My first couple of days in NZ!

New Zealand is beautiful.

It's actually so similar to Southern Oregon, (or at least the North Island is), that it's confusing.  Part of me feels like I'm back home! Large, rolling, grassy hills with cattle, and pine trees galore! Except for the palm trees, and beaches of course.

As most people know, (or you do if you have been following my blog), I've come to NZ to apply for a Work and Holiday Visa for Australia.  I can happily say that the mission was accomplished and was insanely easier than I expected.  It's an online application, and was too easy to fill out.  I was all prepared to submit documents proving sufficient funds, passport photos, birth certificate documents, passport details, etc. and I ended up not uploading a thing! It even processed in less than an hour! Definitely was not expecting that, but I'm not complaining! Just allows me to truly enjoy my holiday!

With the help of my Dad, I was put in contact with several people in NZ, and they have all been so generous and have allowed me to stay with them during my stay.  There are truly some lovely people in New Zealand and I am thoroughly enjoying my holiday here!  I arrived in Auckland on thursday night and am definitely looking forward to touring the city, later this week.

I drove up to Rangiputa, NZ on friday and have been enjoying the breathtakingly gorgeous scenery and beaches!  I'm definitely enjoying a life of luxury on a I-Have-No-Money Budget.  I've been very fortunate :)  I'm currently writing this blog, with an amazing view of the ocean, that is less than 100 feet away.  Life is goooooddd!

See. Ocean....right there.

On the way up to Rangiputa, I was able to stop in a few coastal towns and see some touristy sights! Especially in Kawakawa.  In Kawakawa, there are the Hundertwasser toilets which are famous for their architectural work and modeling, done by an Austrian architect who came to New Zealand, fell in love with Kawakawa, and built these toilets! I'm sure there's a bit more to it, then that, but they're pretty fancy schmancy public toilets.  To keep up the feel of the town's art and historical importance, buildings are beginning to incorporate Hundertwasser art into their structure. It's a cute little place, with some beautiful art murals on the buildings.

Absolutely love this artwork done in the style of Hundertwasser.

Such a tourist.

Rangiputa is a small, remote beach town, that is right at the top of the north island.  It's full of Holiday homes, and only about 30 permanent residents.  The people I am staying with are wonderful, and have made me feel completely at home, which has been so great!

The view directly outside of the doors of my room!

Hello paradise!

The water is a bit cold, but so incredibly clear
and has these beautiful turquoise tones to it. 

Since coming to Rangiputa, I've been relaxing, enjoying the beach and some beach runs, and even more so enjoying the lack of heat and humidity! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Cairns, but a break from melting is nice.   Plus it's hard not to enjoy such gorgeous surroundings.

In other exciting news, TOMORROW, (the 14th) IS MY BIRTHDAY!
It's a bit bittersweet spending it in NZ without friends and fam, but I'll be celebrating the day with a drive up to Cape Reinga tomorrow, for an all day adventure!!  Cape Reinga is the northwesternmost tip of the Northern part of the North Island.  I'll practically be going to the tip top of New Zealand.  Pretty cool, I must say!  But seriously, I can't believe I'll be 22! I feel so old.  It's even more strange to think that I'll still be 21 back in the states, due to the time difference.

Two ages at once, whassup.

Anywho, I'm absolutely loving my time in Rangiputa and the northern beaches, and am definitely looking forward to exploring Auckland later this week.  I have several goals in mind for Auckland, including: going to the zoo, having some delicious NZ lamb, and the legendary mince pie.

New Zealand is wonderful and life is great and I am incredibly lucky.

Cheers!

Nicole