Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand: Day 95

Day 95: Tongariro Alpine Crossing 

I didn't set an alarm, but woke early in excitement anyways. If any shuttles were running, I'd have to arrive by 9am. I rolled in just after 8, ate a quick peanut butter sandwich, and checked in at the security car park - the only running shuttle for the day (NZ $30). She looked at me, knowing that I didn't know what I was getting myself into, warning me of the harsh weather conditions.

Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand: Days 89, 90, 91, 92

January 12, 2016 - January 15, 2016

Day 89: Road Trip on the Left Side of the Road, Coromandel Peninsula 

Around midday, I picked up my Jucy car rental - praying that they wouldn't give me a manual transmission. Luckily, they gave me this green beauty that I call "Little Booger" in my head, and it's an automatic. I hit the road, on the left side, which wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined. I suppose driving the scooters around the islands helped prepare for this moment.