Mangorewa Track

"This route is passable only when the river level is low and is suitable only for experienced trampers wearing tramping boots. Take extreme care as the rocks are slippery, and there are numerous deep potholes to avoid."

This is a quote we found from internet after doing a 10 km hike which took us up to 5 hours to finish. Tramping boots would have been definitely nice to wear since the rivers rocks were super slippery. Luckily nothing happened and we were safe back home on Sunday evening. However the driving back home became more interesting when we almost run out of fuel.

During the day we learned three things:

• Don't forget your lighter or matches to the car, or cooking the lunch gets challenging.
• Canon EF 50mm F1.8 is not enough for flaming fire from the sun rays, at least on August in NZ. We'll make another try on summertime when the sun is pointing out from a better angle!
• While driving a car, follow the fuel gauge - it might descend unexpectedly. All of the gas stations in NZ are not open 24/7 and the next gas station might be far away from you.

Smoke without fire. It was a nice try though.

The lunch turner into a dinner after finishing the hike.  Next time we won't forget the matches!

The time before school begins

The the first 1,5 weeks before the Semester have passed quickly. I have met dozens of new lovely friends around Europe and US and experienced some fascinating places. When I arrived to Auckland I had no place to stay so I stayed the first four nights at a hostel. On Sunday Raphael, Anna and I got an appropriate apartment near AUT. In addition to kitchen, living room and bathroom we have three bedrooms and we are paying for the apartment 560 NZD a week. Not bad, but way more expensive than in Finland.

Watching World Cup Final at AUT’s main building on Monday morning was a funny experience. Initially the event was organised by us, but crowd kept growing as the game went forward. 

Our weekend trip to Rotorua was amazing. The foggy city is attracting visitors due to the thermal activity it has. Wai-O-Tapu was a steamy place where we enjoyed both the beautiful views and the opportunity to take bath in a hot spot.

YHA Hostel at Auckland, 18€ per night 

International Orientation 11.7. at Main Building

A view from Mt. Eden

All my stuff finally unpacked in our apartment

This amount of sushi cost less than 10 euros!

Worl Cup Final at Main Building at 7 am

Happy and sad people 

Auckland Sky Tower after GER won the World Cup :)

A daytrip to Devonport

Beautiful Auckland 

From the left: Line, Anna, Nicoline, JC, Susi, Stephen and Lulu

Weekend trip to Rotorua, the city of thermal activity

Lady Knox Geyser

On the Wai-O-Tapu thermal route

Champagne Pool

:)

Enjoying wine and beer at Rotorua after a long day

The day before Semester II, getting prepared