Last NZ Advenutres

Well I certainly enjoyed my last two weeks in New Zealand. The adventure began before I even arrived in Auckland. My flight out of Kolkata was delayed leaving me very little time to check in for my next flight. Also, they couldn't find my bag so I got on the flight knowing that is wasn't coming with me. So instead of heading straight for the north and the trek I'd planned, I stayed a few days with family waitng for my bag.
Once it arrived I headed out with a few new things, like a tarp, some rope and long johns. From Auckland I hitched to Northland and ended up sleeping under a bridge the first night. After that I actually made it to the beginning of my trek, ninety mile beach. But don't let the name fool you, it's actually more like 60 miles. I ended up trekking 100Km and ended up at Cape Rienga where the currents of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide. It's a pretty cool place.
After the trek I was ready to go and visit the Pacific Link in Tauranga. On my way there I spent a night in Auckland which was difficult. In the afternoon I began walking through the downtown of the city and that is where I experienced the culture shock after India. before that I'd seen small town, or wilderness or familiar places but here with all the things that go on in a western city, punks, skaters, goths, the sex shops, the fast food was too much to handle. SO I turned around and made my way back to the motorway to hitch out. This is where it gets fun the couple who picked me up were Christian people who after talking to me for maybe five minutes and finding out that I'm involved in missionary work offered me a place to stay for the night. Right away I felt like saying yes. And it was such an amazing experience. The conversation, the hospitality, and generosity. Earlier that day I'd felt very discouraged and after that experience, was pumped to go again.
So I did make it to Tauranga the next day, but I've come to the conclusion that when it comes to hitching in New Zealand, going into or out of Tauranga is the hardest place to hitch.
What an amazing time it was being on the ship for near a week. I got to go surfing at the Mount again, I got to help dock the ship again, I got to help out the deck crew, and I got to see many good friends. How often does a DTS small group get back together? And to make it even better I got to meet a heap of new people who're helping out with the ship tour around New Zealand in an effort to call 30,000 young people into missions.
I am so glad to have met and to know the people that I have met in New Zealand. And I can't think of a better way to have ended my time in NZ than visiting the Pacific Link one last time.
Thanks Marine Reach, and God Bless!

Matt Clarke
Go Big or Go Home!