Live Life Out

The 19 Days Trip - (Day 3 & 4) - Rotorua

2007-01-05T15:09:00.000+13:00

Day 3 (22/6/2006)
Leaving Tongariro National Park,
heading to Rotorua

We left for Rotorua in the morning. The weather was sunny at that time, we managed to snap some photos before we left Tongariro National Park. However, the weather was a weird one, it started to snow and the sky got dark very soon. We quickly left for Rotorua. We past by a couple of places on our way, one of the interesting places was Taupo. At Taupo, we saw Lake Taupo as well as the Huka Falls. Why visit Lake Taupo? A few thousand years ago Lake Taupo itself was created by the largest volcanic eruption of the past 5,000 years, it was so big records say the sun went hazy in China. Today, what remains is a lake the size of Singapore and the largest fresh water lake in Australasia. (http://www.laketauponz.com/)

We left Taupo after a while. Soon after that, we arrived at Rotorua. There is something about Rotorua. From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour. (http://www.rotoruanz.com/) This was my first visit to Rotorua, but Peter came here before. We went to have look at Lake Rotorua before we drove to a nearby park where we got to see mud pools for free. It was impressive!!! The smell of sulphur, the gas and the bubbling mud pools made the walk at the park an unforgettable experience.

Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo
Huka Falls

On the way to Rotorua
Lake Rotorua
Rotorua town

Mud pool

Sulphur

Day 4 (23/6/2006)

Leaving Rotorua, back to Auckland

We headed back to Auckland. We did stopped at a few places on our way back to shoot some photos. Both of us were really tired. It was still a big day for me as I had to go to school to collect my models and clean my lockers. Besides, I had to clean all my dirty stuffs, dry them and get ready for my trip to Australia the very next day. Day 5 - Melbourne here I come!!!!

Rotorua town

Sheeps are everywhere, yeah, you are in NZ!!!
Zorbing - go into the ball and roll down the slope!!! yeehaa....
Oops... we happened to drove to this place...

feeding time

The 19 Days Trip - (Day 1 & 2) - Mt. Ruapehu

2007-01-04T15:08:00.000+13:00

It's been a long long time since I last updated my blog. damn, that's hell too long, six months!!! Oh yeah, 2006 is over! It's 2007! Happy New Year! I should learn to work harder and behave better... haaha!!! Every year, at this time, we talk about new year resolution... how many of us actually achieve what we planned? I guess not all... Any way, I know what I want to do for this year and what I have to do for this year. We'll see...

Isn't it funny to start blogging at the beginning of the year by sharing last year's story? However, it's always good to cherish what I had been through last year... I simply feel that last year wasn't bad at all. In fact, it's a year to remember!

The 19 Days Trip - Day 1 & 2 (20-21/6/2006)
Mt. Ruapehu

Day 1

After handing up my assignment for Urban Design at 12pm, at 2pm Peter(my German housemate) and I drove all the way to Tongariro National Park where Mt. Ruapehu is located. It took about 5-6 hours for us to arrive at National Park (the name of the area which we stayed for 2 nights). We stayed at Howard's Lodge. It's already dark when we arrived there. It's cold there, I can see ice on the ground and by the rock side. To be honest, for a person like me, coming from the tropics, I was really, really excited. We grabbed a pizza each at a nearby bar before we went back to Howard's Lodge for a hot spa.

Day 2

We woke up early in the morning and we drove in the direction of Mt. Ruapehu. Although it wasn't snowing, the weather was cloudy, it's not really a good day for skiing. On the other hand, since it's winter at the moment, the thick snow at Tongariro National Park prevented us from walking through the New Zealand's most famous crossing - the Tongariro Crossing. As a result, we decided to walk through the minor track where snow wasn't that thick. There were a few tracks, we chose the Tanaraki minor track, which eventually led us to the Tanaraki Falls.

After the walk, we drove in the direction of the ski house which was located at a higher altitude. There were people skiing as the weather got less cloudy. Time was not with us, thus we decided to walk around and enjoy the great scenery. We rented a sliding mat. It was great fun sliding down the slope. You see me rolling! AHAHA!!! Besides all these, Peter taught me how to make a snow man too! My excitement can hardly be decribed by words......

