Skydive in Taupo

Well, I finally did it! After having watched Hannah, Kylie, Beth, Grant and Parksy do their skydives in Namibia I knew I wanted to do one too and I got the chance yesterday in Taupo, in the middle of North Island. I jumped from 12,000 feet and got some amazing views over Lake Taupo and the surrounding areas, and now I just want to do it again!! Here's my certificate to prove that i did do it. :-)

Cape Tribulation, Cape Douglas and Auckland

A few pictures from Australia and New Zealand.




The unfortunate fate of many of the 1m tall Cassowary birds in Far North Queensland



The tree that was initially growing here has been 'strangled' by a fig tree that has sprouted as a result of a bird transferring the seeds



Cape Tribulation



The snout and top of the body of a 3.5m long crocodile in the Daintree River


4 Mile Beach in Port Douglas



On the approach to Auckland airport



View over Auckland from Mount Eden

Mission Beach

After having made my way up most of the east coast, I came to a wonderful place named Mission Beach. There are only 3000 residents, a few shops and cafes on the 'main street' and 14km of beach - it was perfect for just relaxing for a few days and getting some quality sunbathing time in!


The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.

A local practicing his boomering throwing - a few minutes after this photo was taken I got lessons from him but i'm still not exactly what you would call competent!

Sunset on Main Beach in Noosa.

My Brazilian travel companion Fabiola and myself in Lake Mackenzie on Fraser Island.

Mission Beach - just 3000 people and 14km of beach - bliss!

On Mission Beach with Dunk Island in the background.

One of the several displaced palm trees following the cyclone that hit the north-east coast of Australia earlier this year.