on the next post.

We promise we are trying to work on pictures. The internet isn't that quick at all of the hostels we have been at and takes hours just for one picture. Miss you all! Sorry to keep you waiting for so long for this update! We'll be quicker next time!