Great scenery on the way to Tongariro National Park
Howard's Lodge
Golf House at the foot of the mountains
Icy river? Snowy river?
Tanaraki Falls
How deep?
Tanaraki Falls
Looking far...
Peak of Mt. Ruapehu

My work - Mr Snow Man!
That's me! :)

Wellington - New Zealand University Games

2006-06-23T22:58:00.000+12:00

Hello, I'm back to update my blog again.... I had been quite busy for the past few weeks especially with all the dues for assignments coming together as well as my preparations for the exams. Anyway, it's OVER! I'm on my holiday now! All right, let me share my experience at Wellington with you....

During the Eater Break, the New Zealand University Games was held in Wellington from 18 of April to 21 of April. I was lucky to get into the tennis team of University of Auckland. We left for Wellington on the 17 of April. On the way, we stopped at a few places such as Matamata, Taupo and Bulls. We also went through the magnificent Tongariro National Park where we got to see Mt. Ruapehu.

All the matches for the New Zealand University Games began on the 19 of April. I played in both singles and doubles. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to semifinals for the singles. However, I managed to win a bronze in doubles. It had been a great experience for me. Besides meeting students from other universities in New Zealand, I also got to walk a round Wellington city. It's a beautiful city. To be frank, I like it more compared to Auckland. This is probably because there are more public spaces in Wellington, more plants in the city area as well as lesser cars. The pace of life is slower...... hehe...... Before I forget, I also met up with my hometown friend, Teng Hui. It's always great to meet with someone you know at a foreign land. We left Wellington on 22 of April. I left with a wonderful experience and a great memory.

Within these 6 days, I had taken quite a number of photos. I like them, and I like to share with you all. Hopufully, you all will enjoy them too.

Photos for the New Zealand University Games Trip

2006-06-23T11:34:00.000+12:00

Tram
Centre Court - Men's Single Final

New Zealand National Library
Harbour
Morning sun
On the way - Matamata
On the way - Lake Taupo
On the way - Mt. Ruapehu

Trip to Karekare and Piha 2 - Piha

2006-04-30T21:11:00.000+12:00

After leaving Karekare, we went to Piha. Piha is just about 10 to 15 mins drive from Karekare. It was almost 4.30pm when we reached there. A lot of people surfed in Piha. At Piha, there were more people and more houses. It gave a different feeling compared to Karekare. However, the feeling at both beaches was great! There is a large rock at Piha beach which we can climb on it, it's named the Lion Rock. The rock does look like a male lion lying there looking out to the sea. It's simply amazing! We manage to see the sunset. The view was fantastic!

Piha Beach

Looking at Piha Beach from the top of the hill

The Lion Rock on the right (above)

The Lion Rock

This photo is GREAT!!! I told Peter (I ran out of batery) , he shot it.... cool!

Trip to Karekare and Piha 1 - Karekare

2006-04-30T20:15:00.000+12:00

Hello, it's been a long time since I last updated my blog. I was supposed to upload my photos on my trip to Wellington last week for the New Zealand University Games, but somehow, there are too many of them, I haven't decide which to upload, ehhehe.... Today is the last day of my mid semester break...... The weather had been great, it's sunny. You don't get this kind of weather often nowadays as it's no more summer. My housemate, Peter, suggested that we should spend a day like this a at a beach. We DID!!!

Peter has a car and we drove for about an hour up north. It's really fun driving while enjoying the nice scenery. We went to two beaches- Karekare and Piha. Both these beaches are located at the the Waitakere Regional Park. Both of the beaches are located near to each other. However, the feeling at both these beaches are different. Karekare has lesser population, the whole place is full of hills and green, there are not many houses. There are a few waterfalls too. The beach was excellent. We even climbed up the rocks to shoot some photos...... The following photos were shot at Karekare, photos at Piha would be shown on the Part 2 of the trip. Enjoy the scene!!!

Karekare Beach

One of the waterfalls at Karekare

Auckland Railway Station

2005-11-09T20:13:00.000+13:00

I'm getting busier again... While preparing for my next examination on Construction and Structure for this coming Saturday, I'm busy packing my luggage as well. Well, I'll be going back to Malaysia on Sunday! I feel really excited, just can't wait to go back to see everyone, taste all the food I miss, watch all the movies that I had missed, play tennis with friends, shop as much as I can...... Whatever it is, the excitement is there!

