XL as life!

Paradise Valley Springs – Wildlife Park

On the weekend I managed to get out and do a few touristy things. Visit the beach, the local dump (long story, but it was super fun), hot pools and Paradise Valley Springs, a Wildlife Park in Rotorua.

Paradise Valley Springs is a mix of things. It has displays for a few New Zealand animals, a farm walk, and a range of NZ birds. The Ngongotaha Stream also runs through the park, which is a major Trout spawning stream. Totally awesome to see! The grounds also has it’s own natural freshwater spring, Te Waireka (meaning Sweet Water). All surrounded by nature, a tree top walk and lots of signage to indicate what tree is which & what it’s uses are. Oh, and did I mention they have lions?

One of my favourite animals (though really, if you know me, you know I loved them ALL) were the Kea. Probably because I’d never seen one before. They are a mountain parrot found on the South Island of NZ. They are said to be very mischievous, cheeky & somewhat destructive birds. As you can see, they will eat through anything, including an old gum boot!

The springs throughout the park are gorgeous and it’s amazing to see the Trout just swimming through. The water is so clear.

For $5 you can pick up a souvenir cup with a bag of trout/duck food & a bag of farm animal food. Super fun going around feeding the animals! The goats are friendly though demanding of wanting more food!

Feeding an Alpaca!

We were lucky enough to be at the park during Lion feeding time. It was brilliant to see. They currently have a male with 3 females on display. They will soon have lion cubs on display which will be available to pat & have your pictures with.

Tickets to the park are $29 for adults. At first I was a little dubious about the price, but by the end I would happily pay the price again. It’s a privately owned family run business and again, I say the grounds are beautiful & well kept and the animals are taken great care of.

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BRB. Going to New Zealand!

Photo of Mt Ngauruhoe (OMG! It’s Mount Doom!!) by Kiwi Steve

Wahey! Yes, you read that right! I am heading off to New Zealand! Thanks to my wonderful family (My parents & my sister, THANK YOU!), and the gracious hospitality of friends for allowing me a place to rest my head, I am off to NZ !

Apart from the week I spent last month, moping and feeling sorry for myself, between the bedroom & the couch of my Melbourne friends, it’s honestly been a few years since i’ve been on a holiday. Yes, i’m calling it a holiday, even if I’m going to have to cook & do everyday normal stuff. I’m in a different country, it’s a holiday! It’s also the first time i’ve ever left Australia! So, please New Zealand, be nice to me, i’m giving you my International virginity!

Image by Michael Goetter - Found HERE.

I’ve known about New Zealand forever. Being Australian, NZ is our next door neighbour. In my teen years, my best friend was a New Zealander. But honestly, my love and fascination for New Zealand didn’t come around until I watched Lord of the Rings. I fell head over heels in love with the story, and the landscape shown as depicting Middle Earth. After walking out of the cinema (wiping up the drool caused by Legolas & Aragorn!), I googled, only to find out, it was filmed in New Zealand! Since then, it’s been a dream of mine to visit.

Old photos of me showing the LoTR love! Emmanuel & I being Hobbits/Wizards at the LoTR excibition. That was around 1995 I believe! As well as pictures of my old bedroom. Scary enough, that only shows about 25% of my LoTR collection!

So, for the next few weeks, expect to see some blog posts coming from New Zealand! I shall be staying on the North Island & hope to do a few touristy things! It just so happens that I’ll be over during NZ Fashion Week, and while i’m staying a little out of Auckland, I shall keep my eyes open for fashion & report back on the state & availability of plus size clothing!

(NOTE: I shall still be online, yay! But I won’t be using my mobile, so ladies and gentleman, email is the best contact method)