Before I leave Auckland, let me share some more stuff with you all, let's talk about my present accommodation in Auckland. I'm staying in the Auckland Railway Campus, it's actual name is Auckland Railway Station. Before I go on, just to remind you all that this building is NO MORE Auckland's railway station, the current railway station is called Britomart. Just for your information, there are always tourists coming here thinking that this is a railway station. Yeah, it WAS, but NO MORE!

The Auckland Railway Station was built in 1930 by Gummer and Ford, the leading Architects in New Zealand during that time. It was converted into a student accommodation during the late 90's (I forgot the exact years, hehehe......). If you are an architecture student, you may notice that the design of this building has similarities with the buildings designed by Louis Sullivan, an American architect duirng that time as well. The Auckland Railway Station has a very grand foyer, it's ceilings are highly decorated. When you are in the concourse, you would notice that the wall tiles were specially designed tiles with illustrations on them.

To be frank, I really enjoy staying at this place. I think it's a beatiful place. Besides that, since I'm really familiar with this building, I used this building for my discussion in two of my assignments, they turned out well. Well, I guess that's all for now, I'll keep you updated with new photos after my exam, wish me luck!

The front facade of the Auckland Railway Station

It's built with bricks with 3 large arches at the facade and there is a clock at the centre of the cornice of the building

Highly decorated ceilings in the foyer, the floor is made of marble

The concourse, it is supported by large steel portals

The large chess set at the concourse

The wall tile

The dining room

The shared kitchen

Elegance in the Wild

2005-11-06T16:07:00.000+13:00

It had been a busy week for me. I had finally completed my computing assignment and handed it up on Wednesday. I had my exam on Introduction to Architectural Theory on Wednesday and Introduction to Architectural Science yesterday. My next exam will be on next Saturday, so it's six day from now. Since it's "STILL" six day from now, I decided to give myself a break today, cheers!

Whenever I am walking by the road, I like to observe the surrounding. Long, long time ago, I had begun to notice that the wild flowers by the roadside are really, really beautiful. These flowers are simply amazing in the sense that, they are not just strong for not needing to be taken care of, in some way, I see elegance in them, they catches everyone's attention. To be frank, to some extent, I just could not resist them.

Ages ago I had already planned of bringing these flowers into my blog but I was just too busy. I finally got my chance just now...... The weather was fantastic, a great sunny day and since I was't planning to do any revision, instead of wasting my time, I decided to capture the elegance of these flowers. I went from bushes to bushes as well as squatting by the roadsides, drivers probably thought that I had lost my mind, BUT I knew that I was enjoying it. I hope you would enjoy yourself too......

3D Modelling continues......

2005-10-31T04:28:00.000+13:00

Dear friends, I'm in the school's studio again, continuing with my unfinished business. My assignment is almost completed, 70% I guess. I'm still doing the rendering for the time being. Rendering takes most of the time I have, currently I'm using 18 computers to do my rendering, ehhehe...... While waiting for the rendering to complete, I'm doing my revision now. Well, time seems to be very precious now. I guess it's really important to manage my time properly since I'll be having two exams this week.

Images below are almost similar to yesterday's, the only difference is that I have added the lighting effect as well as some modification to the simulation. What a pity I couldn't show you my video here. Anyway, I hope that you'll enjoy my images and please give me some comments on them. Cheers!

3D Modelling

2005-10-29T03:09:00.000+13:00

Dear friends, these few days have been very hectic for me. Besides spending time on my revision, I have been busy completing my assignment- making a simulation programme. I was given 3 days only. I'm supposed to use 3Ds Max's particle system to create an active environment. Besides modelling, I need to make things move.... such as creating smoke, rain and tornado as u'll see in the pictures I shown below. I need to take into consideration things like gravity and wind too. I am still doing it now. As shown below are some of the scenes shown in my simulation, give me some comments please. Just for your information, I'm new to this programme. Hehehe.....

My Design Models

2005-10-23T01:14:00.000+13:00

Dear friends, I'm really sorry for not updating my blog lately... I had been busy with my final design presentation. For this assignment, I was required to design 3 dwellings for 3 pairs of clients on a given piece of land on Fanning Island - a young monk and an old monk, a grandfather and his granddaughter, and a couple. I had been working day and night in the studio last weekend. You'll never believe it, from last Friday to last Monday, I only slept for a total of 6 hours! My presentation went smoothly. In fact, it went smoother than expected. As shown below are the models which I made based on my designs for these clients.

The Design for the Monks

The Design for the Grandfather and his Granddaughter

The Design for the Couple

North Head Historic Reserve

2005-10-11T00:50:00.000+13:00

I am really sorry that I didn't update my blog last week, I found some difficulties in uploading my photos. Finally, I get to do it today. It's always exciting when uploading new stuff. This time, I am going to share my experience at North Head Historic Reserve with you. I knew about North Head Historic Reserve last semester when the assignments for my design was focusing on it. I had visited North Head 3 times, it's a lovely place to go. I enjoy the scenery there.

Let me do some introductions about North Head Historic Reserve to you. From information which I obtained from the Department of Conservation, North Head is a small strategic headland at the mouth of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Its commanding views over the Hauraki Gulf and inner harbour have made it an important lookout and defence site for centuries, first for early Maori inhabitants and later for European settlers.

North Head was one of a number of defence forts that were rapidly set up in the late 1800s to defend Auckland from a feared Russian attack. The fort was later expanded as part of Auckland's coastal defence system during World Wars I and II. A complex of tunnels, guns, searchlights and other fortifications make this a fascinating area to explore. It is now a historic reserve managed by the Department of Conservation. North Head (named Maungauika by Maori) is a taonga with many special places. The tangata whenua have a spiritual, cultural and historical relationship with their taonga.

North Head Historic Reserve is not far from Auckland City, one can travel there by ferry or bus. I always travel there by ferry, it feels good and it only takes about 12 minutes. Now, you may not get to go to North Head Historic Reserve if you are viewing my page from other parts of the world, I hope that you will enjoy the journey of viewing the photos.

North Head Historic Reserve

Looking at Rangitoto Island from the beach of North Head
Looking at Rangitoto Island from the peak of North Head
From the peak, looking in the direction of Auckland City.

Tunnel...

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve

2005-10-01T01:31:00.000+12:00

Today, I recalled my experience at Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve. It was during my orientation week in February. It was an amazing trip for me. That time, I was new to New Zealand. Therefore, getting such a wonderful opportunity was definitely memorable. We took a ferry to this island in the morning and we returned in the afternoon.

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve is located in the Auckland volcanic field. It is the youngest volcano in Auckland. According to the Department of Conservation, the explosive growth of plant life since it erupted from the sea 600-700 years ago there are now more than 200 species of native plants, including 40 species of fern. Many of the plants are unusual hybrids, like the tree-perching epiphytes which grow on the ground and sub-alpine moss cushions thriving at sea level. The island's predominantly pohutukawa forest is the largest in the country.

When I visited Rangitoto Island, I just couldn't stop myself from taking photos. It was so beautiful that I actually took more than 50 photos. Well, I have published some of my favourite photos here to share with you. Enjoy!

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve

All these are lava rocks...

Lava rocks

McKenzie Bay

Muriwai Regional Park

2005-09-26T23:02:00.000+12:00

Yesterday (Sunday), I was invited by my friend to go fishing. We went to Muriwai Regional Park. It was my first time going to Muriwai Regional Park. It is located about 45km from Auckland. Muriwai Regioanl Park has a beautiful beach. It is one of New Zealand's most spectacular black sand surf beaches. At its southern end, Otakamiro Point is the site of one of this country's few mainland Gannet breeding colonies. Gannet is a kind of bird. I don't really know much them, they look like seagulls, but their heads are orange in colour.

The weather wasn't that pleasant yesterday as it was sort of cloudy. Yesterday was the first time in my life to fish. I found that it was really fun. I supposed patience is really important when it comes to fishing. My patience was put into test yesterday as I didn't caught a fish at all. Damn it! Those fish were just so smart to eat away all my baits. Anyway, I am NOT going to give up so easily. I'll BE BACK! haha...

The scenery there really amazed me. It's really hard to describe my feeling by words... The only thing I can say is that I really enjoyed myself! Well, since it's hard to describe the place and my feeling by words, I think I'll let my photos to do the talking instead...

It's a cloudy day....

Muriwai Regional Park's black sand surf beach

Somewhere opposite the beach... a large ROCK!

Gannets gathering on the rock

Wintergarden

2005-09-22T20:38:00.000+12:00

This afternoon, after my lunch, I decided to visit the wintergarden which is located at the Auckland Domain. I never know that there is a wintergarden in Auckland Domain until two months ago. This was my second visit to the garden. Before I carry on, just to let you know that the Auckland Domain is a very very big park which is located near to the University of Auckland. In fact, it is very near to the School of Architecture. It probably takes me less than 10 minutes by walking to reach it from my school. At Auckland Domain, it has a duck pond, the Auckland Museum, the wintergarden and a large feild. Well, I'll tell you more about Auckland Domain when I have chance in future.

The wintergarden is currently under refurbishment. However, half of it is still open to visitors. I noticed that some of the plants in it had been replaced with new plants. I'm not sure if it is because due to the change of season, or it is due to bad maintenance that all those plants die. hahaha... Well, the last time I visited, there were cactuses. Anyway, there was not much difference. The place was still as facinating as ever! I really couldn't stop myself from taking photos. I actually ran out of memory and began to delete my old photos. I bet you could imagine how excited I was. I hope that you'll enjoy my photos.

Kelly Tarlton's Antartic Encounter & Underwater World

2005-09-21T00:41:00.000+12:00

I'm really glad that I had finally handed up my theory assignment. The assignment was really challenging as we were asked to apply the key concept of a famous philosopher into our design work. The last few days I was working on it day and night, in fact I didn't sleep last night. Well, it's done! I can sleep well tonight.

Before I go to bed, I was thinking of updating my blog with some new stuff. My pleasure to introduce to you Kelly Tarlton's Antartic Encounter & Underwater World. Kelly Tarlton's Antartic Encounter & Underwater World is located in Auckland. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Auckland.

I visited Kelly Tarlton's Antartic Encounter & Underwater World last winter during my break. I found that it was an interesting place to go. I was really excited all the time. The feeling was always great when you saw those fish swimming around you. Besides that, I really enjoyed my time watching the penguins. They were really fat! It's been a long time since the last time I saw penguins. The only thing about this visit which I wasn't satisfied was that the place wasn't big enough, it only took a while for me to finish walking through the whole place. I hope that you'll enjoy the photos. Cheers!

Flowers...Flowers...

2005-09-15T22:58:00.000+12:00

I had finally handed up my assignment this aftenoon. It really took me quite some time to finish it... After taking my lunch, I went for a walk around the park next to the university. This afternoon's weather was really mad, in about an hour time, it rains and shines for a few times. For your information, Auckland's weather is ever changing. If you are from a tropical country, you would definitely get crazy about it. While relaxing myself during the walk, I get to see some lovely flowers being planted beside the pathway. Like what you are expecting, I took out my camera and began to snap photos. I decided to publish a few photos which I like and share. As usual, I hope that you'll like them! hehe...

Sky Tower

2005-09-13T04:15:00.000+12:00

It's 4.10am... yes, 4.10am! And... I'm doing my assignment now on the 1st night of my school while all of you are probably sleeping now. I have been doing it since I finished my dinner ages ago. Well, I'm kind of tired now after cracking my head for so long to look for solutions for this assignment. So, I decided to give myself a break to update my blog...

I'm proud to present you the Sky Tower. Sky Tower is located in Auckland City. It is the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere with a height of 328m. It is one of the top attractions in New Zealand.At the base of the Sky Tower is Sky City where you can find restaurants, souvenir shops, information centre and casinos. For your information, Sky Tower is the first tower in the world that promotes Sky Jump. What is Sky Jump? Sky Jump is an adventure that allows one to leap 192m from the tower. It takes about 16 seconds with a speed of around 75kph. What do you think? Feel like trying? hehe...

Sky Tower's architect was Gordon Moller. He is currently the president for the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA). I attended a talk by him in the School of Architecture of University of Auckland about a month ago. Well, he's good! But sad to say that, I slept through half of the talk as I was too tired on that day. Anyway, just to let you know, I wasn't the only one. Haha!!

Yesterday, on my way back to the school's studio after dinner, I managed to take some photos of the Sky Tower. Just to share... By the way, I won't update my blog anymore until this coming Thursday or Friday. I already have something on my mind, you'll know it the next time when you visit again. Cya!

Auckland, the City of Sails

2005-09-10T23:31:00.000+12:00

My mid-semester break is going to end in 2 days time, I really hate that, how I wish it could be longer than a mere 2 weeks... Anyway, let's drop this topic, it makes me sick.

Friends, have you ever heard of the City of Sails? I bet some of you do heard about it and the rest of you are just like me, have no idea at all. To be frank, I really don't know anything about Auckland being called the City of Sails until I came here. It's in fact an eye opener for me. I have never seen so many sailing boats in my life until I came here. People here really enjoy sailing. Every weekend, you'll find that the sea is full of sailing boats as well as yachts. I really wish you are here to see it yourself. I know you'll love it!

A few days ago, I was having a walk by the shore. It was the first the time that I walk this far in the direction which the Harbour Bridge is located. Harbour Bridge is the bridge that connects Auckland City with North Shore, a place which is located at the north of Auckland. On the way, I passed by a few harbours. There were many sailing boats stopping there as it was a weekday. The scenery was magnificent! I was so excited that I began to take photos. I have posted some of the photos which I took, I hope that you will like it.

City of Sails - Auckland

Harbour Bridge

The tower at the back is Sky Tower

1, 2, 3, ..... 100?

Visit to Hamilton, New Zealand

2005-09-09T03:22:00.000+12:00

Last Monday, the 5th of September, I took a bus on my own to Hamilton which is about 2 hours drive down south of Auckland. It was the first time I had been out of Auckland since I came to New Zealand last February. The main reason that brought me to Hamilton is the Hamilton Garden which I heard that it is very beautiful. Indeed, my experience there was fantastic!

Personally, I enjoy watching leaves and flowers. At Hamilton Garden, there were all sorts of plants. I just couldn't stop myself from taking photos. The main attraction of Hamilton Garden was that it had theme gardens in it. These themes garden were really special. Most of the photos which I took were from these theme gardens. The theme gardens were the Chinese Scholar's Garden, the English Flower Garden, the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, the American Modernist Garden, the Italian Renaissance Garden and the Indian Char Bagh Garden. All these theme gardens were different from one to another. Besides the difference in flowers and leaves, the difference in the architecture itself was the most noticeable one.

After visiting Hamilton Garden, I went back to the Hamilton City Centre where I walk around it. It wasn't as busy as Auckland. In terms of shopping, I found that there were quite a number of shopping complexes. By the way, just for your information, shopping experience in New Zealand is never as good as it is in Malaysia. There are not many shopping complexes here, there are mostly shopping streets. Even if there are shopping complexes, it probably takes me less than half an hour to finish walking through it. Haha!

Before I left for Auckland, I went through the Hamilton map again and I found out that there was a lake near the city centre. I decided to grab a combo meal of chips, drumsticks and a drink before I walk to the lake - Hamliton Lake. The lake was huge! While eating my meal (the drumsticks were 'ok', I can cook better than that, haha!), I was enjoying the quiteness of the surrounding and of course the nice scenery. Well, I also enjoy watching the wild ducks swimming in the lake!

It was really a great day! I feel that I really deserve such a break before my break ends in a few days time when I probably have to work day and night and sleep in school again......hehehe! I hope that you enjoy all the photos that I took and I would be more than happy to see you writing some comments about what you see. Cheers!

Photos taken in Hamilton

2005-09-09T02:29:00.000+12:00

Hamilton Lake

Hamilton Lake

Wild duck...

Hamilton Garden

Flowers at the Perfume Garden

The English Flower Garden

The Italian Renaissance Garden

The Indian Char Bagh Garden

Flowers...

The American Modernist Garden

The Chinese Scholar's Garden

The Japanese Garden of Contemplation

The Japanese Garden of Contemplation